Building and certification

Building Commission NSW - new building industry regulator: December 2023

Building and construction related work areas of NSW Fair Trading are being transitioned to the new Building Commission NSW. These areas include inspections and compliance, licensing, complaints and policy.

Find out more

This page outlines building and certification-related processes and requirements, including fire safety, pools and spas.

If you're planning on building and your Development Application (DA) is approved (consent issued), you must:

have a Construction Certificate (CC)
appoint a Principal Certifier (PC) to carry out inspections during the construction process.

Appoint a Principal Certifier

You will need to appoint a PC before starting any building work. A PC is a registered certifier that oversees the construction or subdivision process. The PC carries out the required inspections throughout the construction period at critical stages. The PC's role is to ensure the development is completed in line with the:

conditions of the development consent, approved plans and documents
National Construction Code (NCC)
any associated restrictions listed on the title of the property.

Once construction is complete

Once building work has finished, your PC will complete final inspections and may issue the Occupation Certificate if you've met all requirements.

Increase to BASIX standards: From 1 October 2023

BASIX standards have increased to help make our homes more comfortable year-round - and we won't need to rely on heating and cooling technology as much. An average house that meets the higher standards will save $1,070 each year on their energy bill.

Read about the changes

The construction process

Find out about the steps required during the construction approval process so that you can use or occupy your building.

Complying development

This approval combines the functions of a Development Application and a Construction Certificate for development that meets relevant standards under State planning policies.

Owner-builders

An Owner-Builder Permit allows people with skill and capacity to build their own house or supervise construction. Find out about getting a permit and becoming an owner-builder.

Pools and spas

Get useful information about the requirements of owning a pool in NSW, including pool registration and inspections, pool safety, and barrier design requirements.

Building inspection request

Use our online form to request a building inspection for your property.

Fire safety

This page outlines the fire safety requirements for new and existing buildings. This includes the requirement to lodge an Annual Fire Safety Statement.