Private building certifiers: a patio owner's guide

Moreton Bay Insulated Patios is an independent referral service; quotes come from an independent, QBCC-licensed builder who services your area (how it works).

What a certifier does

City of Moreton Bay's advice is simple: "Talk to a private certifier before you build." For a patio, the certifier:

• tells you whether your structure needs building approval at all;
• assesses the plans and engineering against the Building Code, the Queensland Development Code and the planning scheme — including boundary setbacks, site coverage and the placement of sewers, stormwater and easements;
• applies for any extra approvals on your behalf (siting variations / concurrence agency referrals, build-over-asset requests);
• issues the building development permit and lodges it with Council;
• carries out the inspections listed on the permit; and
• issues the final certificate and gives Council copies of all documentation.

What you (or your builder) will need

• Site plan showing the patio, boundaries, existing structures, easements and distances.
• Elevations and roof details (style, height, pitch, product).
• Engineering — footings, posts, beams, connections and the wind classification.
• Your title plan and, in estates, the building envelope plan and any covenant approvals.

Timeline and cost

Straightforward patio approvals are generally quicker than those needing a Council referral. One Queensland industry guide estimates approval typically takes two to six weeks (not a statutory timeframe), and estimates building approval with engineering at about $1,500–$3,500. These are indicative only — ask for the certifier's fee and expected timing in writing, and whether inspections are included.

Questions to ask

• Is the fee fixed, and does it include all inspections and the final certificate?
• Do you foresee any siting issues (setbacks, easements, envelope, overlays) on my lot?
• If a concurrence agency referral is needed, what are the extra fee and time?
• Who books the inspections — me or the builder?

Finding and checking a certifier

Use QBCC's find a local contractor or certifier search, and check any certifier's licence on the QBCC licensee register. We don't recommend specific certifiers.

Related: Moreton Bay patio approval · Boundary setbacks