E140. What do Building Surveyors actually do? episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 4, 2026 · 34 MIN

E140. What do Building Surveyors actually do?

from Building Design, Prime Time · host Frank Geskus & Amelia Roach

Most people hear the words "building surveyor" and picture someone showing up once or twice with a clipboard. But is that really the whole story? In this episode, Amelia and Frank to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood roles in the entire building process.Why does a building surveyor never actually issue your permit, even though everyone assumes they do? What is a Certificate of Likely Compliance, and why does it matter so much for your build? And why does Tasmania have an extra layer in the approval process that Frank has some very strong opinions about?We also dig into the four categories of building work in Tasmania, because not every project needs the same level of oversight, and knowing which category yours falls into could change your whole approach. Then there's the question of interpretation. When two building surveyors can look at the same code and reach two different conclusions, what does that mean for you and your build?Frank also shares a few real stories from the field, including one dispute that shows exactly what happens when a building surveyor and a builder get a little too comfortable with each other.If you're planning a new build, renovation, or extension in Tasmania, this episode will change how you think about who's really checking your project, and why choosing the right surveyor matters more than you'd expect.Subscribe now so you never miss an episode of the Building Design Prime Time Podcast.About usPrime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004.  Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at [email protected] information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts  do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company.  All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses,  or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.

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Most people hear the words "building surveyor" and picture someone showing up once or twice with a clipboard. But is that really the whole story? In this episode, Amelia and Frank to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood roles in the entire building process. Why does a building surveyor never actually issue your permit, even though everyone assumes they do? What is a Certificate of Likely Compliance, and why does it matter so much for your build? And why does Tasmania have an...

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E140. What do Building Surveyors actually do?

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