What to Expect During a Remedial Building Project: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re planning remedial work on a Class 2 building in NSW – such as façade repairs, waterproofing upgrades, or concrete spalling – it’s not just about getting the job done. It’s about doing it properly, with the right people, and in line with current legislation.
Under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (DBPA), remedial building work is now regulated to improve transparency, accountability, and quality across the industry. Here’s what you can expect when working with a licensed, DBPA-compliant Registered Building Practitioner like us.
Step 1: You’ll Likely Already Have an Engineer’s Scope
In most cases, an engineer or consultant will have already inspected the issue and provided a scope or set of plans. These are our starting point.
If your building falls under the DBPA (most multi-storey residential buildings do), that scope needs to be converted into a regulated design and lodged via the NSW Planning Portal before work starts. We work with registered design practitioners who can handle this if required.
Step 2: We'll Provide a Fixed Quote
Once we review the engineer’s documentation, we’ll provide a clear and detailed quote based on the scope provided. This includes material allowances, access considerations, site protection measures, and a projected timeline. If there are any inconsistencies or opportunities to improve constructability, we’ll raise them early.
Step 3: We Lodge the Regulated Design Before Work Begins
For DBPA projects, a registered design practitioner must prepare and lodge a Construction Issued Regulated Design (CIRD). We’ll coordinate this process and ensure it's signed off and uploaded before we start on site.
This step is a legal requirement and confirms that the work complies with the Building Code of Australia.
Step 4: Site Set-Up, Access, and Communication
Once compliance is sorted, we arrange access, confirm staging with the strata manager, and issue all the required notifications. From there, our site team gets to work – safely and with minimal disruption to residents.
Step 5: Execution of Works
With everything in place, our team gets to work. At Engage, we’re both a licensed builder and a registered building practitioner – so you’re in good hands. We’ll follow the approved design exactly, and where adjustments are needed, we’ll coordinate an updated design and declaration before proceeding.
Typical remedial works might include:
Crack repair and facade sealing
Waterproofing and membrane replacement
Concrete cancer treatment
Balcony rebuilds
Render and paint rectification
Internal repairs due to water damage
Step 6: Progress Updates and Claims
We provide regular updates and issue progress claims aligned with the work schedule. Whether you’re an owner, strata manager or consultant, you’ll know where things stand—every step of the way.
Step 7: Handover and Compliance Declaration
Once the work is complete, we’ll clean down the site, conduct a final inspection, and submit a Building Compliance Declaration via the Planning Portal.
This declaration confirms that all works were completed in accordance with the regulated design and are compliant with the DBPA.
What About Emergency Works?
The DBPA allows for emergency remedial works (e.g. where there’s an immediate risk to safety or structure), but they still require a retrospective compliance declaration. If it’s urgent, we can act quickly – but we’ll always circle back to meet the legal requirements after the fact.
Why This Matters
The DBPA raises the bar across the industry – and we’re here for it. It protects owners and strata schemes by ensuring the right professionals are involved at every step, designs are properly documented, and the finished product is up to code.
If you’re unsure whether your building or scope falls under the DBPA, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to guide you through the process and make sure your project is compliant from day one.
When remedial work is done properly, it restores the integrity of your building, protects its value, and improves liveability for everyone. It’s not just about fixing a problem—it’s about future-proofing your asset.
Want help navigating DBPA requirements or getting started on your remedial project?
Reach out to our team.