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If you have concerns about a development not being built in accordance with the approved plans, the first step is to speak directly with the Private Certifier responsible for the site.
Their contact details for the Certifier can be found on the site signage at the front of the development.
Should you feel that your concerns have not been addressed by the Private Certifier, a customer request can be logged for Council's Development Compliance Liaison Officer to investigate.
Private Certifiers
A private certifier (also called a registered certifier in NSW) is an independent building professional who checks that building work meets NSW planning laws, the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and relevant Australian Standards. Their job is to make sure new buildings, renovations and additions are safe, legal and built correctly.
If a private certifier is appointed the role of the Principal Certifier (PC), they can issue approvals such as
- Construction Certificates (CCs),
- Complying Development Certificates (CDCs)
- Occupation Certificates (OCs).
Private certifiers in NSW are regulated by the Building Commission NSW, which makes sure certifiers are properly trained, registered, monitored, and held accountable. This includes their registration, auditing, complaints handling, and disciplinary action.
- The Building Commission NSW is responsible for:
- Registering all building and subdivision certifiers
- Investigating complaints against certifiers
- Auditing certifiers and councils acting as certifying authorities
To make a complaint or report a Private certifier visit the NSW Building Commission website to lodge Contact Building Commission NSW | NSW Government