A Critical Examination of Mandatory Building Inspections: Perspectives from Australian Contractors

Abstract

In Australia, the construction industry relies on building inspections conducted by statutory building surveyors and/or independent building inspectors to ensure regulatory compliance with the National Construction Code. Despite the essential role of these inspections, there is growing concern about the effectiveness and evidence of compliance. This issue is intensified by the complexities of modern construction practices and the pressures from the housing crisis, highlighting the need for a critical re-evaluation of inspection practices to reflect their impact on completed buildings better. This study explores the perspectives of contractors who closely interact with the regulatory inspecti..