Building Inspectors: Guardians of Building Compliance in NSW

by | Oct 19, 2023 | All Posts, Strata Building Bond and Inspection Scheme

building inspectors looking at a building

Constructing a property represents a substantial financial commitment for individuals. Consequently, it is vital to guarantee that the building process maintains high standards and complies with pertinent construction codes and guidelines.

NSW through a sweep of legislative changes, has introduced many new initiatives aimed at addressing defective building works. One of these initiatives is The Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme (The Scheme).

In this article, we will discuss the role Building Inspectors play, the requirements to become one and delve into their responsibilities within the Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme.

Their Role

Under The Scheme, Building Inspectors are experts tasked with the responsibility of identifying defects and qualifying them to the applicable standards, codes, and regulations.

Inspections in the Scheme

The Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme is an 8 stages scheme, that requires inspections in 2 of the 8 stages:

  • Stage 3 – Interim Inspection Report: Between 15 to 18 months after the building work is finished, the building inspector will conduct a first inspection of the strata property, prepare an interim report on any defects, and provide the report to relevant people.
  • Stage 5 – Final Inspection and Report: Between 21 to 24 months after finishing the building work the final inspection is done and the final report is provided.

In these stages, the developer needs a registered Building Inspector to carry out defects inspections and prepare the reports.

Requirements to become a Building Inspector in NSW

To become a Building Inspector in NSW, individuals must meet specific requirements, and be part of an Inspector’s Panel, which can only be held by specific institutions, as listed in clause 44 of the Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016:

(a) the Housing Industry Association Limited

(b) Master Builders Association of New South Wales Pty Ltd

(c) the Australian Institute of Building

(d) Australian Institute of Building Surveyors

(e) the Australian Institute of Building Consultants Pty Ltd

(f) the Australian Society of Building Consultants Incorporated

(g) the Institute of Building Consultants Inc

(h) Engineers Australia Pty Limited

(i) the Association of Accredited Certifiers Incorporated

(j) the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors Ltd

(k) RICS Australasia Pty Ltd

So far only 3 institutions have put panels together.

With dedicated professionals like Samuel Star and Sarah Bozionelos on two of these panels, the Strata Building Bond and Inspections Scheme can continue to uphold its standards and protect the interests of property owners and developers in New South Wales.