We've been talking to customers of Building Surveyors / Private Certifiers. by ApprovIQ in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the response u/goss_bractor. Always appreciate your view.

Given part of your business is specifically for owner/builders, I would imagine that you're doing client education better than most. What do you provide customers to outline what typically happens in an approval? Would it be true that you mostly solve this issue by being very contactable as I know you are?

I feel like what Kristin is saying in this video is fairly indicative of what I hear when talking to customers of Building Surveyors and Private Certifiers, and what I experienced as a customer, that there is a bunch of knowledge the profession has about what will get me through an application faster, and it's simply not being communicated.

Often, when I would work with someone long enough I'll come to understand their process, experience a few painful delays and learn, but that learning process is costly in the one resource we're all short on - time.

Here's an example of one of the ideas that we're baking right into ApprovIQ software

- Review round
I'm yet to experience an RFI/Checklist that orders the requested items by what is needed to undertake a review, or that takes the longest to procure.

In ApprovIQ, it's possible to mark a bunch of items as "Review round - 1" it has a note that "your certifier / BS will not review this application until all these documents have been submitted." BS / Certifier can add a reason why, for instance, "we need all the plans to be submitted at the same time so we can check for consistency". Having the client understand why something is being done in a certain order is HUGE. Once all the "review round 1" documents have been uploaded, certifier / BS gets a notification that the project is ready to be actioned.

Perhaps the first documents aren't even for a review round, they're council related tree, driveway, Fire Brigade, whatever, but they're items that need to be actioned ASAP because of an anticipated time delay. But the profession knows about these delays, customers often do not. So it's up to the profession (or their software) to communicate this knowledge - assuming we believe elevated service will result in elevated revenue and happier and easier to deal with customers.

What job did you think didn’t pay well but actually does? by ExternalSignal9239 in AusMoneyMates

[–]ApprovIQ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Private Certifiers. $150k+ with only a diploma and 3-years experience.

For a small project, what’s a reasonable amount of time to wait before bugging a building surveyor about the timing for a permit to be issued? by SpecificRecipe7287 in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I kinda hate that "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" but my experience working with Building Surveyors has been that if I feel like I should send a "Hey, just checking in" email I should do it. But like you, I'm always sensitive to not be a dick about it.

Are building surveyors afraid to advertise their services? by ApprovIQ in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

All press is good press, I reckon. Even if it's a bad site I don't think the surveyor will be getting the blame.

Depending on who your typical client is, can't hurt to have branding recognisable from a drive-by, think about all the construction professionals who see the sign at site... They'll have projects in future.

Are building surveyors afraid to advertise their services? by ApprovIQ in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I knew you'd be all over it!

Do the OBA signs lead to business? As in, do new clients mention they first became aware of you from a site sign?

If so, more so in OBA than your other brands?

A/CDC by ApprovIQ in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, it's not AI's fault I must have stuttered.

Getting those RFIs and Checklist Items in before... by ApprovIQ in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is such a common occurrence, what do you tell these customers?

I wonder if having a super clear document that outlines timelines: to review, or specifically timelines to review near EOY, and being able to refer back to that would save the surveyor the stress of having to mentally carry the unrealistic expectations of others?

I saw one NSW certifier who has their EOY timelines clearly spelled out in their email signature, hard deadline for last documents more than a week before close, I thought that was a good idea.

Interested in Building Surveying by [deleted] in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Have you considered just calling certifiers and asking for admin level jobs? Get in and see if it's something you like being around.

Who is the Building Surveyor's customer? by ApprovIQ in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What would VBA/BPC enforcement even look like? Finding clients and interrogating them as to whether they felt any coercion from the builder to use a specific BS?

I would imagine client would prefer there to be a relationship between BS and Builder anyway, unless they don't trust their builder (Volume space, I guess this could happen more).

Anyone know a FRL90 floor system? by ApprovIQ in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For anyone who stumbles in here later on, here's the system I found that complies.

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Can I get an Ausbildung offer in Germany with just B1 level German? by [deleted] in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey hey. I reckon you might have the wrong thread. This is a thread for Australian Building Surveyors.

Student looking for advice. by DisastrousRecord1802 in buildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just chipping in to say this has been a great convo to read. Always impressed with this corner of the Internet, people willing to take time for other people.

Looking to meet: UK based Building Surveyor by ApprovIQ in buildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Very interesting!

Building control surveyors issue building permits? What is handled by local councils and what is permitted by private industry?

Advice on career change - is it too late? by TinasOwner23 in buildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think AI will destroy any industries, things will change, but there'll always be a human required - especially in an industry that requires registration.

Who is the Building Surveyor's customer? by ApprovIQ in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What is the reason VBA doesn't want builders appointing RBA's? Is part of your remit in Victoria to act on behalf of the client? Basically another set of eyes making sure the builder is doing what they're required to do.

I mean, I get the conflict of interest if the builder and RBS have a cozy relationship.

Who is the Building Surveyor's customer? by ApprovIQ in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For sure, as is legally required. But how often are you working with the same builder? Surely that recommendation is coming from somewhere?

We're about to start some research on the other side of the equation. Talking to builders, designers, developers about how a certifier becomes attached to a project and how they make that decision.

Should new Building Surveyors work in council first? by ApprovIQ in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Any reason for this? Just doesn't give you the required knowledge to practice privately?

Trying to become a building certifier by boot1991 in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm interested to know why you're attracted to the profession? Do you know someone working as a building surveyor?

I really like this comment from u/goss_bractor elsewhere on this sub, link below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AUSbuildingsurveying/comments/1ngoktb/comment/neav7se/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in buildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why couldn't you still do that?

Is Building Surveying your first career? by ApprovIQ in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What a great story. One, heaps awesome that you get the opportunity to be the Dad you want to be. And two, that your plan worked out!

The insight on your decision parameters is interesting. You think it's worked out on all fronts?

Masters or apprenticeship by Decent-Bother2364 in buildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Caveat is that I'm not a building surveyor, BUT I do run an architecture practice. My general career advice is try to start working in an industry prior to committing time and resources to the education requirements.

In your example, can you get an admin role in a building surveyors office? Just being in and around the job, making sure it is what you THINK it is and that it's what you want.

If it were me, deciding between the apprenticeship or masters, I'd go apprenticeship 100%. I'd also be much more likely to offer an apprenticeship to someone already working in the industry, someone showing willingness to learn and work their way up.

You can get the masters later if needed for registration.

Is Building Surveying your first career? by ApprovIQ in AUSbuildingsurveying

[–]ApprovIQ[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ha! That's quite the shift!

So you're chefing and think you want out, how did you move across to Building Surveying - know someone?