Construction CertificateS

Construction Certificates are required following approval of a DA from Council or the Land and Environment Court before construction can begin. Building Certificates Australia staff have unrestricted accreditation to assist our clients with issuing Construction Certificates for any kind of development in Australia.

Our services include:

  • Reviewing of plans and documentation for compliance with the requirements of the National Construction Code of Australia (BCA).

  • Reviewing of Development Consent notice and preparation of a comprehensive checklist of items to be addressed for Construction Certificate issue (relevant stages will be identified if staged applications are to be made).

  • Satisfying ourselves that all compliance and consent conditions (as applicable) have been addressed.

  • Attending project co-ordination meetings with the consultant team, as required.

  • Satisfying ourselves that all monies payable to Council and/or other authorities, e.g.: insurances, bonds, deposits, levies and other fees (all as outlined in the DA consent) have been paid.

  • As an Accredited Certifier (AC) undertaking the required pre-approval site inspection.

  • Issuing of a Construction Certificate, in accordance with Part 4A of the EP & A Act 1979.

  • Issuing of a schedule of proposed Fire Safety Measures.

  • Forwarding a copy of the Construction Certificate to council within (2) two days.

Principal Certifying Authority (PCA)

Before you start any approved building or construction work, you must appoint a Principal Certifying Authority (PCA), after or when you've been issued with a construction certificate or complying development certificate.

The PCA oversees the development’s construction phase and completes mandatory building inspections, known as critical stage inspections, to make sure that building standards are met. Once building work has finished, the PCA will complete final inspections and issue the final Occupation Certificate, if all requirements have been satisfied.

Building Certificates Australia staff have unrestricted accreditation levels, and can act as your Principal Certifying Authority for any type of Development.

This includes: 

  • Attending project coordination meetings with the consultant team, as required.

  • Undertaking periodic site inspections, (including prescribed mandatory inspections).

  • General reviewing of certification from relevant engineers, consultants, etc., that all works are constructed to approved drawings and relevant standards and satisfy all appropriate consent conditions.

  • Determination and issue of an Occupation Certificate (Interim or Final) in accordance with the provisions of Part 4A of the EP & A Act

Complying Development Certificate

Complying development is a fast-track approval process for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial development. If the application meets specific criteria, it can be determined and approved as Complying Development.

Building Certificates Australia staff are accredited to issue Complying Development Certificates for any specified Complying Development in NSW (where the necessary development standards are satisfied).

This includes:

  • Reviewing of plans and documentation for compliance with the requirements of the National Construction Code of Australia (BCA).

  • Preparation and issue of a checklist addressing all documents required for our assessment.

  • Reviewing Council’s and other Authorities requirements (as applicable).

  • Satisfy ourselves that all monies payable to council and/or other authorities, e.g. insurances, bonds, deposits, levies and other fees have been paid.

  • As an Accredited Certifier (AC), undertaking the required pre-approval site inspection.

  • Determination and issuance of a Complying Development Certificate.

  • Issuing of a Schedule of proposed Fire Safety Measures.

  • Forwarding a copy of the Complying Development Certificate to council within (2) two days.  

Occupation Certificate

An Occupation Certificate is issued by the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) following completion of approved building (or other) works, and gives approval to use or occupy a building (or other structure) in conjunction with the development consent or a complying development certificate.

Building Certificates Australia staff are accredited to issue Occupation Certificates for any type of development, where they are appointed Principal Certifying Authority (PCA)

Exempt Development Code and compliance letter/s

Should you wish to use Building Certificates Australia P/L to act in the “capacity of certifier” our services could include:

  • Reviewing of plans and documentation for compliance with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

  • Reviewing Council’s and other authorities’ requirements (as applicable).

  • Issuing of a compliance letter if works fall under Exempt Development.

  • Undertaking periodic site inspection/s.

  • Issuing of a Compliance letter to confirm that the completed works fall under exempt development and have been completed to our satisfaction.

Crown Developments

When a state crown agency carries out building works, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act requires that they must be 'certified by or on behalf of the Crown to comply with the technical provisions of the State's building laws'.

Building Certificates Australia staff have unrestricted accreditation levels, and can issue Crown Certificates and conduct building inspections for Crown agencies, for any type of Crown Development.

This includes: 

  • Undertaking a BCA Assessment of the concept design and provide a BCA Report under the Deemed to satisfy provisions of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

  • Preparing a BCA Compliance Report based on the architectural documentation pursuant to Sec 109R of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 relating to Crown Certification.

  • The Compliance Report will identify any areas of non-compliance with the deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the BCA and provide recommendations for Alternative Solutions where deemed appropriate.

  • Liaising with the Fire Safety Engineer to discuss possible Fire Engineered Alternative Solutions.

  • Attending project co-ordination meetings with the consultant team, as required.

  • Issuing proposed Schedule of Fire Safety Measures.

  • Undertaking a Final Inspection of the completed project and provide a Final Compliance Report relating to Crown Certification.  

Development and Compliance Management

Have no idea where to go or what to do following your issue of your DA? We recognise time is money when developing. Our staff have significant experience in building certification, and most have previously worked within local government planning and development departments.  As such, we can assist with the following:

  • Explain and negotiate your planning approval (in layperson terms)

  • Explain the statutory requirements with respect to commencing your building works,

  • Assist organise the necessary building consultants,

  • Assist organise your building certification needs

  • Assist liaise with your Accredited Certifier/PCA to ensure you obtain your Construction or Occupation Certificate in the fastest possible time frames