Whether it’s the Optus Stadium, the Perth Children’s Hospital, the Roe Highway extension or new apartments in South Perth, there isn’t a building in Australia that doesn’t require the expertise of a Building Surveyor. Building Surveyors are responsible for making sure buildings are safe to occupy, accessible and energy efficient. They can have an impact on the design, planning and functionality of a building and are experts in the laws and regulations which control the construction process. They make recommendations to the appropriate authorities regarding the provision of community amenities.
Sector
Residential / Commercial
What might a working day look like?
Every day is different and varies depending on the job, but you may be required to:
- Assessing and approving plans on new projects or renovations
- Understanding and interpreting blueprints, specifications and construction methods to enforce building, planning and safety regulations to ensure compliance
- Detecting and diagnosing issues with design, construction techniques and material
- Managing the inspection process at key stages of a project from foundations through to completion and handover
- Issuing certificates of occupancy and inspection as well as serving building notices where work is not satisfactory or compliant with regulations
- Maintain accurate records and compile reports
Working hours & conditions
- Full-time, part time or contract work
- Mixture of office-based work and travelling between work sites for inspections and meetings
Skills and personal qualities
- Enjoy building things and enjoy technical design
- Good at literacy and numeracy skills
- Enjoy design and technology, engineering studies, science and legal studies
- Enjoy working with a range of personalities in different environments (ie office/on-site)
- Have a careful, methodical, and accurate approach to work
- Have good communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong awareness of safety issues
- Excellent problem solving, analytical and listening skills
How to get started
To become a Building Surveyor you need to complete an Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying Building Surveyors in Western Australia fall under the Building Commission with regards to the type of licence or registration required.
Future Pathways and opportunities
- Business owner
- Manager
- Site Supervisor
- Architect
- Quantity Surveyor