Everything you need to know about finding a Building Certifier

So you are constructing a new building or undertaking some major renovations. Chances are you will need the services of a building certifier. What exactly is a building certifier and what do they do? Read on to learn more.

What is a Building Certifier?

A building certifier is the professional that is responsible for obtaining the building permits for extensions or additions and any other permits that are required before any major alterations can be done to a home, or before new buildings can be built. The certifier can be employed by the local government or they can operate privately.

What Do Building Certifiers Do?

Building certifiers are responsible for issuing building permits amongst other things. Once the permit is obtained, the certifier has five business days by law to give the property owner a copy of the permit. The permit carries the details of who the certifier is as well as their contact details.

The building certifier carries out all of the inspections that are associated with the building work. These inspections ensure that the building work that is being done complies to all of the requirements that are set out by varying levels of government, whether local, state or federal. If the inspection does not meet the standards set out in the permit, then the certifier can take the action that is necessary to ensure that the work comes up to standard.

As well, building certifiers:

• Issue Certificates of Completion
• Issue Construction Certificates
• Issue Complying Development Certificates
• Issue Compliance Certificates
• Issue Occupation/Final Certificates
• Give advice on planning and building regulations during the design stages of the project
• Assess designs to see if they meet the standards of the Building Code of Australia
• Do safety audits such as fire and life safety in existing buildings
• Conduct Due Diligence Inspections

Building certifiers may also work with the following, among others:

• Fire engineers
• Local government authorities
• Energy efficiency rating consultants
• Town planning consultants
• Architects
• Structural engineers
• Electrical consultants
• Landscape architects
• Acoustic consultants

Private Certifiers 

A private building certifier carries out the same tasks but works for a private company. Therefore a private certifier can easily refuse work or pull out of a project where as a building certifier working for the council generally cannot.

Hiring a Building Certifier

You can opt to use a building certifier that is either hired by the government or private but it is vital that they are appropriately licensed. This is done through the Building Services Authority (BSA) or through the building services authority in your state. The certifier should provide a quote containing what services they offer and at what cost. You will have to sign some sort of a contract with your certifier. Signing the Engagement Agreement means that you accept all of the terms that are outlined in the contract.