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WELCOME TO ACTIVE BUILDING APPROVALS

Get Building Approvals – Fast, Easy & Compliant

Licensed Private Certifiers Serving QLD & NSW – Residential & Commercial

ABOUT US

We Are Active Building
Approvals

At Active Building Approvals, we specialize in delivering fast, reliable, and fully compliant building certification services for both domestic and commercial projects throughout Queensland and New South Wales. Our mission is simple — to make the complex process of obtaining building approvals easier, faster, and stress-free for every client.

We understand that navigating council regulations and the Building Code of Australia can be overwhelming. That’s why our team of licensed and insured private building certifiers is dedicated to guiding you through each step with expert advice and thorough knowledge of local council requirements. Whether you are planning a new residential build, renovating your existing property, or managing a large commercial development, Active is here to help you get it right the first time.

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OUR SERVICES

What We Provide

Experience the difference with our quick response times. We can deliver your decision notice fast* and provide all necessary forms promptly. We’re active and engaged every step of the way.

Our Advantages:

  • A dedicated certifierfor every build
  • Fully licensed and insuredbuilding certifiers
  • Dedicated support stafffor all administrative tasks
  • Years of experience working with local councils in QLD and NSW
  • Specialists in retrospective building approvals
  • Experts in residential, commercial, and industrial certifications

Core Values:

  • Exceptional customer service, always
  • Get it right the first time
  • Integrity and professionalism above all else
  • Passionate and knowledgeable team
  • Transparent and honest communication
  • Commitment to building code and regulatory compliance
OUR PROCESS

OUR SIMPLE STEPS

Experience the difference with our quick response times. We can deliver your decision notice fast* and provide all necessary forms promptly. We’re active and engaged every step of the way.

01

Initial Consultation

We review your building plans and assess compliance needs

02

Documentation & Submissions

We prepare and lodge the necessary documents

03

Site Inspections

Our certifiers conduct detailed inspections

04

Final Certification

You receive certified approval and documents

WHY CHOOSE US

What Make Us Different From Others

  • Servicing Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Boonah, Sunshine Coast and Northern New South Wales
  • Deep understanding of local council requirements
  • Fast, reliable and compliant approvals for all project types
  • Specializing in retrospective building certification and complex cases
  • Competitive pricing with exceptional customer support
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Quick Quotes

Our client is our priority. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional service.

First Class Service

Our client is our priority. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional service.

Quality Control

Our expert team will take care of everything. We’re dedicated to delivering.

Expert Advice

Navigate the complexities of building approvals with confidence.

Testimonials

Active Building Approvals PTY LTD place picture
4.1
Based on 33 reviews
A Williams profile picture
A Williams
6 months ago
Now I have an occupancy cert, I can reinstate my review of these clowns. They are bullies, arrogant and highly, highly incompetent. My council is taking action through the QBCC against them in fact. They thought the Counci would not be on my side, but they are.

These guys got nothing right, and constantly caused issues for my build, delays, incorrect submissions, incorrect advice to my builder, tried to screw me by charging for a relaxation that wasn't required ($1500), you name it, they cocked it up. They'll write a resonse blaming me, some vague allusion to legislation, but I have ALL the receipts, all the proof of their incompetence and attempts to rip me off.

Setbacks? They couldn't find the clause 1c in the first section of my local town plan and argued for months against it. They got the plumbing approvals wrong, they failed to meet deadlines, and when I wrote my first Google review, got pretty annoyed and petty. They always try and blame someone else, mainly me. I took the review down so they would proceed with my project, which I find to be bully tactics, but here I am again. They even mocked me that I would be fined by Council for their errors and my builder proceeding with a decision notice they provided even though it was all incorrect and no approvals had even been sought. My council was angry, not at me though. Council referred to them as cowboys, and luckily my builder knew what he was doing and it was all to spec. The falsified backdated paperwork to try and get around their incompetence. All documented, all true.

DO NOT Use these guys.
Penny North profile picture
Penny North
8 months ago
Sheryl Cullen profile picture
Sheryl Cullen
11 months ago
This is the worst company to deal with and I have dealt with a number of certifiers. No quick approval if you question the certifier. Won't provide specific regulation for what he is asking for, just provides the name of the regulation.
This tells me he is evasive.
Also lied about providing feedback. Stated he rang me when he didn't. Ringing is more difficult to prove the lie, than email.
Stated ""I stated that the down pipe can not be on an angle and needs to be fixed to the deck post and either connected to a legal point of discharge or on a splash pad "". What nonsense most downpipes have an angle. The 4 star rating is very wrong.
Mathew Cannon profile picture
Mathew Cannon
12 months ago
Service was explained well. Fees were very competitive, team were lovely and made the whole certification process seamless. Thanks again active for certifying my garage.
Lalit Bhesdadiya profile picture
Lalit Bhesdadiya
12 months ago
This is a good example of how a business’s positive reviews don’t always reflect its actual performance.

Active Approvals failed to flag preliminary non-compliance of my plans. Instead, they kept requesting documents based on a plan that clearly needed setback relaxations—and likely changes to the drawings, engineering, and so on. When I provide the same plan to other certifiers, they pointed out the same things straightaway (and for free).

I wouldn’t recommend Active Approvals if you’re a homeowner without knowledge of the construction or building-approval process. They seem to assume you understand the BA process and won’t “dumb it down” for you, unlike the other certifiers I’ve since engaged.

Pricing: The rates were competitive. However, they charge council fee in advance and refuse to refund if you decide to not lodge later, hence taking them to QCAT.

Update: Please read Active Approvals reply and see if you already know about "NCC Volume Two" and so on , if you don't it is better to find someone else.
Jess Bloomfield profile picture
Jess Bloomfield
1 year ago
Courtney and Whitney guided me through an incredibly stressful time with a show cause notice that I had received for a 30m retaining wall that was not certified. The process was long and tedious with several other trades being required but was still guided the entire time. Without the advice and steps offered to get this over the line, would have made for dire times. Cannot fault the quality of the service and communication from the team. Highly recommend Active Building Approvals to the community.
Sandra Hayes profile picture
Sandra Hayes
1 year ago
Courtney Brennan was extremely helpful with having my tiny home installed at the back of my block. It was a very arduous job as being on a corner block and a major sewer line running through where I initially wanted it to be placed. We got there in the end. Thank you again Courtney.
john ross profile picture
john ross
1 year ago
I had to do a retrospective planning approval for a patio, as a condition for my house sale contract agreement. So there was a tight timeframe. Active building approval understood my situation and very kindly fast-tracked my application.
My approval went through, my house has sold. I am delighted with the service and efficiency. Highly recommended.
John Melling profile picture
John Melling
2 years ago
Courtney Brennan was a fantastic help with our granny flat approval. She gave recommendations of people to use and followed up with us regularly during to process. Not going to lie it was a arduous process and frustrating at times, but Courtney helped all the way!
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you for your review John. It's always great hearing how well clients have been looked after and kept in the loop.
Renelle Innes profile picture
Renelle Innes
2 years ago
I contacted this company to get a carport certified and have had nothing but dramas. They were given all the information we had and thought they needed. We wanted to know exactly what was needed to get the approval done and the cost to have this approved. After paying a significant amount ($6000) thinking this would be it they told us the council wanted more so their costs doubled but even then there was more costs Involved. We canned the idea as it would have been well over $10,000 and asked for the money to be refunded as they'd not done their job. The council fees are able to be refunded as the process hadn't been started. After a number of months and numerous emails asking for an itemised account and calls they finally refunded less than half the money but still haven't received an itemised account. Their communication is very poor in this instance. Elisabeth kept dodging our calls. This has been going on since this time last year and it's still not resolved.
Response from the owner
3 years ago
Hi Renelle, Thank you for your review, This is a shame to hear that you had this experience. as we endeavour to make life easy for building approvals. Council fees are out of our hands when it comes to costs, hence why we say may be required as council may ask for these additional costs. Then to email us and say if Active give all your fees back you will take the review down, makes us questions the legitimacy of your review.
Justin McGuire profile picture
Justin McGuire
2 years ago
Excellent experience working with this company on my granny flat project. They were highly organized and efficiently handled all council approvals. Courtney and Brittney were always accessible and provided prompt, clear communication throughout the entire process. Highly recommend.
Jodie Kaperonis profile picture
Jodie Kaperonis
2 years ago
If you are looking for a fabulous team, look no further! We were always informed of what was going on, we could not have done this without them. We appreciate their wonderful help and expertise in getting us over the line.
Mike C profile picture
Mike C
2 years ago
Thankyou for making our large shed and easy process, two relaxations no problem, site inspections no problem, all council dealings no problem, a very pleasant professional team to deal with, happily dealing with all my questions promptly.
Highly recommended 👍👍👍 Mike C
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you for your review Mike, Our aim at active is to make your build stress free for you. We hope you are enjoy the new space with your shed.
Michael Vlismas profile picture
Michael Vlismas
2 years ago
I cannot Liz and the entire team for all they do for me. As a builder we always look for our power team and I can’t go past these guys for all approvals and certifications. It is super easy to call up and book in and the response and communication is second to none. If you are looking for the A team make sure to give Active Building Approval a call!
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you for your review, At Active we like to make the process simple for the client to achieve the results you want.
Jonathan Tennick profile picture
Jonathan Tennick
2 years ago
Whitney behind the counter looks after all my earthworks contracts, absolute pleasure to deal with
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you Jonathan, Whitney was delighted to see this review and is always finding the best way to make the process simple and straight forward for all out clients. Whitney is an asset to our team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas do you service?

We offer building certification services in Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast, and throughout Northern NSW.

Can you help with retrospective approvals for unapproved work?

Yes. We are experts in retrospective building approvals and certifications for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

What types of structures require approval?

From homes to carports, decks, patios, sheds, pools, and commercial buildings — we cover it all.

How long does the approval process take?

Our streamlined process ensures fast approvals, so you can access the support you need without unnecessary delays.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, all our certifiers are fully licensed and insured to operate in both QLD and NSW.

GET A QUOTE

What Make Us Different From Others

  • Compliance advice
  • Building code consultancy
  • Performance solutions
  • On Site consultation
  • Fire safety audits
  • Building code consultancy
  • Bushfire attack level assessments
  • NCC audits

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