NT self-certification scheme for minor building works

A self-certifier is a commercial business approved to build and certify the construction of certain products such as garden sheds, carports, fences or shade structures. These businesses are registered under the NT self-certification scheme.

Read more about the NT self-certification scheme PDF (334.9 KB).

Self-certifiers

A self-certifier can be engaged instead of a building certifier. Only engage these businesses if your building or structures meet the criteria under the NT self-certification scheme.

The Director of Building Control has approved certain Class 10 buildings and structures to not require building approvals. The approved list can be found on Building Note 114. See the NT building notes.

Self-certifiers must be able to both supply and install the product. They can only certify products for their approved uses and must ensure that the construction complies with approved plans and legislation.

Do not engage a self-certifier if their registration lapses, as it may affect the certification issued to your structure/s.

You may also choose to buy a product from a self-certifier but get building approval through a building certifier. To check if a person is a self-certifier for a particular product, ask to see their self-certifier registration approval.

You can also find a self-certifier by contacting Building Advisory Services.

What self-certifiers can do

Self-certifying businesses can only install products if they are built with a domestic or residential standalone dwelling.

Designs of products being installed must be structurally certified by an NT-registered structural engineer.

The products include:

• building types approved by the Director of Building Control for a specific self-certifier that is endorsed as 'approved for self-certification'
• garden sheds, garages, carports or verandahs, maximum size of 36m² or less in floor area
• freestanding shade structures, maximum 60m² or less in floor area
• shade structures attached to a building, maximum 40m² or less in floor area.

What self-certifiers can't do

Self-certifiers cannot certify anything located at any property containing:

• flats, units, duplexes or triplexes
• townhouses
• public buildings
• shopping centres
• industrial buildings
• childcare centres
• education buildings
• commercial buildings.

Use a building certifier

You may need to engage a building certifier if:

• a performance solution is required
• the product you are installing is not approved under the NT self-certification scheme
• you want to build something yourself
• you are having other work done and want to include the installation in the same building permit as your other work
• you have an existing garden shed, carport, fence or shade structure that is not exempt from building approval and does not have occupancy certification.

Read more about engaging a registered building certifier.

Contact

For more information, contact Building Advisory Services:

• phone 08 8999 8976
• email bas.policy@nt.gov.au.