Our building certification team helps with building-related enquiries and lodging development applications. They are based in Toowoomba, but also:
- issue approvals for work across the region
- manage jobs across other Queensland local government areas.
Make an appointment with the duty building certifier in Toowoomba during office hours.
Our Council-affiliated certifier
Total Range Certification provides building approval and consultancy services for the construction industry, including for industrial and large commercial projects.
They also certify residential building work such as:
- new buildings
- extensions
- alterations
- additions
- sheds
- carports
- pergolas.
Visit the Total Range Certification website for more information.
Private certifiers
Legally, we cannot provide information about private certifiers.
To find a certifier, you can:
Certifiers perform building inspections to ensure buildings and structures match development approval and plans.
During the inspection, a certifier will confirm that your structure:
- was constructed accurately
- is in the approved location
- meets the appropriate standards.
This may include:
- measuring the height of handrails
- assessing the assembly of stairs, walkways and structural framing
- checking fire safety and energy efficiency.
If something doesn’t match the approved plans, standards or codes, you may need to:
- make changes to the building
- seek further development approvals
- apply for a compliance permit.
Building certifiers do not supervise work quality.
Instead, a certifier confirms that construction meets the approved plans and building standards.
Their inspections occur at specific stages, including footings, slab and frame. Approvals may also include extra inspection stages.
The contractor and owner are responsible for ensuring that the quality and finish of the building work are acceptable.
Some owners may engage an architect or designer to supervise this work.
All accredited Council and private building certifiers are bound by a code of conduct.
They must always act in the public interest. Severe penalties can apply if they fail in their duties.
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) audits the work of both building certifiers and private certifiers. It also investigates complaints, and can take disciplinary action if certifiers are guilty of professional misconduct.
Anyone can lodge a complaint with the QBCC against a certifier.
Building certifiers assess and inspect building work to ensure compliance with the:
They do not perform plumbing or planning-related approvals or inspections.
Building certifiers are licensed to certify:
- all buildings and structures (building surveyor unlimited)
- buildings and structures up to 3 storeys, with a floor area of up to 2000m2 (building surveyor limited)
- domestic buildings and structures (Class 1 and 10) up to 2 storeys, with a floor area of 500m2 (assistant building surveyor or building surveyor technician).
Certifiers often find that people haven't read the conditions in their development approval. They may have overlooked the timing of required inspections, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
For example, framing inspections must take place before installing insulation, lining and cladding. If an owner installs sheeting before the framing inspection, they’ll need to remove it for the inspection to take place.
Disagreements with building certifiers are often due to a misunderstanding. Solving them can be as simple as consulting the approved plans.
Disagreements at the assessment stage are easier to solve, as work hasn’t started.
Under the Planning Act, you can appeal building and development approvals and conditions.
Building and development matters are heard by either the:
If you have a dispute with a building certifier, the QBCC can provide mediation.
If you’re unsatisfied with their decision, refer the matter to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
The QBCC licenses all council and private building certifiers in Queensland.
Certifiers must also register with either the:
Check a building certifier's licence and accreditation history on the QBCC website.