Existing Work Approvals - ACT
Find a certifier you can trust for Existing Work 69(2B) Applications and Validation Reports in the ACT.
Our team possesses a profound understanding of the intricate process associated with obtaining approval of existing unapproved structures, and we take pride in our position as the foremost provider of approvals for such structures in the ACT.
Existing structures are required to meet current building standards. The following Legislation, Regulations and Australian Standards are required to be adhered to during the approval process for unapproved existing structures:
Obtaining approval for existing unapproved structures can have the following benefits:
Mitigate hesitation from prospective buyers; there may be some hesitation from prospective buyers to invest in a property with an unapproved structure due to uncertainties and potential legal complications. Certification can provide transparency and a piece of mind for potential buyers.
Impact on property sale; on occasion obtaining certification can have a positive influence on a properties sale, adding value to a property by confirming its compliance with regulations.
Government Audit Compliance; by adhering to regulatory requirements, property owners can avoid legal issues and financial consequences during the occurrence of Government audits.
Insurance Coverage; certification provides a level of assurance for property owners that the existing structures are compliance with regulations and standards, therefore potentially lowering insurance risks.
Financial Institutions; often financial institutions require certification for existing structures on properties to ensure compliance with safety and building standards.
Looking to find a certifier for existing unapproved structures in the ACT?
ACT Certification is your trusted partner. With extensive experience and a strong track record, we’ve worked closely with the ACT Government to shape key processes — most notably the development of the Validation Report system.
Whether you're a homeowner or a real estate professional, our team of private building certifiers and building consultants in Canberra simplifies the approvals process for existing work. As proud members of the Real Estate Institute of the ACT, we actively support the property industry through ongoing education—making us the go-to choice when searching for a building surveyor near you.
Explore our full range of services, including approvals for New Construction, Existing Structures, Swimming Pools, Spas & Fences, and tailored support for Owner Builders.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Often property owners are unaware of unapproved structures around their home. It is not until a property is in the process of being listed for sale, or the existence of an unapproved structure is reported to the ACT Government that a property owner becomes aware of its existence. In some circumstances an approval has been issued for the structure, however a Certificate of Occupancy and Use has not been issued.
-
For the purposes of:
Mitigating hesitation from prospective buyers
Reducing the impact on a properties sale
Complying for Government auditing purposes
Avoiding implications on insurance coverage
Ensuring financial institutions will supporting funding for property purchases
-
As soon as you become aware of an existing unapproved structure on your property you should contact our team. We will request information including copies of plans outlining the existing unapproved strucutre/s and/or copies of the properties Building File. The first step in the process is have a member of our Certification team conduct an onsite Certification Assessment, once this has been completed.
-
Not always, after ACT Certification have conducted a Certification Assessment a member of our team will be able to advise if the unapproved structure is compliant, if it requires a Development Approval or needs service entity clearances and/or approvals.
-
We provide customised quotes to ensure that our clients are well informed on what the fees for our service include. Please complete our Request For Quote form and our team will be able to provide you with a customised quote.
-
All existing unapproved structures are subject to ACT Certification conducting a Certification Assessment (inclusive of an onsite inspection) as the first step in the process.
Once the Certification Assessment has been completed, our team will issue a quote for the approval, and once the quote is accepted we aim to have the required documentation submitted to the ACT Government for their approval (ACT Government approval can take a minimum of 4-6 weeks). Note that ACT Government approval time frames are in addition to the time required for our team to undertake our processes.
Our clients should be aware that the total time it takes to lodge the required documentation depends significantly on the complexity of the project, any results from the approvals of entity providers (Evo Energy, Icon Water, Jemena Gas) or the ACT Government, and how quickly the compulsory documentation required can be provided to our team.
Once submitted to the ACT Government, their process can take a further 4-6 weeks to complete.
-
Some of the following services and professionals may be required to assist with the approval process; ACT Government, Structural Engineers, Electricians, Plumbers, Builders, Surveyors, Architects or Drafts people, Energy Assessors, ICON Water, EVO Energy or TCCS. Noting that a majority of these professional services will need to be engaged directly by the Property Owner.