Building Commission NSW visits 850 sites as part of unprecedented statewide inspection campaign
Building Commission NSW made an unprecedented push into regional NSW in 2025, visiting more than 850 building sites around the state to ensure construction standards are up to scratch. The increased focus on regional NSW represents Building Commission NSW’s commitment to protecting homeowners and upholding building quality and safety standards across the state.
In 2025, Building Commission NSW conducted targeted compliance visits in the Riverina, Southern Highlands and Tablelands, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Far South Coast, Hunter and Mid North Coast, Far West and Central West, New England and the North Coast.
The statewide regional campaign resulted in the issuing of 35 orders including 21 Rectification Orders, 10 Building Work Rectification Orders, three Stop Work Orders and one Prohibition Order.
Builders and developers showed a willingness to work with Building Commission NSW, resulting in defects covered by 132 draft rectification orders being resolved before the order was made final.
The main defects covered by rectification orders were the improper installation of Damp Proof Course (a waterproof barrier for masonry) and control joints designed to control where cracks may form in brickwork, as well as cavity breaches in brickwork.
These defects can cause water to leak into brickwork cavities and gaps between walls, leading to long-term issues related to mould and damp.
The regional campaign visits also addressed general building site compliance, with inspections resulting in the issuing of 175 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) worth $121,110.
PINs were issued for a range of compliance breaches including doing residential building work when unlicensed, contracting unlicensed workers and failure to properly supervise apprentices.
Electrical compliance was also a focus of the regional push, resulting in Building Commission NSW issuing 245 Written Direction Notices (WDNs) and 34 PINs worth around $41,000 for electrical issues.
The main three issues covered in WDNs related to electrical-safety and signage, including Battery Safety Data Sheets not being provided, labels and signage on battery systems not being provided or in the correct location and equipment located on switchboard not being correctly marked or identified.
All 20 PINs were issued for Residual Current Devices (RCDs) not being incorrectly installed or not upgraded appropriately. RCDs provide defence against electric shock and reduce electrical fires.
In the Queanbeyan-Palerang and Central West, Building Commission NSW also ran a range of events to engage with residents, the construction industry, skills sector and local government.
During the visits Building Commission NSW held drop-in sessions, meet and greet events with the local construction sector and held information sessions with certifiers as well as local councils.
In 2026, Building Commission NSW will continue to visit regional areas to protect homeowners from defective work and ensure builders and developers keep safety and quality at the forefront.
Quotes to be attributed to NSW Building Commissioner, James Sherrard:
“In 2025, Building Commission NSW spent considerable time travelling around the state ensuring regional building work is done by the book, as well as educating and engaging with the community.
“As part of this unprecedented effort we visited more than 850 sites around the state, representing the highest number of regional inspections the regulator has ever conducted in a single year.
“During our visits most tradespeople welcomed us onto site and residents were supportive and interested in us taking a look at the work being carried out around their towns and suburbs.
“We’re looking forward to getting back out on the road next year, so we can keep protecting homeowners by hammering home the importance of quality building work across regional NSW.”