Ensuring Compliance for Your Property
If you’ve built or renovated without council approval, you may need a retrospective approval to ensure your property meets legal and safety standards.
Don't delay in organising certification for an unauthorised building.
Contact us on 1300 899 078 to discuss your building approval needs.
What is a Retrospective Building Approval?
A retrospective building approval is the process of obtaining building certification for a structure that was built without the required permits or council building approval. Also known as an as built approval, a building certification for unapproved works is essential for homeowners, property investors, and businesses looking to bring their building projects into compliance.
If you’ve carried out unauthorised building work, renovations, extensions, or new constructions without the necessary permits, obtaining retrospective approval is crucial to avoid legal and financial complications.
Why Do You Need a Retrospective Building Approval?
If a structure on your property was built without the required building permits, you may face compliance issues with your local council.
This can lead to significant fines, enforcement notices, and difficulties when selling or insuring your property. Retrospective building approvals are important because:
- They ensure that structures meet the National Construction Code
- They're required by many insurance policies to cover a property
- They prevent legal consequences, fines, and forced removal of the structure
- They ensure compliance with the QBCC's standards
- They make it easier to sell the property
When Do You Need a Retrospective Approval?
Have you completed renovations, extensions, or built a new structure without council approval? Some minor building works don't require council approval, such as small tool sheds or minor home renovations. You might not know that your building work is unapproved until:
- You receive a 'show cause' or 'enforcement' notice from your local council
- You try to sell your property
We understand how stressful it can be to realise your property doesn’t comply with building regulations. Whether you're looking to sell your home, secure insurance, or have received a notice from your local council, iCertified can help you obtain a retrospective approval and bring your property up to standard.
We specialise in retrospective building approvals for unapproved structures across South East Queensland, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.
Our retrospective certification services cover a wide range of structures, including:
- Home renovations & extensions – Modifications, second-storey additions, or structural changes without permits.
- Granny flats & secondary dwellings – Unapproved self-contained units on residential properties.
- Decks, patios & pergolas – Outdoor structures that may exceed council regulations.
- Sheds, garages & carports – Non-compliant outbuildings requiring retrospective certification.
- Internal layout changes – Converting garages into living spaces or altering room configurations.
If you're unsure whether your structure requires retrospective approval, iCertified can conduct an assessment and provide expert advice.
Contact our expert team on 1300 899 078.
Our Process for Obtaining Retrospective Approval
If you have unapproved building work, it is highly recommended that you act to rectify the situation, as it can impact your insurance or the sale of your property. iCertified provides:
- A one-stop shop for certification, including advice on costs and time frames
- iCertified works with homeowners to achieve retrospective approvals and building certification
- iCertified offers a preliminary inspection to determine the extent of works required
We specialise in helping property owners navigate the retrospective approval process quickly and smoothly. Our experienced team ensures that all necessary steps are taken to bring your structure up to code while working closely with local councils in South East Queensland.
1. Initial Consultation & Site Inspection
- Our qualified private building certifiers assess the structure to identify compliance issues.
- We review existing plans (if available) and determine whether modifications are required.
- If necessary, we advise that you get additional inspections by engineers or other specialists.
2. Documentation & Compliance Reporting
- We put you in touch with relevant professionals for detailed reports, including:
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- Engineering assessments
- Fire safety reports (if applicable)
- Energy efficiency compliance
- Gathering existing documentation or drafting new plans if required.
- Liaison with local councils to determine approval pathways.
3. Rectification & Compliance Work (if required)
- If the structure does not meet current building codes, we provide recommendations for necessary upgrades.
- We can consult with builders, engineers, and tradespeople to ensure compliance.
- Once the work is completed, a final inspection is conducted to confirm compliance.
4. Lodgement & Certification
- We submit the retrospective approval application to the local council.
- Once approved, we provide final certification, ensuring your property is fully compliant.
- You receive documentation confirming that the structure meets all legal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does the retrospective approval process take?
The timeframe depends on factors such as council requirements, the complexity of the structure, and whether rectification work is needed. Generally, the process takes between 2–8 weeks, but our team works to expedite approvals where possible.
What happens if my structure doesn’t meet building standards?
If an inspection reveals that modifications are necessary, we will provide guidance on rectification work. In most cases, adjustments can be made to bring the structure into compliance without major rebuilding.
Can I sell my property without retrospective approval?
Unapproved structures can cause delays in property transactions, as buyers and lenders may require compliance certificates before settlement. Obtaining retrospective approval ensures a smooth sale process and avoids potential price reductions due to compliance issues.
How much does retrospective approval cost?
Retrospective building approvals can be more expensive than obtaining the necessary approvals before construction and during the building process. The cost depends on the complexity of the job, the paperwork available, the type of build, etc. We provide transparent pricing and can offer an initial assessment to determine expected costs.
Why Choose iCertified for Retrospective Building Approvals?
With years of experience in building certification across South East Queensland, iCertified is a trusted partner for property owners seeking retrospective approvals.
- Expertise in Local Council Regulations – We handle approvals for Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, and surrounding areas.
- Comprehensive Service – From initial inspection to final certification, we manage the entire process.
- Fast & Efficient Approvals – We streamline applications to reduce delays.
- Trusted by Homeowners & Investors – Our team has helped thousands of Queenslanders secure building approvals.
Contact Us Today
If you have an unapproved structure on your property, don’t wait until it becomes a costly problem. iCertified has accredited private building certifiers on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Sunshine Coast in Queensland who can assist you.
Let our building certification professionals help you make sure your structure is compliant with local regulations and Australian building industry standards.
Call us on 1300 899 078 or fill out our enquiry form to discuss your building approval needs.
Page last updated: 26-03-2025
