The most common building defects in NSW, and how builders stop them happening
Building Commission NSW’s research and audits point to the same culprits year after year: waterproofing first, fire safety second, then structure, the building enclosure and services. Here is where defects come from, and the site controls that stop them.
7 min read
Topic
Building Commission NSW
Articles and news about Building Commission NSW for Australian builders.
The most common building defects in NSW, and how builders stop them happening
Building Commission NSW’s research and audits point to the same culprits year after year: waterproofing first, fire safety second, then structure, the building enclosure and services. Here is where defects come from, and the site controls that stop them.
7 min read
How to get a builder’s licence in NSW in 2026: qualifications, experience and the new police check
A NSW contractor licence for general building work needs an approved qualification, at least two years of supervised experience across a wide range of building work and, since 23 June 2026, a National Police Check. Here is how the process works and where applications fail.
7 min read
First 10-year defects insurance policy accepted in NSW: what apartment developers and builders need to know
The reforms that make 10-year defects insurance workable in NSW commenced on 20 August, and Building Commission NSW now lists a first policy in an acceptable form. How DLI works, and what it means for developers, builders and owners.
6 min read
CCEWs for like-for-like swaps: Building Commission NSW clarifies when electricians must certify
A new advisory note from Building Commission NSW confirms that swapping a hot water system, oven, cooktop or power point like-for-like still needs a certificate of compliance for electrical work, lodged within 7 days of finishing.
6 min read
Bathla Group enters administration with 7,000 homes in its pipeline: what subbies and buyers should do
Bathla Group, a family-owned Sydney developer and builder with projects across NSW, South Australia and Victoria, has appointed Teneo as voluntary administrator. The steps subcontractors, suppliers and home buyers should take now.
6 min read
Building Commission NSW blitz: 150 site inspections, 25 fines on the Mid North Coast and New England
The regulator’s latest regional blitz found generally good compliance, but fines were issued for unlicensed work, missing site signs, unsupervised contractors and unauthorised plumbing. The same checks could come to any site.
6 min read
NSW lays final groundwork for 10-year defects insurance on apartments
The Fair Trading and Building Legislation Amendment Bill has passed, giving insurers the certainty to bring 10-year defects cover for apartment buildings to market. It also toughens licensing and certifier discipline.
6 min read
How to keep up when the CPD and licensing rules change
CPD rules shift quietly. The builders who get caught are the ones who relied on a provider page or a memory of last year’s rules. Here is where the official requirements actually live, and how to check them without wasting a day.
13 min read
Who regulates builder CPD in NSW, and what each body actually does
Three different institutions touch your CPD, and only one of them can refuse your renewal. This is the map of who sets the rule, who audits it, and where it is actually written down.
12 min read
How long NSW builders have to keep CPD records, and what to keep
Records must be retained for three renewal periods, and the retention clock does not stop when you change phone, laptop or bookkeeper. Here is what has to be in the file and how to keep it intact.
10 min read