The Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) changed how design and building work is done on apartment buildings and some other building classes. For strata committees, the key point is that much of the work you commission, including many remedial projects, may need designs prepared and declared by registered practitioners.
What's a regulated design?
Broadly, it's a design for building work covered by the Act, prepared by a registered design practitioner for a building element or performance solution. Structural elements, waterproofing, fire safety systems and building enclosures are among the elements covered.
Why it matters for remedial work
- Remedial work on a covered building may be regulated building work, not just "maintenance"
- Designs may need to be prepared and declared by an appropriately registered practitioner
- The builder may also need to be registered and to lodge declarations
- Getting it wrong can cause delays, disputes, and problems when you sell or insure
What to ask your engineer
- Does this work fall under the Act?
- Are you registered for this class of design work?
- Will you provide the design compliance declaration?
- Will you inspect during construction and certify at the end?
This article is general information, not legal advice. The rules have exemptions and are updated from time to time, so check the current requirements with NSW Fair Trading / the Building Commission NSW, or ask us about your specific project.