Building a New Home in Sydney? A Guide to Appointing Your Private Certifier

If you’re building a new home in Sydney, you’ll need to choose and formally appoint a Principal Certifier before building work starts. Speak with a private certifier earlier to understand what’s required and prepare for the appointment and certification process.

Key Takeaways:

• Speak with a private certifier during planning, but formally appoint your Principal Certifier before building work starts. 
• You, your builder and your Principal Certifier have separate responsibilities; the certifier independently assesses compliance rather than managing the build.
• Plan certification requirements and required inspections alongside construction so they’re accounted for as the build progresses.

Table of Contents:

• When Should You Engage a Private Certifier for a New Home?
• What Should You Have Ready Before Appointing a Certifier?
• What Happens After You Appoint the Principal Certifier?
• What Are You, Your Builder and Your Certifier Responsible For?
• Make the Certifier Part of Your Planning 
• Frequently Asked Questions

You know you need a private certifier for your new home build, but the timing isn’t always clear. There’s a difference between speaking to a certifier about your project and formally appointing them as your Principal Certifier. 

When Should You Engage a Private Certifier for a New Home?

Engaging a certifier and formally appointing a Principal Certifier happen at different stages.

During the Planning and Approval Stage

You can involve a private certifier during the planning and approval stage. You don’t need to wait until your builder is ready to start on site.

At this stage, your certifier can clarify the certification requirements, documents and inspection stages relevant to your new home.

Formal appointment happens later, before building work starts. 

Before Building Work Starts

Your Principal Certifier must be formally appointed before building work starts. At this point, they take on their regulatory role for the build. 

The formal appointment is separate from any earlier discussions you’ve had with the certifier. As the property owner, you’re  responsible for making the appointment, not your builder.

What Should You Have Ready Before Appointing a Certifier?

You’ll need a few things in place before you can appoint your certifier. 

Your Approved Plans and Development Information

Have your approved plans and relevant development approval information ready so your certifier can identify your project and its approval pathway. 

Eastside Certifiers can confirm what documentation is needed based on your project and where it is in the approval process.

Your Builder or Owner-Builder Details

Have your builder’s details ready. If you’re building as an owner-builder, you’ll need to provide the relevant owner-builder details instead.

Your certifier will need these details before building work starts. 

The Certifier’s Registration and Insurance

Before making the appointment, check that the certifier holds the appropriate registration for your new home project and has the required insurance. You can also check their registration status and disciplinary history before you decide to appoint them.

For a more detailed checklist, see our 10 essential checks before appointing a private certifier. 

What Happens After You Appoint the Principal Certifier? 

Your Principal Certifier stays involved throughout construction, carrying out their certification and inspection responsibilities through to completion. 

Your Certifier Confirms What’s Required Before Work Proceeds

Before work proceeds, your Principal Certifier checks that the required approvals and documentation are in place and confirms the inspection stages your builder needs to allow for.

Your Certifier Carries Out the Required Inspections

Your Principal Certifier carries out required inspections at key stages of construction. Your builder, or you if acting as an owner-builder, needs to let the certifier know when the work is ready to be inspected before moving past a required inspection stage. 

At each required inspection, the certifier assesses the relevant stage of work against the approved plans and applicable requirements.

Any Compliance Issues Need to Be Addressed

If an inspection identifies a compliance issue, the certifier will advise what needs to be addressed before the relevant work can progress or be certified. 

Depending on the issue, this may involve corrective work, additional documentation or another inspection.

Your Certifier Assesses the Work for Final Certification

When construction is complete, your Principal Certifier carries out the final inspection and checks that the required documentation and certification requirements are satisfied. 

Once the applicable requirements are satisfied, the Principal Certifier can issue the Occupation Certificate required before the new home is occupied.  

What Are You, Your Builder and Your Certifier Each Responsible For?

You, your builder and your Principal Certifier each have different responsibilities during the build. Understanding who is responsible for what helps keep the certification process clear.

Your Responsibilities as the Homeowner 

As the property owner, you’re responsible for choosing and formally appointing your Principal Certifier. You’ll also need to provide the required project information and keep your builder informed about the certification and inspection requirements that apply to the build. 

Your Builder’s Responsibilities 

Your builder is responsible for carrying out the work in accordance with the approved plans and applicable requirements. They also need to coordinate the required inspections with the Principal Certifier before work moves beyond each required inspection stage. 

Your Principal Certifier’s Responsibilities 

Your Principal Certifier independently assesses the work against the approved plans and applicable requirements.

They don’t manage the builder or supervise construction on your behalf. They carry out the required inspections and can only issue certificates when the applicable requirements have been satisfied.

Make the Certifier Part of Your Planning 

Bringing your private certifier into the project before construction is about to begin gives you time to understand the certification requirements before they affect the build.

When certification is planned alongside construction, required inspections can be accounted for as part of the build rather than dealt with when a certificate is needed. 

Planning a new home in Sydney? Contact Eastside Certifiers to discuss your project and the certification requirements that apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the same certifier issue my Construction Certificate and be my Principal Certifier? 

Yes. The same registered certifier can issue your Construction Certificate and act as your Principal Certifier, but they don’t have to be the same certifier. You can choose a different registered certifier or council for each role. 

Can I use council instead of a private certifier for my new home?

Yes. Your Principal Certifier can be your local council, a registered building surveyor or a registered certification company. The property owner chooses who to appoint. 

Can I change my Principal Certifier after they’ve been appointed?

Yes, but you can’t simply appoint a new certifier and transfer the project yourself. A Principal Certifier can be replaced by agreement between you, the current certifier and the proposed replacement, or through approval from Building Commission NSW where agreement can’t be reached. 

How much does a private certifier cost for a new home in Sydney?

There isn’t one standard fee for private certification. Certifiers set their own fees, which can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project. Ask for the certification fees and what they cover before making your appointment.