Tips for Working With a Building Certifier in Australia
Posted on: 16 May 2016
When constructing any type of building, be that a commercial establishment or residential home, you need to have a building certifier inspect your progress along the way. Note a few considerations about working with a building certifier and the work they do, and what you can expect during this process so you're sure to get your building properly certified as easily as possible.
1. Are all certifiers provided by local council?
You can actually work with a private certifier; this is someone who is licensed to provide and conduct inspections and who is familiar with local codes and town planning approval processes. This private certifier enters into an agreement with you or the builder, and notifies their local town council about this agreement. Note that, even though you may have hired a private certifier, they are still bound by their code of conduct and must not do anything that would compromise public health and safety. In other words, you're paying them to perform the work and inspections; you're not actually buying a favorable inspection or certification.
2. When do inspections begin?
A building certifier needs to note if your proposed building work complies with all building legislation in your area, which means that their inspections actually begin before your work begins. They may inspect your blueprints or engineering drawings, the land or lot itself, any existing structures, and the like. You need to get this approval of the building work before you can begin actual construction.
The foundation and slab also need to be inspected before concrete is poured. As construction progresses, the certifier will also inspect the framework and this is done before any cladding or linings of any sort are added.
3. What is the builder's responsibility?
The builder needs to inform the certifier as to when inspections can be completed; even if the builder has a particular timeframe of when the next phase of construction will be done, it is not up to the certifier to manage the inspection calendar, but the builder must notify him or her. Note too that the builder is responsible for the quality of work that is done; the certifier may note why certain work is not up to building codes, but it's not up to them to direct how to address these problems or how to improve the overall quality of workmanship. They will note if workmanship meets legal standards, but are not responsible for standards above and beyond these legal limits.
For more information about having your building site inspected, contact a company like Local Fire.
Share