Catalyst’s Basic Outline of Certification Process

1. Have plans drawn by a licensed draftsperson or architect who is registered with the QBSA.
2. Lodge 4 sets of Plans etc with Catalyst (as per Checklist)
3. Catalyst Fees are usually paid upon our receipt of your Plans or at least prior to assessment of these plans.
4. Plans are compiled into a file, input into records system and placed in a queue awaiting assessment. This can vary from 1 – 4 weeks. If you need your plans processed quickly we can usually facilitate this.
5. Building Application is assessed by certifier. If all information and relevant paperwork is on file and there are no problems identified, Approval is granted. ( Go to No.10)
6. Applicant is informed of any information or items needed to gain approval.
7. File is returned to shelf to await pending items. (A one year time frame applies from assessment date, before application lapses and is archived. Reassessment is necessary if you choose to progress the application at a later date. This reassessment will incur a fee.)
8. As the requested items arrive, they are crossed off the list and added to your file.
9. When all items requested have been accounted for, the certifier grants approval and issues a Decision Notice (Form 6 )
10. Remaining paperwork is generated and plans are stamped.
11. Stamped ‘Approved’ Plans with Decision Notice and Conditions are posted out to Applicant / Owner and a set lodged with Brisbane City Council or other relevant Local Authority. Important information is forwarded to the owner and a certificate folder is provided for the builder for projects such as house extensions or new dwellings.
12. File is shelved with approved plans awaiting inspection requests.
13. Certifier inspects stages of construction noted on Decision Notice. An engineer usually carries out Footing and Slab inspections with a surveyor responsible for the set out of the foundations. Projects where this is applicable , certificates in Form 16 format must be received from the Surveyor and Engineer before the certifier is able to inspect the frame.
14. Following a satisfactory Final Inspection, with all relevant certificates on file, a Form 21 -Final Certificate will be issued to the owner and builder and with the Local Authority.
15. Applications are usually given 12 – 18months currency depending on the project. In most cases an extension of time is able to be granted as long as application is made prior to expiry date.

A compulsory reminder notice is sent to the owner 3-4 months prior to expiry.

Legislation now dictates that Council is to be notified when applications expire . A whole new application would then be required. In most cases we will give a second reminder by letter or phone, before Council is due to be notified of expiry, to avoid you having to start process again. Unfortunately some people choose to ignore our reminders and our attempts to help them. Please don’t let this be you.