Question 1

What does a building certifier do?

Accepted Answer

A building certifier assesses building work against the Building Code of Australia and applicable legislation, and issues the certificates required to lawfully carry out and complete construction, such as Complying Development Certificates, Construction Certificates and Occupation Certificates.

Question 2

What's the difference between a CDC and a Construction Certificate?

Accepted Answer

A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) combines development consent and a construction certificate for eligible developments that meet specific standards, allowing work to start sooner. A Construction Certificate (CC) is required when development consent has already been issued through council, confirming the construction plans comply with that consent and the Building Code of Australia before building begins.

Question 3

Do I need a private building certifier?

Accepted Answer

Most building work in NSW requires certification. A private building certifier can issue CDCs, Construction Certificates and Occupation Certificates and act as your Principal Certifier, often providing faster, more responsive service than going through council.

Question 4

What is a Principal Certifier?

Accepted Answer

A Principal Certifier (formerly Principal Certifying Authority) is the certifier appointed to oversee the mandatory inspections and certification of a building project through to completion, ensuring the work complies with the approved plans and relevant requirements.

Question 5

When do I need a Construction Certificate?

Accepted Answer

You need a Construction Certificate after development consent has been issued and before any building work begins. It confirms your construction plans comply with the development consent and the Building Code of Australia.

Question 6

What is a Complying Development Certificate?

Accepted Answer

A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a combined development and construction approval for developments that meet specific complying development standards, allowing eligible projects to proceed without a full development application.

Question 7

How long does a CDC take?

Accepted Answer

CDC timeframes depend on the eligibility of the proposal, the completeness of documentation, the complexity of the project and applicable requirements. Certiscope can advise on likely timeframes once your project details are reviewed.

Question 8

What is an Occupation Certificate?

Accepted Answer

An Occupation Certificate (OC) is issued after building work is complete, confirming that the work satisfies applicable requirements and the conditions of consent, and that the building is suitable for occupation or use.

Question 9

When are mandatory building inspections required?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory inspections are required at specific stages of construction, such as foundation, framework, waterproofing and final completion stages. The required inspections depend on the type of building work and the applicable certification pathway.

Question 10

Can Certiscope help determine whether my development qualifies for a CDC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Certiscope offers preliminary CDC assessments to review your proposal and advise whether it is likely to qualify for complying development before you proceed.

Question 11

Do you certify granny flats?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Certiscope provides certification for granny flats and secondary dwellings, including assessing whether they qualify for complying development.

Question 12

Do you certify home extensions and renovations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Certiscope certifies home extensions, renovations and alterations, and can advise on the most suitable approval pathway for your project.

Question 13

Do you work with builders and developers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Certiscope works with builders, developers, architects, designers and property professionals, providing responsive certification and inspection support to help keep projects moving.

Question 14

Do you provide commercial building certification?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Certiscope provides building certification and BCA consultancy for commercial and industrial projects of varying sizes and complexities.

Question 15

What areas of Sydney do you service?

Accepted Answer

Certiscope services Sydney, Western Sydney, Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and surrounding NSW regions, including Penrith, Parramatta, Blacktown, Liverpool, Campbelltown and surrounding areas.

Question 16

Do you service the Blue Mountains?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Certiscope services the Blue Mountains, including Katoomba, Leura, Wentworth Falls, Springwood, Blaxland, Glenbrook and surrounding areas.

Question 17

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Complete the online enquiry form or call Certiscope on (02) 9071 1153. Tell us about your project and our team will advise how we can help.

Get in Touch With a Registered NSW Building Certifier

Request a Call Back