Building Commission NSW has wrapped a successful inspection blitz of 59 sites in the New England region, bringing the total number of sites inspected across NSW since December last year to 439.
To re-affirm its commitment to maintaining building quality for residents across the state, six inspectors travelled to Muswellbrook, Scone, Calala, North Tamworth, Moore Creek, Gunnedah, Armidale and Kootingal in early July to check in on the local industry.
The team of inspectors focused on general compliance problems like appropriate signage and licences as well as Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) checks.
As a result of the compliance campaign, Building Commission NSW has drafted 24 Rectification Orders for a range of defects, including brickwork overhanging a concrete slab, and non-compliant articulation joints.
Before these orders are finalised and made public, Building Commission NSW will consider written representations from the developer or principal contractor, as required by legislation.
The blitz also saw Building Commission NSW issue 25 penalty infringement notices (PINs) for issues related to unlicensed contracting, insufficient supervision of trades on site, and signage.
While PINs are often used to enforce compliance, inspectors can also use the opportunity while onsite to educate tradespeople on issues like certifier and builder signage by way of warning, which was the case in the New England region.
Many of the tradespeople spoken to onsite were welcoming of the inspections, and compliance was operating at a good standard, with only one breach identified in respect to supervision of specialist trades.
The regional inspection program hit its stride in the first half of 2025, with inspectors identifying 221 breaches across 321 sites over the last seven months, across the Mid-North Coast, Riverina-Murray, Tweed and Central West regions.
Since December 2024 Building Commission NSW has issued 118 penalty notices to the value of $94,830 in regional NSW alone.
To ensure residential buildings outside the metro postcodes continue to be built to a high standard, Building Commission NSW will continue to travel regionally to conduct 'Anywhere, Anytime' inspections.
Find out more about Building Commission NSW on the Building Commission NSW website.
Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:
"Building quality is one of the top priorities of the Minns Labor Government.
"We will not sacrifice quality for quantity as we seek to meet our housing targets.
"Every builder, certifier, and tradesperson has a responsibility to uphold standards, whether they're operating in the city or in regional areas like New England.
"These inspections are about protecting homebuyers and ensuring they can have confidence in both the quality and safety of their new homes.
"As a sure sign the Building Commission is doing exactly what we set it out to do, they have issued 118 penalty notices to the value of $94,830 in regional NSW alone.
"By identifying defects and issuing penalty notices, Building Commission NSW is sending a clear message that if you try to cut corners, you'll be held accountable."
NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said:
"Conducting more than 70 inspections in just five days is a significant effort by Building Commission NSW and shows our determination to support quality building outcomes in the regions.
"The vast majority of trades we spoke to onsite were positive about our presence and appreciated the chance to ask questions and get clarity on their obligations.
"While overall compliance was sound, the 24 draft rectification orders and 25 PINs show there's still work to do, especially when it comes to signage, unlicensed contracting, and consistent build quality.
"We will keep travelling around regional NSW to ensure standards are maintained and homeowners get the home they deserve."
