How much does building approval cost in NSW?

Building approval costs in NSW typically range from $30,000 to $100,000+ depending on project type and construction value. This includes council DA/CDC fees, section 7.11 or 7.12 contributions, Long Service Levy, bonds, HBCF insurance, and practitioner costs for certifiers, engineers, and fire consultants. ApprovalAssist calculates the exact costs for your specific property and project.

What is the difference between a DA and CDC in NSW?

A Development Application (DA) is assessed by your local council and suits complex projects or those that don't meet pre-set standards. A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is assessed by a private certifier, is typically faster (20 days vs months), and suits projects that meet standards under the State Environmental Planning Policies. ApprovalAssist automatically determines which pathway applies to your project.

What documents do I need for building approval in NSW?

Common documents include architectural plans, structural engineering drawings, a BASIX certificate, bushfire assessment (if applicable), flood assessment, heritage impact statement (if applicable), geotechnical report, and a Statement of Environmental Effects. The exact list depends on your property's zoning, overlays, building classification, and approval pathway. A typical Class 2 renovation requires 19+ documents across pre-DA, pre-CC, construction, and pre-OC stages.

For Builders

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slowing your business?

Missing certificates hold up inspections. Forgotten bonds delay your CC. Documents you didn't know about block the OC. The compliance side of every job is a time sink — and it doesn't have to be.

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Document Tracker

14 Harbour View Drive — Class 2 CDC

Progress 14 of 19 covered

✓ Architectural Plans Uploaded

✓ Structural Engineering Uploaded

✓ BASIX Certificate Uploaded

○ Waterproofing Certificate Missing

○ Glazing Certificate Missing

Process Tracker

CDC Issued → CC Issued → Construction → OC

Speed Up Every Project

From quoting through to OC — know exactly what's needed, track what's been done, and never get held up by missing paperwork.

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Projects Completed Faster

Know every document, certificate, and inspection needed before you start. No mid-build surprises that delay your timeline.

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Less Time Chasing Paper

Upload documents as they come in. AI classifies them automatically. See instantly what's covered and what's still missing.

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Full Audit Trail

Every document, every upload, every correction — timestamped and downloadable. Complete evidence of compliance at every stage.

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Shared Visibility

Owner and certifier see the same portal you do. Everyone knows what's needed, what's been done, and what's blocking the next step.

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Quote with Confidence

Run a report for any address before you quote. Know the full compliance cost — every fee, bond, levy, and practitioner — so you price the job right.

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Certifier Pack at OC Time

When you're ready for the Occupation Certificate, download everything the Principal Certifier needs in one zip file. No scrambling through folders.

How It Works for Builders

Create a Case

Enter the property address, select the project type. $199 per case — know every compliance requirement upfront.

Invite Owner & Certifier

Send invites to the homeowner and certifier. Everyone sees the same portal — same documents, same requirements, same progress.

Upload & Track

Upload documents as they come in. AI classifies them. See what's covered and what's missing at every build stage.

Download & Close

Download the certifier pack. Full audit trail. Everything documented from CDC through to OC.

Quote → CDC/DA → CC → Construction → OC

Every stage of the approval process has documents, certificates, and inspections. ApprovalAssist tracks them all — so nothing slips through and nothing holds you up.

Quote

Run a report. Know every compliance cost before you price the job.

CDC/DA

Full document checklist. Know what's needed before you lodge.

Every bond and fee itemised. No surprises when it's time to get your CC.

Construction

Track inspections. Upload certs as they come in. AI classifies everything.

Download the certifier pack. Full audit trail. Nothing missing.

Simple, Per-Case Pricing

No subscriptions. No lock-in. Pay per project.

PER CASE

Full Case

$199 + GST per case

Everything from quote through to OC.

✓ Full compliance report for any address
✓ Process tracker (Quote to OC)
✓ Document tracker with AI classification
✓ Shared portal with owner & certifier
✓ Full audit trail
✓ Certifier pack download
✓ Invite owner & certifier (no cost to them)

Create Your First Case

Try it on your next project.

$199 for a single case. If it saves you even one day of delays, it's paid for itself ten times over.

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Is the approval process slowing your business?