Preliminary Complying Development Assessments
Not every project needs it, but if there’s something a little different in your plans, a Preliminary CDC Assessment is a smart way to get clarity before formal lodgement.
We’ve got your Preliminary Complying Development Assessment sorted.
Not all builds in NSW follow the same approval path. Depending on what you’re planning, you might need council sign-off (Development Consent) + Construction Certificate (CC), or you could take the faster Complying Development route, if you qualify.
A Preliminary Complying Development Assessment is a smart step if there is something a little trickier in your plans. We review your project plans and help you understand if you qualify for a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), or if you’ll need to go through council for approval and get a CC.
Our certifiers carry out the Preliminary CDC Assessment, which will give you clear advice on whether something in your plans needs to be tweaked so you can move ahead without unexpected setbacks.
Buildcert works with commercial builders, volume builders and developers, residential builders, building designers, and home owners across New South Wales, providing the know-how that helps keep projects compliant and on track.
[ Our approach ]
How we get your Preliminary Complying Development Assessment sorted.
01
Understand your project typeWhat it is
Before we get into the details, our certifiers will review your site plans against Complying Development Certificate (CDC) requirements as well as some basic property information.
Why it matters
Not all projects need a full development approval. If your build meets the right rules, it could qualify for a CDC, which means faster approval and less red tape.
A prelim check is useful if there is something a little different in your plans that means it is unclear upfront whether a CDC or CC pathway is right for you.
Projects like new homes, granny flats, dual occupancies, multi-dwellings, pools, and renovations can commonly be a CDC. Simple projects like small decks, fences, or garden sheds often count as exempt development and don’t need approval.
What you gain
A clear signal on whether your project might qualify for CDC, before you get to lodgement, as well as a report that outlines everything you need to know from the assessment.
02
Get you ready for approvals
[ 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."
Get in touch with our team today.
Toolbox
Frequently asked questions.
Got questions about prelim assessments? We've put together answers to the most common ones.
What is a Preliminary Complying Development Certificate (CDC) Assessment?
If your project has something that is a little bit left of field, this is an optional extra step we can do before formal lodgement to give you more clarity on whether your project is likely to qualify for a CDC by identifying any non-compliances.