How Building Certification Works in Tasmania
A guide to building certification in Tasmania, accreditation categories, heritage building requirements, energy efficiency, and regional availability.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-19
Tasmanian certification framework
Building certification in Tasmania is governed by the Building Act 2016 and administered by Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS). Tasmania uses the term "building surveyor" for practitioners who assess building compliance.
A building surveyor must be appointed before building work commences. They assess the proposed work against the NCC, issue permits, conduct inspections at mandatory stages during construction, and issue certificates of completion (or occupancy) when the work is finished.
Accreditation categories
Tasmania recognises three categories. Building Surveyor Unrestricted can certify all building classes. Building Surveyor Restricted is limited to certain building classes based on specific restrictions noted on their registration.
Building Inspectors can inspect work but cannot independently issue permits. The Director of Building Control maintains the register of accredited practitioners.
Regional availability
Regional Tasmania can have limited building surveyor availability, particularly on the west coast, King Island, and in remote areas. Many practitioners are based in Hobart or Launceston and service regional areas on a travel basis.
This can add to costs and require longer lead times for inspections. Planning ahead and booking your building surveyor before construction starts is advisable for regional projects to avoid delays.
Heritage building requirements
Tasmania has extensive heritage-listed buildings, particularly in Hobart, Launceston, and colonial-era settlements. Building work on heritage-listed properties must satisfy both NCC requirements (assessed by the building surveyor) and Tasmanian Heritage Council requirements.
Performance-based solutions are often used where strict NCC compliance would compromise heritage values. Engage a building surveyor experienced in heritage work for these projects.
Energy efficiency
Tasmania's cold winters make thermal performance particularly important. New residential buildings must achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS energy rating, and the climate zone provisions in the NCC require specific approaches to insulation, glazing, draught sealing, and heating systems.
Building surveyors verify that the energy assessment commitments are reflected in the building plans and installed during construction. Getting the thermal envelope right at the design stage avoids costly remediation later.
Official Sources
Verify the information in this guide against these official government resources.
- Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)
Tasmanian building regulation and the register of building surveyors.