At what stage should I speak to a building certifier?
You should speak to a building certifier before applying for Building Approval (BA) and before construction starts.
For a dual occupancy that requires BA, you must appoint a licensed building surveyor as the building certifier. The certifier reviews the building plans for compliance, decides the Building Approval application and carries out required inspections during construction.
It can also be helpful to involve a certifier earlier in the design process, particularly where there are complex building-code or compliance issues, so these can be identified before the plans are finalised.
Reference: ACT Building Approvals – https://www.planning.act.gov.au/applications-and-assessments/building-approvals
Short Answer
Speak to a building certifier before applying for Building Approval and before construction starts. Involving them earlier in the design process can also help identify building-code and compliance issues.
Detailed Explanation
Where a dual occupancy requires Building Approval, a licensed building surveyor must be appointed as the building certifier as part of the Building Approval process.
The certifier's statutory functions include assessing the Building Approval application, deciding applications for commencement notices and undertaking required inspections during construction.
Accordingly, the certifier must be appointed before Building Approval is obtained and before building work commences. Earlier consultation during design may assist in identifying NCC and other building compliance requirements.
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