In Australia, a building surveyor is always in high demand all year round. Before buying any property, whether residential or commercial, people call building surveyors to provide a professional analysis of the building.
According to Seek.com.au, the projected job growth for a building surveyor in the next 5 years is 19.5 percent, which means that this is a very lucrative field with plenty of opportunities.
Are you interested in becoming a building surveyor? Here is all that you need to know on how to become a building surveyor in Australia.
What does a building surveyor do?
First, what exactly do the roles and responsibilities of a building surveyor include? Simply put, a building surveyor is responsible for making sure that buildings are constructed correctly and safely and in accordance with the legislative requirements and standards.
A building surveyor may be hired to conduct inspections during the construction process or after the construction is complete, before the building is purchased. During the construction process, the surveyor has to thoroughly inspect the work done on the building. This includeschecking if it is compliant with all laws and regulations, if it is energy efficient,with a sound and strong structure.
They will be involved with the building for the entire project and at the end, they are responsible for issuing the certificate of final inspection or the occupancy permit.
During a pre-purchase inspection, the building surveyor is responsible for ensuring that the building can be safely accessed and whether any alterations or renovations need to be made.
A building surveyor has an impact on the planning, design, safety, accessibility and functionality of a building, which makes this job an integral part of any construction project. They may also have to conduct building inspections for other reasons such as dilapidation reports or a compliance audit for insurance purposes.
Education and training
Becoming a building surveyor in Australia requires you to complete a three-year Bachelor-level college course. Usually, the degree is Bachelor of Building Surveying, with prerequisite subjects, including Mathematics and English. There are a number of educational institutions across the country that offer this and other similar courses in the field of building surveying.
To find the most suitable course for yourself, it is suggested that you get in touch with the relevant state body that is in charge of building surveyor registration and licensing.
It is also important to rememberthat the states of South Australia, Queensland, and Australian Capital Territory require Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) Accreditation. Certain positions across the country require the same too, so make sure that the course you choose meets the requirements of your state.
Once you graduate and gain the required qualification, you can work in the private or public sector.You can even choose to specialise in a specific area of building surveying or take a more general approach.
Once you start working as a building surveyor in Australia, it is going to take some time for your career to take off. Do your best in gathering as much professional experience as possibleand undertake various professional development activities every year.This way, you can work your way up and become a seasoned and experienced professional who can assess, inspectand approve all kinds of buildings.
Qualities and skills employers look for
Apart from having the required qualifications, there are certain skill sets and qualities that make you a great building surveyor. Some of these qualities and skills are listed below:
- Negotiation
- Attention to detail
- Project management
- Environmental planning
- Reliability and thoroughness
- Great communication skills
- Promptness in communication
- Management and leadership skills
These are just some of the many qualities and personal requirements that you need to become a successful building surveyor. While having the technical skills and knowledge itself is important, it is also crucial that you learn to develop these skills to make the most of your career.
Other considerations for building surveyors
Another important consideration for a building surveyor in Australia is to get a Professional Indemnity Insurance. This insurance protects you from legal costs and claims if a third party, likea client, accuses you of damages caused as result of omission of information or negligence on the job.
Professional Indemnity Insurance is important for all professionals that offer service or advice. No matter how good you are at what you do, it’s always smart to prepare yourself for anything. BizCover helps you choose the best Professional Indemnity Insurance for building surveyors as well as other professionals.
