Licensed Building Surveyors in Echuca, Regional Vic & Southern NSW

A building surveyor assesses your plans and documents against the Building Act and the Building Code, issues your building permit, carries out the mandatory inspections during construction, and issues your final certificate when the work is complete (an occupancy permit or a certificate of final inspection, depending on the type of building). We stay with your project from the first application through to the end.

Only a registered Building Surveyor can legally issue a building permit and the Occupancy / Final Certificate for your project. Permission to Build is a licensed Building Surveyor (Unlimited) and can approve all types of building work. A building inspector will go on site and inspect the works at mandatory stages to ensure they are in line with the endorsed drawings and the building regulations.

They’re two separate approvals. A planning permit comes from your local council and covers how land can be used and developed, such as overlays, setbacks and heritage. A building permit comes from a building surveyor and covers whether the construction itself complies. Some projects need both, and planning approval usually comes first. Speak to your council about planning, and we can talk you through the building side.

Most building permits take around 4 to 6 weeks from the time we receive your complete application. The statutory timeframe for a private building surveyor to decide on an application is 10 business days, but that clock only starts once we hold all the required documentation. Time spent assessing the plans, requesting further information and waiting on your designer or engineer is not included. The most common cause of delays is missing or incomplete documents, so having your plans, engineering and energy rating ready up front is the best way to keep things moving.

Both have the same legal authority under the Building Act. Many builders and owners choose a private surveyor for direct contact, clear communication and a service that’s focused on getting your project through compliance without cutting corners.

Typically you’ll need a completed application form, a letter of appointment signed by the owner, a copy of the title, your plans, and engineering and energy rating documents where they apply. We have checklists for dwellings, commercial buildings and sheds on this page to help you get organised (see above).

Often, yes. Some small sheds are exempt, but it depends on size, height, location and overlays. A pool or spa that can hold water deeper than 300mm needs a building permit, must be registered with council, and needs a barrier compliance certificate. Renovations and extensions that change the structure or footprint of a building generally need a permit too. Contact us before you start and we’ll tell you what applies.

The cost depends on the type, size, value and complexity of your project and how many inspections it needs. Send us your plans and we’ll provide a quote. Government charges and council fees, such as the state building permit levy, are separate.

Yes. We’re licensed in Victoria and NSW, so we can help on both sides of the border, including Moama. NSW approvals follow different documents and legislation, such as construction certificates, and we’ll guide you through whichever applies. We service Echuca, Moama, Shepparton, Bendigo, Wangaratta, Kerang and surrounding regions.