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If you are dealing with a commercial project in Perth, it is common to hear people use the term certificate of occupancy. In Western Australia, however, the formal document you will usually be dealing with is an occupancy permit.

For commercial buildings, an occupancy permit confirms the approved use of the building and its classification under the National Construction Code.

The City of Perth states that an occupancy permit must be obtained from the permit authority before a Class 2–9 building can be occupied.

From a practical point of view, this means it is not just a final piece of paperwork at the end of the project. It is part of the legal and compliance framework that determines whether a commercial building or tenancy is ready to be occupied.

Read more “What is a certificate of occupancy for a commercial building in Perth, WA?”

If your commercial project in Perth needs an inspection, the first thing to understand is that it is usually not something the owner books directly like a standard service appointment. On most commercial jobs, inspections are built into the permit and construction process from the start. They are usually triggered when a particular stage of work is ready, and they are often coordinated by the builder, building surveyor, project manager, or another consultant involved in the project.

Read more “How do I request a commercial construction inspection in Perth, WA?”

If you are planning a commercial build in Perth, one of the first questions is: do I need a permit before work starts? In most cases, the answer is yes. In Western Australia, commercial construction runs through the building permit system, along with related approvals such as demolition permits and, in some cases, occupancy permits. The City of Perth states that a building permit is generally required before building work is carried out, including construction, renovation, alteration, or improvement work. 

Read more “When is a commercial building permit required in Perth?”

Choosing a commercial construction team is not simply about finding a builder to price the job. It is about choosing a team that can help move the project from concept to completion with the least surprises along the way. In commercial construction, the wrong team can cost far more than the difference between two tender prices. Delays, weak coordination, unclear scope, and avoidable variations usually become more expensive than the initial saving. Read more “How do I choose a commercial construction team?”

Commercial construction project planning is the stage where a project is tested before construction begins. It is not just about getting drawings started. It is about working out whether the project is practical, how it will be approved, what it is likely to cost, how long it could take, and what needs to be resolved before a builder is asked to price or start work.  Read more “What does commercial construction project planning involve?”