I’ve never built before, where do I start?
Start by giving us a call, with a combined 50 years’ experience in the building industry you can trust us to give you the best advice and to guide you through the entire building process
What about planning and building permits
Carrying out building work can be an exciting and satisfying process.
However, the building process has some pitfalls for those who are uninformed.
There are many things to consider before starting your building, such as whether your job requires a building permit or a planning permit (or both).
The Building Act 1993 (the Act) and Building Regulations 2018 (the Regulations) legislate that all building work is subject to the issuing of a building permit, unless an exemption exists for the proposed work under the Regulations. This includes some minor alterations, demolitions and repair or maintenance work.
A building permit will specify that either an occupancy permit or a certificate of final inspection is required on completion of the building work.
If you are unsure, please consult your municipal or private building surveyor whether your proposed building work requires a building permit.
However, the building process has some pitfalls for those who are uninformed.
There are many things to consider before starting your building, such as whether your job requires a building permit or a planning permit (or both).
The Building Act 1993 (the Act) and Building Regulations 2018 (the Regulations) legislate that all building work is subject to the issuing of a building permit, unless an exemption exists for the proposed work under the Regulations. This includes some minor alterations, demolitions and repair or maintenance work.
A building permit will specify that either an occupancy permit or a certificate of final inspection is required on completion of the building work.
If you are unsure, please consult your municipal or private building surveyor whether your proposed building work requires a building permit.
What is the difference between planning & building permits?
Building permits relate specifically to the carrying out of building construction. However, there are times when a planning permit may also be required.
Planning permits are legal documents giving permission for a land use or development and may be required by your local council. If a planning permit is required, it must be obtained before a building permit can be issued, however, both applications can be made at the same time.
A planning permit does not remove the need to obtain a building permit.
The best way to find out whether you need a planning permit is to contact your local council's Town Planning Office.
Planning permits are legal documents giving permission for a land use or development and may be required by your local council. If a planning permit is required, it must be obtained before a building permit can be issued, however, both applications can be made at the same time.
A planning permit does not remove the need to obtain a building permit.
The best way to find out whether you need a planning permit is to contact your local council's Town Planning Office.
When do I need a building permit
If you are carrying out building work, you may need to apply for a building permit. Below are some examples of work that requires a permit:
If in doubt we recommend you ring your local Council and discuss your project with them.
- Any structural building including new buildings, additions, alterations, accessory buildings (sheds), and re-piling.
- Construction of a garage or carport.
- Decks which are either attached or detached from the dwelling.
- Construction of a side or boundary fence more than 2m high.
- Retaining walls constructed on or near site boundaries where there is a risk of damage to adjoining property, or construction of a retaining wall 1m or more in height.
- Verandahs attached to any building.
- Swimming pools.
If in doubt we recommend you ring your local Council and discuss your project with them.
What is a building surveyor, and do I need one?
A building surveyor is someone trained to understand the building control process. You must appoint a surveyor, through your builder. Only one surveyor can be appointed per building project.
The surveyor is responsible for ensuring buildings are safe, accessible and energy efficient. They will be required to sign-off the mandatory stages of construction and therefore will remain involved for the duration of the project. Either the surveyor or inspectors will routinely carry out inspections.
Once the work is complete, the surveyor will issue the occupancy permit of certification of final inspection.
The surveyor is responsible for ensuring buildings are safe, accessible and energy efficient. They will be required to sign-off the mandatory stages of construction and therefore will remain involved for the duration of the project. Either the surveyor or inspectors will routinely carry out inspections.
Once the work is complete, the surveyor will issue the occupancy permit of certification of final inspection.
At what stage do I involve a builder?
It always pays to get your builder involved early in the process.
Past experiences have shown us that clients who have gone directly to and an architect, without any consultation from the builder, risk ending up with designs that exceed the client’s budget, and ultimately the client is left with a set of plans that they cannot afford to build.
Past experiences have shown us that clients who have gone directly to and an architect, without any consultation from the builder, risk ending up with designs that exceed the client’s budget, and ultimately the client is left with a set of plans that they cannot afford to build.
Why is it important to build with a Registered Building Practitioner?
Only a Registered building Practitioner can enter into a Major Domestic Building Contract if the value of work is over $10,000.
Using a Registered Building Practitioner ensures they are eligible to take out Domestic Building Insurance on your behalf when the value of work is more than $16,000.
And using a Registered Practitioner gives you peace of mind that they will complete your building project to the standard and quality of work required by the building regulations.
Using a Registered Building Practitioner ensures they are eligible to take out Domestic Building Insurance on your behalf when the value of work is more than $16,000.
And using a Registered Practitioner gives you peace of mind that they will complete your building project to the standard and quality of work required by the building regulations.
Do I get a guarantee?
Yes you do!
Not only do you get the protection of Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) and cover for defective work up to 10 years, but we also offer our Firm as Foundations Guarantee that covers:
Not only do you get the protection of Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) and cover for defective work up to 10 years, but we also offer our Firm as Foundations Guarantee that covers:
- Communication - Clear & Constant
- Built to Budget - The Price Is the Price
- On Time - Or We Pay You
- Quality - 1100-Point Quality Control Process
- Team - The Right People
- Priority - 1 Job – 1 Focus
What is defective work?
Defective building work is defined by the domestic building legislation as:
If an alleged defect falls within one of the above categories and is notified to the builder within 10 years of the date of Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Final Inspection the builder will be responsible for rectifying the defect and any consequential damage.
- A breach of any of the builder’s implied warranties or
- A failure to maintain the standard or quality of work specified in the contract
If an alleged defect falls within one of the above categories and is notified to the builder within 10 years of the date of Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Final Inspection the builder will be responsible for rectifying the defect and any consequential damage.
Does my builder’s insurance cover my existing house during construction?
No!
The builder’s construction insurance and liability only cover the building works outlined in the contract.
As the building owner you will need to check with your insurance company whether your existing home and contents policy is affected while the building works takes place.
The builder’s construction insurance and liability only cover the building works outlined in the contract.
As the building owner you will need to check with your insurance company whether your existing home and contents policy is affected while the building works takes place.
How can I keep the building project within my budget?
We recommend entering into a full building contract for a fixed price which will enable you to know exactly what the cost will be and what you will get. Getting us involved early in the process will help ensure your budget constraints are met.
How do we pay for the building project?
You pay on a progress payment system as detailed in your building agreement. One advantage of a fixed price contract is payments are made at specific stages of the project. When you receive a written contract quote, we will provide you with a payment schedule and also a construction schedule so you know what to expect and when to expect it.
Can I make changes during the building project?
We welcome you to make any changes you would like to enhance your home. Any requests by yourselves incurring extra labour and/or material costs will be treated as a variation to the contract. All variations will be costed and presented to you for approval authorising the builder to carry out these changes before any such works can be started.
