On this page you will find information about:
Duties of a private certifier How to know if a private certifier is registered How to engage a private certifier What information needs to be provided to the private certifier Duties of a private certifier
Private certifiers can perform the same duties as councils in relation to the
building rules assessment function.
These duties include:
- assess proposed developments against the building rules
- assign classifications
- grant building rules consents
- impose conditions under which the building work must be constructed
- issue essential safety provisions
- issue certificates of occupancy.
Private certifiers must be registered and follow a code of practice (PDF 72KB). For an alternative version of this document see planning contacts.
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How to know if a private certifier is registered
Evidence of registration is a certificate confirming registration with the private certifier’s number on it. You should ask to see it if it is not displayed.
For a listing of registered private certifiers see List of registered private certifiers.
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How to engage a private certifier
You are required to engage a private certifier under a written agreement. If you are not the owner of the land you need to notify the land owner that you propose to engage a private certifier. If the proposed development is a house, obtain the written consent of the land owner before engaging a private certifier.
The agreement with a private certifier is usually in the form of a pro-forma and should outline the services to be provided, including the fee that will be charged for the services. The fee charged is usually by agreement between the two parties.
Upon being engaged to carry out the building rules assessment, the private certifier will notify the relevant council of their engagement.
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What information needs to be provided to the private certifier
You should contact the private certifier to determine the documents that will be required and how many copies. In addition to the construction documents for the proposed development, provide the certifier with copies of the following:
- any prior consents or approvals that have been obtained, such as the development plan consent
- if the builder has been engaged prior to the application for building rules consent, evidence of a current certificate of building indemnity insurance.
- evidence that the Construction Industry Training Levy has been paid.
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More information
On this site
List of registered private certifiers
Getting approval to build
Complaints about a private certifier or council
Downloads
What is private building certification (PDF 184KB)
For an alternative version of this document see planning contacts.
Legislation
Development Act 1993
Development Regulations 2008