If you’ve ever started planning a bathroom renovation in Sydney, you’ve probably felt like you accidentally enrolled in a part-time law degree. Suddenly there are “approvals,” “certifiers,” “sign-offs,” “compliance documents,” “AS 3740,” “OC certificates,” and more acronyms than a government meeting.

So who actually signs off a bathroom renovation in NSW?
Who is the person who says, “Yes mate, your bathroom is legal, compliant, and good to go”?

Let’s break it down in a simple, friendly, slightly dramatic way—because bathroom approvals in NSW deserve clarity, not confusion.

1. The Short Answer: It Depends on the Type of Bathroom Renovation

In NSW, bathroom renovations are signed off by different people depending on whether the work is cosmetic, minor, or structural, and whether it’s done under strata, council, or private certifier oversight.

There is no single “bathroom approval person,” but instead a network of:

• Licensed tradespeople

• Your builder/renovation contractor

• Private certifiers (accredited certifiers)

• Local council

• Strata managers or strata committees

• Engineers (in some cases)

And depending on what you’re doing—removing a wall, relocating the shower, changing drainage, altering waterproofing—your “sign-off” may involve one or all of these players.

Let’s unpack it properly, Sydney-style.

2. For Standard Bathroom Renovations (Most Sydney Homes): Licensed Trades Provide the Sign-Off

Most bathroom renovations in NSW don’t need a Development Application (DA) and don’t need council directly involved.
These projects usually fall under Complying Development (CDC) or Exempt Development, depending on scope.

In these cases, the final sign-off comes from the licensed trades who performed the work, including:

a) Waterproofing Certificate

Issued by the licensed waterproofer (not the builder and not the certifier).

b) Plumbing Certificate – Certificate of Compliance (Sewer & Water)

Issued by a licensed plumber.

c) Electrical Certificate of Compliance (CCEW)

Issued by a licensed electrician.

d) Final Builder Sign-Off

Your builder or bathroom renovator signs off that the project was completed according to NSW building codes and contract requirements.

This combination of certificates forms the “completion documentation” for a standard bathroom renovation.

3. If Your Bathroom Is Part of a CDC (Complying Development Certificate)

Many Sydney homeowners renovate under a CDC, especially if structural work is involved or walls are being moved.

In this pathway, the sign-off process looks like this:

1. Private Certifier Issues the CDC Before Work Begins

They check plans, structural documents, engineering and compliance.

2. During the Project, They Conduct Mandatory Inspections

Such as:

• waterproofing inspection

• drainage/waste inspection

• structural inspection (if relevant)

• final inspection

3. At Completion:

The private certifier signs off the entire bathroom renovation by issuing an:

Occupation Certificate (OC)

or

Final Certificate for CDC Works

This is the ultimate “legal approval” you keep for life.

4. If Your Bathroom Renovation Requires a DA (Development Application)

This is less common but happens when:

• you’re altering structural walls

• changing drainage in a way that impacts neighbours

• renovating in a heritage building

• renovating a terrace under strict controls

• making changes that exceed CDC allowances

In these cases:

1. Council approves the DA

They approve the design and conditions.

2. A Private Certifier or Council Building Surveyor Issues the Construction Certificate

This allows construction to begin.

3. After Construction:

The same certifier (or council) issues:

Occupation Certificate (OC)

This is the formal sign-off stating the work meets NSW building codes, fire safety rules, structural requirements and all DA conditions.

5. In Strata Buildings: Sign-Off Has an Extra Layer

Sydney has endless apartment buildings, and strata adds complexity.

For bathrooms inside strata lots (units, apartments, townhouses), you need TWO types of sign-offs:

a) Strata Sign-Off (Before Work Starts)

Strata looks after common property such as:

• concrete slabs

• waterproofing membrane

• waste pipes

• structural walls

They typically require:

• a detailed scope of works

• waterproofing details

• certificates of currency (insurance)

• trade licences

• engineering reports (if structural)

• a signed Minor Works or Major Works approval

Strata DOES NOT issue technical or regulatory sign-off during the build—they approve the right to perform the works.

b) Renovation Compliance Sign-Off (After Completion)

This comes from:

• licenced waterproofer

• licenced plumber

• licenced electrician

• builder/renovator

• private certifier (if relevant)

Strata receives copies of all certificates as evidence the renovation is compliant.

6. The “Big Four” Who Sign Off Every Bathroom Renovation in Sydney

Here’s the simplest way to remember it:

1. The Waterproofer signs off waterproofing.

(via waterproofing compliance certificate)

2. The Plumber signs off plumbing and drainage.

(via Certificate of Compliance)

3. The Electrician signs off electrical work.

(via CCEW certificate)

4. The Certifier signs off the overall renovation — if a CDC or DA applies.

(via Occupation Certificate or Final Inspection Certificate)

If the bathroom is exempt development and doesn’t require a certifier, then the builder + trades provide the final sign-off collectively.

7. When Does Council Sign Off Bathroom Renovations?

Surprisingly, council doesn’t usually sign off bathroom renovations directly—unless:

• you needed a DA

• your building is heritage

• your renovation affects stormwater systems

• the project impacts common property in a sensitive area

Even then, the certifier (private or council-based) is usually the person issuing the final Occupation Certificate.

Councils rarely inspect bathrooms during construction—they rely on:

• plans

• certification

• waterproofing documentation

• plumbing certificates

• final certifier reports

So when homeowners say “council has to sign off my bathroom,” the truth is:
council approves the DA, certifier approves the construction.

8. Why Bathroom Sign-Off Matters So Much in Sydney

Sydney properties aren’t cheap—every square metre counts. A poorly renovated bathroom can lead to:

• leaks through slabs

• insurance disputes

• mould damage

• neighbour complaints

• strata legal issues

• failed property sales

• massive rectification costs

Proper sign-off ensures:

• warranties apply

• insurance covers water damage

• strata has evidence of compliance

• future buyers trust the renovation

• your bathroom meets NSW standards

It’s not just paperwork—it’s your long-term protection.

9. What You Should Keep in Your “Bathroom Renovation File”

Every Sydney homeowner should create a simple folder (physical or digital) containing:

• waterproofing certificate

• plumbing certificates

• electrical CCEW

• product warranties

• tile receipt + batch numbers

• CDC/DA/OC documents

• strata approval letters

• any engineering reports

This file becomes gold when:

• you sell the property

• strata asks questions

• insurance queries arise

• you need warranty service

Think of it as your bathroom’s passport.

10. Final Summary: Who Signs Off Bathroom Renovations in NSW?

Here’s the crystal-clear summary:

Standard Bathroom (No DA or CDC):

• waterproofer

• plumber

• electrician

• builder/renovator

CDC Bathroom Renovation:

• private certifier signs off the entire project

• plus all trade certificates

DA Bathroom Renovation:

• council approves the DA

• certifier (private or council) signs off construction

• certifier issues the Occupation Certificate

• trade certificates also required

Strata Bathroom Renovation:

• strata approves the works

• certifier (if CDC/DA) signs off

• licensed trades provide all compliance certificates

No matter what:
Licensed professionals sign off the technical work, and certifiers sign off the legal and building compliance.

Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen, bathroom and house renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.