Your local certifier, in your corner from day one

Building a new home, putting in a pool, or adding a granny flat shouldn’t feel like deciphering a foreign language. But between Complying Development Certificates, Construction Certificates, Occupation Certificates, and a dozen inspections in between — it often does.

That’s where we come in.

Bacchus Partners is an accredited building certification firm that’s been guiding South Coast and Illawarra homeowners through the approvals process for more than 25 years. We’ll tell you what you need, when you need it, and what happens next — in plain English.

What is a building certifier, and why do you need one

If this is your first time building or renovating, here’s the short version:

A building certifier is the person who makes sure your project meets the rules — the National Construction Code, your local council requirements, and the relevant Australian Standards. We’re independent from your builder, which means our job is to check the work is being done properly and sign it off at each stage.

You’ll need a certifier (called a Principal Certifier) for most building work in NSW, including:

• Building a new home
• Adding a granny flat or secondary dwelling
• Major renovations and extensions
• Installing a swimming pool or spa
• Some decks, carports, and outbuildings

We can be appointed as your Principal Certifier from the start, or step in if your project is already underway.

How the process works

Most homeowners come to us with the same first question: what do I actually need to do?\

Here’s the simple version:

1. Have a chat with us early.
Before you lodge anything with council, give us a call. We’ll look at what you’re planning and tell you which approval pathway makes sense — a Complying Development Certificate (faster, simpler) or a Development Application (when council approval is needed).

2. We prepare the certificate.
Once your plans and documents are ready, we issue the certificate that gives you permission to start building.

3. We inspect the work at key stages.
As your builder progresses, we visit the site at the critical stages — footings, frame, wet areas, final — to check everything’s compliant. You don’t need to coordinate any of this; your builder books inspections directly with us.

4. We issue your Occupation Certificate.
Once everything’s signed off, we issue the certificate that allows you to legally move in (or use the new space). This is the document your bank, insurer, and future buyer will want to see.

Why homeowners choose us

Three things, mostly:

We’re local.

We know the councils from Wollongong down to Ulladulla — what they want, how they work, and who to call when something needs to move along. If your project’s on the South Coast or in the Illawarra, you’re talking to someone who’s been certifying in your area for decades.

We’re family-owned.

When you call us, you’re talking to people who’ll still be here in five years when you’re ready to add the pool. That continuity matters — both for you and for the records of your build.

We explain things properly.

Certification is full of acronyms and clauses. We’ve made it our job to translate. If you don’t understand something, we’ll keep going until you do.

Frequently Asked Questions by Home owners and Owner/Builders

Not sure where to start?

Have a quick chat with us before you commit to anything. We’ll point you in the right direction.