Self Certification & Third Party Verification (NSW)

In the building process, builders and trade contractors either rely on, or are required to give to other parties, self-certification or third party verification documents.

These documents can be for two main purposes:

• to confirm the design of a component or element of the building meets certain requirements, or
• to confirm that something has been built as per the design and relevant building standards.

The certifying authority (whether council or an accredited certifier) may ask for these documents before giving a construction certificate or before issuing an occupation certificate.

The areas were verification is often required by the certifying authority include:

• engineering reports structural, hydraulic, geo-technical, drainage, or the like
• fire safety reports,
• bushfire assessments,
• plumbing work
• electrical work,
• wet area waterproofing,
• installation of termite management systems and
• survey plans.

It is vital that any verification documents you receive or give include, as a minimum, the following information. This will ensure that the builder can rely on these documents should there ever be a dispute.

a) Identification Details – Property and Signatory

The full address of the property including Lot and Deposited Plan Number covered by the Certificate

• Professional details of the Signatory of the Certificate plus their contact information – company name, address, phone number, license, accreditation or professional membership details.
• Date of effect of certification recorded on the certificate.

b) Details of the Scope of the verification/certificate

• A detailed description of the part of the product or building covered by the Certificate.
• A full description of the work or service covered by the Certificate.

c) Technical References

• Specific reference to the relevant clause of the Building Code of Australia and any related Australian Standard including the year of adoption against which the work has been designed or carried out,
• Reference to any other relevant provision as well as any relevant standard specification required by the manufacturer of the product or material installed.

Questions regarding specific certification requirements under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act for a construction certificate (building approval), during building works or for an occupation certificate should be obtained from the local council or accredited certifier who is responsible for the project.

The NSW Building Professionals Board can also provide more information in relation to building certification.