Prior to building your new home, a Building Permit must be obtained before any construction commences. The Building Permit is issued by a private or Council Building Surveyor who must be registered with the Building Practitioners Board.
What is a Building Permit?
A Building Permit is a document issued by a Registered Building Surveyor to indicate that the plans and documentation for a proposed building project meet the requirements of the Building Act 1993, Building Code of Australia and the Building Regulations 2006. A Building Permit grants consent for work to commence and is required for most new buildings, extensions, major renovations, structural alterations and demolitions.
Why do I need a Building Permit?
Building permits are required by law - The Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2006 legislate that most building works, structural alterations, demolitions and removals require Building Permits in Victoria.
A Building Permit ensures that:
- all documentation has been completed correctly and meets all relevant legislation and regulations.
- the Building Practitioner is registered and appropriately insured.
- critical stages of the building work satisfy the relevant Building Legislation.
When do I need a Building Permit?
A Building Permit is generally required for the majority of building works, including but not limited to:
- New home constructions.
- Structural alterations and restorations.
- Major renovations and extensions.
- Modifications that change the size, use or height of a building.
- Retaining walls and fences of certain sizes.
What documentation is required when submitting a Building Permit Application?
In order for the Building Permit to be issued, the Building Surveyor requires a number of documents to be submitted by the Builder - these include:
- Detailed drawings from a Draftsperson or Architect.
- Planning Permit and endorsed drawings (if applicable).
- Information on service connections available to the property.
- Structural engineering design for the slab or stump foundations and the building structure.
- Structural engineering computations.
- A soil report.
- Site survey information including details of neighbouring properties, existing trees, level contours and overlooking and overshadowing diagrams.
- Energy rating report that shows the proposed dwelling meets a minimum 6 Star Energy rating.
- Certificate of Home Warranty Insurance (protects the Client in the event that the Builder cannot complete the project).
- Evidence that the Builder is registered with the Building Practitioner’s Board.
The Building Surveyor will then check the information and may request further documentation or recommend modifications to ensure that the project complies with all relevant building legislation, building codes, regulations and standards.
Once the Building Surveyor has completed an assessment and approves the Application, a Building Permit can usually be obtained within two weeks. This is assuming that the Builder is experienced in obtaining the correct documents and is thorough in making sure that the submitted design and documentation is compliant.
What happens during the build process?
Once the build has commenced, the Building Surveyor will visit the site at certain key stages during construction to inspect and approve the works.
The Building Surveyor may inspect the following key stages, including but not limited to:
- Pre-slab.
- Foundations and/or stump holes.
- Slab or footing steel reinforcement.
- Timber/steel framework.
- Safety barriers for swimming pool and/or spa.
- Final inspection upon building work completion.
The total number of inspections required varies depending on the project size, complexity and construction methods used.
The Building Permit will stipulate whether you require an Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Final Inspection. Examples generally include:
| Occupancy Permit | Certificate of Final Inspection |
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Once your Occupancy Permit or Certificate of Final Inspection has been approved, your new or renovated home is ready for you to move in.
How can Gentrify help me with my Building Permit Application?
The Building Permit process can become somewhat overwhelming to someone who hasn’t done it before.
Our friendly team at Gentrify are highly experienced at interpreting building legislation, as well as dealing with local Councils and authorities. We have vast experience in obtaining Building Permits (and Planning Permits) and we are more than happy to facilitate the entire process on your behalf and in a timely manner.
Almost all of our clients choose Gentrify to organise Building Permits for them to take the stress out of what can be a stressful and complicated process.
If you are planning to build a new home and would like help with your Building Permit, call us now on 1800 GENTRIFY (1800 436 874) or email us at enquiries@gentrify.com.au - we’d love to help.
