Building certification can look like a pile of forms. In practice it follows a predictable order, from the first quote through to the occupation certificate. This guide walks through each stage for a typical NSW house, granny flat, pool or other Class 1 or Class 10 project.
1. Enquiry, quote and contract
It starts with information. Send the property address, a short description of the work and whatever drawings you have. The certifier uses these to work out which approval and services you need, then prepares a quote.
Before any certification work begins, a registered certifier needs a signed written contract from you. It comes with an information sheet explaining what the certifier does and what you are responsible for. Read them both carefully, including which inspections are covered. Your builder cannot appoint the certifier for you or influence your choice.
2. Assessment and approval
The next stage varies with the approval pathway:
- Complying development certificate (CDC). The certifier assesses the plans against the state codes and the Building Code of Australia. Where the design meets all of the standards, the CDC can be issued. In many areas, neighbours must be told about the application before it can be approved.
- Development application, then construction certificate (CC). The council grants development consent first. The certifier then checks the detailed drawings against the Building Code of Australia and the consent conditions before issuing a CC.
Our CDC or DA: picking the approval your home project needs covers how to choose between them. Either way, expect a request for information (RFI) if something is missing or unclear. Items that often come up include the BASIX certificate, a site survey, engineering drawings and, for jobs costing $250,000 or above, proof that the long service levy has been paid. A plan assessment before lodging can catch gaps early.
3. Before work starts
Approval alone does not mean the builder can start. Before work begins:
- the CDC or CC must have been issued
- a principal certifier must be appointed to oversee construction and, at the end, issue the occupation certificate
- the council must be told who the principal certifier is, and given notice that work will commence at least two days beforehand
- for a CDC, neighbours must be given notice before work starts in the way the rules require.
4. Inspections during construction
The principal certifier inspects the work at set critical stages, such as before footings are poured and before framework is covered. Work at each stage should not be covered up until the inspection is done. Our Critical stage inspections: what we check and when lists each one.
Builders should book each inspection at least 48 hours ahead. If the certifier finds work that does not comply, they must direct, in writing, that it be corrected. Issues left unresolved must be reported to the council. Remember that the certifier's job is to regulate, independently. They do not run the job or supervise trades, and building to the approved plans is the builder's responsibility.
5. Final inspection and occupation certificate
Once construction is complete, the principal certifier carries out a final inspection. The certifier can issue an occupation certificate (OC) once satisfied the work is fit for occupation and consistent with the approval. You need the OC before you occupy or start using the new building work.
The most common hold-up at this stage is paperwork. Certificates for waterproofing, glazing, smoke alarms and BASIX commitments are much easier to gather as each trade finishes than at the very end. Our Occupation certificates: what you need before moving in sets out what is usually needed.
Where to start
Our certification process page shows how we handle each stage. Once your drawings are done, request a quote. In reply, we will outline which approval suits the work and what services it calls for.
Local help across NSW
CertifiBuild certifies Class 1 and Class 10 work in 39 council areas. Local rules on these council pages are a good place to start: City of Ryde, Northern Beaches Council, Shellharbour City Council, Mosman Council, Camden Council, Lane Cove Council.
Suburb pages with local planning notes: Ryde, Seaforth, Shell Cove, Spit Junction, Spring Farm, St Leonards, Surry Hills, Sutton Forest, Sylvania, Wadalba. You can also browse every service area.
Sources
- Role of registered certifiers, NSW Government
- Complying development: telling your neighbours, NSW Planning Portal
- Long service levy for building and construction, NSW Government