Retrospective Building Approvals
From 1 August 2025, Queensland home sellers must declare any unapproved structures. Buildcert can assess and certify existing works, boosting property value and making sales smoother.
Retrospective building approvals, sorted.
A retrospective (or as-built) approval is the formal certification for structures built without prior approval. Think decks and verandahs, carports and patios, sheds and garages, granny flats and secondary dwellings, pools and retaining walls, or even larger works like dwelling extensions, roof replacements, underpinning and garage conversions.
With new disclosure laws kicking in from August 2025, sellers in Queensland will be required to declare any unapproved works. That’s where Buildcert steps in. We help homeowners, builders, and agents navigate the approval process smoothly. That means no legal jargon, no wasted time and no costly surprises.
We tell you upfront if it’s approvable, handle the legwork, and help you protect your property’s value. Not bad, eh?
[ Our approach ]
How we get your Retrospective Building Approval sorted.
01
Site Visit & AssessmentWhat's involved
We’ll visit your property to inspect the unapproved structure, whether it’s a deck, carport, shed, patio, or granny flat, and check if it can meet the required standards. We review your site against the Building Code and council regulations, and let you know straight away if approval’s achievable. If we can’t approve it, we’ll let you know upfront, no wasted time or costs.
Why it matters
From 1 August 2025, QLD sellers must disclose any unapproved structures. Without formal approval, you risk delays in selling, reduced property value, or legal issues. This step gives you a clear picture early so you can make informed decisions.
What you gain
A clear, confident path forward. You’ll know exactly where you stand, what’s possible, and how to get there; without stress or guesswork.
02
Compliance RoadmapTailored compliance roadmap
We break down exactly what’s needed to get approved – documents, consultants, reports – so you know what’s needed and when.
Support to get it sorted
We’ll guide you on what certificates and reports are needed and when you need to provide them as well connect you with trusted consultants where needed and make sure nothing gets missed.
What you might need
Below are a couple of things we might need from you to kick off:
- Building plans (depending on the structure, this may include a site plan showing boundaries, other buildings, floor plans and elevations)
- Structural Engineering Drawings and Form 15
Outcome
A clear, step-by-step guide to get your structure up to code, ready for final certification. If fixes are needed, we’ll guide you through it.
03
Final Inspection & CertificationWhat happens
Once any required works are complete, we’ll carry out a final inspection. If all is compliant, we issue your Form 21 Final Inspection Certificate.
Your building or structure is now certified, legal, and good to go. Too easy.
Why it helps
Having your building or structure approved removes a major roadblock when it’s time to sell. It shows buyers and agents that everything’s above board, gives buyers peace of mind and can increase your potential sale price.
[ Project types ]
The right solution, every time.
[ 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 certification sorted?
Toolbox
Frequently asked questions.
Got an unapproved structure and planning to sell? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get. For more, visit our FAQ page or give us a call.
What is a retrospective (as-built) building approval?
It’s a building approval that’s issued after the work has already been completed. The certifier reviews plans, engineering, and reports to confirm whether the building or structure meets the National Construction Code and QLD legislation. If it complies, a building approval can be issued so the work is legally recognised.
What happens if work’s already done without approval?
If the work’s already done and wasn’t approved, Councils can take compliance action, so it’s important to get approval sorted. This is commonly referred to as retrospective approval (or as-built).
We can help you with retrospective approvals. Just send us the details and any plans or photos you have, and our team will guide you through what needs to happen next.
Can Council make you remove a structure?
Yes. If a building or structure has been built without approval then Council can issue a notice requiring you to either obtain retrospective approval or remove it. If approval cannot be achieved, the building or structure will need to be removed.
How do I know if I have unapproved or illegal building work on my property?
Some red flags include:
- No building approval records with the local Council.
- Buildings or structures not shown on your approved plans.
- Past work done without engaging a certifier or submitting paperwork.
If you’re unsure, reach out to our team and we can guide you on how to obtain the records from the local Council.
How much does it cost to get a retrospective approval?
Costs vary depending on the building or structure, what documentation is available, and whether engineering or reports are required. We’ll give you a transparent quote upfront, no surprises.
How long does the retrospective approval process take?
It depends on the structure and what documentation is needed. More complex projects that require engineering, inspections, or council input can take longer. However, we’ll give you a clear timeframe at the start and keep things moving as quickly as possible.
What’s the benefit of doing a Retrospective Building Approval before selling?
Having retrospective approval in place gives buyers confidence, avoids delays in settlement and maximises your sale price. As of 1 August 2025, it is now also a legal requirement to disclose unapproved structures.