Silver Certifiers Frequently Asked Questions

  • A private certifier is an independent licensed building professional hired to assess building plans, inspect construction work and issue necessary approvals like Construction Certificates, Complying Development Certificates and Final Occupation Certificates.

    A private certifier serves as an alternative to your local council, ensuring approved plans and building work comply with NSW building codes and regulations.

  • Both private certifiers and council certifiers hold identical legal authority under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to approve building projects.

    A private certifier can provide:

    • Fast turnaround times

    • Responsive communication

    • Flexible inspection scheduling

    • Streamlined project management

    The right certifier can help minimise delays and keep your project moving efficiently.

  • A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a fast-tracked combined planning and construction approval for straightforward residential developments. If your project meets pre-determined state standards, you can skip the lengthy Development Application (DA) process with your local council and get approved by a private certifier in a shorter period of time.

  • A Construction Certificate (CC) in NSW is a required building approval obtained after receiving council Development (DA) Consent but before any physical construction begins.

  • An Occupation Certificate (OC) is an official document in NSW that legally permits you to live in or use a newly built, altered or refurbished building. It verifies that the principal certifier is satisfied that the completed construction is safe, compliant with building codes, matches the approved plans and is ready for occupancy.

  • Private certifiers are independent public officials regulated by Building Commission NSW. They are required by law to act in the public interest and cannot bypass building codes to appease developers or builders.

  • If you have plans for a new home, duplex, ground and first floor addition, granny flat, studio, garage, carport, swimming pool, alfresco area, or retaining walls, we provide a full range of certification services including:

    • Construction Certificate (CC)

    • Complying Development Certificate (CDC)

    • Principal Certifier (PC) services

    • Occupation Certificate (OC) upon completion of our CC or CDC service, once the building has satisfactorily met all of the development phases and approvals.

  • A private certifier is a private business professional you hire to get your CC or CDC approval, instead of using the local council.

    The principal certifier is the job they do: the official title given to the person in charge of inspecting your mandatory critical stage inspections and signing off on the final paperwork for an Occupation Certificate.

    In short, a private certifier is an independent professional you can hire to do the job of a principal certifier.

  • The owner of the property is responsible for appointing the private certifier for a construction certificate approval or complying development project. Your builder or architect may guide you in the requirements, but ultimately, it is the homeowner's responsibility to appoint the private certifier.

    As part of your application process, a principal certifier is typically appointed through the NSW Planning Portal. You may choose a private certifier or a council certifier. Formal appointment of a principal certifier must occur before any building work begins.

  • Your draftsperson, architect or builder will assist in advising what can be approved under a complying development or what may require a full development application. We can assist you in determining the appropriate process by reviewing draft plans.

  • Timeframes vary depending on the project type and the quality of documentation provided. We will work with your builder, draftsperson, or architect on a project timeline and ensure we minimise delays.

  • Building work cannot commence until:

    1. A Construction Certificate or CDC has been issued

    2. A principal certifier has been appointed

    3. Any pre-commencement approval conditions have been satisfied

    4. Required notifications have been completed

  • In NSW, mandatory inspections are known as Critical Stage Inspections and are legally required checkpoints during construction to verify work meets building codes and approved plans. These inspections are essential for securing an Occupation Certificate.

    Property owners or builders must notify the private certifier at least 24 to 48 hours before a mandatory inspection is required. This ensures the certifier can schedule the inspection promptly and avoid delays to your project.

    Mandatory inspections depend on the type of development and may include:

    • Pool steel, coping steel

    • Swimming pool fence

    • Excavation and footings

    • Concrete slab or subfloor

    • Framework

    • Waterproofing

    • Stormwater

    • Final inspection

    Additional inspections may be required depending on the project.

  • Inspection bookings can usually be made with 24–48 hours notice. Contact our office to arrange inspections.

  • Contact our team for quotes, inspections, or certification advice via phone, email, or the enquiry form on our website. We’re happy to discuss your project and guide you through the certification process.

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