Frame Inspection by Building Surveyor

Hi all,

Is the brickwork
internal walls
Partition walls for adjoining townhouses
External cladding-

I have been told that the above is not part of the mandatory inspections???

So were not checked

AnneC

 

Told by who?

Is this referring to inspections by an independent inspector you have engaged? Or are you referring to the surveyor for the mandatory permit inspections?

For mandatory inspections by the building surveyor in line with the building permit see here:
https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/__data/a...on-stages-and-inspection-of-building-work.pdf

If it’s for an independent inspection in addition to the mandatory inspections, the independent inspector won’t usually ‘double up’ on what the surveyor has done. But it should be clear what they do inspect.

 

It is for the Building Surveyor inspections.

The VBA practice note does not specify what is included in the frame inspection. ??????

 

Could you please be more specific about what you think isn’t or hasn’t been done re. the frame.

Your OP gave a list of items that you said you had been told weren’t part of a surveyor inspection. Has the VBA link I provided helped with that?

And who told you? (Because they might know nothing!)

 

The brickwork, partition walls and external cladding has not been built as per the building plans- specifications.

When this was raised with the Building Surveyor, he told us that they are NOT part of the mandatory inspections and if we wanted that to be inspected, we should have had extra inspections.

 

Can you be specific about the differences between the plans and what has been built. For each of the items you mention.

 

Party wall between 2 houses - fire rating plaster board not there
Brick work substituted with a solid concrete wall

 

Has the builder explained why the change?

it is very likely core filled concrete block.

And if it is 190mm core filled block wall then fire rated plaster board isn’t needed for fire protection.

 

Joinz, I am talking about 2 separate walls.

1. Fire rated plaster board has not been replaced with a solid concrete wall. There is no fire rated plaster board there.

2. Core filled blockwork replaced with solid concrete formwork.

No explanation given, other than all has been passed by the Building Surveyor.

 

The building surveyor, doing mandatory inspections (only) for the building permit/approval, will only be interested in structural adequacy and fire rating of required elements.
If the builder has changed something you should ask the builder why, and a variation authorised
Sounds like a lack of communication

 

Hi Tufan,

So, the building surveyor does need to inspect that the partiwalls - fire rated are built correctly?

The builder has not built according to the plans and no variations have been issued for this.

We do have a project manager. What is his role?

Is the building surveyor supposed to ensure that whatever he inspects is as per the plans?

 

The building surveyor inspects for regulation compliance. If there are alternatives to what is shown on the drawings the BS can approve the alternative. The BS does not get involved as to why changes were made, who made them, cost differences etc.
Yes, what is the role of your PM - why didn't the PM inform you of changes? Did the PM approve the changes? Is there a cost difference in the changes (who benefits from that difference?)
I'd be having a serious chat with your PM - the Forum won't be able to answer all your questions.