Principal Certifier
An accredited professional who checks building plans and works for compliance and issues CCs and OCs.
A private certifier (building certifier) is an accredited professional authorised to carry out building certification functions "issuing Construction Certificates (CCs), Complying Development Certificates (CDCs), Occupation Certificates (OCs) and carrying out mandatory inspections. They check that plans and building work comply with the Building Code, approvals and relevant standards. They do not replace council in assessing DAs (unless it's CDC) but handle the building approval and inspection side. You pay them directly, and they must act impartially.
What does it mean for my project?
You will need either council or a private certifier to issue CC/CDCs and OCs for most building work. Choosing a certifier is an important decision . they will be visiting your site multiple times. Certifiers can stop work or refuse certificates if they believe work is non-compliant. Early engagement with a certifier can help identify potential issues before construction starts
What do I need to think about?
Certifiers are not project managers," they won't manage your builder or resolve all disputes. A private certifier cannot certify their own design work in some circumstances (conflict of interest rules). You can't "shop aroundfor certifiers mid-job without formally changing appointments. Certifiers are regulated and can face disciplinary action if they don't perform their role properly
Examples where it might impact a project
We used a private certifier as our principal certifier, they did all the inspections and were much faster than council.
State specific stuff...
No state specific requirements - used across Australia (check your local council for any local variations).