Building Surveyor
Electrical Installation Inspector
Plumbing Inspector



Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

Building Inspectors inspect buildings to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and advise on building requirements. Building inspectors, more commonly known as building surveyors, make sure that buildings are energy efficient and accessible. Building surveyors advise on, interpret and enforce laws and regulations regarding building construction and safety. They analyse plans, issue relevant permits, certificates and approvals, and conduct inspections during the construction phase to ensure that the building is fit to be occupied. Building surveyors may work all over Australia in corporate companies working on residential and commercial developments, or for local government agencies.

Building inspectors ensure that construction meets local and national building codes and ordinances, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. Accredited certifiers issue development certificates to confirm they are satisfied the development meets legislative requirements. They inspect construction and subdivision work at critical stages, which differ according to the type of development.

OSCA Codes

OSCA ID: 312113

Alternative names: Building Certifier;

Specialisations: Electrical Installation Inspector (below); Building Surveyor (below)

Knowledge, skills and attributes

As a Building Inspector, you would:

• enjoy technical work
• have good communication skills
• able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• numerical skills, to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate ones.
• have good management and leadership skills

 
(Source: CareerFAQs)

Duties and Tasks

Building Inspectors may perform the following tasks:

• Provide advice and assistance to builders and owners before finalisation and lodgement of building plans to avoid potential problems
• Review and provide advice on plans to ensure they meet building codes, local ordinances, zoning regulations and contract specifications.
• Assess building plans submitted for approval to ensure they conform to building regulations and codes of practice
• Approves building plans that are satisfactory and issues building permits.
• Monitors construction sites periodically to ensure overall compliance - inspect buildings during construction to ensure proper methods and materials are used and that they conform to building regulations
• Inspects plumbing, electrical and other systems to verify alignment level, structure elevation and ensure that they meet the necessary code/specifications.
• Uses survey instruments, metering devices, and test equipment to perform inspections.
• Provides written documentation of findings from inspections - keep records and write reports on building progress in instances where regulations have been breached and plans have been altered
• Issues violation notices and stop-work orders until building work is compliant.
• Certifies structure and plan compliance with the corresponding building regulations.
• Make recommendations on matters such as the provision of amenities for the community
• Carry out pre-purchase inspections of all types of buildings
• Issue compliance certificates on completion
• Give evidence in court cases involving breaches of building regulations
• Assess the condition of existing buildings
• Audit buildings for access by disabled persons
• Inspect bridges, dams, highways, buildings, wiring, plumbing, electrical circuits, sewers, heating systems, or foundations during and after construction for structural quality, general safety, or conformance to specifications and codes
• Inspect facilities or installations to determine their environmental impact
• Monitor installation of plumbing, wiring, equipment, or appliances to ensure that installation is performed properly and is in compliance with applicable regulations
• Measure dimensions and verify level, alignment, or elevation of structures or fixtures to ensure compliance to building plans and codes
• Maintain daily logs and supplement inspection records with photographs
• Review and interpret plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, or construction methods to ensure compliance to legal requirements and safety regulations.

• inspect buildings during construction to ensure proper methods and materials are used and that they conform to building regulations

• keep records and write reports on building progress in instances where regulations have been breached and plans have been altered

• issue compliance certificates on completion

• give evidence in court cases involving breaches of building regulations.
  
  
  

(Source: Canberrabic)

Working conditions

Building surveyors often split their time between working in an office environment and being on construction sites conducting inspections. They generally work business hours, however, they may work overtime to meet project deadlines. Building inspectors and certifiers spend considerable time inspecting worksites, alone or as part of a team. Some inspectors may have to climb ladders or crawl in tight spaces.

Building sites may be hazardous spaces and when on site they are usually required to wear safety gear.

Tools and technologies

Building surveyors use computers to prepare reports, maintain business documentation and databases, and communicate with clients. They read architectural plans to ensure compliance, and are able to connect the plans to construction conditions on site. When on a construction site they must wear safety equipment such as a hard hat, steel-capped boots, safety glasses, high-visibility clothing and ear protection.

Did You Know?  A building inspector is an individual who is qualified to inspect both domestic and commercial structures. This is actioned to ensure they comply with the necessary standards and regulations, and the original building plan. It is also their job to verify the workmanship of the builder or tradesperson and to identify any defects, if any. While regulations differ from state to state, Australia as a whole has a very strict set of standards that all builders and contractors are expected to adhere to. Failure to do so can result in consequences for the individual responsible. A building inspection can be carried out prior, during and after a structure has been built and is sometimes done at random to ensure builders are complying with the correct standards. Commercial structures in particular are typically always subjected to a thorough building inspection to ensure safety. Types of issues uncovered in an inspection Depending on the age of the property, the range of problematic areas, defects, deterioration, or damage can vary greatly. Structural issues: a building with structural weakness in its roof, walls, flooring, or foundation poses the risk of collapse and injuring anybody within proximity of the building. Wiring and electrical concerns: this is an important one as poor wiring is one of main culprits of building fires. Another aspect inspectors look for is whether a building has the right amount of functioning smoke alarms to accurately detect smoke in the event of a fire. Identifying hazards: this could mean identifying asbestos, mould, loose balustrades, gas leaks, water damage or a number of other hazardous materials. Wear and tear: more common with older, or poorly constructed builders, these types of defects are usually uncovered in a pre-house purchase inspection when potential buyers are calculating how much they would have to invest in renovations. (Source: Builders Academy)

Education and training/entrance requirements

You usually need a formal qualification in building surveying to work as a Building Inspector. The Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying is available at TAFE colleges and other registered training organisations throughout Australia.

Most certifiers are qualified building surveyors.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in building surveying, construction management, civil engineering or architecture. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics and physics are normally required. Applicants may be required to submit a folio of work and/or attend an interview. A number of institutions in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. CQ University offers a six-year part time Bachelor of Building Surveying and Certification (Honours) via distance education.

All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). In NSW, training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations authorised by SafeWork NSW. In the ACT, training is provided by Registered Training Organisations approved by WorkSafe ACT.

To work as a building surveyor in the ACT, you need to be accredited by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors. There are different levels of accreditation based on levels of qualification, which determine the kind of work you can perform.

To work as a building surveyor in NSW, you need to be accredited by the Building Professionals Board. There are different levels of accreditation available, depending on qualifications and experience, which determine the types of buildings you can work on.

In WA, building surveyors must be registered with the Building Services Board. There are different levels of registration which, based on your qualifications and experience, determine the types of buildings you can work on.

(Source: Inspect East)

Employment Opportunities

Most employment opportunities arise in local government bodies (shire, town and city councils). Employment of building inspectors and certifiers is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. Increased government regulation and a desire to improve the quality of construction should continue to increase demand for inspectors.

Employment growth is expected to be strongest in government and in firms specialising in architectural, engineering, and related services.

There are some opportunities to apply the skills acquired in this occupation to other jobs in banks and building societies, as well as in building management companies. Building surveyors may become self-employed and subcontract to major building companies.

Responsible for inspecting the installation of electrical systems and equipment to detect faulty wiring and ensure they comply with electrical codes and standards. Visits construction sites and residences, performs inspection, and makes recommendations for improvement.

Electrical inspectors are employed by state and local governments to ensure that proper safety codes are followed with respect to a building's electrical wiring and other electrical components. The specific duties of an electrical inspector include viewing non-residential building's electrical installations for any discernible defects. Electrical inspectors also advise building owners how to correct electrical problems in an efficient manner to bring a building up to code.

Examines Installation of Electrical Systems
During construction of new buildings, an electrical inspector visits the project site and inspects the installation of the building's electrical system to find defects. While making sure that the system is working properly, the inspector also makes sure that the electrical wiring systems comply with existing building codes. Other electrical components, such as air conditioning systems and generators, are also checked by the inspector to make sure they are working properly.

Investigates Code Violation Occurances
During a typical work week, an electrical inspector may be sent to various building sites to investigate reported code violations with electrical systems. While inspecting the building for these code violations, the inspector takes notes about what he finds that needs to repaired immediately and creates a violation report for the building's owner.

Monitors Assigned Construction Areas
As the need arises, an electrical inspector may be called upon to monitor areas at construction sites to determine if proper code guidelines are being followed by the construction team. Specific construction areas where work is being performed without a permit need to be monitored by the inspector so that warnings can be given to the construction boss if safety regulations are not being followed. Dangerous areas with ongoing construction are monitored by the electrical inspector as well.

Advises Contractors on Construction Code
When installation of a new building's electrical system violates code, the electrical inspector must advise the project's contractor about the violation. While explaining the problem with the installation process of the electrical system to the contractor, the inspector goes over in great detail the best way to deal with the problem as effectively as possible.

• Examine electrical systems and equipment.
• Inspect new and existing sound and security systems, wiring, lighting, motors, and generating equipment.
• Inspect the installation of the electrical wiring for heating and air-conditioning systems, appliances, and other components.
• Keep records and write reports.
• Report findings to contractors or government agencies.
• Report violations.
• Stop construction of non-compliant installations.
• Examine and inspect wire harnesses, control panels, coaxial cables, and electrical jig boards, for completeness of assembly, quality, and conformance to blueprints.
• Inspect wiring of assemblies for accuracy of stripping, soldering, and crimping, and for defects.
• Look for frayed wires and loose connections.
• Test continuity.
• Compile inspection reports.
• Write up recommendations for improvement.
• Verify wire and cable length.
• Examine parts and assemblies.

Tools and technologies

Using meters and other devices, they examine wiring, lighting, motors, generators and sometimes heating and air-conditioning systems and other appliances to make sure they're safe and compliant with government standards designed to protect the public. Working by hand or on computers, they keep records and write reports; those who work for government agencies may act on their findings by notifying contractors of violations and, when necessary, stopping the construction of non-compliant installations.

Education and training/entrance requirements

While there is no standard path into the field, an electrical inspector needs to have a thorough knowledge of electricity, electronics and codes, an electrician background, or a 2-year or 4-year TAFE certificate, often incorporating courses in electrical wiring, carpentry and architectural drawing.

Plumbing Inspectors make sure that plumbing work across all kinds of projects is compliant with National and State/Territory building standards, regulations, and safety codes. This includes the National Construction Code and Australian Standards, but also State/Territory legislation and even Local Government requirements.

Duties and Tasks

• Inspects work and materials for compliance with specifications, regulations and standards.
• Assess Plumbing and Drainage applications for compliance with all relevant Standards, Acts, Regulations and State/Territory/Council Policies
• Undertake investigation of Customer Requests and if necessary take enforcement action to ensure compliance with various legislations.
•  Monitor and undertake required inspections and tests in accordance with various legislations for: plumbing and drainage, on-site facilities, backflow prevention, sewerage trade wastes and fire protection plumbing.
•  Coordinate the process of issuing permits and maintaining the register in accordance with various legislations for: plumbing and drainage, on-site facilities, backflow prevention, sewerage trade wastes and fire protection plumbing.
•  Ability to draw “as constructed” sanitary drainage plans using State/Territory/Councils' CAD system or quality hand drawings skills when required.
•  Complete on-site inspection checklists when carrying out inspections.
•  Provide expert advice to lower classified officers.
•  Ensure all on-site work complies with the relevant Standards, Acts, Regulations and where applicable State/Territory/Council Polic

Working conditions

Plumbing Inspectors work closely with Plumbers, Builders, Project Managers and tradespeople. They will be on-site regularly, checking plumbing work, so they get a good mix
of working in an office and outdoors.

This role suits someone who is already a Plumber but who might be looking to get off the tools, or who is really talented when it comes to applying regulatory requirements. It’s a great career pathway for Plumbers as they get more experience and gain more seniority.

But it can be tough work in the event that something is not done correctly. Plumbing Inspectors are the ones who have to make sure the tradespeople know where they went wrong and what needs to be amended.

Tools and technologies - AI generated

A plumbing inspector uses a combination of precision hand tools, advanced diagnostic equipment, and digital software to verify that plumbing systems meet safety, health, and building code regulations.

A Plumbing Inspector will use different tools and technologies to ensure plumbing work complies with regulations, standards and other legal requirements.


1. Advanced Diagnostic & Leak Detection Technologies

Instead of relying only on visual checks, inspectors use advanced tech to peer inside walls, floors, and underground pipes:

Pipe Inspection Cameras (CCTV): Flexible push-rod cameras with fibre-optic cables that snake through drain and sewer pipes to identify cracks, blockages, or root intrusion in real-time. Many models include built-in sondes (transmitters).
  
Pipe Locators: Devices that pick up the signal from the camera's 512Hz sonde to pinpoint the exact location and depth of a pipe issue underground, saving time and unnecessary digging.
  
Thermal Imaging Cameras: Infrared cameras used to detect temperature differences, which is highly effective for spotting hidden water leaks, moisture build-up behind walls, and heat loss in hot water systems.
  
Digital Moisture Meters: Non-invasive devices used to measure the moisture content in building materials (drywall, timber, concrete) to verify hidden leaks or water damage.
  
Pressure Gauges & Manometers: Tools used to pressurize water or gas lines to test for leaks and ensure the system holds the required legal pressure per local plumbing codes.

Sewer Camera
(Source: Sanyipace)

2. Precision Measurement & Hand Tools

Inspectors carry standard toolkits for measuring alignment, verifying clearances, and navigating confined spaces:
   
Measuring Tools: Tape measures, spirit levels, and calipers to verify proper pipe slope, fixture alignment, and pipe diameters.
  
Flashlights & Headlights: High-lumens lights are essential for investigating dark, confined areas like crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
  
Basic Hand Tools: Adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, and inspection mirrors to get a physical sense of fittings and installations.
  
Safety Gear: Hard hats, safety glasses, and durable work gloves when navigating construction sites or older, deteriorating properties.

3. Digital Tools & Reporting Platforms
  
Modern code inspectors rely heavily on digital technology to access up-to-date codes and streamline their documentation:

Inspection & Compliance Software: Digital checklist apps allow inspectors to track permits, schedule visits, and generate detailed PDF compliance or defect reports with photo and location tagging directly from the field.

AI Code Assistants & Digital Codebooks: Inspectors increasingly use mobile-friendly AI platforms (like Trade Hog) or digital codebooks (like those from the Uniform Plumbing Code) on tablets to quickly search for complex code references and verify specific installation standards

Education and training/entrance requirements

You usually need a Certificate IV in plumbing and a trade background in plumbing to work as a Plumbing Inspector. Need to obtain Confined Space Certificate.

Plumbing Inspectors need to be accredited by each State/Territory in which they work. They work as employees for larger organisations or governments, but can also work as
contractors who provide their services via a consultancy.

Reviews, analyses and assesses building plans for compliance to current building standards, and issues relevant legislative permits, certification and approvals.

Building Surveyors work across the residential and commercial building industry. They regularly inspect buildings throughout different stages of the project to ensure they are meeting the necessary minimum construction standard requirements. They review plans and work with Architects, Builders, Engineers and other industry experts to ensure the building is correct and safe.


Registration or licensing is required.

(Source: Bressummer A.R.K)

OSCA ID: 241931
  
Alternative names: Building Certifier,
  
Specialisations: there are three tiers within Building Surveying: (see Educational Requirements - below)

• Assistant Building Surveyor

• Building Surveyor Limited

• Unlimited Building Surveyor

Knowledge, skills and attributes

Building Surveyors are responsible for ensuring works completed on site are compliant with both building permit documentation and construction standards. This means they have to be good communicators, but they have to have an excellent and in-depth knowledge of the National Construction Code, the Australian Standards and all other relevant laws and regulations. Building Surveyors also need an excellent understanding of land use and property law.

They need to have a keen eye for detail and be good at communicating when issues arise. They are part of the project for its entire duration, and it is their responsibility to make sure the building is safe, compliant and energy efficient.

(Source: Adelaide University)

Duties and Tasks

• Assesses and approves building permit applications to ensure compliance with building codes, local ordinances, zoning and contract specifications

• Undertakes, or directs Building Inspectors to undertake, critical stage inspections of buildings under construction to determine if the work complies with the development consent and legislative requirements

• Prepares a written record of building work inspected and documents details identifying non-compliant issues

• Enforces the requirements of building legislation by issuing written directions to fix non-compliant building work, providing building notices, and issuing or removing building orders

• Responds to enquiries or complaints from people affected by their decisions made when carrying out statutory functions

• Issues occupancy permits and certificates of final inspection upon the completion of building work if all requirements are met

Working conditions

Building Surveyors work closely with Builders, Engineers, Architects and tradespeople. They are on-site regularly so they get a good mix of working in an office and outdoors.

Tools and technologies

Building surveyors rely on a mix of advanced digital technologies and precision hardware to inspect, measure, assess structural integrity, and ensure compliance with building regulations.

Technology is transforming building surveying, ushering the profession into a new era. Modern tools such as drones, 3D scanning and digital twins are reshaping how surveyors inspect, record and manage buildings. What once relied on tape measures, ladders and paper reports is now supported by high-precision digital data, delivering safer, faster and more accurate inspections. Yet while technology is driving impressive change, it doesn’t replace the surveyor’s expertise, it strengthens it.

(Source: OneSurv)

AI generated

Modern building surveying toolkits and technologies are categorized by their function:

1. Advanced Measuring & Capturing Tools

3D Laser Scanners (LiDAR): Capture millions of data points per second to create highly accurate 3D digital models or point clouds of existing structures. This is essential for heritage conservation and structural analysis.

Drones (UAVs): Equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging, and LiDAR, drones allow surveyors to safely inspect hard-to-reach areas like roofs and high facades without needing scaffolding or cherry pickers.

Total Stations: Traditional-to-robotic tools that combine electronic distance measurement (EDM) with angle calculations for high-precision layout and site assessment.

2. Diagnostic & Inspection Hardware

Thermal Imaging Cameras: Non-destructive tools used to identify heat loss, electrical faults, insulation gaps, and hidden moisture.

Moisture Meters: Essential for detecting dampness, leaks, and potential timber decay in walls and floors.

Borescopes / Endoscopes: Small cameras on flexible cables that allow surveyors to look inside wall cavities, under floors, and into pipes without causing structural damage.

Laser Distance Measures: Standard "disto-meters" for fast, accurate point-to-point distance, area, and volume calculations.

3. Software & Digital Solutions

Building Information Modelling (BIM): A data-rich 3D modelling technology that lets surveyors track a building's physical and operational data, plan maintenance, and ensure compliance throughout its entire lifecycle.

Scan-to-BIM Software: Programs like AutoCAD or Revit that convert raw 3D laser scan data into usable digital design and architectural models.

Mobile Survey Apps: Applications such as magicplan allow surveyors to capture spatial data on-site, automatically detect architectural elements, and instantly generate 2D or 3D floor plans.

Approval & Workflow Platforms: Digital solutions that centralize documentation, permits, and regulatory compliance checks to streamline the surveying workflow and manage project approvals

(Source: Spencer Clarke Group)

Education and training/entrance requirements - AI generated

The primary pathways to becoming a building surveyor include:

1. Vocational Education and Training (VET) Pathway

Qualification: Advanced Diploma of Building Surveying (CPC60121).
  
Scope of Practice: This pathway typically qualifies you for restricted practice, which is limited to residential buildings, such as houses and sheds.
 
Duration: Usually 18 months to two years to complete.

2. University Degree Pathway

Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Building Surveying, Construction Management (with a surveying specialization), or a related field (often 3 to 4 years of study).
  
Scope of Practice: Opens the door to full, unrestricted practice, enabling you to assess and certify any building type, size, or height.


3. Career Change Pathway

Qualification: Postgraduate qualification, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, or Master of Building Surveying.

Scope of Practice: These pathways grant credit for individuals who already hold degrees in allied professions like architecture, civil engineering, or construction management.

Typical Registration and Accreditation Levels

Licensing is managed by state-based authorities (e.g., the Victorian Building Authority or NSW Fair Trading) and often aligns with accreditation through the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS).

Requirements are typically broken down by tiers:

Level 3 (Assistant Building Surveyor): Requires an accredited qualification (like an Advanced Diploma) and at least 12 months of supervised experience on Class 1 and 10 buildings.

Level 2 (Building Surveyor Limited): Requires a 3-year degree and 2 years of experience working on classes up to 3 storeys.

Level 1 (Unlimited Building Surveyor): Requires an Honours degree or postgraduate qualification, along with 3 years of experience across all building classes.

Employment Opportunities

Some Building Surveyors might start their studies in the vocational system and then move to university and some may even go on to undertake further postgraduate study. The level of qualification required depends on the type of work they do. Most of them are university-qualified though.

Building Surveyors work as employees for organisations, but they can also work as contractors who provide their services via a consultancy.

Building Surveyors need to be registered in the State and Territory they work in. Building Surveyors generally need to be a member of a local professional body and can elect to become Chartered Building Control Surveyors through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. This is an internationally recognised accreditation and can help you travel the world and work.

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Materials sourced from
CareersOnline [Building Surveyor;]
Jobs & Skills WA [Building Surveyor; ]
Web Archive Only - CareerHQ [Building Inspector or Certificer; ]
Circa [Electrical Inspector; ]
CareerTrend [Electrical Inspector;]
Study [Electrical Inspector; ]
ZipRecruiter [Plumbing Inspector; ]
Rockhampton Regional Council [Plumbing Inspector; ]
Bressummer A.R.K. [how technology is transforming building surveying; ]
ABS [Building Surveyor; ]
Master Builders Ultimate Career Guide [Building Surveyor, p124; ]
Your Career [Building Inspector; Plumbing Inspector; ]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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