Protect yourself by keeping relevant documentation

If you are involved in a project where a relevant building surveyor (RBS) cannot continue to act for you due to suspension or de-registration, the appointment of that RBS can be terminated. 

It’s important that both the owner and the builder keep records of all the relevant documentation, including records of inspections and relevant reports, relating to the Building Permit. This will ensure that you can provide documentation to a new RBS should one be required. 

If any unfortunate circumstances arise and the RBS either stops practising or is suspended or deregistered at any stage of the project, prior to the issue of the Occupancy Permit or certificate of final inspection, it may become very difficult and in some cases impossible to obtain the approved inspection results or other relevant documentation from the RBS. Most building surveyors will be reluctant to take on responsibility for the job if there is no record of the approved inspection reports from the previous RBS. 

The mandatory building inspections generally consist of the following: 

• Pre-slab or footing inspections 
• Steel reinforcement inspections 
• Framework inspections 
• Final inspections. 

In order for the construction to proceed at this stage or for the project to be finalised, the builder or the owner will be required to engage another RBS. The RBS may request to have a new building permit issued for the construction. 

Another precautionary measure may be to obtain as many photos of the construction process as possible, which will provide some evidence that the building work is compliant. These can also be used to refer back to any stage of the construction process if required.

It’s generally a simple and standard procedure for private building surveyors to provide inspection reports that are signed off by the inspector or by the building surveyor. You should discuss this with your building surveyor to ensure these unforeseen circumstances beyond your control don’t create lengthy delays and possibly extra costs. This will also make the engagement of a subsequent building surveyor easier should the need arise. 

To find out more, contact HIA’s Building Services team.

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