ACT Guide

Completion, final approval & lawful occupation (ACT)

“Finished” isn’t the same as lawfully occupiable. This page explains the practical steps owner-builders should plan for at the end of the project so you don’t get stuck at handover.

Completion checklist Where projects stall

General information only (not legal advice). Confirm exact requirements with your certifier and Access Canberra.

Quick links
Inspections (ACT) Record-keeping template After completion & selling

What “occupation approval” means in practice

At the end of the build, your certifier needs enough evidence to confirm the work matches the building approval and complies with required standards.

  • Final inspection(s) completed
  • Mandatory certificates collected
  • Any defects/outstanding items resolved
  • Final documentation issued so the home can be occupied lawfully

Completion checklist (owner-builder friendly)

1) Finish the work (really finish)
  • All “permit scope” items complete
  • Site safe, clean, and accessible
  • No incomplete compliance items hidden behind walls/ceilings
2) Pass the final inspection
  • Book inspections early (don’t assume next week)
  • Have documents ready on the day
  • Fix defects fast and rebook if required
3) Collect the certificates
Examples (varies by project):
  • Electrical compliance
  • Plumbing/drainage sign-offs
  • Structural/engineering certificates
  • Waterproofing / wet areas evidence
4) Assemble a completion pack
  • Approvals + amended plans (if any)
  • Invoices + warranties
  • Photos of concealed work stages
  • Final “as-built” notes if changes occurred
Simple rule
If you can’t prove it, it may as well not exist. Most end-of-project delays are “missing evidence”, not “bad building”.
Use the record-keeping template Back to ACT process

Where projects usually stall at completion

Missing certificates
Especially electrical/plumbing/waterproofing evidence or engineering sign-offs.
Unapproved variations
Changes that aren’t reflected in documents can trigger rework or amended approvals.
Inspection stages skipped
If something was covered before inspection, you may need invasive evidence later.
Final defects list drags out
Treat defects as a task list with owners + dates, not a vague “we’ll get to it”.
After completion & selling Inspections
On this page
What it means Completion checklist Where projects stall
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