THE BUILDING INDUSTRY Flashcards
- Who controls building in NSW?
Government (i.e. State government, local Councils), RMS.
- What authority has the Building Professionals Board (NSW) and what does it do?
The BPB regulates and educates accredited certifiers, building surveyors and subdivision certifiers. This ensures that certifiers (Principle Certifying Authority – PCA) are trained in building regulations and standards to ensure construction meets these national standards and is safe to occupy.
- Where would you find out about the Building Professionals Board (NSW)?
Website, local BPB office.
- What is a Building practitioner and how do you become one?
An individual who is involved in the business of building. Includes building surveyors and inspectors, QS, engineers, draftsperson, builder, demolisher, erector or supervisor. To become a building practitioner you register with the Building Professionals Board (as noted in the Building Act 1993).
- Is an architect a building practitioner?
No.
- What is the role of the building certifiers in the construction industry?
Building certifiers assess plans for conformity with building legislation (BCA) and local authority requirements, pre‐purchase inspections of buildings, and issuing compliance certificates on completion. They have extensive knowledge of the Building Act and regulations, BCA, Australian Standards and town planning issues. Also referred to as Principle Certifying Authority (PCA).
- What are some of the Acts currently in force in NSW relating to the building industry?
Architects Act, Security of Payments Act, Home Building Act, Copyright Act, Competition and Consumer Act.
- What is the difference between a building permit and a planning permit?
A Planning Permit is permission granted by an authority (usually Council) to develop or use land for a particular purpose. A development application is submitted to Council for the proposed development, and if approved, a development consent is issued.
A Building Permit is required prior to undertaking any building work. A construction certificate is assessed by an authority (Council or a PCA) to ensure the proposed development complies with the development consent and building regulations and standards. Once approved, a construction certificate is issued to build.
- Who is responsible in NSW for the issue of planning permits?
Local Councils or State government bodies.
- Who is responsible in NSW for the issue of building permits?
Council or a Principle Certifying Authority (PCA).
- What is the BCA?
The BCA is a national code that aims at achieving consistent minimum building standards of relevant health, safety, amenity and sustainability objectives efficiently. The BCA contains technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures, covering such matters as structure, fire resistance, access and egress, services and equipment, and energy efficiency as well as certain aspects of health and amenity. It is produced and maintained by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).
- Do you have to comply with the requirements of Australian standards when documenting a building?
No, the standards are there as a guide to best practice. In some cases the standard for a particular area in the project may not be the most appropriate solution. They do allow for expediency when documenting a building, as they can be referred to in the specification. They should be read in conjunction with the BCA (with BCA taking precedence).
