A professional Building Certifier is an integral part of any construction project. Not only do they inspect work to ensure that it is up to standards, but they can also provide guidance on meeting the exacting requirements of legislation. This is why a certifier can save you a lot of time, money and stress.
The first thing a Building Certification Group will do is assess the plans for a new building. They will then check to see if the building is compliant and issue a building approval. This will give the builder the green light to start construction. The certifier will then carry out inspections during the build and issue occupation certificates if everything is up to standard.
If the building isn’t compliant, the certifier will send an enforcement notice to the builder and possibly refer the matter to council. It is important to talk with the certifier and the builder often to reduce the chance of a minor concern becoming a major problem. It will also help to keep everyone up to date on what needs to be done.
Aside from ensuring that construction work is up to code, a certifier can also help with green building certification. This can be beneficial to both the environment and the project owner. Green buildings have been shown to reduce energy use which results in lower electricity bills. They are also known to have better indoor air quality and occupant satisfaction.
However, green building certification can be tricky. Depending on the program, it can be easy to get caught up in a race for points and end up adding design features that aren’t necessary or cost-effective. It is also important to ensure that the building actually performs well as it was designed for.
Some certification programs require objective data to be submitted in order for the building to qualify as green. This can include material data sheets, energy bills, simulation reports and either photos or an inspection of the building once it is complete. By requiring this evidence, the certification program can ensure that the building is indeed green and not just using the word to attract more customers.
The role of a building certifier is an important one and it is essential that they are fully accredited. The QBCC has a list of accredited Building Certifiers that you can find by visiting their website. In addition, the QBCC also requires certifiers to maintain their accreditation through ongoing professional development requirements. Those who fail to meet these requirements may be reprimanded or removed from the register. Moreover, it is vital that the certifier you choose has adequate insurance coverage. This will protect you in the event of a claim against them for negligence or misconduct.