FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does a Building Surveyor do?
A building surveyor is responsible for making sure your home meets the minimum standards of building regulations; essentially ensuring that it is safe, accessible and energy efficient.
See the
Victorian Building Authority for more information
Do I need to appoint a Building Surveyor?
Yes, changes to the Building Act in 2016 mean you are now responsible for selecting your own building surveyor.
Are your Building Surveyors and Inspectors qualified?
Yes, all of our Building Surveyors and Inspectors are registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA).
Does my Builder communicate with you about the build or do I?
You may choose to have your builder act as your agent – if you choose to do so, we will liaise directly with your builder on your behalf with regards to obtaining all necessary documentation.
How much does a Building Permit cost?
Our fees vary based on the size, type and complexity of the project.
What is the process of obtaining a Building Permit?
Once we have received your application our admin staff will upload the application into our permit system.
I am an Owner Builder, can I obtain a Building Permit from BW&A National?
Yes, an owner builder can obtain their own building permit, as long as the cost of works are under $16,000.00 or if you have an Owner Builder’s Certificate through the VBA.
What Documentation do I need to provide to obtain a Building Permit?
This varies from each project however we typically require:
How long does it take to issue a Building Permit?
Our turnaround times do vary depending on the type of job, however they are typically within 7-10 working days providing we have all necessary documentation.
How do I get a copy of my Building Permit?
We will email you a copy of the building permit once it’s issued. A copy is also sent to your builder, so you can always request it from them if you somehow manage to misplace it. Alternatively, you can contact us directly.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my Building Permit?
Unless you are an Owner/Builder, your first point of call should be your Builder; they are
responsible for managing the project and have a thorough understanding of the construction, the site and the schedule.
Do I need a Building Inspection?
Yes. Building inspections are a vital component of construction.
built according to your permit.
What are the mandatory inspections?
The number of mandatory inspections depends on a number of factors, such as the State the proposed building work will take place, along with the type of building work.
Who pays for the Building Inspections?
The cost of mandatory inspections are covered by the home buyer – this is typically included as part of the building costs, however it can vary depending on the Building Contract particulars.
What is checked during a Building Inspection?
Building inspectors are responsible for ensuring that the structure of your home is compliant with the building permit and that the construction meets the NCC (National Construction Code of Australia).
on, these issues are the responsibility of your builder.
I am the owner and have received a ‘written direction’, what does this mean?
It is a requirement of the legislation that the relevant building surveyor issue a written direction, also known as a ‘Direction To Fix’ (DTF), to the builder if there is reason to believe that the building work completed fails to comply with the regulations.
When/How do I book an inspection?
Your first inspection can be booked in once your building permit has been approved and the works are ready for the inspection.
Do you inspect existing homes?
Unfortunately, BW&A National do not undertake pre-purchase inspections.
Do BW&A National work on Commercial developments?
Yes, we work across a vast range of private and public sectors including (but not limited to)
commercial, residential, hospitality, healthcare, hospitals, industrial, education and more.
What is a planning permit?
A Planning Permit (also known as Design Approvals in NSW) is a legal document which gives
permission for you to use a particular piece of land in a certain way under the requirements of the appropriate Municipal Planning Scheme.
The local council is responsible for issuing a planning permit however this document does not eliminate the requirement of a Building Permit for construction works.
How can BW&A National help me with Town Planning?
BW&A provide both advice and assistance when it comes to all aspects of Town Planning.
Town Planning Permits can only be applied for and approved by the applicable Municipality. For this to occur an application needs to be lodged with Council including documentation of the proposal and a detailed submission supporting the proposed works.
BW&A can help alleviate the stress and confusion and apply to Council on your behalf. We can then negotiate with Council on your behalf regarding any additional information or concerns that they or any other local government party may have, to ensure smooth sailing and easy processing of your application.
What are Essential Safety Measures?
Essential Safety Measures (ESMs) are a requirement of all commercial buildings. They include (but are not limited to);
Fire extinguishers
Fire hose reels
Fire hydrants
Sprinkler systems
Smoke alarms
Mechanical ventilation
Emergency lighting
Exit signs
Exit doors and paths of travel to exits
safely evacuate the building, reducing the risk to life, whilst also assisting in containing fire.
If you are an owner or owner’s corporation you are legally required to:
Ensure that the buildings ESMs, such as fire detection and alarm systems and fire extinguishers, have been well maintained and can operate when required during an emergency.
Do I need an Essential Safety Measure Audit and can BW&A National provide this?
Essential Safety Measure’s require ongoing care and maintenance.
As part of an Essential Safety Measure Audit, a full inspection of the site and the internal building conditions is conducted. We can then provide a comprehensive report listing code deficiencies and omissions, along with rectification suggestions.
What is a Due Diligence Audit?
Legislation changes may require building owners to upgrade buildings to satisfy BCA
requirements. BW&A National can provide advice on upgrades required to satisfy authority and legislation requirements.
Services are offered nationally and include the following:
Due diligence reporting for building owners and prospective owners; detailing significant risk and compliance issues, together with recommendations to achieve compliance.
Advice on compliance with essential services maintenance legislation, including the review of
existing building maintenance regimes and provision of recommendations to ensure compliance with legislation and risk minimisation.
Inspection of existing buildings including the identification of key areas of compliance risk, together with recommendations to achieve compliance.
What is an Accessibly Access Report?
BW&A National provide the assessment of buildings and its facilities to identify areas that may not comply with the Disability Access Code to ultimately improve access and egress for those with a disability, impairment and the ageing population.
What is an NCC Audit?
National Construction Code of Australia (NCC).
I need to register my swimming pool what do I do?
If the pool and barrier don't comply we complete a non-compliance Form 24 which leaves you 60 days to rectify any items on the non-compliance form. Once you have rectified any issues we will inspect again and provide a certificate of compliance for you to lodge with council.
A one-off fee payable to the relevant council for the registration of your pool or spa:
$31.84*^
construction of your pool or spa and any associated building permits, which in turn determines the applicable barrier standard. The information search fee only applies to pools or spas constructed before 1 November 2020.
Can a pond or other natural feature be used as part of a pool or spa barrier?
Volumes 1 and 2 of the NCC 2019 require the use of barriers complying with Australian Standard AS 1926.1.
1800 mm, so long as the owner can provide evidence that the body of water is permanent and is not less than 300 mm deep at any time.