Tips on Residential Building Approval

Building your dream home can be one of the most rewarding projects, bringing your ideas into reality, but often homeowners feel discouraged once they enter into the applications and approvals process which can take months to lodge with your local council. If you’re looking to renovate or build your new home, we have a few residential drafting tips to help navigate through the tricky approvals stage of your project.

What is a Development Application (DA)?

No matter what type of project, whether building granny flats, a new house, or additions, you'll need to receive development approval from the local council. The council needs to ensure building changes adhere to state building requirements and won't impact neighbours and the surrounding environment. In NSW, the council takes a risk assessment of building developments, meaning not all changes and renovations need consent, such as erecting a carport or fence which is considered low risk. If you’re unsure, it’s best to get in touch with an expert residential drafting service who can guide you on the level of approval needed.

Chat to the Neighbours

While you’re in the pre-lodgement stage, it’s best to get in contact with your neighbours to discuss any building changes that can affect their living environment. Their response can often be a great way to assess the impact of the development and any objections, should they contact the council later on. In some council areas, it’s mandatory to notify your neighbours of impending building development, so make sure to consult with a residential building professional to understand your responsibilities.

Meet with the Council

If you’re planning on designing and building without help from a residential drafting service, you can consult with a duty officer from the council free of charge. The council can offer advice and give guidance during the pre-lodgement stage, but if you're looking for a detailed response this is best left to a professional residential draftsman.

Make a Budget

It’s common knowledge how expensive building a home can be, but if you prepare a budget in advance, you can avoid any surprises when it comes to lodging your development approval. It's important to take into account the different fees and charges with your application such as construction certificate fees, council bonds and water connections which can be placed into a cost summary report. Your estimated cost of development can affect the development application fee and depending on the total cost needs to be calculated by a residential building professional. For developments over $100,000, it’s recommended by the NSW government that a qualified person calculates these costs such as a builder or a qualified designer and residential draftsman.

Need a Draftsman?

At Go Design Solutions, we provide a complete residential application and certification service in Penshurst, to take the hassle out of the approval process. To start your dream renovation or extension project, contact our expert residential drafting team in Sydney here or call us today on (02) 8091 0588.