In Queensland, it is required by law for buildings to be assessed against the building assessments provisions – including Building Code of Australia (Volumes 1 & 2 of the National Construction Code), Queensland Development Code and various other regulations in Queensland.

Some of these provisions are – safety (structurally sound and has an adequate level of fire safety), sustainable and are designed with appropriate protection from pests, and address sewer and water connections on the property.

Building certifiers carry out building approvals/building certification as a Principal Certifying Authority. They are responsible for ensuring that the building work is in accordance with state legislative requirements, including:

• approve plans for new or altered buildings
• inspection of construction works at mandatory stages (such as slab, bond beam, frame and final stages in a typical home)
• issue certificates of inspection to builder (following inspections)
• give enforcement notices on work if required
• provide final certification

Whilst council can still provide certification, private certifiers are typically quicker – provided there are no planning issues. Acting independently from local government, the certifier assumes full responsibility for the certification work undertaken and lodge your approvals and final certificates to council for their records.

To keep your project flowing smoothly, it is important to fill out a Notice of Engagement Form which informs the relevant council that your building application is being undertaken by a private certifier.

It is not the building certifiers responsibility quality control, the builders’ compliance with the contract or supervision of the site.

Depending on the type of work required for approval, Fluid’s time frames can vary between a few days to up to a year. This is dependent on having paperwork and all the correct plans ready to go!

Some developments may also require a Development Approval (DA) from council, where the time taken will depend on the details of the application (such as whether the property is subject to character zoning restrictions etc), or if the DA is not approved (which requires a re-submission). If your building plans meet the standard conditions that have been previously approved, you may be issued a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) which avoids the DA process.

At Fluid, we understand that every minute counts. We attend to your approvals promptly, where they are digitally queued and tracked so you see where your project is up to.

A building approval can range between a few hundred dollars to a few thousand – depending on the what requires approval (carport, re-roof, new home etc., and lodgement fees with council.

It is always recommended that you seek building approval before commencing a project, where obtaining one after a structure has been built can incur more costs. Speak with our friendly team today and we can help provide you competitive quote.

Documentation required to start the building approvals process include:

• DA forms
• Site plans
• Elevations

Other documents which may be required include:

• Floor plans (if applicable)
• Owner Builder Permit

Please contact our friendly team – we will help get you started!

Depending on the type of work required for approval, Fluid’s time frames can vary between a few days to up to a year. This is dependent on having paperwork and all the correct plans ready to go!

Some developments may also require a Development Approval (DA) from council, where the time taken will depend on the details of the application (such as whether the property is subject to character zoning restrictions etc), or if the DA is not approved (which requires a re-submission).

If your building plans meet the standard conditions that have been previously approved, you may be issued a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) which avoids the DA process.

At Fluid, we understand that every minute counts. We attend to your approvals promptly, where they are digitally queued and tracked so you see where your project is up to.

Once the final inspections are carried out, your certifier issues your final approval form. You can also check this through our Fluid online tracking system.

What we need from you and what to expect.

We provide you with more insight on what plans we require for your project, and whether you can draw them yourself!

A guide of general setback requirements for Brisbane City Council, Moreton Bay Regional Council, Ipswich Council, Logan City Council, Redlands City Council & Gold Coast City Council.

The new edition of the NCC for fire separation requirements for Class 10a structures (patios and sheds).

Check if you require building approval for your minor residential structure with this form.

If you are looking to build on a property which has a sewer line within its boundaries, you may require an application through council. This flow chart can assist you to quickly determine out whether you require further action.

Class 10a buildings which are planned to be used for residential purposes are required to obtain relevant approvals before use. This fact sheet provides a brief overview on what to expect and what is required, along with other useful information.

BA Commercial Flow chart