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Retrospective Building Approvals

Gold Coast Headquarters | Servicing Australia

Building work completed without the required approval can create issues when selling, renovating, or managing a property. GMA Certification Group provides professional retrospective building approval services to help property owners address existing building work and understand the certification requirements that may apply.


Our team can assess existing structures, review available documentation, and help determine the appropriate pathway for obtaining approval or certification where possible. Call 1300 851 852 to discuss your existing building work.

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What Are Retrospective Building Approvals?

Retrospective building approval refers to the process of addressing building work that was completed without the required building approval or certification.


This can apply to a range of existing structures and building work, including additions, alterations, garages, sheds, decks, and other improvements.


The appropriate process will depend on the type of building work, when it was completed, the property's location, and the documentation available.


GMA Certification Group can assess your circumstances and provide guidance on the next steps.

When Might Retrospective Approval Be Required?

Property owners may discover unapproved building work when:



  • Buying or selling a property
  • Preparing a property for sale
  • Refinancing or arranging finance
  • Planning renovations or extensions
  • Reviewing property records
  • Responding to a council inquiry
  • Discovering previous building work without approval
  • Preparing documentation for a property transaction


If you are unsure whether existing work has the appropriate approval, it is important to seek professional advice before making changes to the structure.

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Existing Building Work We Can Assess

Depending on the circumstances, retrospective building approval services may relate to the following:


  • House extensions
  • Internal alterations
  • Garages
  • Carports
  • Sheds
  • Decks
  • Patios
  • Enclosures
  • Additional rooms
  • Altered building layouts
  • Other existing structures



Every situation is different. Our team can review the available information and advise what may be required to address the existing building work.

How Does the Retrospective Approval Process Work?

The process will vary depending on the building and the circumstances surrounding the unapproved work.

Generally, the process may involve:

1. Initial Assessment

We review the information available about the existing building work and discuss your circumstances.

2. Documentation Review

Existing plans, approvals, permits, certificates, reports, and other relevant documentation may be reviewed.

3. Site Assessment

Where required, the existing building work may need to be inspected to determine its condition and relevant construction details.

4. Additional Information

Further plans, engineering reports, photographs, or other documentation may be required depending on the project.

5. Compliance Assessment

The existing work is assessed against the requirements applicable to the building and the relevant certification pathway.

6. Approval or Certification

Where the applicable requirements are satisfied and the appropriate process is completed, the relevant certification documentation can be issued.

The exact process depends on the individual circumstances of the property.

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Why Address Unapproved Building Work?

Unapproved building work can create uncertainty for property owners. Addressing the issue can help provide clearer records and may be important when dealing with future property transactions or building work.


Resolving existing approval issues can also help you understand what work has been carried out on your property and whether additional action is required.



If you have discovered potentially unapproved building work, speaking with a building certifier is a good place to start.

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Retrospective Approval for Property Owners

Discovering unapproved building work can be confusing, particularly if the work was completed by a previous owner.

You may not have the original plans, permits, or construction information available. GMA Certification Group can help assess the information you do have and explain what may be required to move forward.



Our team can work with you to identify the appropriate certification pathway for the existing building work.

Support for Existing Buildings

GMA Certification Group provides certification services for a range of existing building situations.



Our team can assist property owners, builders, developers, and other professionals with understanding building approval and compliance requirements for existing structures.


We can help you identify potential documentation requirements and explain the next steps based on the circumstances of your project.

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Why Choose GMA Certification Group?

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Experienced Building Certification Professionals

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Practical Advice

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Detailed Assessment

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Queensland Building Knowledge

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Multiple Locations

Retrospective Building Approvals FAQs

  • What is a retrospective building approval?

    A retrospective building approval is a process used to address building work that has already been completed or commenced without the required building approval. A building certifier assesses the existing work and determines what is required to bring the building into compliance.

  • When is a retrospective building approval required?

    A retrospective approval may be required when building work was carried out without the necessary approval or when approval documentation for existing building work cannot be located.

  • Can GMA Certification Group help with unapproved building work?

    GMA Certification Group can assess your circumstances and advise on the appropriate certification pathway for existing or unauthorized building work.

  • What types of building work can require retrospective approval?

    Retrospective approval may apply to various types of building work, including extensions, renovations, garages, patios, sheds, commercial structures, and other additions or alterations completed without the required approval.

  • What does a certifier check for retrospective approval?

    A building certifier may review the existing building work, available plans, and documentation and assess whether the work complies with applicable building requirements. Additional inspections, reports, or rectification work may be required.

  • Do I need building plans for retrospective approval?

    Plans and supporting documentation may be required depending on the building work and circumstances. If original plans are unavailable, additional documentation or assessment may be necessary.

  • Can retrospective approval be issued if the building work does not comply?

    Not necessarily. If existing building work does not meet applicable requirements, rectification or other measures may be required before approval can be considered.

  • How long does a retrospective building approval take?

    The timeframe varies depending on the age, type, and complexity of the building work; the availability of documentation; and whether inspections, engineering reports, or rectification work is required.

  • What happens if I discover unapproved building work on my property?

    It is best to seek professional advice before making changes to the building. A building certifier can assess the circumstances and explain the appropriate steps for addressing the unapproved work.

  • Can retrospective approval affect selling my property?

    Potentially. Unapproved building work can create issues during a property sale or when documentation is requested by a buyer, lender, or other party. Addressing approval issues can help clarify the status of the building work.

  • Can GMA help with retrospective approval for an existing property?

    GMA Certification Group can assess existing building approval concerns and advise whether retrospective certification may be appropriate for the circumstances.

  • How do I get started with a retrospective building approval?

    Contact GMA Certification Group to discuss the existing building work and approval history. Our team can help determine what information and assessments may be required to move forward.

Address Your Existing Building Approval

Call 1300 851 852 to discuss your retrospective building approval needs.