FAQs | Get certified today - Easy approvals — Cornerstone Building Certification

frequently asked questions

A: A building certifier ensures your construction project complies with all relevant building legislation, the National Construction Code (NCC), and local planning requirements. We assess your building plans, manage approvals, carry out mandatory inspections during construction, and issue the final certification required for occupation. This ensures your project is safe, compliant, and legally approved.
A: Most building work in Queensland requires approval from a licensed building certifier. This includes new homes, renovations, extensions, swimming pools, and commercial developments. If you’re unsure whether certification is required, our team can provide clear advice before you proceed.
A: It’s best to engage a building certifier early in the design stage. Early involvement allows us to review your plans for compliance, identify potential issues, and help avoid costly delays or redesigns later in the building approval process.

A: We work directly with homeowners, builders, architects, designers, and developers. Whether you’re managing your own build or working with industry professionals, we tailor our building certification services to suit your project.
A: Yes. We provide building certification services for both residential and commercial developments, ranging from single dwellings and alterations to complex commercial and multi-storey projects.
A: We manage building approvals, development permits, council and authority referrals, and all mandatory building inspections throughout construction. This includes footing, slab, frame, final inspections, swimming pool fencing inspections, and other project-specific inspections as required.
A: Yes, we handle all required council lodgements and government referrals on your behalf. Our team manages the full certification process, saving you time and ensuring your documentation is submitted correctly.

A: You submit your project details and plans through our online portal. We review the documentation, provide a clear quote, and once accepted, manage the entire building approval process. This includes assessments, lodgements, inspections, and issuing final certification. For more details visit our Request a Quote page.
A: Timeframes depend on the complexity of the project and how complete the documentation is. In many cases, building approvals can be issued within a few weeks once all required information has been provided.
A: We typically require architectural drawings, engineering documentation, site details, and any relevant reports. If anything is missing, we’ll guide you through what’s required to keep your approval moving smoothly.
A: If non-compliances are identified, we’ll clearly explain the issues and work with you, your designer, or builder to achieve a compliant outcome. Our focus is on practical solutions that keep your project moving forward.

A: Building certification costs vary depending on the size, scope, and complexity of the project. We provide transparent, upfront quotes so you understand the costs before any work begins.
A: In most cases, we offer fixed-price quotes based on the agreed scope of works, giving you certainty and confidence in your project costs.
A: Payment is generally required once the quote and agreement are accepted and prior to commencing work. Payment instructions and available methods are provided during onboarding.

A: You’ll be supported by our experienced team of licensed building certifiers and operations staff throughout the entire approval and inspection process. We prioritise clear communication and consistency, and wherever possible, we aim to assign one certifier to manage your project from approval through to final inspection.
A: Yes. We provide regular updates at key stages of the building approval process and notify you as approvals, inspections, and lodgements are completed.
A: Absolutely. Our team is available to provide advice and answer questions throughout construction to help ensure ongoing compliance and avoid delays.

A: Final Inspection is the minimum required inspection and must be carried out by the Building Certifier. Any additional mandatory stage inspections will depend on the project and will be listed on the Building Approval documentation; the certifier may also rely on reports from suitably qualified professionals (e.g., engineers) acting as a competent person for specific aspects.
A: Yes. We coordinate inspections with your builder at the required construction stages to help minimise delays and keep the project on track. Your builder just needs to contact our office at least 48 hours before the requested inspection date to book the inspection.
A: The Building Approval Decision Notice outlines the certificates required for your project. We can prepare the required certificates for your job and email them to you for electronic signing.

A: Cornerstone Building Certification is service-focused and committed to clear advice, dependable delivery, and compliant outcomes. Our team’s combined industry experience, practical problem-solving, and strong client relationships help make the approval and inspection process efficient and as stress-free as possible.
A: Our team has extensive experience across a broad range of residential and commercial projects throughout Queensland. This means we can manage the required approvals and inspections for your project with confidence and clear, practical guidance.
A: Yes. We regularly work alongside architects, designers, builders, councils, and government authorities to ensure building approvals are issued efficiently and projects achieve compliant outcomes.