Who’s Responsible for What? Certifier, Council, Engineer, Builder
Understanding your project team and who does what
When you're developing or building, it can be hard to know who’s actually responsible for each part of the process. Who checks what? Who signs off? And who carries the liability if something goes wrong?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key roles and how they work together.
The Engineer (That’s Us)
What we do:
Structural design and analysis
Site inspections
Reports and certifications
Advice on buildability, safety, and code compliance
When to engage us:
Early. The earlier we’re involved, the more we can save you in redesigns and rework.
The Certifier
What they do:
Checks that your plans meet the Building Code of Australia
Issues approvals (CDC or BA)
Inspects critical stages during construction
Certifies compliance at completion
They do NOT:
Check your design is smart, safe, or efficient — that’s your engineer’s job.
Help with redesigns if something doesn’t comply.
The Council
What they do:
Assess and approve Development Applications
Ensure developments meet local planning schemes
Enforce zoning, setbacks, height, and use
They do NOT:
Approve construction plans or issue building certifications.
The Builder
What they do:
Executes the construction work
Manages subcontractors and site safety
Coordinates with engineers and certifiers
They rely on:
Clear, accurate engineering documentation
Timely approvals
Solid communication from all parties
Why It Matters
Knowing who’s responsible for what helps you avoid delays, duplication, and scope gaps. We often act as the technical glue between your designer, builder, certifier and council keeping everything aligned.
Not sure who should be doing what?
Talk to us early and we’ll help clarify your process before it costs you.