Construction Certificates
If you’ve got development consent, you’ll need a Construction Certificate (CC) before you can start building. We’re here to guide you through it, cutting through the red tape and getting you on site faster.
We’ve got your Construction Certificate sorted.
If your construction project has already been through Council and received development consent, your next step is a Construction Certificate (CC).
A CC confirms that your construction plans align with the approved Development Consent, meet the Building Code of Australia (BCA), and comply with any conditions of consent. It includes a detailed assessment of key elements like structural plans, fire safety measures, and related documentation.
A CC gives the official thumbs-up that your plans meet building rules, clearing the way for you to start construction.
Buildcert works with commercial builders, volume builders and developers, residential builders, building designers, and homeowners across NSW, providing the know-how that helps keep projects compliant and on track.
[ Our approach ]
Getting you from DA to Day One.
01
Getting StartedDevelopment consent
Some projects require development consent from your local Council as they don't meet the criteria for complying development. You can organise this yourself with Council, or work with a town planning firm to get it sorted.
What it is
Once you’ve received Development Consent (DA approval) from Council, the next step is getting a Construction Certificate (CC).
What you need
We’ll review your stamped plans, Development Consent, DA conditions, and estimated build costs to make sure everything’s lined up for approval.
Why it matters
If your plans don’t line up with your DA or the Building Code, non-compliances could be found later or during construction. We make sure everything checks out, so you can move ahead with confidence and avoid costly hold-ups.
02
Lodgement & ApprovalWhat's involved
Buildcert will lodge your application on the NSW Planning Portal and may conduct a site visit. We will manage the process for you end-to-end.
What we check
We’ll check that your plans and documentation meet the conditions of your DA. If extra reports or surveys are needed, we’ll let you know upfront.
Outcome
Once your CC is approved, we’ll set up your Notice of Commencement so the build can officially kick off. From there, as your Principal Certifier, we’ll carry out the required inspections at each stage to keep your project on track and compliant.
03
Why do you need a Construction Certificate?Why you need it
A CC is the green light that allows you to start building under your DA. It confirms that your plans meet the relevant Building Code and all required conditions of consent.
[ Why choose Buildcert ]
Certification sorted.
For projects big or small, Buildcert gets your certification sorted. Trusted experience, clear communication and fast turnarounds mean you get less stress, more certainty, and support to keep your project moving.
- +47000Approvals issued.That's over 47,000 approvals, sorted.
- 15.6B$Total value of construction approved.$15.6B of construction approved and counting.
- +275000Inspections completed.Clients trust Buildcert because we’ve got the experience and know-how to get your certification sorted.
"The Buildcert team are approachable, knowledgeable and always willing to tailor their advice to suit each project. Their friendly, practical approach makes the certification process straightforward for our customers and team."
"Buildcert’s building compliance expertise was invaluable during our recent upgrades. Their team brought confidence, clarity and professionalism to a complex project, ensuring everything stayed compliant and on track from start to finish."
"Buildcert has been a reliable partner for years. Their proactive approach, local knowledge, and responsiveness take the stress out of certification for our team."
"Buildcert are a valuable partner for our team. Their practical guidance, collaborative approach and clear advice help us deliver bespoke designs that meet compliance without compromising creativity."
Ready to get your construction certificate sorted?
Toolbox
Frequently asked questions.
Got questions about construction certificates? We've put together answers to the most common ones.
What is a Construction Certificate?
A Construction Certificate (CC) is one of the key approvals you’ll need after Development Consent from Council. It confirms that your construction plans match your approved Development Application (DA), meet the National Construction Code, and comply with any planning conditions. It also covers key details like structural safety, fire compliance and energy efficiency.
Once your CC is issued, the last step before work starts is a formal Notice of Commencement. We’ll guide you through this so you can hit the ground running.
What’s the difference between a Construction Certificate and a Complying Development Certificate; and which one do I need?
Both are types of building approval, but they apply in different situations:
- Complying Development Certificate (CDC): This is a fast-tracked approval that combines both planning and building approval in one. If your project meets specific rules under the State’s Housing Code (like height limits, setbacks and site coverage), you can skip council and get approved by a private certifier, often much faster.
- Construction Certificate (CC): This is used when your project has already been through the full Development Application (DA) process with council. A DA gives planning approval, and the CC is the building approval that follows. You’ll need both before work can start.
What is a Development Application (DA), and why/when do I need one?
A Development Application (DA) is formal approval from your local Council to carry out certain types of building work (like a new home, a major renovation, or a change in land use).
You’ll need a DA if your project doesn’t meet the criteria for a fast-tracked Complying Development Certificate (CDC). Every site’s different, so things like design, zoning, heritage listings, and bushfire risk all play a role in whether a DA is required.
If you do need one, the DA process involves submitting plans and documents for Council assessment. If it’s approved, you’ll receive a development consent with conditions you’ll need to follow. After that, we can then get your Construction Certificate (CC) sorted so you can start building.
Not sure if your project needs a DA? No worries. Buildcert can assess your plans and help you figure out the right approval pathway.
I have my Development Application (DA). What happens next?
Once your DA is approved, the next step is getting a Construction Certificate (CC) which is the next step before you can start building.
We’ll review your plans, check everything lines up with your DA conditions and the National Construction Code (NCC), and flag any missing documents. If all’s in order, we’ll lodge your application, issue your certificate, and get you set up for inspections and construction.
What documentation is needed for a certification quote?
To do a quote for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) we just need your site plans that include front, side and rear setbacks as well as elevations (if you have any supporting property documents like a Title Search send that through as well). For a Construction Certificate (CC), all we’ll need is your development consent from Council and your Development Application (DA) stamped plans.