How to Ensure that Your Home Design Will Pass Council Approval

24 October 2022

It is the stuff of nightmares: the design of your ideal home being rejected by the local council where you live. If you botch the implementation of your project, not only will it take longer to receive approval, but it will cost you tens of thousands of dollars extra. Naturally, if you are planning a big home makeover, you will want to have a professional designer oversee the entire process, including obtaining clearance from the local council.

There are various things that you may do to assist in moving the process forward more quickly. Let’s have a peek.

When Council Approval For Renovations Is Needed

There are several types of development projects that do not require clearance from the building council. On the other hand, you will indeed require council clearance for significant renovations. This includes adding a first floor, house extensions, and essentially any work that alters the outside appearance of your property or its structure.

You will require either a Development Application Approval (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate to move forward with the project (CDC). A development application (DA) application should contain supporting documents sufficient for the council to evaluate whether or not your development satisfies Council building regulations.

A CDC is a method of expedited approval for much less significant developments, such as the construction of a swimming pool or the addition of a fence, as well as for other regular projects, such as the improvement of fire safety measures. The council or a certifier must be contacted to receive approval.

Home Designs Requires Council Approval

Most design review boards have a mission: to support development that protects heritage values, compliments the architectural styles of neighbouring residences, and prevents hazardous and harmful planning like in bushfire-prone areas.

It is a good idea to construct a design after considering the abovementioned things. Beyond these fundamental recommendations, there are frequently other things to think about. Regrettably, this differs not just from house to home but also from council to council.

Because of this, you may make use of recommendations, but in the end, you will truly benefit from having a professional by your side during any significant remodelling.

Tips for Getting Council Approval

Be a decent neighbour. A company that offers both design and construction services has the distinct competitive advantage of providing you with an accurate estimate early in the process. In the middle of the project and at its conclusion, no charges should be issued. The design is finished in a separate phase during the more conventional design-bid-build process. This indicates that until further down the road, an accurate estimate of how much money the design will cost to construct cannot be provided.

It would be best if you also considered making your design suitable for the design of the majority of the houses in the neighbourhood. In a neighbourhood where most of the houses are built in a traditional style, it is going to be quite challenging to win clearance for a structure that has a contemporary or futuristic style of architecture. Additional regulations and restrictions apply to residential properties located within a heritage conservation area or are themselves heritage assets.

Lastly, employ architectural firms that have an excellent working connection with the local government in your area. It makes it easier to acquire permission promptly. If you can receive the approval of the local council quickly, then you may get started on the construction of your dream home.

Call us to get your dream house done without the hassle!

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