SA: Choosing a building surveyor (certifier)
How to choose a building surveyor in SA, what to ask, and how to avoid approval/inspection surprises.
General information only. Your surveyor will clarify what applies to your job.
In 60 seconds
- Your building surveyor shapes your approval, inspection schedule, and evidence requirements.
- Choose early — so you know what documents/certificates you’ll need before you start.
- Most delays come from “surprise” requirements discovered mid-build.
What a building surveyor typically does
Before work starts
- Reviews drawings/specs and engineering
- Confirms compliance requirements
- Sets inspection stages / hold points
- Advises what certificates are required
During & at completion
- Conducts/coordinates mandatory inspections
- Records outcomes and rectification items
- Checks evidence pack
- Supports completion / occupation outcome
Owner-builder reality
You’re still the “project manager” — your surveyor sets the compliance bar, but you collect and provide the evidence.
Questions to ask before you commit
- What inspection stages do you expect for my type of project?
- What must be visible at each stage (what can’t be covered yet)?
- What certificates do you want from trades (electrical, plumbing, waterproofing, etc.)?
- What drawings/engineering do you require (and what’s optional vs mandatory)?
- How do you handle variations/changes during construction?
- What’s the typical turnaround time for inspections and paperwork?