[ What is certification? ]
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? ]
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.
Note: Rules vary depending on your location and the specifics of your project. If you're not sure – just ask us.
For residential jobs in NSW big and small, Buildcert has the right solution every time.
For residential jobs in south-east QLD big and small, Buildcert has the right solution every time.
For commercial projects big to small, Buildcert has the right solution every time.
From airports to service stations, Buildcert has the right solution, every time.
From schools to hospitals, Buildcert has the right solution, every time.
From apartment buildings to aged care facilities, Buildcert has the right solution every time.
[ When to engage a certifier ]
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.
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Site plans & quoteThe 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.
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NSW projects03
QLD projects04
Want to dive deeper into how it all works?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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No, we don’t provide Pool Compliance Certificates. If you need one, check the NSW Swimming Pool Register for a list of licensed certifiers. That said, we can handle certification for new pool builds, ensuring everything is compliant from the start.
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).
