NSW construction has changed a lot over the past few years, with far greater focus on building quality, accountability and making sure the right people are responsible for the work being carried out.

Following high-profile building defects, particularly in apartment buildings, the NSW Government introduced the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020. The legislation was designed to improve standards across the construction industry and give property owners greater confidence that building work is being designed and completed by appropriately qualified and registered professionals.

For anyone planning a building project in NSW, it is worth understanding what this means — and why choosing a registered building practitioner is important.

What is a registered building practitioner?

The NSW building practitioner registration scheme sets requirements for certain builders working on specific types of buildings.The scheme was initially introduced for Class 2 buildings, which generally include residential apartment buildings. In July 2023, it was expanded to include Class 3 buildings, such as boarding houses, hostels and student accommodation, as well as Class 9c aged care buildings.

For applicable projects, building work must be carried out by appropriately registered practitioners.

Registration isn’t just a title

Being a registered building practitioner isn't just about having a registration number. Registered practitioners have certain responsibilities around the work they undertake, including:

  • complying with relevant building legislation
  • ensuring work is carried out in accordance with approved plans and requirements
    meeting applicable standards and regulations.
  • For property owners and developers, this provides an important layer of accountability throughout the construction process.

It also highlights why choosing a builder based on more than price alone is important. Experience, qualifications, licensing, registration and a clear understanding of NSW building requirements can all make a difference to the outcome of a project.

What does this mean for your building project?

If you're planning building work in NSW, understanding who is responsible for the work is an important part of getting your project underway.

Depending on the type and scope of the project, there may be specific registration, design, documentation and compliance requirements that need to be addressed before work begins.
Working with an appropriately registered practitioner means you have a builder who understands the regulatory requirements that apply to their work and is accountable for meeting those requirements.

It can also help provide greater confidence that compliance isn't something being considered at the end of the project, it's part of the process from the beginning.

Preston Building is a Registered Building Practitioner

Building in NSW comes with responsibilities that go well beyond putting up walls and completing a project. Preston Building is a registered building practitioner in NSW, with the experience and knowledge to undertake building work in accordance with the requirements that apply to our projects.

Our team works across Northern NSW and the Gold Coast, delivering commercial, residential and industrial building projects, along with remedial building work, renovations, fit-outs and compliance-related projects.

Choosing the right builder matters

Building or renovating is a big investment, so you need to look beyond the initial quote when choosing who to hire.

Ask about the builder's experience, qualifications, licences and registrations, and make sure you understand who will be responsible for your project.
For applicable NSW projects, working with a registered building practitioner is an important part of the process, and one more reason to choose a builder you can have confidence in.

Planning a building project in NSW?

Talk to Preston Building about your project and how our registered building practitioner status and experience can help you build your dream.