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How Building Certifiers And Building Inspectors Differ

Building Certification And Building Inspection

Building a new home or renovation is a hectic and stressful process with lots to do and many regulations to follow.
The process is costly, confusing, and energy-consuming, especially if this is your first time building.

Various professionals and tradespeople are involved, and the uninitiated may not realise each role. For example, the most common confusion is between a building certifier and a building inspector

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Building certification inspection by a building certifier

A building certifier’s inspection makes the difference between a property’s success and failure – the inspection verifies that the property was built in compliance with all government regulations. 

Building certifiers ensure that building work complies with all requirements set by various levels of government, whether local, state or federal, where compliance is mandatory and enforceable.

In Queensland, certifiers can issue building permits for construction works, carry out prescribed inspections and issue formal documentation and inspection certificates for the construction project. You can read more about what a building certifier does


The Building certifier’s role is to:

  •  Assess and approve plans for new or altered buildings;
  •  Inspect construction work at the prescribed stages;
  •  Issue inspection certificates to the building owner after the inspections;
  •  Issue enforcement notices for building work where necessary;
  •  Issue the final certification that a building can be occupied.

Building certifiers are NOT responsible for monitoring the construction site.
They do not check that construction work is of acceptable quality and workmanship or that the builder complies with the building contract with the home owners.
However, during an inspection, if it is found that the work has not been carried out in accordance to the submitted and approved building plans.

In that case, the certifier can take all necessary measures to ensure that the construction work complies with the legal requirements.

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The certifier is not there to ensure that the build complies with building warranties or and insurance requirements. Certifiers are solely responsible for the approval, inspection and certification of building works:

Whether employed by a council or in private practice like A1 Certifiers, all building certifiers issuing permits in Queensland must be QBCC licensed with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). They must also be registered with the appropriate accreditation body, such as the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) or the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

As well as inspecting construction work, a certifier also performs the following duties:

  • Gives certificate of inspection to the builder after examining his work.
  • Issues final certificates for allowing occupation of the building.
  • Sends enforcement notices if and when necessary.Inspects constructions work at various stages.
  • Approves plans for new constructions like additions, extensions or alterations.

Building And Pest Inspection By A Building Inspector

A building and pest inspection is a visual examination of the current condition of the property compared to similar properties of similar age, construction and condition – carried out by a qualified building inspector in accordance with Australian Standards.
This report focuses on the standard of quality and workmanship of a building, for example:

  •     Whether it has been completed to a recognised satisfactory standard;
  •     Listing of unprofessional work – from inappropriate materials to incomplete work;
  •     Non-structural defects, problems and conditions may contribute to structural problems

Building inspections can uncover any hidden surprises in a property which includes pests like termites and termite damage and unlicensed DIY self work. They save lives when they discover potential safety issues.
There are many different circumstances in which an inspection may be required, including the below circumstances.

The typical times a building Inspector is used

  •     Building inspections before purchasing a home
  •     Building inspections during the new build phase
  •     Building handover inspections
  •     Building inspections under warranty

Building inspectors list visible defects, assess their severity and recommend action within a specified time frame. 

A building inspection can be used as a warranty for your new build within 12 months to rectify any mistakes made by a contractor during construction.
It gives you peace of mind and provides you with the information you need to make your property decisions.

Brisbane Building Certifiers

A1 certifiers are private certifiers in Brisbane who can help you get your building plans lodged and approved with the local council and then ensure that your new home build or renovation is being completed to the building plans and meets all requirements under the building legislation and national construction code.
Get in touch today for any advice you may need when getting started with your building journey.

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