If you own or manage an apartment building in NSW, the builder you hire for remedial or building work is not just a matter of price. Since the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 came in, work on Class 2 buildings is regulated, and the builder must be registered to do it.
What is a Class 2 building?
Under the National Construction Code, a Class 2 building contains two or more sole-occupancy units, each a separate dwelling. In everyday terms: apartment blocks, units and residential flat buildings. Mixed-use buildings with apartments above shops or offices also contain a Class 2 part.
What the DBP Act changed
- Registered builders. Regulated building work on Class 2 buildings must be done by a registered building practitioner.
- Registered designers and engineers. Designs for regulated work must be prepared and declared compliant by registered design practitioners.
- Compliance declarations. Designers declare their designs comply with the Building Code, and builders declare the work was built to those designs.
- A statutory duty of care. Builders and designers owe a duty of care to owners, including owners corporations and future owners, to avoid defects.
- Stronger enforcement. The NSW Building Commissioner can inspect work and issue orders where serious defects are found.
Does it apply to remedial work?
Yes. Remedial building work on Class 2 buildings, such as concrete cancer repairs, waterproofing, balcony rectification, facade repairs and structural repairs, is generally regulated work. That means a registered builder, registered designs where required, and the right declarations.
How to check a Class 2 builder
- Check their NSW builder licence on the NSW Government licence check.
- Check their DBP registration and its class. General Unrestricted registration covers building work on Class 2 buildings of any rise.
- Ask about their experience with similar strata remedial projects.
- Ask how they handle designs, declarations and documentation.
- Confirm insurance, including public liability, workers compensation and home building compensation cover where it applies.
Why it matters to owners corporations
Using an unregistered builder for regulated work exposes the owners corporation to non-compliant work, problems with future sales and finance, and repairs that may need to be done again. A registered builder gives you a documented, accountable process.
METCON's registration
METCON holds NSW Builder Licence 384697C and DBP registration BUP4254812, General Unrestricted, so we can carry out remedial and building work on Class 2 apartment buildings. See our strata remedial services.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Class 2 builder?
A builder registered under the NSW Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 to carry out regulated building work on Class 2 buildings, which are apartment and residential flat buildings.
Does strata remedial work need a DBP registered builder?
Generally, yes. Remedial work on Class 2 buildings is regulated building work and must be carried out by a registered building practitioner.
How do I check if a builder is DBP registered?
Use the NSW Government licence and registration check online and confirm the registration class covers your building.
