Building Permits

A building permit is a document issued by a private or municipal building surveyor to certify that a proposed building complies with the relevant building regulations, and that the construction plans and other relevant documentation are detailed and correct to ensure construction can be carried out without issue. Any proposed building works, unless exempt, must have a building permit prior to the commencement of construction to ensure is meets the required standards. However some minor works such as a shed, repairs to existing structures, small pergolas, or internal alterations may not require a permit. In cases where a building permit is required, the following would be a typical permit approval process:
  • Initial site measure and proposed designs
    The site and any existing dwellings or structures are measured and an initial design is produced with regular discussions and feedback from the client. At this stage we also recommend the client contacts their builder to discuss building cost estimates based on these concept plans to ensure it fits within their budget.
  • Land surveyed
    Typically a formal land survey will be required from an external licensed land surveyor for projects requiring a permit. Callander Designs can assist with engaging a land surveyor for your project.
  • Design development
    The proposed concept plans are developed and refined based on regular feedback and consultations with the client to ensure the final design is perfect for their needs.
  • Town planning permit
    In some cases a town planning permit may be required, particularly for projects involving a small block, multiple dwellings, or located in a bushfire or flood zone. For these projects we will produce the required town planning documentation and plans, and assist the client in submitting their application and organising any external consultants the council may require.
  • Construction drawings produced
    Once the proposed designs are approved by the client (and the town planning permit is issued if needed), we can produce the full construction/working drawings package for building permit submission. This includes site plans, demolition plans, existing and proposed floor plans, elevations, detailed sections, door & window schedules, and all required notations for construction.
  • External consultants' documentation
    Most projects will also require documentation from external consultants, such as a soil engineer, structural engineer, and energy assessor. Callander Designs can assist with engaging these consultants for your project.
  • Administration
    Callander Designs can now package up all of the plans, consultants reports and other documentation ready for the client's building permit submission.
  • Submission to building surveyor
    Client submits building permit application to either a private building surveyor or their local council's building surveyor for their assessment.
  • Building surveyor review & Further Information Requests
    The building surveyor assesses the permit application including plans and other documents for building permit approval. Often they will request additional information during their assessment, which we will work through with you to address any items quickly to keep the application process moving.
  • Client to finalise builder engagement
    If the client does not already have a builder engaged for the project, they will need to organise this prior to the building permit being issued. Callander Designs can assist with discussing the proposed works with your builder prior to engagement to ensure all parties are on the same page.
  • Permit issued
    Once the building surveyor is satisfied that all documents are in order and the proposed works will meet all construction code and building regulation requirements, the building permit can be issued and construction can commence.