When you’re embarking on a construction project—whether it’s a new home, an extension, or a commercial development—obtaining a building certificate is a critical step. However, many property owners and developers find the process can be slow, frustrating, and full of red tape.
The good news? With the right preparation and strategies, you can speed up your building certification process and avoid unnecessary delays. Here’s how.
What Is a Building Certificate?
A building certificate in Australia (particularly in NSW) is a document issued by a council or private certifier that confirms a structure complies with relevant planning and building regulations. It’s essential for:
- New builds and renovations
- Selling a property with unapproved works
- Legalising existing structures
Depending on your location and project scope, you may need:
- A development application (DA)
- A construction certificate (CC)
- An occupation certificate (OC)
Each stage involves assessment by a certifier who ensures your plans meet building codes, environmental regulations, and safety standards.
Why Building Certification Can Be Delayed
Common causes of delay include:
- Incomplete or inaccurate documentation
- Lack of clarity in architectural or engineering plans
- Failure to comply with planning laws
- Delays in obtaining supporting certificates (e.g. fire safety, stormwater)
- Slow council response times
- Miscommunication between stakeholders
Fortunately, many of these issues are preventable. Here are some simple, effective ways to fast-track your certification process.
- Choose the Right Certifier Early
You can use either:
- A council certifier, or
- A private certifier (also known as a Principal Certifying Authority or PCA)
Private certifiers are often faster and more flexible than councils, as they’re not handling as many competing projects. Choose one early in your planning phase, ideally before submitting your DA or CDC (Complying Development Certificate).
Tips:
- Look for someone experienced with your project type
- Ask about turnaround times and communication
- Check that they’re registered with the NSW Building Professionals Board
- Ensure Your Plans Are Fully Compliant
One of the biggest causes of delay is submitting plans that don’t meet building code or zoning regulations. Avoid “design first, check later” – instead, ensure your design aligns with:
- Local council zoning
- Bushfire/flood regulations
- BASIX requirements (NSW only)
- Heritage overlays or environmental constraints
Engage your architect or designer to review compliance at every stage. Many certifiers also offer pre-lodgement assessments, which can catch issues early.
- Submit a Complete, Accurate Application
Missing information or errors in your application will lead to requests for further information (RFIs), which are a major source of delays.
Check that your submission includes:
- Accurate and detailed architectural drawings
- Structural engineering reports
- Site survey and stormwater drainage plans
- Fire safety compliance (for commercial/multi-residential projects)
- Relevant certificates (BASIX, energy efficiency, heritage, etc.)
If you’re unsure, use your certifier’s checklist or ask your builder or project manager to review before submission.
- Opt for Complying Development (CDC) If Eligible
In NSW and some other states, many low-impact developments (e.g. new homes, granny flats, garages) may qualify for a Complying Development Certificate instead of a full DA.
The CDC process is significantly faster, often taking 10 days or less, as long as your proposal meets strict standards.
Eligible works typically include:
- Single dwellings
- Secondary dwellings (granny flats)
- Pools and sheds
- Internal renovations
Tip: Ask your designer or certifier early on whether your project qualifies for a CDC—it can shave weeks or even months off your approval time.
- Respond to Requests Quickly
If your certifier requests more information, delays are often caused by slow responses from clients or consultants.
Tips:
- Nominate a single point of contact to manage communication
- Set internal deadlines for responses
- Keep your engineer, builder, and designer in the loop so they can act fast
Being responsive can cut days or even weeks off your total timeframe.
- Stay Organised With a Project Timeline
Establish a clear timeline with key milestones:
- Design finalisation
- Certificate submissions
- Contractor bookings
- Site preparation
Use tools like Trello, Microsoft Teams, or Google Sheets to track deadlines and responsibilities. This helps ensure no part of the process is overlooked or delayed.
- Work With Experienced Professionals
Engage consultants and builders who regularly work with certifiers and know how to prepare compliant documentation.
Experienced professionals:
- Anticipate potential issues
- Understand council expectations
- Maintain strong industry relationships
Spending a bit more upfront on seasoned experts can lead to major time savings overall.
- Schedule Inspections in Advance
Building works often require inspections by the certifier at certain stages (e.g. slab, framing, final). Missing or rescheduling these inspections due to poor coordination can cause costly hold-ups.
Tip:
Coordinate your certifier’s availability with your builder’s construction schedule. Book key inspections ahead of time and confirm them well in advance.
Final Thoughts
The building certification process doesn’t have to be a bottleneck. With early planning, complete documentation, and strong professional support, you can navigate the system smoothly—and get your project moving faster.
If in doubt, reach out to a private certifier or building consultant for advice tailored to your situation. A little preparation goes a long way toward a hassle-free experience.
