A Construction Certificate (CC) is a type of approval issued by a certifying authority, which confirms that the detailed construction plans and specifications of a development are consistent with the development consent previously granted and comply with the relevant building codes and standards.

It's an essential step in the building approval process in Australia.

Here’s a breakdown of its purpose and significance:

• Verification of Compliance: Before construction work begins, the Construction Certificate ensures that the proposed work complies with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and any relevant Australian Standards.
• Consistency with Development Consent: If a Development Application (DA) has been approved by the council, the Construction Certificate verifies that the detailed construction plans and construction reports align with this approval.
• Legal Requirement: In New South Wales, it's illegal to commence construction without both a Development Consent (for developments that require it) and a Construction Certificate.
• Issued by Certifying Authorities: A Construction Certificate can be issued either by a Principal Certifying Authority (either the local council or by an accredited private certifier), depending on the jurisdiction.
• Pre-construction Requirement: Before any building work starts, the Construction Certificate must be obtained. This ensures that all construction is carried out according to the approved plans and relevant standards.

A Construction Certificate involves construction drawings, structural engineering, building specifications, council fees (if applicable), long service fees, and meeting the requirements of the Development Approval.

Once the Construction Certificate is submitted through the NSW Planning Portal and assessed and inspected by the Principal Certifying Authority, the Construction Certificate is issued, and work can begin!

• How long does it take to get a Construction Certificate in NSW?
  
  The assessment, inspection, and determination period varies depending on the complexities of the building project. At Sorensen Design, we work with reliable and local private certifiers who can issue the Construction Certificate as soon as possible so building work can begin.
  
  
• Do you have a schedule of fees?
  
  No, our quotes are tailored to the area, the size and complexities of the job, and how much work is expected.
  
  
• Do I need a NSW Construction Certificate for renovations?
  
  It depends on the scope of the work. Any structural changes to the exterior of an existing building will require council approval.
  
  
• Do I need any more certification for my new build?
  
  At some stage, you will need to get a final Occupation Certificate issued by the local council or a private certifier. We can apply for an Occupation Certificate alongside the Development Application or Complying Development Certificate. Alternatively, you can apply for a standalone Occupation Certificate.
  
• Can you recommend a local builder?
  
  Absolutely. Once we have Development Approval, we can refer an experienced, reliable builder who can provide a quote for their services. We recommend having a builder on board during the Construction Certificate process so they can start building as soon as the Certificate is approved.

• We have been established since 2002 and are multi-award winning building designers and town planners
• We have just been awarded the 2022 HIA Residential Design Award Winner!
• We have just recognised as a finalist in the 2022 BDAA National Design Awards in the Multi-Residential Buildings Category, for our Burbong Street Dual Occupancy
• We have been members of the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) continuously since 2004
• Our Director Adrian Sorensen is an open accredited chartered building designer with the Building Designers of Australia Association (BDAA), with over 25 years of building design experience
• We use licensed copies of archicad software, so we can produce high resolution 3D images of your project
• All of our staff are fully qualified with multiple years of building design and town planning experience

• We are a dedicated and enthusiastic company that services a wide area. However, we only take on a sufficient amount of clients to provide service of the highest levels
• We are familiar with all council requirements, lodging your development application (DA) on your behalf, as well as engaging all other sub consultants e.g. structural engineers and surveyors where required
• Our most recent award proudly is the 2022 HIA Residential Design Award Winner!
• Winner of numerous other BDAA awards for renovations, new houses, multi-residential design, dual occupancy, alterations and additions, as well as bathrooms, kitchens and interiors
• We are passionate about what we do!