Australia Needs the Next Generation of Building Guardians

Australia Needs the Next Generation of Building Guardians

One profession many school students may not know about - but which is experiencing chronic shortages in Australia and many countries around the world - is building surveying.

What do building surveyors do?

Building surveyors ensure that buildings meet regulatory and legislative requirements. They perform an important statutory and public safety function.

Building surveyors assess plans and inspect projects to ensure buildings meet critical requirements including fire safety, structural stability, accessibility, energy efficiency standards and act as guardians of public safety by ensuring that people who live and/or work in buildings are safe.

Is building surveying for you?

This is a varied and important role that requires capable and ethical individuals who can successfully master building regulations, products and materials, legislative requirements and who have good negotiation and communications skills.

Importantly the role of building surveyor does not require physical strength and can be done by anyone who has the aptitude and interest.

Why should I consider becoming a building surveyor?

According to Seek building surveying is well paid with the average salary ranging from $80,000 for graduates to $150,000 with senior building surveyors being able to command salaries of $250,000 or higher.

Also becoming a building surveyor allows individuals to work in many places around the world while being paid particularly if they are an RICS Building Control Surveyor.

This is a meaningful job with no two days being the same.

A Building Control Surveyor might review plans for a major development one day, inspect construction works, assess storm-damaged structures or advise on public safety requirements the next.

Projects can range from small residential extensions through to large city redevelopment projects.

You can work for yourself or as part of a large firm. In the private sector or for local and state government. You can work in one city, in the country, across Australia or around the world.

What is the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors?

One pathway to becoming a building (control) surveyor is joining the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

RICS has a heritage of over 158 years and 144,000 members around the world.

Under our royal charter we are committed to serving the public interest in Australia and around the world.

By becoming part of the RICS community you get access to global standards and thought leaders for your chosen career pathway.

For students interested in problem solving, technology, construction or helping communities, the building (control) surveying profession offers many rewards.

People can enter through vocational education or university study and later pursue internationally recognised RICS qualifications.

Once you start university or TAFE students are welcome to join RICS Student free of charge to gain access to our community and resources.

How do you become an RICS Chartered Building Control Surveyor?

Becoming chartered is an important professional milestone for many people in the land, property and construction sector in Australia and around the world. It provides a globally recognised qualification and provides access to a community of senior and experienced global practitioners.

Building surveyors who have an Unlimited Victorian license and have practiced for five years can apply to become RICS Chartered Building Control Surveyors under our recognition of professional qualifications route.

Other professionals can qualify as below.

Associate is an entry level RICS qualification and offers the chance to progress to full chartered status.

Applicants must have:

• 1 year of relevant experience and a relevant bachelor’s degree.
• 2 years of relevant experience and a relevant higher/advanced/foundation qualification.
• 4 years of relevant experience (no qualifications required).
   

Chartered is the most common way to qualify for professionals who already have relevant qualifications and work experience.

Applicants must have:

• Relevant experience and an RICS accredited degree.
• 5 years of relevant experience and any bachelor’s degree.
• 10 years of relevant experience operating at an advanced level by seniority, specialization or academia.
   

The Victorian Building and Plumbing Commission has confirmed that it will have regard to RICS Chartered Building Control Surveyor’s membership when they are applying for a building surveyor (unlimited) license under their third party accreditation arrangements.

Stay in touch

RICS has a vibrant professional community in Victoria and we invite you to stay in touch with us by joining the RICS Australia LinkedIn page.

Please feel free to come along to our free and informative events.

Here’s your QR code for the RICS Australia LinkedIn group.

If you have any further questions please feel free to reach out at any time by emailing contactrics@rics.org.