The world of building designs and permits is fraught with strange pitfalls and complicated bylaws and, before you embark on any property development, you will need to jump through some serious hoops.
Before you turn the first sod, the first thing you might need is a planning permit from your local council.
A planning permit differs from a building approval in that it doesn't assess the safety, health and amenity of any building. Instead a planning permit ensures the impact of the proposed use of your land is in line with state laws and local government planning schemes.
Permits may be required for building practices as diverse as:
Leasing and buying property
Constructing new houses, units and townhouses
Commercial developments of many kinds
Clearing native vegetation
Subdividing a piece of land
Altering an existing structure, including demolishing or even painting a building
Making changes to the recognised use of any property.
Before you engage a professional to translate your dreams into building designs, you'll need information on the costs and timeframes involved in obtaining your permit, its likelihood of success, and advice on the best strategies to ensure your plans are passed by council.
Many people prefer to engage the services of a wraparound agency at this stage of their development, as a professional experienced in building designs and permit applications has the best understanding of local legislation and approval trends, and has the capacity to negotiate with council on your behalf if necessary. When you engage a comprehensive service you'll also benefit from their expensive networks with surveyors, planners, engineers and arborists, who you may need to consult on your application to put you over the line.
Once you get the go ahead, your team will work with you on obtaining your building approval, and then the fun really begins.
As you begin to formulate your ideas around building designs you'll benefit from professional assistance in ensuring your designs not only meet all legal regulations and the constraints of the site itself, but that they fully accomplish your goals for your investment.
Your team will be on the lookout for issues commonly affecting building designs, including:
The size, shape and slope of your land
Trees on your and your neighbours' properties
Planning zones and overlays
Easements guaranteeing access to things like storm water drains and sewer lines on your property
Covenants restricting the use of the land.
Whether you are working towards an investment property or your "forever home", your building designs will be crucial in meeting your goals, your needs and your budget. With a team of professionals in your corner you'll have the best shot at succeeding in your application for planning and building permits, and enjoy a building design that truly realises your dreams.
Share21 February 2018
When new technology comes on the scene, people often complain about how it affects old technology. For example, when the TV was invented, people thought reading would die, or when the internet became popular, people thought TV would cease to be relevant. Certain changes are inevitable, but I believe that there is no reason for despair. Instead, we should embrace new technologies and their possibilities while also using old tech when it's appropriate. My name is Amanda, and this is my tech blog. I'm going to write about what's new, possibilities for the future, harnessing existing technology and optimising your relationship with technology. I hope that you like the results.