How Much Does an Access Report Cost in Sydney? Fees, Fee Drivers and What to Send for a Fixed Quote
The fee for a disability access report in Sydney depends on the scope the drawings define. Sydney Access Consultants quotes a fixed fee for a named list of documents after we have seen the drawings and know the approval stage (DA, CC or CDC). We do not publish a one-size price list. The documents define the work.
Here is what moves the number, how DA, CC, audit, Performance Solution and SDA scopes differ, what to send for a fixed quote, and what a mobilisation fee means in this context. Call (02) 9586 3111 to discuss your project.
The short answer: why there is no one price
An access report is not a full BCA report. A DA access report is not a CC access report. The work required at planning stage differs from the work required on a construction set. Sydney Access Consultants, Accredited Access Consultants based in Hurstville, quotes a scoped fixed fee once the drawings and the intended lodgement stage are clear. Drawing quality, building class, size, and any extra streams such as adaptable housing, Livable Housing or SDA all affect the time needed.
Public "from" prices exist in the market for a single scope. They do not explain the drivers or cover the range of work councils and certifiers actually ask for. The safer approach is a fixed fee tied to a named document list.
What drives the fee
Building class and use
A Class 2 apartment building has different common-area and unit-entry requirements from a Class 5 or 6 fit-out or a Class 9 school or aged care facility. Classification sets which NCC Part D4 clauses and related provisions apply. See SDA building types and NCC classification for terminology.
Size and complexity
Storeys, number of sanitary facilities, car parking spaces, entrances and common areas all increase the elements that must be checked. A small shop fit-out takes less review time than a multi-level boarding house or mixed-use building.
Approval stage
A DA capability review on planning drawings is not the same as a CC or CDC assessment of construction drawings and specifications. The CC report must address door schedules, sanitary set-outs, ramp geometry and other details that are often absent at DA. See DA vs CC access report.
Drawing quality and revisions
A clear, coordinated set allows a focused review. Incomplete drawings or repeated re-issues increase the time required to confirm what can be assessed now and what must wait. Revisions after the initial report are typically priced as additional work unless the proposal states otherwise.
Extra streams on the same project
Adaptable housing under AS 4299 (often via a DCP), Livable Housing features (voluntary in NSW under current NCC adoption), or SDA design and certification are separate scopes. They can sit on the same project but add review and documentation time. See adaptable housing, Livable Housing and SDA certification. Sydney Access Consultants does not claim Livable Housing assessor registration.
Performance Solutions
Where Deemed-to-Satisfy cannot be met, a Performance Solution is a separate scope priced on the number of departures and the evidence required. See Performance Solutions and what is an NCC Performance Solution.
Existing buildings, audits and site time
Audits of existing buildings involve travel, inspection and photo logs. These differ from plan assessments. See existing-building access audits and the journal note on access audit vs plan assessment.
Location
Sydney metro work is based from the Hurstville office. Mid North Coast projects can be supported by Sandy Grey at Black Beach. Perth and Western Australia work is handled under the code in force there. Travel outside the local area is confirmed at quote stage. See locations, Mid North Coast access reports and Perth access reports.
Scope comparison
| Service | Typical stage | What you get | Main fee drivers | SAC page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DA access report | Development Application | Capability assessment on planning drawings; issues to resolve at CC | Building class, size, adaptable or livable overlays, drawing completeness | Access reports |
| CC/CDC access report | Construction Certificate or CDC | Detailed check of construction documents against Premises Standards, NCC and referenced Standards | Drawing detail, sanitary and door schedules, number of elements, revisions | DA vs CC |
| Pre-OC / existing building audit | Before occupation or for upgrade planning | Site inspection, photo log, compliant/non-compliant status and practical options | Building size, travel, complexity of existing fabric | Existing building audits |
| Performance Solution report | Where DtS cannot be met | Evidence-based alternative solution for the registered certifier | Number of departures, testing or analysis required | Performance Solutions |
| SDA design / final certification | NDIS SDA enrolment | Design review and certification against SDA Design Standard | Design category, building type, documentation completeness | SDA certification |
| Expert witness | Dispute or tribunal | Independent report prepared to Makita standard | Scope of instructions, site time, report length | Expert witness |
What to send for a fixed quote
Send these items so the scope can be priced against a named document list rather than estimated hours:
- Current drawing set (plus specification if the stage is CC or CDC)
- Intended lodgement stage (DA, CC or CDC)
- Building classification and use
- Any consent conditions or earlier certifier RFIs
- Whether adaptable, livable or SDA streams apply on the same project
- Site address and any certifier already engaged
With that package a fixed fee can be proposed for the defined work. See also how to brief an access consultant.
What is a mobilisation fee (and is it the same as a deposit)?
In construction contracts a mobilisation fee is an upfront payment that covers the cost of setting the job up before productive work starts: site establishment, plant, insurance and administration. For a consultant the equivalent is an engagement payment that secures a slot and covers file set-up and the initial review.
A deposit is usually a part-payment that is credited against the final invoice. A mobilisation fee pays for the set-up work itself. Check the proposal to see which form of upfront payment is being requested. Calculation is typically a fixed amount or a percentage of the contract; the exact basis is stated in the engagement documents.
Sydney Access Consultants confirms any engagement terms in the written proposal for each project. The proposal states what is included, how revisions are handled, and any upfront payment.
Why the cheapest report can cost more
A report that is incomplete or not stage-matched often generates RFIs, re-issue of drawings, and delays at CC. Those downstream costs exceed the difference in the original fee. Certifiers need a clear status for each element, limitations stated, and a document list they can follow. See what certifiers want in an access report and the journal notes on best inclusions and refurbishment cost comparison.
How to compare access consultant quotes
Look for ACAA accreditation (Gary Finn is an Accredited Member, member 435), a named document list, clarity on revisions included, turnaround, and professional indemnity insurance. See the journal notes on selection criteria and what to look for, plus when you need an access consultant and what an access consultant does.
Turnaround times
Typical turnaround is confirmed in the proposal once the scope and drawing completeness are known. DA reviews and CC reviews have different lead times. Contact the office on (02) 9586 3111 with your current drawings for a specific indication.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an access report cost in Sydney?
It depends on the scope the drawings define: building class and size, the approval stage (DA, CC or CDC), drawing quality and revisions, and whether adaptable, Livable Housing or SDA requirements sit on the same project. Sydney Access Consultants does not publish a one-size price list. We quote a fixed fee for a named list of documents after we have seen the drawings and know the approval stage.
What do I need to send to get a fixed quote for an access report?
Send the current drawing set (plus the specification for CC or CDC), the intended lodgement stage, the building classification and use, any consent conditions or earlier certifier RFIs, and whether adaptable, livable or SDA streams apply. With that package an access consultant can price a defined document list instead of guessing at hourly time.
What is a mobilisation fee, and is it the same as a deposit?
A mobilisation fee is an upfront payment that covers the cost of setting a job up before the main work starts. In construction that means site establishment. For a consultant it means engagement, file set-up and the initial review. A deposit is usually a part-payment credited against the final invoice. A mobilisation fee pays for the set-up work itself, so check your proposal to see which one you are being asked for.
Is a DA access report cheaper than a CC access report?
Usually yes, because the DA report assesses capability on planning drawings while the CC report reviews detailed construction documents. The exact difference depends on the project and the completeness of each set.
Are revisions, site inspections and RFI responses included?
The proposal states what is included. Additional revisions, site time or RFI responses after the initial report are typically additional unless the engagement documents say otherwise.
How long does an access report take?
Turnaround depends on the stage, drawing completeness and current workload. The proposal includes a specific indication once the package is reviewed.
Call Sydney Access Consultants on (02) 9586 3111 for a fixed-fee proposal on your drawings. Office: Suite 7/438 Forest Road, Hurstville NSW 2220.