Don't Inherit Someone Else's Certification Uncertainty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my project eligible for CDC?

Most standard residential projects in NSW qualify - including new homes, duplexes, granny flats, extensions, garages, decks, and swimming pools. Eligibility depends on zoning, lot size, and any site-specific overlays such as bushfire prone land, flood-affected land, or heritage items. Contact us for a free eligibility assessment.

What documents do I need to provide?

For most residential CDCs, you will need architectural plans, a structural engineering report, a BASIX certificate, a Section 10.7 planning certificate, and a Sydney Water building plan approval. We send you a precise, itemised checklist following your initial enquiry so there is no guesswork.

What does CDC certification cost?

Our fees vary depending on the project type, size, and complexity — we don't publish fixed prices because no two projects are the same. Call us on 0421 936 489 or submit the quote form for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your project.

What is the difference between a CDC and a DA?

A Development Application (DA) is lodged with your local council and assessed under council-specific rules. The average determination time across NSW is 60 to 120 days. A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is assessed by an accredited private certifier against state-wide SEPP codes, bypassing council entirely and typically completing in 10 to 15 business days.

What if my project does not qualify for CDC?

We will advise you clearly and honestly - including if your project requires a DA. Where a DA is necessary, we can refer you to a trusted town planner and subsequently issue the Construction Certificate once DA consent is granted.

What happens during a construction stage inspection?

At each mandatory critical stage inspection — footings/excavation, slab, frame, wet area waterproofing, insulation, and final — the Principal Certifier arranges required inspections and assesses relevant work and documentation against the approval and applicable statutory requirements. Certifiers do not supervise trades or manage construction work. For a CDC, the mandatory inspection stages are set out in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021. A detailed written inspection report, including photographs, is issued on the same day as each inspection. If a compliance issue is identified, we advise you and your builder on the same day with a clear rectification pathway — We provide written inspection outcomes and identify the required compliance response.

Do I need an architect or draftsperson before contacting you?

No. You may engage us with nothing more than a concept or a builder's sketch. We can advise you on what plans are required and refer you to a qualified building designer if needed.