Bluestone and the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020

The Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 fundamentally changed how regulated buildings are delivered in New South Wales. It introduced clear accountability for builders, designers, and engineers, ensuring that buildings are designed and constructed in line with declared designs and the Building Code of Australia.

For clients delivering regulated projects, particularly in housing, aged care, and complex commercial environments, this legislation is not administrative detail. It directly affects risk, long-term asset performance, and legal exposure.

Bluestone Building Group is a registered and accredited Building Practitioner under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020. This accreditation reflects how we already operate, with strong design coordination, disciplined documentation, and accountability for outcomes long after practical completion.

We are currently delivering projects under this framework for Salvation Army Housing and The Cram Foundation, both of which require a high level of governance, transparency, and compliance. You can learn more about these organisations at https://www.salvationarmy.org.au and https://www.cramfoundation.com.au/.

Why the Design and Building Practitioners Act Matters

The DBP Act was introduced in response to widespread building defects and failures that exposed weaknesses in accountability across the construction industry. The legislation directly addresses these issues by regulating who can design and build certain types of buildings and by holding them legally responsible for compliance.

Under the Act, builders cannot rely on fragmented documentation or informal coordination. Regulated designs must be prepared, declared, and lodged before construction. Variations must be assessed and re-declared where required. Compliance is no longer assumed. It must be demonstrated.

For clients delivering Class 2 apartment buildings, certain Class 3 buildings such as hotels, and Class 9c buildings including aged care facilities, the Act provides greater certainty. It ensures that the builder you engage is qualified, accountable, and operating within a structured compliance framework.

Bluestone’s Role as an Accredited Building Practitioner

Being an accredited Building Practitioner means Bluestone is authorised to carry out regulated building work under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020. It also means we carry a statutory duty of care for the work we deliver.

This accreditation shapes how we approach projects from the earliest stages. Design coordination happens before work starts on site, not after issues arise. Regulated designs are reviewed for constructability and compliance. Changes are documented properly, with declarations lodged through the NSW Planning Portal at the required stages.

Clients working with Bluestone gain confidence that their project is being delivered by a builder who understands the legislative environment and is prepared to accept responsibility for the end result.

This approach aligns with how we deliver projects across our Commercial Construction services and Industrial Construction work, where compliance, planning, and risk management are critical to success.

Accountability Beyond Practical Completion

One of the most significant elements of the DBP Act is the statutory duty of care. This duty applies for up to ten years after completion and allows building owners to pursue claims for defects caused by non-compliant or negligent work.

For clients, this creates a clear distinction between builders who are comfortable operating under scrutiny and those who are not. Bluestone’s accreditation reflects our confidence in the quality of our work and our commitment to delivering buildings that perform as intended over the long term.

This level of accountability is especially important in sectors such as social housing, aged care, and institutional facilities, where safety, durability, and compliance are non-negotiable.

Design Coordination and Compliance in Practice

The DBP Act requires regulated designs and compliance declarations to be lodged at key milestones. This process ensures that what is built on site aligns with approved and declared designs.

Bluestone works closely with architects, engineers, and consultants to ensure documentation is coordinated, buildable, and compliant before construction begins. This reduces late-stage changes, minimises risk, and protects clients from costly rectification after completion.

Our experience delivering work in live environments and regulated facilities means compliance is embedded into our delivery methodology. It is not treated as a separate administrative exercise.

You can learn more about our broader approach to regulated and complex projects through our About Bluestone page.

Who Should Care About DBP Act Accreditation

If you are delivering regulated projects in Wollongong, the Illawarra, Nowra or across the NSW South Coast, DBP Act accreditation is essential. It signals that your builder understands their legal obligations and is structured to operate within a compliance-driven framework.

Clients engaging an accredited Building Practitioner reduce their exposure to defects, compliance failures, and future disputes. They also gain a construction partner who values transparency, documentation, and professional accountability.

Bluestone’s accreditation reinforces our position as a trusted builder for clients who require certainty, clarity, and long-term performance from their buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020?
It is NSW legislation that regulates designers, engineers, and builders working on certain building types to improve construction quality and accountability.

Is Bluestone Building Group registered under the DBP Act?
Yes. Bluestone Building Group is an accredited Building Practitioner under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020.

What types of buildings does the Act apply to?
The Act applies to Class 2 apartment buildings, certain Class 3 buildings such as hotels and motels, and Class 9c buildings including aged care facilities.

Why does DBP Act accreditation matter to clients?
It ensures the builder is legally accountable for compliance, design coordination, and construction quality, significantly reducing long-term risk.

Does the Act apply to social and affordable housing projects?
Yes. Many social and affordable housing developments fall within regulated building classifications and require accredited practitioners.

How long does a builder’s responsibility last under the Act?
The statutory duty of care extends for up to ten years after completion.

What happens if designs change during construction?
Any variations to regulated designs must be documented, reviewed, and re-declared to maintain compliance.

Can non-accredited builders deliver regulated projects?
No. Regulated building work must be carried out by registered practitioners.

Does Bluestone manage compliance documentation and declarations?
Yes. Bluestone manages design coordination, compliance declarations, and Planning Portal lodgements as part of project delivery.

Speak With an Accredited Building Practitioner

If you are planning a regulated project in NSW and want certainty around compliance, accountability, and long-term performance, speak with Bluestone Building Group.

We work with commercial and institutional clients who require disciplined delivery and clear governance throughout the construction process.

Visit our Contact page or explore our Commercial Construction services to start a conversation.