What is a Surveyor?

A Surveyor is a licensed professional who measures, marks, and documents the position of your building on the land. They ensure construction occurs in the correct location, within legal boundaries, and in accordance with your approved plans.

What does a Surveyor do?

Your Surveyor will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, a Surveyor will:

  • Carry out a Survey Peg Out to mark where the building will be located on site
  • Check setout positions for formwork and steel reinforcement before concrete is poured
  • Conduct a Final Identification Survey after construction, confirming the building sits within approved boundaries
  • Provide survey reports and plans that are often required for certifier approval, mortgage release, or occupation certificates


Surveyors play a critical role in the early setup and final compliance phases of your build.

Barry's Toolbox

A misaligned slab can lead to huge legal and structural issues. Don’t skip your survey peg out — and never pour concrete without checking your surveyor has verified the setout.

What Makes a Good Surveyor?

Look for someone who:

  • Are registered and licensed in your state or territory
  • Have residential experience and understand construction workflows
  • Provide quick turnarounds on reports and responsive onsite service
  • Can attend site multiple times as needed (not just once)
  • Deliver clear documentation accepted by your certifier or council

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Surveyors, you’ll need:

  • A copy of your approved site plan and architectural drawings
  • Any subdivision or easement plans (if applicable)
  • Construction timeline and anticipated dates for peg out, formwork, and final survey
  • Access details for the site

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 3–5 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is a Survey Peg Out mandatory?

    Yes—you need this to start accurately. It legally marks where the home must be positioned.

  • What’s a Final Identification Survey?

    It’s a post-construction survey that proves your home was built within the correct boundaries. Many certifiers require this before issuing the Occupation Certificate.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.