What is a building surveyor?

Building surveyors are the independent experts who protect your safety by assessing compliance with all relevant Australian construction standards. 

A building surveyor is a qualified professional who assesses whether your building project complies with all the building codes and standards. In some states, they are called a building certifier.

What building surveyors do

Building surveyors have expert knowledge of building codes, construction standards and safety requirements, and they know how to apply them to your specific project.

Most importantly, building surveyors work independently. In most Australian states and territories, you can choose your own building surveyor. This independence means they represent your interests, not the builder's or developer's.

Building surveyors hold government authority to assess plans, authorise construction, conduct inspections and authorise occupation. Very few buildings in Australia can be legally constructed without their involvement.

Why you need a building surveyor

• Protect your investment: Building surveyors spot check construction to ensure the work of builders meets required standards, reducing the risk of defects, safety issues and costly repairs down the track.
• Ensure compliance: They work to confirm your building complies with all applicable laws, codes and standards—protecting you from legal issues and fines.
• Independent expertise: Building surveyors work independently from builders and developers, giving you unbiased professional advice.
• Peace of mind: Their involvement throughout the project means problems can be identified and fixed early, not after you move in.

Find a building surveyor or certifier

Choose an AIBS-accredited building surveyor for your project and work with a professional who meets Australia's highest standards.

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What projects need building surveyors

Most building work in Australia requires a building surveyor's involvement. You’ll need a building surveyor for:

• New home builds: Plan assessment, construction inspections and occupancy certification.
• Major renovations or extensions: Required for structural changes and significant alterations.
• Commercial and multi-residential buildings: All commercial construction and apartment buildings need certification.

When you need a building surveyor

Building surveyors are involved from the start of your project until the end, protecting your investment at every stage.

Before construction starts

Review plans and designs to ensure they comply with the National Construction Code, Australian Standards and building laws. They'll identify issues early, saving you costly changes later.

During construction

Conduct inspections at critical stages to confirm work meets approved plans and building standards. They can be engaged to check structural elements, waterproofing, fire safety systems and accessibility features and much more.

At completion

Provide authority confirming your building is safe to occupy and meets all legal requirements. This documentation protects your investment and is essential for insurance, sale and future modifications and may include a certificate in some form.

Extra protection for you

Since 2021, AIBS-accredited building surveyors across Australia have been covered by the AIBS Professional Standards Scheme, the first scheme of its kind for the profession.

What the Professional Standards Scheme means for you

Any organisation granted approval to operate a scheme must monitor, enforce, and improve the professional standards of their members who work under the scheme, and report to the Professional Standards Councils every year on how they are achieving that. In this way, any risk for consumers of professional services is reduced.

All building surveyors who work under the AIBS Scheme are required to hold appropriate insurance, participate in continuing professional development, and are subject to a complaints and disciplinary structure.

In return for the extra commitment to professional practice, the Scheme limits the civil liability or damages that professionals under the Scheme may incur if a court upholds a claim against them. Setting clear limits on building surveyor liability, aims to make professional insurance more affordable and accessible. This means the building surveyors you work with can secure proper coverage.

Complaints

In cases where a consumer believes that an AIBS Scheme member has not acted professionally, there is a clearly defined process for complaints and investigation. For those limited occasions where a consumer wants to make a complaint about an AIBS member, a complaint can be lodged by completing this form which can be lodged via email to [email protected].

For any AIBS Scheme member who is proven to be in breach of the provisions of the AIBS Scheme which includes AIBS Code of Conduct, the Board of AIBS has authority to impose a range of disciplinary actions, including suspension and expulsion from the AIBS Scheme in more serious cases.

Why it exists

AIBS introduced this scheme to protect consumers of building surveying services while supporting a sustainable, professional industry. It balances consumer protection with practical business realities, helping ensure quality building surveyors can continue to operate and serve the community.

Learn more about the Professional Standards Scheme

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Frequently asked questions

What does a building surveyor do?

Building surveyors make sure buildings are safe and meet all legal requirements. They review plans, inspect construction work at key stages and authorise occupation. They can work in private practice (statutory or consulting), councils (statutory or enforcement) or state government (policy development).

Why is a building surveyor important for consumers?

Building surveyors play a critical role in protecting consumers by ensuring construction meets required safety and compliance standards.

Designers and builders are responsible for delivering compliant work. However, as with any profession, errors or omissions can occur. Building surveyors provide an independent check—reviewing plans, inspecting work, and making sure those responsible for compliance have got it right.

They apply technical and legislative requirements, including fire safety and accessibility standards, and offer unbiased oversight throughout the construction process. This helps identify issues early, before they become costly problems or lead to disputes.

By providing independent, professional oversight, building surveyors help ensure a safer, compliant building and give you greater confidence in the final outcome.

How does AIBS protect consumers?

AIBS runs a rigorous accreditation system that building surveyors must meet and maintain.

Accredited Members must:

• hold recognised qualifications and demonstrate practical experience
• follow the AIBS Code of Professional Conduct
• complete ongoing professional development every year.

AIBS also provides a formal complaints process.

How can I check if a building surveyor is accredited by AIBS?

You can search for AIBS-accredited building surveyors who have chosen to be listed. Look for professionals who hold current AIBS accreditation and check their accreditation level (Level 1, 2 or 3) to make sure it matches the scope of your project.

What's the difference between a building surveyor and a building inspector?

Building surveyors in some jurisdictions have government authority to issue construction authorisation and certify compliance. They must meet strict state registration or accreditation requirements, including recognised qualifications and ongoing professional standards.

Building inspectors typically conduct pre-purchase or progress inspections but don't have regulatory authority. The term "building inspector" isn't consistently regulated across Australia, meaning qualifications can vary significantly.

Many building surveyors also offer inspection services. For regulatory work such as new builds or major renovations, you must engage a registered building surveyor. For pre-purchase or general inspection services, consumers should ensure the provider is appropriately qualified, experienced and insured for the type of inspection required.

Do I need a building surveyor for minor renovations?

It depends on the work involved. Structural changes, alterations to fire safety systems, or work affecting building compliance usually require a building surveyor's involvement. Check with your local council or a building surveyor about your specific project.