When carrying out a construction project in Australia, getting the approval of a certifier is necessary before you proceed further with the development project. The certifier is responsible for issuing a development certificate that confirms satisfactory legislative requirements have been met. They also regularly inspect the construction and subdivision work at important stages, allowing you to always remain on track during the process.

Different certifiers are suited for various types of development projects. It is therefore important for you to understand the important role that certifiers play during construction and development in order to select the most suitable certifier for your needs.

What does a certifier do?

Certifiers are responsible for issuing important permissions and certificates to project owners and building contractors. Some of their responsibilities involve:

Reviewing applications for construction certificates

Before a construction project can be carried out, the responsible parties must submit an application for a construction certificate. This certificate is the permission that allows them to proceed with a construction project. The certifier will ensure that all the proposed plans that pertain to the project have been carried out according to the requirements of the local municipality.

The certifier may also be selected as the principal certifying authority for a development project. This means that the certifier will be the primary contact for the project owner to approach anytime they need to obtain certain legislative permissions.

Issuing development certificates

The certifier is also responsible for issuing a development certificate to a construction project. This certificate enables the project owner to proceed with the construction after submitting their initial plans to the certifying authority.

Inspecting the construction project

A critical role for certifiers is to carry out regular inspections at critical stages of the construction project. The certifiers will visit a construction site and inspect the building for safety standards, compliance with development objectives, and other legislative requirements. These inspections are important because they ensure that all construction projects are safe and are being done for the intended purpose.

Issuing occupying certificate

At the completion of the construction project, certifiers ensure that the final building is ready for occupation according to the required legislative standards. Once this is done, they issue an occupying certificate that clears the building for occupancy.

Choosing the right certifier

There are different types of certifiers suited for many different functions. While some may generally inspect the entire project for basic compliance, other certifiers focus on specific areas such as fire safety or plumbing/waste management.

It is important to ensure that the certifier is properly accredited for their basic functions before you seek their services.