Welcome to YarraBSG.COM.AU

Yarra Building Surveyor Group Pty Ltd is headed by Mr Robert Hartley, who has over 30 years experience in the building industry. YarraBSG is committed to offering professional advice on all aspects of property and construction. We work on site with new buildings and are concerned with the aftercare and performance of existing buildings.

Building Permits

Our qualified building surveyors and building inspectors provide extensive building permit service, which includes mandatory inspections and the issue of a final certificate or an occupancy permit for your domestic, commercial and industrial building projects. Advice is available on interpretation of building legislation and the technical provisions of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) including the array of associated Australian Standards.

Building Inspections

Yarra Building Surveyor Group also provide contract inspections to the local council, and other building surveyors. Our building inpsectors conduct prompt, thorough inspections on a daily basis within 48 hours of being notified, which includes reporting and information on the requirements.

Essential Safety Maintenance Inspections and Reports

Most public, commercial and industrial buildings incorporate systems to enhance life safety and asset protection in the event of an emergency. Often these are exit doors, emergency lighting, fire extinguishers, fire hose reels and fire walls but they may range up to complex fire protections and smoke exhaust systems. Regardless of the life safety systems utilised, that system needs to be maintained.

Building Regulatory, Building Code and Planning consulation and advice

Yarra Building Surveyor Group can provide you with all of the advice for planning, building requirements and other necessary legal requirements.

assesment of illegal building works

Illegal building covers not only new structures and additions, but the change of use of a building, such as turning a shed or garage into a "shack" or temporary dwelling. We have the expertise to assist you in legalizing unpermitted construction.

Liasing services with legal and statutory authorities

Our services include liasing with legal and statutory authorities such as Fire Departments, Local Government, Surveyors, Engineers, Architects and other such service providers.

Building Permit application form

Download and fill out the form, either by hand or on the computer, print it, sign it and supply us with the required plans and documentation to obtain a permit.

Illegal Works Application Form

Download and fill out the form, print it, sign it and supply us with the required plans and documentation to obtain your certificate of complaince.

New Dwelling & Extension Information Checklist

To obtain any permit Yarra Building Surveyor Group requires cetain documentation such as planning permit, correctly scaled plans, engineering reports. All these requirements are listed in this pdf and for different permit requirements, go to the Permit Information page.

Cost of Works Assessment Form

It is now a requlatory requirement that the estimated cost of construction be justified if no contract has been entered into. This cost of works is to include labour as if it was constructed under contract. This is a guide fo estimating these costs.

Termite Statement

All proposed building works should consider the alternatives for the protection of the proposed building against subterranean termites and nominate the apropriate protection method before a building permit can be issued.

Building Permit Application Form
Illegal Works Information
Domestic Building Permit Check Lists
Fit-Outs and Appliance Installations
Building Maintenance and Reinforcements
Commercial & Industrial Building Works

What are building permits?

Building permits are the documents that signify that a building surveyor has approved documentation for proposed building work prior to its commencement. The Building Act 1993 and Building (Interim)Regulations 2005 legislate that most building work is subject to the issuing of a building permit. This includes most alterations, demolitions and removals.

Building permits are a system of control on construction of building work. They establish, maintain and improve standards for the construction and maintenance of buildings. Permits also enhance the amenity of buildings and protect people using them.

What is the difference between a building permit and a planning permit?

Planning permits deal with the development and use in principal covering such areas as aesthetics, type of building layout, landscaping, and must be obtained prior to the issue of any building permit.

Do all building work require a building permit?

A building permit is required for all new construction, all alterations and repairs that are structural, and all alterations that change the use of a building.

What is an occupancy permit?

Occupancy permits are issued at the completion of a building or renovating project when every item that can affect safety is in place and fully operational, such as the water supply; smoke alarms, alarm systems, handrails and balustrades. It does not mean that all the painting is done, that the carpet is laid or that all the fittings are installed. All of that may be weeks or even months away.

An occupancy permit is issued when a building is 'suitable to occupy' from a safety point of view. It is not a statement that all the building work is necessarily complete. Nor is it a certificate that states that all building work complies with the relevant legislation.

What would happen if I didn't obtain a building permit?

Undertaking building work without obtaining the necessary building permit is a serious offence and can result in severe penalties. The Building Act prescribes a penalty of $10,000 for any persons who carry out work without a permit.