The Difference Between A Building Certifier And A Building Inspector

Inspect It FIRST COVID-19 Procedures.

To manage the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) the Australian Government has issued a Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) notice .

As employees who visit properties to conduct our business we should have guidelines to protect people we come in contact with and our own health.

To follow Government directives to prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease I have provided the following procedure that should be immediately implemented:

1. Practice Social Distancing - No closer that 1.5 M personal contact.
2. Wash or sanitise your hands before you approach a property for inspection.
3. Wear disposable gloves at all times while on an inspection.
4. On entering a property provide the following HEALTH ANNOUNCEMENT to ALL persons onsite:

"I have procedures to follow due to the risk posed by the Coronavirus disease."
"I wish to advise you of my obligations under the Australian Government Health in safeguarding you and me in respect to the Coronavirus disease. Please assist me in practicing 1.5M distancing between us and if you are unwell please tell me and isolate yourself away from this property while I conduct the inspection."

5. If you come in contact with another person during the course of the inspection repeat the Health Announcement.
6. When the inspection is complete place disposable gloves securely in your vehicle for later safe disposal.
7. Wash or sanitise your hands before leaving the property.

Other general precautions we should take:

A. Regularly sanitise your mobile device/phone.
B. Ensure you regularly sanitise your vehicle.
C. Be aware of your environment and strictly adhere to Social Distancing of 1.5M with everyone outside you home. NO contact at all.
D. If you are concerned for your health at anytime you MUST immediately arrange for COVID-19 testing and report details to the office.
E. If you test positive to COVID-19 you MUST immediately self quarantine for 14 days.and notify the office of the circumstances.

If you have any questions or wish to discuss any of the above please contact me.

Please read the following Australian Government Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) notice and this link for up to date information.

UPDATED 25th March 2020

Inspections and client/customer/purchaser wishing to attend the property inspection:

We have strict procedures when inspecting properties during these times. For your protection and our inspectors safety please do NOT attend the property or approach the inspector during the inspection. If you wish to discuss the inspection or report please call the office and we can arrange a phone briefing.

Inspect It First - Building Certifier vs Building Inspector

Is There any Difference Between a Building Certifier and a Building Inspector?

January 23, 2018
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Buying a home is an extremely time-consuming, stressful and hectic process. In addition to making sure you get the kind of home in a neighbourhood you like, you also need to make sure that the property title is clear and that that there are no structural faults etc. This makes the entire process confusing and expensive; especially of you are buying your first home.

Most prospective homebuyers are aware that they should get a building inspection done before committing to purchase any property; but many are also confused about the difference between a building certifier and building inspector. Let’s take a closer look at how these differ:

The role of a building and pest inspector

This is essentially a visual examination of the home’s current condition relative to other comparable properties of a similar age, condition and design, conducted as per Australian Standards.
This is very different from a building certifier’s inspection, in which the compliance to government legislation is verified.
It isn’t a warranty, guarantee, valuation, or an insurance policy.
A building Inspector doesn’t pass/fail a property and they won’t have anything to say about either the standard of finish and quality of the building work. This means, they won’t comment on whether the structure has been constructed to a satisfactory, recognised standard, itemising inappropriate materials and omissions, untradesmanlike work, incomplete work, non-structural defects and other conditions that can contribute to structural problems.
A building Inspector will itemise all the visible defects, rating them on the basis of their severity and recommending a suitable course of action within the suggested timeframe. Their report arms you with the information you require to make a more well-informed property decision.

The role of a building certifiers or surveyor

These professionals facilitate approval, inspection as well as the certification of building works.
They ensure that building plans and any new work (additions/extensions) complies with the existing acts – the Building Code of Australia and other relevant Australian Standards.
A building certifier ensures that the building work complies with all the requirements that have been set out by the different levels of government, whether federal, state or local where compliance is enforceable & mandatory.
If their inspection reveals that the work hasn’t been conducted in line with the approval, these professionals can take any necessary action to ensure the building work complies with the legislation.
The certifier will assess & approve the plans relating to any new/ altered buildings
Provide a certificate of inspection to the builder post the inspection
Issue the enforcement notices on building work whenever necessary
Inspect all the construction work at the mandatory stages
Give the final certification for the building to be occupied
A building certifier isn’t responsible for any job site supervision

As you can see, there is a distinct difference between a building inspector and a building certifier. If you are either buying or selling an existing property, you would need to hire the services of a building inspector. These professionals will conduct detailed inspections and provide a comprehensive report listing all their findings. Always look for a credible and experienced professional who has handled a significant number of inspections in the past.

It’s always a good idea to ask to see a sample report to understand what you’ll be getting for the amount you pay. If you want to know more about our services Inspect It First, don’t hesitate to call us at 1300 557 047 or contact us through our contact form.

Thanks for reading,
Inspect It First Team
1300 557 047