How Building Certification Works in Western Australia
A guide to WA building surveyor registration, certified and uncertified application pathways, reactive clay soils, and cyclone requirements.
Last reviewed: 2026-03-19
WA building surveyor system
Western Australia's building certification system is governed by the Building Act 2011 and the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011. The Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) registers building surveyors and oversees compliance.
WA uses the term "building surveyor" for practitioners who assess building plans and certify compliance. They issue certificates of design compliance, conduct inspections, and issue certificates of building compliance for completed work.
Registration levels
DEMIRS registers building surveyors at three levels. Level 1 (Practitioner and Contractor) can certify all building classes without restriction. Level 2 (Practitioner and Contractor) is limited to lower-rise and less complex buildings.
Building Surveyor Technicians can conduct inspections under supervision but cannot independently issue permits or certificates of design compliance. The distinction between "Practitioner" and "Contractor" relates to the mode of engagement rather than the scope of authorisation.
Certified vs uncertified applications
WA has two pathways for building permits. In a certified application, the building surveyor issues the certificate of design compliance (CDC) and the local government issues the building permit based on that CDC. In an uncertified application, the plans are submitted directly to the local government for assessment.
Most private building work uses the certified pathway, which is generally faster because the building surveyor can issue the CDC without waiting for council processing. Your building surveyor can advise which pathway is appropriate for your project.
Reactive clay soils in Perth
Much of the Perth metropolitan area sits on reactive clay soils that expand and contract with moisture changes. Building surveyors in WA verify that foundation design (typically waffle raft slabs or pier and beam systems) is appropriate for the site's soil classification.
A geotechnical report is required for most new builds in Perth, and the surveyor checks that the structural engineering addresses site-specific soil conditions. This is a routine consideration for WA practitioners but can catch interstate developers off guard.
Cyclone regions
Areas north of the 26th parallel (including Broome, Karratha, Port Hedland, and Exmouth) fall within cyclone-affected wind regions. Buildings in these areas must meet enhanced wind loading requirements under the NCC.
Building surveyors working in northern WA verify cyclone compliance, including structural connections, roof fixing details, and window and door specifications appropriate for the wind region. Construction costs are higher in these areas due to the additional engineering and material requirements.
Official Sources
Verify the information in this guide against these official government resources.
- DEMIRS - Building Services
WA building regulation, building surveyor registration, and the public register.