Quick guide to what steps are involved before you can start an extension or renovation project.
Depending on the scope of the project, if it's not that big, it may fall under Exempt development or Complying development. Which means you either don't have to tell council (Exempt) or there are routine standard measures put in place to have the matter approved pronto (Complying).
You can get a list of what works are covered under Exempt Development in the Office of Fair Trading Website (usually very minor works).
For approval of Complying Development, plans will still need to be drawn up by a certified draftsman and in most cases an engineers report. Be aware of these budgeting costs.
A private certifier has the power to approve complying development applications which is fantastic, because even though you are paying a little bit more, you can be sure it gets approved fast (usually within 10 days) and without headaches, so you can get on with the build!
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION (DA)
This is also known as Development Consent. For larger scale projects. It will probably have environmental impact so it can be time consuming, complex and costly. It also requires notification to neighboring properties. Plans need to be submitted to council and all requirements must be addressed by your architect and structural engineer.
After jumping over all those council hoops, you have finally got that illusive DA. So you can start to build right... Wrong, you still need a Construction Certificate. But there is some good news, once you have the DA you can finally start talking to a builder and start getting quotes.
The DA usually provides a list of conditions that must be met before construction begins and a list of conditions for during constructions.
CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATE
The Construction Certificate (CC) makes sure all plans and specifications are to Building Code of Australia standards, and all conditions of the DA are met prior to the commencement of work.
Once you have picked your fantastic builder, you can apply for a CC. The agreed price and the builders Home warranty insurance details (for works over $20000) are items that are required in the CC application.
Now work can begin on your dream home!
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