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Mining surveys

Mining surveys usually only have to be conducted if you are in a high-risk area or if there is evidence of subsidence. In former mining areas, you can often obtain documents from the Mine Subsidence Board. These maps will tell you if your property is at risk, in which case you may wish to commission a mining survey. A mining survey determines the position of underground works such as tunnels and shafts, as well as surface structures and boundaries.

Other surveys

Other surveys are also available but are rarely necessary and are more likely to be used when building a house or embarking on a large development project.

These include:

• Engineering/construction surveys
• Topographical mapping and control surveys. These portray the terrain; rivers, highways, railways, bridges and other man-made features
• Hydrographic surveys. These map shorelines of water bodies; chart the bottom of streams, lakes, harbours and coastal waters and assess issues affecting water resources
• Photogrammetric surveys

Strata title investigations

If buying a unit, you should obtain an inspection of the books and records of the owners’ corporation — or body corporate. There are firms who specialise in these inspections. They not only inspect the building but also the written records (which include meeting minutes) kept by body corporate. These will tell you what insurances are in place, what the quarterly levies are, what the financial position of the strata is, what maintenance problems exist and whether special levies are likely to be exacted in the near future.

Local council reports and services

The local council can be a source of considerable information on the following:

Modifications: Illegal modifications can be a source of serious angst. A council building inspection will help you sort these out prior to purchase and costs about $100 or $200.

Flood maps: The council has flood maps that are available to the public and if you are buying in a low-lying area these are worth consulting. If the area is flood prone, this should be reflected in the price.

Bushfire zones: Council provides maps of fire-risk areas. Should you wish to renovate or rebuild at any stage, you will have to comply with fire-resistance building practices. This is an added expense.