Additions, Granny Flats, Cabins, Studios, Renovations, Outdoor Living Areas, Patios, Sheds, Pools and Spas 

 

We mainly focus on smaller jobs and cater to customers wanting a more affordable option to getting the job done.

 

With 40 years’ experience we know what is needed and what is just overcharging customers for work not necessary.

 

We shop around for you to obtain the best prices possible to keep overall cost down for reports, documentation etc. needed to support an application. Not keeping costs down in the beginning will usually lead to cost overruns in the end.

 

We can provide the design/drawings and facilitate the application/approval process & co-ordination of required documentation, reports, and submission of an application to Council &/or Private Certifier as needed.

 

Also, Provision of a competitively priced Private Certifier for jobs that are able to be approved as Complying Development and any liaison with your Council as needed.

 

The design/drafting is usually carried out with 7-10 working days for smaller to medium size jobs and larger jobs, depending upon the changes requested, can take longer.

 

A site visit is usually conducted to view the existing structures and make suggestions based on your requirements and ideas. Some smaller jobs do not require a site visit thereby reducing the overall drafting costs.

Not all projects need council approval but it is important to check before hand with either your local council or use the services of a business such as Connect Drafting. There also may be certain restrictions/requirements that apply to your particular project/property that need to be addressed in the design stage such as Bush Fire Zone, Flood Zone, Heritage Area etc.

 

An initial assessment is required either before or after the site visit depending upon the project type to determine if the project can be done as Complying Development (CDC) or requires a Development Applications (DA).

Complying Development can be much faster, however the project/property must meet the requirements to be approved under CDC prerequisites. CDC also incorporates a Construction Certificate (CC) which is required before starting the project.

If a project does not meet the requirements for CDC then a DA is usually required.

A DA is more involved and usually requires additional documentation, as opposed to a CDC application.

 

The Development Application process is required by the council to determine if your proposed project is within Local and State Development & Building controls and guidelines, the Environmental Impact on the surrounding area and the impact it will have on neighbouring properties. If a DA is approved then a Construction Certificate (CC) must be approved/issued before commencing.

Some Councils approve the CC at the same time whilst doing the DA while others do not. You have the option after the DA is approved/issued to apply for a CC through Council (Certifier) or through a Private Certifier.

 

 

There are three main options depending on site conditions and proposal.

 

Exempt Development – refer to Exempt Development summary guide for specific details such as height restriction, size and distance to boundaries etc.
Complying Development – must meet specific criteria such as distance to boundaries, setbacks, heights etc. and the subject site needs to be assessed to determine if it is affected by any restrictions preventing the CDC process…includes Construction Certificate
Development Application – if Exempt Development or Complying Development is not permitted a Development Application with the relevant Local Council may be considered. A Construction Certificate will also be required prior to starting construction.

 

As local Council DA’s become more complicated it is becoming more difficult for someone unfamiliar with the process to complete and lodge. Even, so called experts can have applications rejected and need to resubmit.