Building and construction/Certificates

Certificates

Learning resources for Building and construction/BCGBC4008A

Introduction | Web resources | Sample documents | Key points | Case studies | 

Introduction

Certificates are legal documents issued for varying purposes during the duration of a construction project and include;

• Construction certificate - Approval for construction issued by local council or Principal Certifying Authority (PCA)

• Progress claim certifcates - a formal request for payment

• Essential services certificates - documentary evidence of compliance e.g. waterproofing, smoke alarms, termite barriers etc

• Occupancy certificate - issued by the principle certifying authority to allow occupation of premises

Web resources

Samples and resources on Certificates

• City of Sydney - Construction Certificate guide
• Woollahara Municipal Council - What is a Construction Certificate
• Yellamo - Principal Certifying Authority Building Certificates
• Conveyancing - Certificate of Occupancy
• Albury city - Construction certificate
• A collection of general construction links

Sample Documents

This page has been established to upload sample documents to provide teachers with useful teaching resources. Please note these samples are "generic" and will need to be altered to suit specific projects.

• HIA Victoria - Progress Claim Certificates
• Wodonga City Council - Occupancy Permit/Final Certificate
• Coffs Harbour City Council - Application for an Occupation Certificate
• TermiteForce - Termite Certificates and Paperwork

Key points

1. It is the owner's right to choose a certifying authority who will issue the relevant certificates after inspecting the relevant stages of construction.

2. Under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act in NSW the Principal Certifying Authority (capable of issuing construction, occupancy and compliance certificates) can be the local council or a registered private certifier.

3. Some types of development (normally minor in nature) can be directly approved by the issue of a complying development certificate by the PCA (Principal Certifying Authority).

4. Builders can generally issue a waterproofing certificate if the works have been performed or supervised by them directly.

5. Other essential service certificates (termite barriers, smoke alarms, electrical and plumbing services) must be issued by specialist licenced tradesmen.

Case studies

• Sydney Morning Herald - Hundreds of building certificates may be void
• Allens Arthur Robinson: Case Note - Progress Certificates
• Mallesons Stephen Jaques: Case Note - Issuing progress certificates