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.