How to obtain a compliance certificate for completed works? (Bathroom | Building & Approvals)

Renovating a bathroom in Sydney is exciting — the new tiles, modern fixtures, and a spa-like shower can transform your home. But once the renovation is finished, the work isn’t truly complete until you have the appropriate compliance certificates in place. These certificates are not just paperwork; they are proof that your bathroom renovation meets NSW building standards, plumbing codes, and waterproofing requirements, and they protect you legally and financially.

Here’s a complete guide on how to obtain a compliance certificate for completed bathroom works in Sydney, including what types of certificates are required, the process, and tips to make it smooth and stress-free.

1. Understand what a compliance certificate is

A compliance certificate is a formal document issued by a licensed professional confirming that the work has been carried out in accordance with Australian Standards, NSW Building Codes, and applicable council and strata requirements.

For bathroom renovations, common compliance certificates include:

• Plumbing / Drainage Certificate of Compliance (CoC) — confirms all plumbing and drainage work is compliant.

• Waterproofing Certificate — confirms shower bases, wet areas, and membranes were installed correctly.

• Electrical Certificate of Compliance — ensures electrical installations meet safety standards.

• Post-construction / Building Compliance Certificate — issued by a certifier to confirm the works meet the approved Construction Certificate (CC) or Complying Development Certificate (CDC) requirements.

In Sydney apartments, these certificates may also be required by your strata committee, council, or insurance providers. Without them, you may face fines, insurance issues, or complications when selling your property.

2. Ensure all work is completed and inspected

Before you can obtain a compliance certificate, the bathroom renovation must be fully complete. This includes:

• Tiling, waterproofing, and cabinetry installation

• Plumbing and drainage connections

• Electrical works (lighting, exhaust fans, heaters, etc.)

• Ventilation and exhaust systems

• Painting and finishes

Sydney homeowners often make the mistake of seeking certificates before critical inspections are completed. Critical stage inspections, especially for waterproofing and plumbing, are mandatory under NSW regulations.

Licensed tradespeople should provide Certificates of Compliance for plumbing, waterproofing, and electrical work immediately after completing their tasks. These certificates are essential for the next steps.

3. Gather documentation

To lodge or request a compliance certificate, you need complete documentation. For Sydney bathroom renovations, this typically includes:

• Trade licenses for all contractors involved (plumbing, waterproofing, electrical)

• Certificates of Compliance from licensed trades

• Construction plans or approved renovation plans

• Council approval or CC/CDC documentation, if applicable

• Strata approval documentation, for apartment renovations

Organising these documents early prevents delays and ensures your application for a compliance certificate is accepted quickly.

4. Identify the correct certifier or authority

In Sydney, compliance certificates can be issued by:

1. Licensed contractors — e.g., plumbers and waterproofers can issue CoCs for their work.

2. Accredited private certifiers — post-construction certificates for building work and compliance with CC/CDC requirements.

3. Local council — in some cases, councils issue compliance certificates or approve post-construction submissions, especially if work involved structural changes.

Tip: For apartment renovations, your strata manager or owners corporation may require submission of all compliance certificates to ensure common property is not compromised.

5. Lodge certificates online (where applicable)

Many compliance certificates in NSW can be lodged online, streamlining the process for Sydney homeowners:

• Plumbing / Drainage Certificates of Compliance: Use the MyInspections portal run by NSW Fair Trading to lodge plumbing certificates electronically.

• Post-construction or building compliance certificates: Use the NSW Planning Portal for lodgement of post-consent certificates if your renovation required a CC or CDC.

• Strata submission: Even if online lodgement is not available, many strata schemes allow email submission of digital certificates to the strata manager or committee.

Pro tip: Keep digital copies of all certificates, including file names and reference numbers, for quick submission and future reference.

6. Pay any associated fees

Some certificates may incur fees:

• Private certifiers charge a fee for post-construction certificates or critical stage inspections.

• Council fees may apply if structural alterations or major plumbing works were approved.

Sydney homeowners should confirm fees upfront to avoid surprises and delays.

7. Ensure inspections are complete and certified

If required, a critical stage inspection must be conducted before final certification. Common inspections include:

• Pre-tile waterproofing inspection

• Post-waterproofing inspection

• Final plumbing inspection

• Electrical safety inspection

The certifier or licensed tradesperson will issue compliance certificates once inspections confirm the work meets NSW Building Code, Australian Standards, and approved plans.

8. Submit compliance certificates to relevant authorities

Once obtained, certificates must be submitted to the right recipients:

• Strata committee — for apartment renovations affecting common property or fire safety.

• Local council — if the work involved a Construction Certificate, Complying Development Certificate, or structural alterations.

• Insurance provider — many insurers require evidence of licensed trades and compliance certificates to validate coverage.

For Sydney homeowners planning future renovations or property sales, keeping a digital record of all certificates is highly recommended.

9. Keep all certificates for future reference

Certificates are not just a legal formality — they are essential for:

• Insurance claims if a leak or defect occurs

• Future renovations or alterations

• Property sales — conveyancers, buyers, and valuers will request proof of compliance

Store certificates digitally and physically, along with supporting trade licenses, inspection reports, and council approvals.

10. Common pitfalls Sydney homeowners face

1. Requesting certificates too early – must wait until work is fully complete and inspected.

2. Using unlicensed trades – NSW law requires licensed trades for plumbing, electrical, and waterproofing work.

3. Incomplete documentation – missing certificates or plans can delay approval.

4. Ignoring strata requirements – in apartments, strata approval and submission of certificates are mandatory.

5. Failing to lodge electronically when required – MyInspections and Planning Portal submissions are mandatory in some cases.

6. Poor record keeping – certificates lost or not filed can cause headaches during insurance claims or property sales.

Avoid these mistakes to ensure a smooth post-renovation process.

11. Practical tips for Sydney homeowners

• Hire licensed and experienced trades who are familiar with NSW compliance requirements.

• Schedule critical stage inspections as part of the project timeline.

• Collect certificates immediately upon completion of each trade stage.

• Submit certificates promptly to strata, council, and insurers.

• Maintain digital and physical copies for future use.

Following these steps ensures your bathroom renovation is fully compliant, legally sound, and safe.

12. Why compliance certificates matter

Compliance certificates are essential for:

• Safety — ensures your bathroom meets waterproofing, plumbing, and electrical safety standards.

• Legal protection — protects you against disputes with strata, council, or neighbours.

• Insurance coverage — most insurers require proof of licensed work and compliance certificates.

• Property value — certificates prove renovations were done correctly, making your home more attractive to buyers.

Sydney homeowners who skip certificates risk fines, insurance issues, and legal problems — it’s simply not worth it.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining compliance certificates for completed bathroom renovations in Sydney is not just a bureaucratic step — it’s an investment in safety, legality, and peace of mind. The process may seem complex, but with proper planning, licensed trades, and careful documentation, it becomes straightforward and efficient.

Key takeaways:

1. Understand which compliance certificates are required for your renovation.

2. Complete all work and critical stage inspections before applying.

3. Use licensed tradespeople for all plumbing, electrical, and waterproofing work.

4. Gather all documentation, plans, and previous approvals.

5. Lodge certificates online where possible (MyInspections, NSW Planning Portal).

6. Submit certificates to strata, council, and insurers as needed.

7. Keep records digitally and physically for future protection.

By following these steps, your Sydney bathroom renovation will be fully compliant, safe, and legally certified — giving you confidence, peace of mind, and a beautiful, functional bathroom.

For more information about kitchen, bathroom, and house renovation services in Sydney, visit www.mb9.com.au.