Discussion paper: Model Code of Conduct for Building Surveyors

Most issues are with larger buildings and developments. I work a lot with small developments for small businesses or families. I am concerned that the increased requirements for separating performance solutions will be a significant cost increase for small unauthorised buildings. For example, it happens frequently that the ceiling level of an enclosed garage is less than 2.4m but with ample light and natural ventilation this is often acceptable with a performance requirement. The percentage of the cost of the building work versus the cost of getting this approved will dramatically increase making this no longer a viable solution. I think these situations should also be considered.

I would prefer to have one code of conduct across Australia, but understand that as long as there is no building legislation across australia it will be very difficult as the requirements can differ quite significantly as well as the definitions and terms. So in the current system, I thing consistency is important.

However, my experience is that the minimum standard is going to be the standard.

In WA any person performing certification is registered. Currently it is permitted to work across multiple areas of a project. This should still be possible for smaller projects which may need to be defined or justified by the building surveyor. I think that the code of conduct should clarify what professional conduct is acceptable across all responsibilities.

The court will look at if the minimum code of conduct is achieved and if you want to be a member of an association, which is currently not required, you may be required to conduct to a higher standard. as along as they are not contradictary.

1.1 Duty to report: I am supporting that we have to report serious non-compliance. However, there is also the interpretation issue. If it is interpretation it is not a serious non-compliance issue. When I get a request for a certificate that has had a previous building surveyor, I always contact the previous building surveyor to make them aware and to make sure there is not dispute. Usually there is a different reason. But I may not always be aware that there was a previous building surveyor involved. Do we have to make enquiries? That should be clear.
2.1 Act within competency: As long as competency doesn't mean experience. I am competent to assess and interpret the BCA but may get a building with a use I have previously not assessed. I am still competent to assess it. If this is not acceptable, I will never get experience in other building classifications. If I have queries, I get help. That is my responsibility.
3.3 reviewing own work: I do a lot of pre-assessments on the design of buildings for planning approval to make sure there are no major issues when the design is worked out into working drawings and ready for certification. The assessment is still BCA compliance. If there is a non-compliance issue I indicate a possible solution by suggesting a performance solution by a fire engineer. They still have to get that by a different professional that has their own code of conduct and expertise.
Another example is the example I used before, when it is a conversion of a garage to habitable room with a reduced ceiling height. During my inspection i assess if the performance requirements have been met. I then write the performance solution based on that and issue the certificate. Due tot he size of the job, to get a separate building surveyor to do a performance solution would significantly impact the percentage of design cost to construction cost. I don't see any benefit for these small solutions. Especially for existing buildings.
4.1 Notifying regulators: I am just making sure that if a claim has been accepted against the insurance, doesn't mean they are guilty. Shouldn't it be only if found guilty? But is the insurer wants to settle, it also doesn't mean guilty. How will that affect the registration?
5 Respect: Why is the sentence 'They must not engage in discrimination.' Separately used? Isn't this a federal law? That is not particularly in relation to being a building surveyor. That is common respect for everyone for everyone. By separating it, it appears as building surveyors are particularly prone to discriminatory behaviour.
5.1 receiving enquiries: How is the building surveyor getting the owners details? And what are they providing to them? I have a peerless office and do everything by email unless the council or other authority (DFES) doesn't support this. The only owner details available from a council is the postal address. Do I have to add cost and time to post letters to owners? That are not my client? The councils sent a copy fo the building permit to the owners which has the certificate details on them. Maybe an information sheet can go to the owners with the permit?
5.2 receiving complaints: I am all for communication in every way. However, I am a single person owning my now business. Do I really have to write that I will respond? I have not had any so how can I provide examples? Can there be an example policy we can copy?

It will be a great help to explain to other parties, like the builder, what our legislative responsibilities are.