Sometimes building work is done before engineering approval is obtained. When this happens, we can often help by assessing the work afterwards. This is called retrospective approval. Here’s how the process works and what you need to know.

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1. Tell Us What Was Built

You start by letting us know what work has already been completed. We’ll confirm what we can assess, what information we need, and what the likely steps will be.

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2. Provide Evidence of the Work

Because the work is already built, we rely heavily on the information you provide. This may include:

• Photos taken during construction

• Any drawings or sketches

• Material details or receipts

• Statements from the builder

• Photos of areas before they were covered up

The more information you provide, the easier and faster the process will be.

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3. Site Visit (If Needed)

We may need to visit the site to look at what is visible and accessible. We cannot see through walls or floors, so if something important is hidden, we may ask for it to be exposed.

Any cutting, removal of linings, excavation, or reinstatement is the client’s responsibility.

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4. Engineering Assessment

We review the evidence and what we can see on site. If something is unclear or missing, we may:

• Ask for more information

• Request that parts of the work be exposed

• Recommend repairs or changes

• Decide that we cannot certify the work

Our assessment is based on what we can reasonably confirm.

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5. Fixing Any Issues

If we find anything unsafe or non‑compliant, we will explain what needs to be fixed. You will need to arrange a builder to carry out any rectification work.

We can review the rectification once it’s done.

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6. Issuing the Certificate

If everything is satisfactory, we can issue a retrospective engineering certificate. This certificate may include notes or conditions if some parts of the work could not be fully verified.

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7. Council or Building Surveyor Approval

Our certificate helps with the approval process, but the final decision is made by the building surveyor or permit authority. We cannot guarantee that they will accept the work.

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8. Fees

Retrospective approvals usually take more time than normal approvals. Extra inspections, investigations, or rectification reviews may incur additional fees.

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9. Important Note

Because the work is already built, we cannot take responsibility for:

• Hidden or covered‑up work

• Incomplete or inaccurate information

• Builder workmanship issues

• Work that does not match the evidence provided​

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Our assessment is based only on what we can see and what you supply.