In Queensland if you want to build a home extension you need to meet planning and building approval before any work is undertaken by your builders. This is split into two parts Building Approval and Planning Approval.The first stage to getting building approval is to have an architect draw up plans for your extension. They need to be in the appropriate format and drawn up by a qualified architect or draftsman. These plans must be correctly scaled and details as they will be closely examined by an architect and approver at Brisbane city council.
Building Approval
Building approval is provided by a certifier. All home residences that are detached and on small land blocks are called Class 1A buildings. Additionally terraced and attached homes are classified as Class 1A buildings where they are separated by a fire resistant wall. Houses have different building regulation depending on the size of the land block on which they are situated. Less than 450 square metres is a small lot and larger is a large lot. If your house is built on a small lot, there are more stringent regulations on approvals required for extensions approval by Brisbane City Council.
Planning Approval
Home extensions must meet Brisbane City Council criteria. The stages of planning approval are: Development Assessment, Operational Work & Compliance, Compliance & Inspection and Plan Sealing. Each stage has a fee which is payable to Brisbane City Council.
Prior to applying you need to book a pre-lodging meeting which costs $1030. This is limited to one hour, complicated applications may require a longer meeting which is charged at $100 per hour for additional hours. Approval costs range from around $500 for a small job like installing a satellite dish, up to a maximum of around $30,000 for large scale home renovation applications lodged with Brisbane Council. Decks, Carports and Pergolas fall under the classification of “Small Building Works” and carry a fee of less than $1000. The next classification is “Small Domestic Development” which would cover most significant renovations and extensions to a single domestic home in Brisbane.
Siting Variation
If you wish to challenge the boundaries and outlines of Brisbane council rules for building development you can submit an application called a Siting Variation. If approved this may allow you to “break” some of the rules in special circumstances.
QHI http://www.qhi.net.au Brisbane extension and home improvement company based in Tingalpa, Brisbane, QLD. QHI uses specialist software for building extensions, working closely with clients they can product on the spot designs and quotes. QHI manage all aspects of building approval with Brisbane City Council for extensions and other building works.