Construction Certificates

Construction Certificates

A Construction Certificate (CC) is a crucial approval required before you can start building work on a project in NSW. It confirms that the detailed construction plans and specifications comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and any conditions set out in your Development Consent or Complying Development Certificate.

What is a Construction Certificate For?

A Construction Certificate is essential to ensure that your building work meets all necessary safety, health, and environmental standards. It verifies that your construction plans are detailed enough to begin building, including structural details, fire safety measures, and other critical aspects of the development.

How to Get a Construction Certificate

To obtain a Construction Certificate, you need to submit your detailed construction plans to a certifier, who can be either a private certifier or your local council. The certifier will review your plans against the BCA and the conditions of your Development Consent or Complying Development Certificate.

The process involves:

1. Preparation of Detailed Plans: Your construction plans should be precise, covering all aspects of the building work.
2. Lodging Your Application: Submit your plans to a certifier, who will assess them for compliance.
3. Approval: Once your plans meet all requirements, the certifier will issue your Construction Certificate, allowing you to commence building.

Working with experienced certifiers can streamline the process, ensuring that your project proceeds without unnecessary delays or complications. A  Construction Certificate is your green light to begin building, ensuring that all work is safe, compliant, and ready to go.

Get Your Construction Certificate Approval with Buildcert

• Buildcert can approve a CC quickly, assuming that all the conditions in the Development Application (DA) are met, and all documentation is available
• If documentation is outstanding after the assessment is carried out, our Accredited Building Certifiers will issue a ‘Request for Information’ with a checklist.
• Buildcert is Registered to issue Construction Certificates for all classes and types of Buildings (unrestricted), including projects with Performance Solutions.
• Buildcert coordinates your application through NSW Planning Portal on your behalf.
• Mandatory inspections can be booked 2 working days after your Construction Certificate has been issued, and any “Prior to commencement” items are provided.

What you need to get started

Before requesting a Construction Certificate (CC), it’s important to prepare the following documents to ensure that your application is complete, compliant, and ready for assessment:

1. DA Consent

• Why It’s Needed: Development Application (DA) Consent is the official approval from your local council or relevant planning authority for your proposed development. It outlines the specific conditions under which your project can proceed, including design requirements, environmental considerations, and community impact.
• Importance: The Construction Certificate ensures that your detailed construction plans align with the conditions set out in the DA Consent. Without DA Consent, you can’t legally proceed to the construction phase, as the certifier needs to verify that all conditions have been addressed in your plans.

2. Stamped Plans

• Why They’re Needed: Stamped plans are the final, approved versions of your architectural and engineering drawings that have been reviewed and endorsed by the planning authority. These plans reflect the design and specifications that were approved during the DA process.
• Importance: The Construction Certificate confirms that the construction will be carried out according to these approved plans. Stamped plans ensure that there is no discrepancy between what was approved during the DA process and what is intended to be built, providing a clear and consistent basis for the construction.

3. Estimated Cost of Construction

• Why It’s Needed: The estimated cost of construction provides a detailed breakdown of the projected expenses for completing the building work. This estimate includes materials, labour, and other associated costs.
• Importance: Certifiers use the estimated cost of construction to determine the fees for issuing the Construction Certificate and to ensure that the scope of the project is feasible within the proposed budget. It also helps in calculating any required levies or contributions, such as the long service levy, and ensures that the project is financially viable.

Preparing your DA Consent, stamped plans, and an estimated cost of construction before requesting a Construction Certificate ensures that your application is comprehensive, compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements, and ready for approval. This preparation helps to avoid delays and ensures a smooth transition from planning to construction.

Why choose Buildcert?