When it comes to constructing or renovating commercial buildings, building inspections are critical to ensuring safety, compliance, and long-term performance. Building surveyors play a central role in this process — acting as independent professionals who assess whether the construction meets all applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
At Permit Point, we specialise in managing and conducting building inspections for a wide range of commercial projects across Victoria. In this article, we break down the inspection process, the key stages, and why engaging a qualified building surveyor is vital to the success of any commercial development.
What Does a Building Surveyor Do?
A building surveyor is an authorised professional responsible for:
- Issuing building permits
- Inspecting construction works at critical stages
- Ensuring compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA), National Construction Code (NCC), and other relevant legislation
- Certifying that buildings are safe, functional, and ready for occupation
For commercial buildings — such as offices, warehouses, retail outlets, and industrial facilities — these responsibilities carry added complexity due to the scale, use, and occupancy types involved.
Stages of a Commercial Building Inspection
A commercial building inspection is not a one-off event; it’s a structured process carried out over several key stages of construction:
1. Pre-Construction: Design and Permit Review
Before a single shovel hits the ground, the surveyor:
- Reviews architectural and engineering plans
- Ensures documentation meets planning and code requirements
- Issues the building permit, outlining what must be inspected and when
Permit Point Tip: Submitting complete and well-documented plans reduces delays at this stage.
2. Foundation Inspection
Once excavation is complete, a surveyor inspects:
- Footings and slab preparation
- Reinforcements and materials
- Soil compaction and drainage measures
This ensures the structure’s base complies with approved plans and is suitable for further works.
3. Framing Inspection
After the frame is erected, surveyors inspect:
- Structural steel or timber framing
- Bracing and load-bearing elements
- Compliance with structural drawings and fire safety design
Any issues at this stage can affect the building’s stability — so this is a crucial checkpoint.
4. Fire and Safety Compliance
In commercial buildings, fire safety is paramount. Surveyors will check:
- Fire-resistant materials and compartmentation
- Location and integrity of fire exits and stairwells
- Installation of fire-rated doors, alarms, and sprinklers (in coordination with fire authorities if required)
5. Services and Amenities
Surveyors also review the layout and compliance of:
- Plumbing and drainage
- Mechanical ventilation and HVAC systems
- Disabled access and sanitary facilities (as per AS 1428.1)
This ensures the building meets both health standards and accessibility codes.
6. Final Inspection: Occupancy Certificate
Once construction is complete, a final inspection is conducted to verify that:
- All work complies with the approved plans
- Safety systems are operational
- The building is fit for its intended use
If everything meets the requirements, the building surveyor issues an Occupancy Permit (OP) or Certificate of Final Inspection (CFI) — the final approval needed before the building can be legally used.
Why Choose Permit Point for Commercial Inspections?
At Permit Point, our experienced team provides a complete, transparent inspection process tailored to your project’s needs. We work with developers, architects, and contractors to:
- Minimise delays through proactive inspections
- Provide clear reports and actionable feedback
- Maintain consistent compliance across all stages
- Ensure your commercial building is ready for operation — safely and legally
Conclusion
Commercial building inspections are about more than just ticking boxes — they ensure that buildings are safe, compliant, and built to last. Engaging a reliable, experienced building surveyor like Permit Point early in the process can save you time, money, and stress.
Planning a commercial project? Contact Permit Point Building Surveyors today for expert inspection and permit services across Melbourne.
