FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about BCA Reports, when Council requires one, and how we prepare them. Can't find your answer? Contact us.

What is the BCA?

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is a set of national standards for the design and construction of buildings in Australia. It contains technical requirements for structural design, fire safety, energy efficiency, health, amenity and accessibility.

What is a BCA Report?

A BCA Report is a clause-by-clause assessment of an existing or proposed building against the BCA. It is used to demonstrate compliance with the relevant building codes and standards. Where any non-compliance is identified, the report includes practical recommendations for how to achieve compliance.

When is a BCA Report required?

A BCA Report is most often requested by Council when applying for a Development Application (DA), or when retaining unauthorised building works as part of a Building Information Certificate (BIC) application. See our services for each scenario in detail.

How do I get a BCA Report?

A BCA Report should be prepared by a qualified building professional such as a Registered Certifier or Building Surveyor. We specialise in preparing BCA Reports for all types of residential, commercial and industrial buildings — contact us to discuss a report suited to your project.

What is a BCA Consultant?

A BCA Consultant specialises in reviewing building designs and construction to ensure they comply with the Building Code of Australia. BCA Consultants are often engaged by architects, builders, developers and building owners to assess proposed and existing buildings for compliance, and to advise how to resolve any non-compliances.

Are you registered and accredited?

Yes. We are registered with the Building Commission NSW to work on all classifications of buildings as Registered Certifiers (A1 Accredited Certifiers), Building Surveyors — Unrestricted, and Principal Certifiers. This is the highest level of registration available in New South Wales. We also hold the highest level of national registration as a Building Surveyor — Level 1 with the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors.

How much does a BCA Report cost?

Every project is different, so we quote each report individually. Contact us with your property details and what Council has requested, and we will come back with a quote suited to your project.

How long does a BCA Report take?

A BCA Report typically takes about two weeks from engagement, depending on the size and complexity of the building. If Council has set a deadline, let us know when you request a quote.

What do you need from me?

A set of plans of the proposed or existing building. Send them through with the property address and what Council has requested, and we will confirm anything else we need.

Glossary

The terms and abbreviations used across this site, in plain language.

BCA
The Building Code of Australia: Volumes One and Two of the National Construction Code (NCC). It sets the minimum technical requirements for the design, construction and performance of buildings in Australia, covering structure, fire safety, access, health and amenity, and energy efficiency.
BCA Report
A clause-by-clause assessment of a proposed or existing building against the BCA. It states where the building complies, identifies any non-compliance, and sets out practical recommendations for resolving it.
DA — Development Application
An application made to Council for consent to carry out development. Council commonly asks for a BCA Report in support of one.
BIC — Building Information Certificate
A certificate issued by Council under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW). It prevents Council from ordering the repair, demolition or alteration of the building for seven years, and is the usual route to regularising unauthorised building work.
Registered Certifier
A building professional registered with the Building Commission NSW to carry out certification work under the Building and Development Certifiers Act 2018.
Principal Certifier
The certifier appointed to a development to carry out the mandatory inspections during construction and issue the Occupation Certificate.
Building Surveyor — Unrestricted
The NSW registration class that permits certification work on buildings of any class and any size.
Unauthorised building work
Building work carried out without the approval required at the time, or not in accordance with the approval that was granted.

Still have a question?

Tell us about your project and we will point you in the right direction.

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