Retrospective Certification

Retrospective Certification

The process for obtaining Retro certification follows a similar path to new construction, except that construction has already been done and therefore essentially is summarised as Construction – Drafting – Structural Assessment – Building Approvals. The detailed description of these items are outlined in New Residential Construction: The Process.

Drafting typically takes 3-5 days and involves a site visit to take measurements of the structure. Because the structure is already existing, structural certification is required to certify compliance with Australian standards. Some alterations and modifications maybe required. If any, these are usually communicated to clients at the time of first visit. During this site visit, the discussion with clients also include items that are non-compliant with current code (National Construction Code).

From our experience in this field, the approval process takes about 2-3 weeks. This assumes no other applications such as build over sewer referrals and no relaxation applications in accordance with Queensland Development Code. Where these applications are applicable, we facilitate the application preparation and submission on behalf of clients. The time implication of these is an addition 3-4 weeks depending on the local council.  The time delivery for these referrals are entirely dependent on how fast councils deliver them. Once we have these approvals, then assessment for building approvals proceeds.

The general requirements list for existing Residential alterations that include liveable space are;

1. Architectural Plans.
2. Engineering Plans and Form 15 Certificate
3. Soil Testing Report.
4. Plumbing & Drainage Approvals.
5. Energy Efficiency Assessment Report.
6. Builders Details or Owner Builder Permit.
7. QBCC Home Warranty Insurance (except where work is done under Owner-Builder Permit).
8. QLeave (for project costs more than $165,000.00).
9. Build Over Sewer Approvals (where applicable).
10. Amenity & Aesthetics Referral with Local Council (where applicable).

The detailed description is outlined in Building Approvals for New Residential Dwelling or Renovations.

The general requirements for other structures classified as Class 10 such as Decks, Sheds, Patios, Pergolas, Retaining wall, Carports and the like are as follows;

1. Architectural Plans.
2. Engineering Plans and Form 15 Certificate
3. Soil Testing Report.
4. Builders Details or Owner Builder Permit.
5. QBCC Home Warranty Insurance (except where work is done under Owner-Builder Permit).
6. QLeave (for project costs more than $165,000.00).
7. Build Over Sewer Approvals (where applicable).
8. Amenity & Aesthetics Referral with Local Council (where applicable).

We trust that you find this information useful. Feel free to contact us or leave us a comment below for further clarification.