Private Building Surveyors - unresponsive?

Discussion in 'Renovation & Home Improvement' started by Ghoti, 27th Apr, 2018.

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  1. Ghoti

    Ghoti Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    10th Jun, 2016
    Posts:
    314
    Location:
    Melbourne
    Hi,

    Doing a PPoR reno and finding the permits are dragging on, and am a little frustrated by the Building Surveyor. Wondering if he really is unresponsive, or if that's just the way they roll.

    Engaged the Surveyor in January 2018, mentioned we had applied for a number of Reports & Consents and that Council had requested a letter from him confirming no further consents were required. We advised we would finalise construction drawings and apply for a permit once the consents were to hand. 3 weeks later we get a list of defects to attend to...setting out construction omissions from our architectural drawings - d'oh!! He also requested a title re-establishment survey which was fair given we are building a garage wall on the boundary.

    After providing him with the survey he took a further 2 weeks to provide us with his letter, requesting a further consent for not complying with minimum setback required. I emailed council asking the Municipal Building Surveyor if the setback had been approved as part of the Town Planning Permit (which the Private Building Surveyor had a copy of). Council replied that Building and Town Planning agreed that the non-compliance with minimum setback had been considered and approved by Council. I provided the Private Building Surveyor with the copy of the email, who insisted we get the additional consent regardless, adding to costs and delaying us another 3 weeks.

    On the odd occasion I've called and left messages with reception he's not returned my call. Same as when I've left a message on his voicemail. I'm getting concerned that this Surveyor will delay the build with superfluous requirements and/or delays in responding to any questions.

    Is this usual for Building Surveyors? Any ideas on how I can get better service given it seems in Victoria that once a Building Surveyor has been appointed you can't terminate for poor service?
     
  2. Joynz

    Joynz Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    5th Apr, 2016
    Posts:
    5,751
    Location:
    Melbourne
    What makes you think you can't just move surveyors?
     
  3. Ghoti

    Ghoti Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    10th Jun, 2016
    Posts:
    314
    Location:
    Melbourne
    Victorian Building Authority needs to approve and it appears approval is based on ability of surveyor, not service level. Spent last night reading the relevant acts, practice papers and VBA process.
     

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