Residential Building Certification NSW - Expert Approvals

Residential NSW (Class 2, 3 & 4 buildings)

Whether you’re delivering high-density housing, mixed-use projects, motels, group homes or specialist accommodation, Buildcert makes the certification process straightforward.

We've got your multi-residential certification sorted, making the complex simple and stress-free.

Large-scale residential developments don’t leave room for delay. From design to handover, you need a certifier who knows the complexities of multi-unit builds and mixed-use sites.

Buildcert helps commercial builders and developers get faster approvals and fewer hold-ups on projects like apartment complexes, aged care homes and mixed-use buildings. We understand the pressure to deliver safe, compliant buildings on time, and we’re here to make that part simple.

Building certification Buildcert image 16

[ Our approach ]

How we get your multi-residential certification sorted.

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Getting Started

Development consent

Most multi-residential projects in NSW require development consent from Council, followed by a construction certificate (CC) before construction can commence. Once you have your development consent, it's over to us to start the CC process.

For some group homes, you can skip the Council process and go down the complying development (CDC) route. If you are unsure, our team will guide you on the right pathway for your project.

What we need

To get your quote sorted, we just require a copy of your development consent and DA-stamped plans.

Quote & go

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.

Get Your Documents Ready

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.

What we check

We make sure the essentials are in place and spot anything that could slow things down. The minimum we’ll need to lodge your application is our application form, plus:

Architectural site plans, application form and consent form
Development consent from council
DA endorsed plans
Planning Portal references
Annual Fire Safety Statement

Lodgement & Assessment

What's involved

Our certifiers will assess your project and conduct a site visit (where required). Once your project has been assessed, your certifier will send a Request for Information (RFI) explaining exactly what to provide. If any adjustments to plans are required, we will talk you through that too.

What you gain

You’ll get a clear list of requirements upfront, straightforward communication, and a certifier dedicated to your project. We’ll guide you each step of the way and work with you to keep your approval moving.

What we check

We’ll assess your documentation, plans, and reports against the relevant codes, legislation and National Construction Code.

What's next

Once all the documentation is finalised, we will then issue your CC.

If there are any pre-commencement requirements, we’ll flag them clearly on your approval. Once you’ve got those sorted, we’ll issue a Notice of Commencement. From there, it’s just a two-day wait before you can get started.

Construction & Final Sign-Off

Mandatory inspections

Your approval sets out the component certificates we expect will be needed along the way, so you know exactly what’s required as the build progresses. It will also outline every mandatory inspection needed for your project.

It’s the Builders responsibility to book these inspections. Inspections can be easily booked through our online booking tool. If your project is in our service areas, book before 3pm and we’ll be there the next day to keep things on track.

Our expert certifiers will carry out all inspections. We’ll flag any issues and keep you in the loop. We’re a phone call away throughout the entire project.

For a residential development, inspections usually include:

First pour inspection
Wet area inspection
Fire penetrations (floor/wall/ceiling) & junctions - abutting fire rated/bounding walls inspections
Stormwater inspection
Completion inspection

Outcome

We complete final inspections, review your final documentation and issue your Occupation Certificate. You’ve now got the green light to occupy, hand over or start operations.

Get a quote

[ 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.

"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."

Sharon HillGeneral Manager, McDonald Jones Homes Group

"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."

Ben KochanskiExecutive GM Planning & Infrastructure, Newcastle Airport

"Buildcert has been a reliable partner for years. Their proactive approach, local knowledge, and responsiveness take the stress out of certification for our team."

Mathew VanstynDirector, Vanstyn Constructions

"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."

Joel ColemanManaging Director, SHADE Architects

Ready to get your certification sorted?

Frequently asked questions.

Got questions about multi-residential approvals or certification in general? We've put together answers to some of the most common ones.

Explore all FAQs

What is the process for approving works or a change of use for commercial developments?

Commercial builds, fit-outs, or changes of use typically go through one of two approval paths:

Development Application (DA) via your local council – standard route for more complex or site-specific projects.
Complying Development Certificate (CDC) with a private certifier – quicker if your project meets the lot requirements and complying development codes in the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).

Both paths require detailed plans and supporting documents. We recommend talking to a town planner before purchasing or leasing a commercial development.

Do I need a Building Code of Australia (BCA) report, and what’s included?

If your project involves compliance challenges under the Building Code of Australia (BCA), a BCA Report is often recommended by Councils, certifiers, and architects. It’s particularly useful for change-of-use applications, alternative design solutions, or projects with unique site conditions.

A BCA report evaluates your design against the Deemed‑to‑Satisfy (DTS) provisions of the Code.

It checks areas such as structure, fire-resistance, access & egress including accessibility, services & equipment and health & amenity components. This assists in identifying if your design satisfies the applicable DTS provisions of the BCA.

You’ll often find DTS non-compliances forming the requirement for design amendments or where design amendments cannot be satisfied a performance solution report may be proposed.

Learn more about BCA reports

Can my certifier prepare a Building Code of Australia (BCA) report too?

What does ‘Deemed-To-Satisy’ (DTS) mean?

What’s a Performance Solutions Report?

What is a Clause 137 report, and when is it required?

Clause 137 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation sets rules around Complying Development Certificate (CDC) issuance. If the existing building is subject to a performance solution for a fire safety requirement under the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and your development comprises internal alterations or a change of use, you will need a compliance report to support your CDC application.

This confirms your design is consistent with the existing performance solution report.

Toolbox

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View all

Sorted.

Get a quote

Residential NSW (Class 2, 3 & 4 buildings)

We've got your multi-residential certification sorted, making the complex simple and stress-free.

How we get your multi-residential certification sorted.

The right solution, every time.

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?

Frequently asked questions.

What is the process for approving works or a change of use for commercial developments?

Do I need a Building Code of Australia (BCA) report, and what’s included?

Can my certifier prepare a Building Code of Australia (BCA) report too?

What does ‘Deemed-To-Satisy’ (DTS) mean?

What’s a Performance Solutions Report?

What is a Clause 137 report, and when is it required?

Toolbox

Planning a dual occupancy development? What to consider from a certification perspective.

Elk Architecture

The essential checklist to avoid Occupation Certificate and Final Certificate roadblocks.

Sorted.