Building Survey Sydney

Prove Where Your Building Actually Sits

Council needs proof that your house sits where the plans say it does. Or maybe you're adding a second storey and need to show your existing building's setbacks comply before they'll approve the extension. A building survey gives you the documentation - precise measurements showing exactly where structures are positioned relative to boundaries, easements, and height limits.

More Than Dimensions on a Page

Unlike a detail survey that maps your whole property, a building survey zooms in on the structures themselves. We measure external walls, verify distances to boundaries, record heights at multiple points, and document floor levels. The result is a professional plan that answers the question councils and certifiers always ask: does this building actually comply with the setback and height controls?

During our survey, we:

• Measure the external dimensions of all buildings on the property
• Determine building setbacks from property boundaries
• Record building heights at key points (eaves, ridge, parapet)
• Document floor levels relative to Australian Height Datum (AHD)
• Identify the building footprint and its position on the lot
• Prepare a professional survey plan showing all measurements

When Do You Need a Building Survey in Sydney?

Sydney property owners commonly require building surveys for:

• Development Applications (DAs): Councils often require verification that existing buildings comply with setback requirements before approving extensions or additions
• Proving Building Compliance: Demonstrate that an existing structure meets or doesn't meet current council regulations, often required for sale or refinancing
• Building Extensions: Document existing structures before designing additions to ensure new work complies with floor space ratios and building envelope controls
• Renovation Planning: Provide architects and designers with accurate existing building measurements to work from
• Encroachment Issues: Determine if a building or part of a building encroaches over a property boundary or easement
• Pool Barrier Compliance: Verify building setbacks and fence heights for pool fence compliance certificates
• Insurance and Valuation: Document building dimensions for accurate property valuations and insurance purposes

Types of Building Surveys We Provide

Building Identification Survey

A building identification survey accurately locates and measures all buildings on a property relative to the cadastral boundaries. This survey type is commonly required for development applications to demonstrate that existing buildings comply with setback requirements. The survey shows:

• Building footprints and dimensions
• Setback distances to all boundaries
• Building heights at key points
• Relationship to easements and restrictions

Building Setback Survey

A building setback survey specifically measures the distance between buildings and property boundaries. This is often required by councils when processing development applications for alterations and additions, or to verify compliance with Local Environmental Plans (LEPs). We verify setbacks against the requirements in your council's Development Control Plan (DCP).

As-Built Survey

An as-built survey documents a building's actual constructed position and dimensions compared to approved plans. This survey type is required at various stages during and after construction to verify the building has been built in accordance with the approved development consent. It is often combined with construction setout surveys.

Our Building Survey Process

1. Initial Consultation: We discuss your specific requirements and the purpose of the survey to ensure we capture all necessary information
2. Title Research: We obtain your property's title information from NSW Land Registry Services and review any registered easements or restrictions
3. Field Survey: Our surveyors visit your Sydney property with precision instruments to measure all buildings and structures
4. Data Processing: We process field measurements and prepare your survey plan to meet council and professional standards
5. Report Delivery: You receive a professional building survey plan in PDF format, with CAD files available on request

What You'll Receive

Our building survey deliverables include:

• Professional survey plan showing building locations and dimensions
• Building setback measurements to all property boundaries
• Floor levels and building heights referenced to AHD
• Building footprint areas and site coverage calculations
• Position of buildings relative to registered easements
• PDF and DWG/DXF format files for your architect or council

Building Survey Costs in Sydney

Building survey costs depend on the number and complexity of structures, property access, and the level of detail required. Typical prices for Sydney properties:

• Building Identification Survey: From $1,200 - $2,500
• Building Setback Survey: From $900 - $1,800
• Comprehensive Building Survey (multiple structures): From $2,000 - $4,000

We provide free quotes based on your specific requirements. Contact us with your property address and survey purpose for an accurate estimate.

Building Surveys Across Greater Sydney

We provide building survey services throughout Sydney and surrounding regions, including:

• Eastern Suburbs: Bondi, Randwick, Double Bay, Coogee, Maroubra
• North Shore: Chatswood, Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney, Willoughby
• Northern Beaches: Manly, Dee Why, Mona Vale, Avalon, Palm Beach
• Inner West: Newtown, Marrickville, Leichhardt, Balmain, Ashfield
• Western Sydney: Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool, Bankstown
• South Sydney: Sutherland, Cronulla, Hurstville, Kogarah, Miranda
• Hills District: Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Kellyville, Dural

Our Sydney-based team understands the specific requirements of different local councils and can advise on what survey information they will need for your development application.

NSW Building Survey Requirements

In New South Wales, building surveys for cadastral purposes must be performed by surveyors registered with the Board of Surveying and Spatial Information (BOSSI). Professional building surveys are:

• Acceptable for council development application submissions
• Valid for compliance certification purposes
• Suitable for property conveyancing and legal matters
• Prepared to professional standards with appropriate certification

Combining Building Surveys with Other Services

Many clients combine building surveys with other survey services for comprehensive site documentation. Popular combinations include:

• Building Survey + Detail Survey: Complete site and building documentation for major renovations or additions
• Building Survey + Boundary Identification: Verify both building locations and exact property boundaries
• Building Survey + Strata Plan: Document existing buildings as part of strata subdivision

Combined surveys often provide better value than separate surveys and ensure all information is referenced to the same survey control.