Commercial Building Permits & Surveying in Melbourne
Building surveying for business owners, commercial property owners, designers and builders. Victorian Building Surveyors assists with permit assessment, mandatory inspections and completion certification for commercial projects across Melbourne and Victoria.
REQUEST A COMMERCIAL QUOTE → | Call 03 8407 3095
Commercial projects we can assess
Talk to VBS about a proposed office or retail fit-out, warehouse alterations, a new commercial building or changes to an existing tenancy. Send the address, intended use and scope of work so we can confirm the services and information appropriate to your project. Every proposal is assessed on its building classification, design and site conditions.
Resolve approval requirements before the fit-out starts
A building permit and planning approval have different roles. Proposed work, a change in building use or a change in occupancy arrangements can trigger different approvals. An existing occupancy permit does not establish that a new business use or altered layout is approved. Early review helps identify the documents to obtain before construction and before the premises are occupied.
What the assessment may address
The applicable scope may include structural design, fire safety, exits and travel paths, accessibility, sanitary facilities, energy efficiency and essential safety measures. Relevant consultant reports, engineering and authority referrals may be required. We identify information needed for the building surveyor’s assessment; specialist design remains with the relevant designers and consultants.
Documents for a commercial fee proposal
Provide the site address, a description of the business use, existing and proposed floor plans, tenancy or building area and the expected scope of work. Include existing permits, occupancy documentation, planning approvals and available fire-safety or accessibility reports. If plans are preliminary, send what you have so we can identify the next assessment steps.
From permit to completion
Once appointed, VBS assesses the application and supporting documents. Work requiring a building permit must wait until the permit is issued. The permit identifies mandatory inspection stages. At completion, inspection outcomes, consultant certificates and other required evidence are reviewed before the appropriate occupancy permit or final inspection certificate can be issued.
Frequently asked questions
Does an internal commercial fit-out need a building permit?
It may. Changes to partitions, exits, fire-safety systems, accessibility or structure can affect the requirements. Send existing and proposed plans for a project-specific assessment before work starts.
Can I change a warehouse or shop to another business use?
A different use can affect building classification, occupancy, fire safety and planning requirements. Provide the existing occupancy permit and details of the intended use so the necessary approvals can be identified.
Can VBS guarantee a permit by a fixed date?
No approval outcome or date can be guaranteed before assessment. Timing depends on the quality and completeness of the documents, required design changes and any external approvals.
Request a commercial project quote
Send the property address, scope of work and available plans. We will review the enquiry and provide a fee proposal explaining the services and information required.
Melbourne and surrounds: approximately within 100 km of the CBD. Zone 2 covers the rest of Victoria; additional travel allowance may apply.
All building permit services · Building notices & compliance
Explore our building permit services
Sheds · Patios · Verandahs · Retaining walls · Front fences · Dwelling alterations & additions · Commercial projects