What is a Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS)?
A Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) is a registered professional who ensures your build complies with the National Construction Code (NCC) and local legislation. They issue building permits, conduct mandatory inspections, and certify compliance at each key construction stage.
What does a Relevant Building Surveyor do?
Your Relevant Building Surveyor will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.
Typically, an RBS will:
- Review your construction drawings and issue a Building Permit
- Provide guidance on compliance with NCC and Australian Standards
- Conduct mandatory stage inspections — including slab, frame, waterproofing, and final
- Issue directions or requests for additional information (if required)
- Approve final works and issue an Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Final Inspection
The RBS operates independently of your builder or trades and plays a crucial legal role in the build process.
Barry's Toolbox
You don’t need to wait for your builder to engage a surveyor — as the Owner Builder, it’s your job to appoint one early. Book your inspections in advance to avoid delays.
What Makes a Good Relevant Building Surveyor?
Look for surveyors who:
- Are licensed and registered to work in your jurisdiction
- Are experienced in residential builds and familiar with your council’s regulations
- Provide detailed inspection reports with photos and clear actions
- Are responsive and proactive in communication
- Have a reliable booking process for timely inspections
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready
To get quotes from a Relevant Building Surveyor, you’ll need:
- Site plan, architectural drawings, and structural documentation
- Your planning permit or DA consent (if applicable)
- Soil test, energy report, and other required compliance documents
- Project start date and anticipated build stages
Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready
Here’s a clear and concise definition of each type of inspection typically undertaken by a Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) during the construction journey.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Demolition Inspection | Conducted after demolition to confirm that the site has been cleared correctly, hazards removed, and work done in accordance with the permit. |
| Strip/Pad Footing Inspection: | Verifies that footing excavations, reinforcement, and soil conditions meet design and structural requirements before concrete is poured. |
| Retaining Walls Inspection: | Assesses reinforcement, drainage, and construction of retaining walls to ensure they match engineering specifications before backfill. |
| Bored Piers Inspection: | Ensures that pier depths, diameters, and reinforcement cages are properly prepared before pouring concrete for deep foundations. |
| Pre-Slab Inspection (Basement or Ground Slab): | Confirms that termite protection, vapour barriers, reinforcement, and plumbing penetrations are correctly in place before slab pour. |
| Steel Inspection (Basement or Ground Slab): | Focuses on the placement and fixing of reinforcement steel within the slab to ensure it aligns with structural plans. |
| Blockwork Core Filling Inspection (Basement): | Checks that wall cores are clean and correctly reinforced before concrete is poured into blockwork for structural support. |
| Frame Inspection: | Examines the structural frame, including walls, floors, roof, and bracing, to ensure it complies with approved plans and wind load requirements. |
| Occupancy Permit Inspection: | The final inspection that confirms the building is complete, compliant, and safe for occupation, leading to the issue of the Occupancy Permit. |
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
What if I change the plans after approval?
You must apply for a variation. All changes affecting structure, safety, or layout must be approved by the RBS before continuing.
What happens if my design doesn’t meet BASIX requirements?
If your initial design falls short of BASIX targets (for water, energy, or thermal comfort), your assessor will recommend changes. This could mean:
- Adding insulation
- Upgrading windows
- Including a rainwater tank
- Improving ventilation
These changes are usually cost-effective and can be made early in the design stage. Your BASIX Report isn’t final until you approve it — so you’ll always know what’s being adjusted.
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.
