The Role of the Private Certifier in NSW Building Approvals 2024

A Private Certifier and their Role in NSW

A Private Certifier and their Role in NSW

The Role of the Private Certifier in NSW Building Approvals 2024

Understanding how a private certifier plays a crucial role when starting a building project in New South Wales is essential. Private certifiers are key players in the approval process, ensuring projects comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

Let’s delve into the role of private certifiers, the costs involved, and the distinctions between certifiers and building inspectors.

What is the Role of a Private Certifier?

A private certifier serves as an independent regulator of building and subdivision work. Their primary responsibilities include:

  • Issuing Building Approvals: Private certifiers assess building plans to ensure compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and local council regulations. They issue the necessary approvals to commence construction.
  • Conducting Inspections: They perform critical stage inspections throughout construction to ensure adherence to approved plans and regulations.
  • Issuing Certificates: Once construction is complete, certifiers can issue certificates such as the Occupancy Certificate, which allows the building to be occupied.

Their independence from local councils helps streamline the approval process, making it more efficient for builders and developers.

How Much Does a Private Certifier Cost in NSW?

The cost of hiring a private certifier in NSW can vary depending on the type and complexity of the project. Smaller projects like pools, granny flats, sheds, and studios typically range from $770 to $3,300. For residential dwellings, the cost generally ranges from $2,500 to $4,400. Due to the added complexity, fees tend to be higher for duplexes, ranging between $5,500 and $8,800.

For townhouse developments, certifiers usually provide a custom quote based on the number of townhouses and the project’s specific requirements.

Always request a detailed quote to fully understand what’s included in the service, and be sure to check whether GST is included or excluded in the quoted price, as it’s only required to be mentioned either way in Australia.

A table showing high and low ranges of pricing for private certifiers in NSW

What is the Difference Between a Building Inspector and a Certifier?

While both building inspectors and certifiers play essential roles in the construction process, their functions differ:

  • Private Certifiers: They are responsible for the overall compliance of building plans and approvals. Their role includes assessing plans before construction begins and issuing the necessary certifications upon completion.
  • Building Inspectors: These professionals primarily focus on inspecting the construction work at various stages to ensure it meets the required standards. They report findings but do not typically issue approvals or certificates. Want to learn more about the types of reports Building Inspectors provide? Check out our detailed article here for insights on what to expect in their assessments and how these reports can help you stay informed throughout your building project!

In essence, certifiers manage the approval process, while inspectors monitor ongoing compliance.

Why Do You Need a Certifier?

Engaging a private certifier is vital for several reasons:

  • Compliance Assurance: Certifiers ensure that your project adheres to all relevant laws, codes, and standards, helping to avoid potential legal issues down the line.
  • Streamlined Process: With a private certifier, the process can often be quicker than going through a local council, reducing delays in your project timeline.
  • Expert Guidance: They can provide valuable insights into regulatory requirements, which can help prevent costly mistakes during construction.

Who Regulates Private Certifiers in NSW?

In NSW, private certifiers are regulated by NSW Fair Trading under the Building and Development Certifiers Act. This legislation outlines the obligations and standards that certifiers must adhere to, including avoiding conflicts of interest. Fair Trading conducts oversight to ensure that certifiers operate independently and uphold the public interest. They also provide practice advice like Can a certifier act as principal certifying authority (PCA) for a cousin’s development? See the answer at the link here. This is to ensure Private Certifiers understand their responsibilities.

Can a Certifier Give Advice?

Yes, a private certifier can offer general advice on the legislative requirements for your project. However, it’s important to understand that while certifiers can inform you about compliance, they are not permitted to advise you on how to achieve that compliance—especially regarding specific design solutions.

The non-advise policy ensures that the certifier’s role remains impartial and maintains the integrity of the certification process. Fair Trading NSW makes it clear that certifiers cannot provide advice on

“how to amend plans/specifications to comply with the BCA or a legislative requirement.”

This is where EzFeasy comes in. As consultants, we can provide the guidance that certifiers cannot. While we’re not certifiers, we have over 10 years of experience working with them and are well-versed in the approval process in NSW. We offer pre-purchase or pre-commencement reports to identify potential issues early on, and we help you navigate the rules and regulations to secure the smoothest, fastest path to approval.

Can a Certifier Tell You How to Get Approval?

While certifiers can guide you on the steps required for approval, they cannot specify the exact changes needed to your building plans. They can advise on general compliance but must remain impartial, and they are also restricted from assisting with crafting specific solutions to meet the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Additionally, certifiers cannot complete any steps on your behalf, such as lodging applications via the NSW Planning Portal.

EzFeasy steps in to simplify the complex compliance requirements, guiding you every step of the way. We tailor your building plans to meet approval standards and manage the entire submission process for you. From pre-filling forms to lodging applications through the NSW Planning Portal, we ensure a smooth, streamlined path to approval.

Image courtesy of Dynamic Approvals:

NSW Approval Pathways Flowchart

How EzFeasy Can Help Where Certifiers Cannot

While private certifiers play a vital role in ensuring compliance, their guidance is limited by the Building and Development Certifiers Act and a strict code of conduct, preventing them from providing specific advice. This is where EzFeasy steps in as a consultant, acting on behalf of clients and offering personalised support throughout the planning and approval process.

Providing Tailored Solutions
Unlike certifiers, EzFeasy can recommend specific design solutions to meet compliance requirements. Our hands-on approach allows us to identify the best path forward for your project.

Pre-Submission Guidance
EzFeasy thoroughly reviews your plans before submission, pinpointing any potential compliance issues to help you avoid costly mistakes.

Navigating the Approval Process
We clarify the approval pathways and required documentation, providing insights into what certifiers will evaluate during their review.

With EzFeasy by your side, you can move forward with confidence, avoiding common approval pitfalls and gaining clarity where certifiers must remain impartial. Whether you’re planning a simple renovation or a more ambitious project, EzFeasy makes the path to approval much easier. For tailored assistance, email us at hello@ezfeasy.com.au.

Take Away

Understanding the role of private certifiers in the building approval process in NSW is essential for anyone considering a construction project. From ensuring compliance to streamlining the approval process, private certifiers are invaluable resources. However, when navigating the finer details of compliance and planning, EzFeasy can provide the additional guidance you need to make your building project successful.

If you want to begin your building journey, consider contacting EzFeasy for expert consultancy where private certifiers cannot offer specific advice. EzFeasy and your certifier can help ensure that your project complies with regulations and proceeds smoothly from start to finish!


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