Building Commission NSW

We are the new regulator of the building industry in NSW.

Inspectors viewing the buildings

Building Commission NSW is a new, fit-for-purpose building regulator bringing together teams from NSW Fair Trading and the Office of the Building Commissioner into one, to provide an integrated and consistent approach to ensuring confidence in residential building quality in NSW.

Building and construction related work areas of NSW Fair Trading are being transitioned to the newly established Building Commission NSW. These areas include:

  • Inspections and compliance
  • Licensing
  • Complaints
  • Policy

Building Commission NSW is central to rebuilding trust and capability in the construction sector and delivering on the NSW Government’s housing commitments. 

Our team operates across NSW, in both metropolitan and regional areas. We are based where homes are being built to ensure that compliance is carried out on a regular basis.

From 1 December 2023, the Building Commission NSW will take on the role of regulator of the building and construction industry in NSW. This means over the coming months you may notice some changes.

What we do

Building Commission NSW oversees and regulates the NSW construction industry. Under the leadership of David Chandler OAM, the NSW Building Commissioner, our key areas of focus are:

Building industry capability

Through data, intelligence and analytics, inspections, licensing and accreditation and enforcement activities.

Proactive regulation and industry collaboration

Leading the charge in proactive policy and regulation, research, education and professional development, industry led-initiatives and engagement.

Changes to building legislation in NSW

Several amendments have been made to building legislation as part of ongoing reforms to transform the regulation of the construction industry and restore trust and confidence in residential buildings. Read more

Contact us online

For help or information about resolving defects.

Contact us online

Contact us by phone

Call us between 8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Call 13 32 20

How we are improving construction standards

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Low angle photo of high-rise apartment buildings.

Replacing flammable cladding

We're supporting affected strata communities to remove combustible cladding on high-risk residential apartment buildings.

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BCNSW tradesperson checking framework for a property

Our audit strategy

We are working to raise public confidence in the quality, safety and trustworthiness for the NSW building and construction industry through audits.

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A danger construction sign outside a building site

Issuing stop work, prohibition and rectification orders

We have the power to inspect building sites, stop work, stop occupation certificates from being issued, and order rectification work on residential apartment buildings. 

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An apartment construction site in Gosford NSW.

Increasing regulation of class 2, 3 and 9c buildings

From 2020, two laws are improving protection for home buyers. The RAB Act and DBP Act aim to prevent serious defects in regulated buildings and improve the quality of construction from design to completion. 

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Two NSW Government building inspectors in high visibility yellow vests and white hard hats inspecting an apartment during construction.

Fixing serious building defects

Project Intervene works with developers and owners corporations to fix serious defects in eligible class 2 residential apartment buildings.


Expand your knowledge and improve your skills

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An Aboriginal man is sitting at a conference table leading a meeting. He is wearing a navy blue shirt and has a laptop in front of him.

Industry events and videos

We regularly hold events to keep industry professionals informed. We also have videos featuring David Chandler OAM with important information and interviews.  

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Group of high school students in PPE on construction site

Improve your skills with TAFE NSW

Online short courses are available to upskill the construction workforce. These were developed with TAFE NSW and industry professionals. 

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A male using a digital tablet on a construction site

Industry reports, case studies and tools

These resources aim to help industry professionals to adapt to new reforms and understand the importance of delivering quality building work. 


Buildings by the waters with surrounding park lands

Choose a trustworthy builder for your development or find out how your construction business can become iCIRT rated

iCIRT uses a star-rating tool to independently and rigorously assess building professionals. Only businesses with a 3 gold-star rating or higher will appear on the registry. This gives customers the ability to choose a builder that is trustworthy and capable of delivering a quality home or apartment.

Learn how to search the registry or apply for an iCIRT rating

About David Chandler OAM
NSW Building Commissioner

David Chandler OAM was appointed NSW Building Commissioner in 2019 to transform the industry and lead a once-in-a-lifetime reform.

Highlights of David’s career include the management of some of Australia’s most iconic building projects: Sydney’s Quay Apartments, Canberra’s New Parliament House, and Melbourne’s South Bank.

As an Adjunct Professor in the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics at Western Sydney University, David founded the Centre for Smart Modern Construction.

He was the Deputy Chair of the BER Implementation review and is a regular industry commentator and presenter. David was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1989 for his services to the construction industry. 

David Chandler OAM, NSW Building Commissioner

David Chandler OAM
NSW Building Commissioner

Resources

Trades person reading documents

A range of resources to help industry adapt to our reforms and deliver quality building work are available. These include:

  • Tools and templates
  • Case studies
  • Research
  • Industry guides

View resources

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