Renovation & Extension Approvals NSW
Planning a renovation or extension in NSW? We’ll help you figure out what approvals are needed, and take the paperwork off your plate, so you can get stuck into the renovation.
Renovation approvals, sorted.
We’re not telling you anything you don’t already know… there’s a fair bit of practical stuff to tick off before starting a renovation. In NSW, many renovations and extensions (also referred to as alterations and additions) need formal approval. Typically, things like internal layout changes and extensions will require certification, but smaller projects may not.
Buildcert is here to make sure you know what’s needed and to help you sail through the certification process. If you’re a residential builder, designer, homeowner or owner-builder, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll guide you through the approval path, no stress, no surprises. That’s the sort of certifier you’re working with.
[ Our approach ]
How we get your renovation approval sorted.
01
Do you need approval?What's involved
Not every renovation needs certification, but many do. Approval is generally required for things like:
- Changing internal layouts
- Relocating windows or doors
- Adding new rooms or extensions
- Renovating a heritage property
- Building a deck more than 1m above ground level
Some smaller projects may fall under “exempt development” and won’t need approval. You can learn more here.
If you’re doing the renovation yourself, it requires approval, and the cost of the proposed works is over $10k, you will likely need to get an Owner-Builder Permit. More info can be found here.
What to consider
There are two main project approval pathways in NSW:
- Complying Development Certificate (CDC): faster turnaround, suitable for straightforward jobs that meet a pre-determined set of standards (most internal alterations will fit a CDC pathway)
- Development Consent + Construction Certificate (CC): For any projects that don’t qualify for a CDC. If your property is a heritage building, it will need to go down this route.
Not sure if your project needs a CDC or something else? We’ll help you figure out the path forward, no stress.
02
Quote & GoWhat you'll need
To get your quote sorted, for a CDC (or if you aren’t sure which pathway), all we need is a copy of your site plans. If you’ve got extras like a Title Search or Section 10.7 Planning Certificate, send those through too. For a CC, we just require your DA-stamped plans and development consent.
What's involved
We’ll check over your plans, send you a clear quote and preliminary checklist, and once you give us the go-ahead, we’ll kick the process off straight away.
03
Getting your documents readyWhat's involved
To get the ball rolling on your approval, we’ll need:
For a Complying Development Certificate:
- Buildcert application form
- Architectural plans, external elevations, sections plan, construction details and CDC building envelope
- Title Search, Deposited Plan & 88b Instrument (if relevant)
- Section 10.7 Planning Certificate
For a Construction Certificate:
- Buildcert application form
- Development consent from council
- DA-endorsed plans
What we check
We check the essentials are covered and flag anything that might hold things up.
Who handles this
While you’ll be pulling the documents together, Buildcert will guide you through the process, and we can also source any property documents that you might need.
04
Lodgement & ApprovalWhat's involved
We handle the lodgement of your application through the NSW Planning Portal. From there, our certifiers review your project and, where needed, complete a site inspection.
If more details are required, your certifier will issue a Request for Information (RFI) outlining exactly what’s needed. And if your plan needs tweaks, we’ll step you through that too.
What you gain
You’ll have a clear set of requirements from the start, open communication, and a team dedicated to your project. We keep things straightforward and help you stay on track.
What we check
Our team reviews all submitted plans, reports, and documentation to make sure they meet the National Construction Code (NCC), planning legislation, and any other relevant standards.
What's next
Once everything is in order, we issue your Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or Construction Certificate (CC).
If there are pre-commencement conditions, we’ll flag them clearly on your approval, such as the need for an owner-builder permit or Home Building Compensation Fund Insurance (HBCF). Once you’ve got those in place, we issue the Notice of Commencement. After that, it’s only a two-day wait until you can get started.
05
Construction & Final Sign-OffWhat's next
Your approval will include a list of the component certificates likely to be needed as your build moves forward, so there are no surprises along the way.
It will also detail every mandatory inspection for your project. While it’s the builder’s job to schedule them, we keep the process simple with quick and flexible booking. Lock in an inspection before 3pm, and we’ll be on-site the next day to keep your timeline on track.
From there, our certifiers complete all required inspections to confirm your project remains compliant, safe, and moving forward without delays.
The types of inspections for renos and extensions are dependent on your project. Our team will provide a tailored inspection list for you once we've kicked off.
Outcome
Once we do a completion inspection and review all your docs, we issue your Occupation Certificate, your official sign-off that the project is complete.
[ Services ]
The right solution, every time.
Buildcert sorts everything from approvals to final sign-off, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you’ve got one team, all the way through. We’re your one-stop-shop for certification services.
[ 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.
"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 renovation project sorted?
Frequently asked questions.
Got questions on renovation or extension approvals or certification in general? We've put together answers to some of the most common ones.
What is the process of certifying unapproved works?
If building work was done without proper approval, a Building Information Certificate (BIC) from Council is needed. Council uses the BIC to review what’s been done and decide if it meets current codes or needs modifications.
Can Buildcert help? Unfortunately, Buildcert can’t issue BICs. Only Council can issue a BIC NSW. However, as part of the BIC process, Council may request a Building Code of Australia (BCA) report. If this is the case, then we may be able to assist with this report depending on the project details.
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.
Can I draw my own plans?
Yes, but only if your plans meet all the requirements set out in the NSW planning codes, including site dimensions, scale, and detail. However, we highly recommend engaging a qualified architect or draftsperson to complete your plans.
Want to go the DIY route? Make sure your plans comply with the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).
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.
Toolbox
Sorted.
