Aspect Building Surveyors

Building Permits

Aspect Building Surveyors Building Permits

Let us help you navigate the building process with ease and confidence.

At Aspect, our experienced team of Building Surveyors are dedicated to being a helpful and informative key asset to your Building Project team.

We’re here to provide expert guidance, exceptional service, and prompt issuance of Building Permits.

Our mission is to identify, simplify and explain the complexities of the Building Act, Regulations, and the National Construction Code (BCA).

We are committed to ensuring your project not only meets the highest standards of compliance but also succeeds in every aspect.

 

What is a building permit?

A building permit is an official approval issued by a Registered Building Surveyor that allows you to construct, alter, or demolish a building or structure. It ensures that the work complies with Building Legislation and the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

Building Permits benifit all stakeholders, they are required to ensure that construction work complies with building codes, meets safety standards and amenity requirements along with Council & State Planning Provisions. They help prevent unsafe building practices, meet expectations and ensure that work is inspected and approved by professionals.

The process typically involves submitting an application for a Building Permit to a Registered Building Surveyor. This usually includes provision of detailed construction plans of the proposed work, proof of property ownership, documentation and payment of a fee.

  • The time frame can vary depending on the complexity of the project. Simple projects might be approved in a few days, while complex ones could take a couple of weeks

Working without a permit can result in enforcement action, fines, legal issues, and the potential for having to undo the work. Additionally, unpermitted work might not be covered by insurance or meet safety standards.

No, you must wait until your permit is approved and issued before starting construction, this includes site works e.g. excavations. Beginning work beforehand can lead to complications, enforcement measures and penalties.

Yes, but you may need to apply for an amendment to your existing permit or a new permit for significant changes.

Fees vary based on the type and size of the project, please call or submit plans on contact page to enquire about our competitive rates.

With any Building Permit there are mandatory inspection stages, depending on the project, you might need inspections at various stages, such as foundations, pre slab, retaining wall footings, frame and Final (after the work is completed). Each inspection ensures that different aspects of the construction meet the performance requirements of the Building Code.

Yes, homeowners can obtain building permits if they wish to undertake the role of an Owner Builder though will be required to obtain an Owner Builder Certificate of Consent from the VBA (Victorian Building Authority) for Domestic building works with a COW (Cost of Works) in excess of $16,000.

We issue Building Permits for: Commercial Works

We issue Building Permits for: Domestic Works

Report & Consent Applications

Report and Consent Applications to Council or Authority Building Regulations A Report and Consent application is needed from the relevant Council or Authority eg. Councils Building Services Department for a variation to a buildings’ siting provisions, some demolition works, hoardings, Water Authority or Council for Building over an Easement to name a few instances, if you wish to vary a requirement of the Building Regulations. It cannot be used where the works have already started. We recommend you consult with us or your designer prior to making an application to avoid unnecessary requests and delay. Please note Council or the relevant Authority set fees applicable to this sort of application regardless of the outcome. If work has already started, you will need to apply for a 'Report Only' application and we suggest you contact us to discuss The following documents will be required to make an application: • Copy of Title and approved plan of subdivision – including details of any covenants, Section 173 Agreements, or other restrictions that are applicable to the property; • Architectural drawings - drawings should be digital or of a scale not less than 1:100 and include floor plans and elevations, where applicable. • Site Plan and Site Analysis - showing all boundaries and setbacks, easements, existing building(s), proposed works, North point, adjoining property building locations, setbacks, the locations of habitable room windows, and other relevant information particular to your property to assist in considering your request. • Reason/Justification for the application - an application for ‘Report Only’ shall be accompanied by a written summary explaining how the application satisfies the ‘Ministers Guidelines’ and planning provisions where applicable.