When building or renovating in NSW, it can be tempting to think about building certification once the project is almost finished.
But certification should start well before the final inspection.
Building certification is an ongoing process throughout construction. Depending on the type of project and the approved plans, certain stages of construction may need to be inspected before work can continue.
Why early certification matters
Leaving certification requirements until the end of a project can create unnecessary problems.
If required inspections have been missed, documentation is incomplete or work has progressed beyond a stage that needed inspection, it may be difficult and costly to resolve later.
This can potentially lead to:
- Construction delays
- Additional inspection costs
- Requests for further documentation
- Difficulty confirming compliance
- Delays in obtaining an Occupation Certificate
- Additional work if non-compliant building work is identified
Getting your certifier involved early helps ensure that the certification process keeps pace with construction.
What happens during construction?
Building certification isn’t simply about inspecting the finished building.
Throughout the project, your certifier may need to carry out inspections at specific stages of construction. These inspections provide an opportunity to confirm that work is being carried out in accordance with the relevant approval, plans and applicable building requirements.
The required inspection stages will depend on the project and the type of building work being undertaken.
The important thing is to understand these requirements before construction reaches each stage — not after.
Don’t wait until handover
One of the biggest mistakes a property owner or builder can make is contacting their certifier only when the building is ready for its final inspection.
By this point, many critical construction stages have already been completed.
If an issue is discovered at the end of the project, it may require investigation, additional documentation, rectification work or further inspections before the project can be finalised.
Early communication with your certifier can help identify potential issues sooner, when they are generally easier to address.
Certification from approval through to completion
A smooth certification process starts with planning.
Before construction begins, make sure you understand:
- What inspections are required
- When those inspections need to occur
- What documentation will be required
- What conditions apply to the approval
- What needs to be provided before an Occupation Certificate can be issued
Keeping your certifier informed throughout the project can help avoid last-minute surprises and keep the certification process moving alongside construction.
Building in Sydney or the Blue Mountains?
Whether you’re building a new home, undertaking alterations and additions or completing other building work, certification requirements need to be considered throughout the project.
Certiscope provides building certification services across Sydney and the Blue Mountains, helping property owners and builders navigate the certification process from approval through to completion.
Don’t leave certification until the final inspection.
Plan your certification from the beginning and give your project the best chance of reaching completion without unnecessary delays.
Need help with your building certification?
Contact Certiscope to discuss your project and certification requirements across Sydney and the Blue Mountains.