What should I include in a scope for a building certifier or building surveyor?

Summary: Assesses your plans against the NCC, issues the building approval/permit, and inspects the work at set stages. The title differs by state (certifier in QLD and NSW, building surveyor in VIC, WA, SA, TAS and the ACT).

Why it matters: You cannot legally start building without approval, or occupy without final sign-off. Missed inspections can stop work or delay occupancy and finance.

Minimum scope by stage

• Engagement: confirm the approval pathway, the consultant reports and documents needed to lodge, the full list of mandatory inspections, and the list of certificates needed for final sign-off
• Building approval: assessment of drawings and reports; approval or permit with conditions; lodging documents with council
• Construction: mandatory stage inspections (e.g. footings, slab, frame, final); assessment of design changes and amended approvals
• Completion: final inspection; review of collected certificates (e.g. engineer, plumber, electrician, waterproofing, termite, glazing, smoke alarms, energy or BASIX); occupancy or completion certificate

Options

• Pre-lodgement advice on the design
• Extra or re-inspections, priced per visit
• Assessment of performance solutions
• Owner-builder guidance on booking inspections
• Pool barrier inspection

Meetings and site visits: One visit per mandatory inspection. Ask the cost of failed inspections and re-inspections.

Watch-out: The certifier checks compliance but does not design or fix non-compliance. Missing certificates are a common cause of delayed occupancy. Collect them as each stage finishes. Owner-builders usually need a permit or approval from the state regulator first. See state notes.