What Is a Building Information Certificate and Do I Need One?

If you've been told you need a Building Information Certificate, or BIC, and you're not quite sure what that means, you're in the right place. It's one of the most common things we help people with, and the good news is it's usually a lot more straightforward than it first sounds.

A Building Information Certificate is a document issued by your local council. In simple terms, it confirms that the council will not take action to have a building, or part of a building, demolished, altered, repaired or rebuilt for a period of seven years from the date it is issued.

People usually need a BIC for one main reason: there's a structure on the property that was built without approval, or it's unclear whether it ever had approval. That might be a shed, a carport, a patio, a deck, a pool, a garage conversion, or an extension that a previous owner put up years ago.

A BIC doesn't change the building or require you to pull anything down. It simply gives you and the council a clear, certified position on the existing structure, which gives you peace of mind and a clean record going forward.

You might need a Building Information Certificate if:

You've discovered an unapproved structure on your property
You're selling and your conveyancer or agent has flagged missing approvals
You're buying and want certainty about what's already on the land
The council has contacted you about a structure that doesn't appear to be approved

Every property and every structure is a little different, so the right approach always depends on your specific situation. If you'd like us to take a look, we're very experienced with these applications and can guide you through the whole process.