Homeowners & Owner Builders

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you sorted.

[ What is certification? ]

New to building approvals? We’ve got certification sorted.

Building certification is the tick of approval your project needs to be legal, safe and ready to go. It’s how you prove your plans meet the building rules, and how you get permission to start work. In most cases, it’s a legal requirement, even if your builder or architect is handling the plans.

If your builder or architect has mentioned getting a certifier, or you’re just starting your research, you’re in the right place. We’re here to explain it clearly, handle the process properly, and help you protect your biggest investment.

[ What projects need certification? ]

Not sure if you need approval?

If you’re unsure whether your project needs building approval, you’re not alone. It can be tricky to figure out what's allowed and what needs a certifier’s tick, but we’re here to make it clear.

Projects that generally do need certification:

Extensions and renovations
New homes
Sheds, garages and carports (depending on size)
Decks and pergolas (depending on height/size)
Swimming pools
Retaining walls
Re-roofing (QLD) or rebuilding after damage (e.g., storm, fire)

Projects that generally don’t need certification (known as ‘Exempt Development’ in NSW, and ‘Minor Work’ in QLD):

The right solution, every time.

NSW Residential

QLD Residential

Building certification Buildcert image 5

NSW Commercial

Building certification Buildcert image 10

NSW Industrial

NSW Community

NSW Multi-Residential

[ When to engage a certifier ]

Sooner is always better.

You need to engage a certifier before any construction work begins; ideally once your plans are ready but before you lodge anything. Early engagement helps avoid delays and means we can flag any compliance issues before they cost you time or money.

We work with your builder and architect, but it’s your project, and your approval. So it's a good idea to understand the process early and choose a certifier you trust.

[ What you need to get started ]

A few simple things to have sorted first.

View checklists

Site plans & quote

How to get started

The very first step is to finalise your site plans. We need these to be able to quote your job. Once you have these, we can get your quote sorted.

NSW projects

QLD projects

Want to dive deeper into how it all works?

View checklists

"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

[ 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.

What is a Complying Development Certificate?

A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a type of building approval that lets you skip the full council DA process; but only if your project meets a set of pre-determined planning and building rules set by the NSW Government.

It covers many common builds like new homes, dual occupancies, townhouses, extensions, granny flats, pools, and commercial and industrial buildings. If your plans tick all the boxes, the approval process is much quicker and handled entirely through a private certifier.

We’ll review your plans, determine CDC permissibility, and manage the approval from start to finish, with no back and forth with Council.

Find out more about CDC approvals

What is a Construction Certificate?

A Construction Certificate (CC) is one of the key conditions you’ll need after a Development Consent from Council is approved. 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.

Find out more about CCs

What is the role of the Principal Certifier?

The Principal Certifier (PC) is responsible for making sure your build meets all the regulations and rules, from your CC or CDC, through to final approval. They’ll carry out mandatory inspections, check that your construction follows the National Construction Code and planning conditions, and issue the Occupation Certificate when everything’s complete and compliant.

Find out more about Principal Certifiers

What is the Building Approval process?

The process depends on your project, but here’s the big picture:

You’ll either need a Development Application (DA) followed by a Construction Certificate (CC), or, if your project meets specific criteria, you may be eligible for a faster approval via a Complying Development Certificate (CDC). We’ll help you figure out the right path based on your plans, site, and local planning rules.

Once the approval is in place and the project is underway the Principal Certifier (PC) (that’s us) will undertake mandatory inspections during key stages of construction. These checks are required by law and help make sure your build stays compliant, safe, and on track.

When the work’s complete and everything’s been signed off, we will issue the Occupation Certificate (OC); the final tick that confirms the building is safe, compliant, and ready to use.

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.

Do you issue Pool Compliance Certificates?

Can I draw my own plans?

Toolbox

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