What is the Purpose of a Preliminary Assessment
A Preliminary Assessment by a building certifier is an early compliance review of your design before lodging for Building Approval (BA). This step helps identify any non-compliance issues with the National Construction Code (NCC), the Queensland Development Code (QDC), or local planning overlays before detailed documentation and engineering are finalised. By obtaining certifier input early, design adjustments can be made efficiently - saving time, reducing rework, and avoiding delays at the formal approval stage. This assessment is conducted once a set of preliminary drawings is available for the certifier to review and report on.
What the Assessment Involves
The certifier reviews your preliminary design drawings, site plan, and relevant project details to confirm the proposal aligns with key compliance requirements such as:
- Building siting and boundary setbacks
- Building height and site coverage limitations
- Fire separation and proximity to boundaries
- Natural lighting and ventilation requirements
- Habitable vs. non-habitable space classification
- Local zoning and overlay requirements
A written summary or marked-up feedback document is typically provided, outlining any items to address prior to preparing final documentation for Building Approval. Upon completion of a certifier's preliminary assessment, it may be identified that town planning approval is required for your project's specific design.
When to Undertake a Preliminary Assessment
Realex Design recommends engaging a certifier for a preliminary review once the concept or preliminary design is substantially complete, but before structural engineering and energy assessment stages commence.
This ensures that potential compliance conflicts - such as boundary setbacks, room classifications, height limits, or specific local council requirements are resolved early, reducing redesign costs and ensuring a smoother approval processing later.
Guidance from Realex Design
At Realex Design, we regularly coordinate with private certifiers throughout Queensland to facilitate Preliminary Assessments that keep your project compliant and approval-ready. We'll help prepare the required drawings, liaise directly with the certifier, and ensure feedback is clearly communicated and integrated into the design package prior to submission.
Our goal with our preliminary assessment process is to streamline your approval pathway - minimising surprises and maximising efficiency from start to finish.