Choosing the right building surveyor is critical to the quality and defensibility of your dilapidation report. In Western Australia, building surveyors must be registered under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011. Check that your chosen professional holds current registration with the Building Services Board.
Beyond registration, look for experience specifically in dilapidation and condition reporting. A surveyor who primarily does compliance inspections or new-build certifications may not have the eye for detail that condition assessment demands. Ask to see a sample report -- it should be thorough, clearly photographed, and logically structured.
Professional indemnity insurance is non-negotiable. If the report is ever challenged in court or used in a dispute, you need to know the surveyor carries adequate coverage. Membership of professional bodies such as the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) is a positive indicator of commitment to ongoing professional development.