What is a private building certifier?

Private versus Council Building Certifier

Safeguard your property investment

Building a new home is one of the biggest investments you can make, so it's imperative you make sure you have all your bases covered to avoid delays in the construction and making unwise decisions. One essential step is to enlist the service of a licensed building certifier who will provide the required certification for your dwelling.

Until 1998 building approvals were issued by the Council to ensure compliance with the Building Act 1975. Now, building approvals are mainly issued by private certifiers who are independent of local government and take full responsibility for the work they certify.

Role of a Private Building Certifier

Should you choose to engage a private certifier, you must have a written agreement that will clearly state the certificate fee.

A private building certifier is a professional who is responsible for ensuring that a building and other structures comply with relevant building codes and regulations. They review building plans, inspect construction sites, and issue permits and certificates of occupancy to ensure that the structures meet safety, health, and environmental standards. They ensure the building works comply with the building assessment provisions, the Building Act, and the approval.

Whether you are building a new home, renovating, or adding extensions you will need a building certifier to approve all work that is carried out.

Advantages of engaging a Private Certifier

Incomplete or inaccurate information can cause stressful delays in the two-week turnaround time for a Construction Certificate to be issued. Engaging a private certifier tends to be faster at getting the necessary approvals and certificates processed compared to certifiers who work for local government. A private certifier will issue the approval and see the project through to the final outcome with no input from the council.

NOTE: with every application you will need to fill out a Notice of Engagement Form.

Building approval process overview

A professional prepares building plans - this can be a builder, engineer, designer, or architect. You may also need other consultants for special reports.
Application lodging with a private building certifier
Other regulatory agencies receive a copy of the application, may include Council for issues like setbacks
Application checked against requirements and approval
Inspect nominated stages of construction
Final inspection and certificate issued for occupation

Reference: QLD.gov.au - Role of a private building certifier

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