We’ve talked before about the difference between building permits and planning permits.
We’ve also talked about how to submit plans for a building permit.
Something we haven’t talked about, however? What types of work needs a building permit in the first place!
It’s a major oversight - one we plan on fixing today with this article.
So, what types of work require you to apply for a building permit?
What do building permits cover, anyway?
But before we go into detail about what type of work requires a building permit, a quick recap!
Like the name suggests, a building permit is an official approval by a private or municipal registered building surveyor to go ahead with works based on the plans submitted. Specifically, it certifies that:
- The blueprints are safe and structurally-sound
- It complies with building regulations
- It’s being carried out by a licensed builder
- The key stages of the work are independently inspected and approved
Essentially, it’s all about the execution. The purpose of a building permit is to prove that your planned work is carried out safely.
They cover all of the technical and engineering considerations, as well as your builder’s qualifications, certifying that the resulting building is safe to occupy.
They cover all of the technical and engineering considerations, as well as your builder’s qualifications, certifying that the resulting building is safe to occupy.
Like the name suggests, a building permit is an official approval by a private or municipal registered building surveyor to go ahead with works based on the plans submitted. Specifically, it certifies that:
- The blueprints are safe and structurally-sound
- It complies with building regulations
- It’s being carried out by a licensed builder
- The key stages of the work are independently inspected and approved
Essentially, it’s all about the execution. The purpose of a building permit is to prove that your planned work is carried out safely.
They cover all of the technical and engineering considerations, as well as your builder’s qualifications, certifying that the resulting building is safe to occupy.
They cover all of the technical and engineering considerations, as well as your builder’s qualifications, certifying that the resulting building is safe to occupy.
When do you need a building permit?
It’s the million dollar question, isn’t it?
As a general rule however, building permits are mandatory in cases of work that can:
1. Adversely affect the structural integrity of the property, or;
2. Which can affect the safety of occupants and bystanders.
What does that mean for your project?
As a general rule however, building permits are mandatory in cases of work that can:
1. Adversely affect the structural integrity of the property, or;
2. Which can affect the safety of occupants and bystanders.
What does that mean for your project?
New construction projects
New construction inherently has an impact on the structural integrity of the property.
There's no way around it - you’re building it, so obviously your plan, materials and workmanship are going to impact how safe the building is!
Not to mention, a shoddy construction job can lead to injuries not just among the eventual resident, but the builders, tradies and the neighbours too.
What this means is that pretty much all new building work requires a building permit!
- Adding a granny flat
- Knock-down rebuilds
- Domestic construction
- Commercial construction
Each of these new construction projects requires a building permit, no excuses. If you were thinking of skating by without a permit, we hate to break it to you, but that’s just not cricket!
There's no way around it - you’re building it, so obviously your plan, materials and workmanship are going to impact how safe the building is!
Not to mention, a shoddy construction job can lead to injuries not just among the eventual resident, but the builders, tradies and the neighbours too.
What this means is that pretty much all new building work requires a building permit!
- Adding a granny flat
- Knock-down rebuilds
- Domestic construction
- Commercial construction
Each of these new construction projects requires a building permit, no excuses. If you were thinking of skating by without a permit, we hate to break it to you, but that’s just not cricket!
What about renovations?
Building permits aren’t just needed for new construction - they’re also often a requirement for many renovation projects as well.
As we mentioned above, the general rule-of-thumb is that work which affects structural integrity and can potentially cause harm in the event of failure needs a building permit.
And as we’re sure you can tell, many types of renovations also fall under that umbrella.
Don’t worry, each building will have a survey report attached to it buried somewhere in the records - after all, it’s mandatory when applying for a building permit.
The only exception? Minor work and renovations.
We’re talking about the types of small-scale renos that:
- Will not impact the structure at all
- Can be completed using hand tools
- Don’t require supervision from a licensed builder
- Don’t spill over into public areas
Replacing a door or window? Go right ahead.
Adding a new window or expanding a room? You’ll need a permit first!
As we mentioned above, the general rule-of-thumb is that work which affects structural integrity and can potentially cause harm in the event of failure needs a building permit.
And as we’re sure you can tell, many types of renovations also fall under that umbrella.
Don’t worry, each building will have a survey report attached to it buried somewhere in the records - after all, it’s mandatory when applying for a building permit.
The only exception? Minor work and renovations.
We’re talking about the types of small-scale renos that:
- Will not impact the structure at all
- Can be completed using hand tools
- Don’t require supervision from a licensed builder
- Don’t spill over into public areas
Replacing a door or window? Go right ahead.
Adding a new window or expanding a room? You’ll need a permit first!
What happens if I don’t get a building permit?
Nothing good, that’s for sure!
Professional builders understand the importance of due process. For home renovators however, this is something that isn’t as widely appreciated.
Take it from us: the only thing that awaits you if you don’t get the right building permit is financial pain.
For starters, if your unauthorised construction or renovation is discovered by the VBA, you could end up with a hefty fine:
- 500 penalty units for an individual
- 2500 penalty units for a company
And with the current penalty unit in Victoria set at $165.22, that can add up to a whopping $82,610 and $413,050 respectively.
Not to mention, you’ll also be forced to undo the work as well!
In addition to that, should the worst happen and something happens as a result of your renovation or construction, don’t expect your home insurance policy to pay out.
No policy will cover unauthorised work, so expect to pay out-of-pocket for any repairs.
Professional builders understand the importance of due process. For home renovators however, this is something that isn’t as widely appreciated.
Take it from us: the only thing that awaits you if you don’t get the right building permit is financial pain.
For starters, if your unauthorised construction or renovation is discovered by the VBA, you could end up with a hefty fine:
- 500 penalty units for an individual
- 2500 penalty units for a company
And with the current penalty unit in Victoria set at $165.22, that can add up to a whopping $82,610 and $413,050 respectively.
Not to mention, you’ll also be forced to undo the work as well!
In addition to that, should the worst happen and something happens as a result of your renovation or construction, don’t expect your home insurance policy to pay out.
No policy will cover unauthorised work, so expect to pay out-of-pocket for any repairs.
How to submit plans for a building permit
So, now that we’ve covered the “why”, we can finally approach the “how”.
So, how do you apply for a building permit?
Unlike many of the other permits and documents you’ll need when building, getting a building permit isn’t something you can do on your own.
We don’t say that because it’s a long, confusing process (though it’s certainly that, too) - it’s just that Australian laws state that ONLY registered building surveyors can file an application for a building permit.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a council-appointed one or a private operator - before you do anything, you need a licensed building surveyor on your team.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can be completely hands-off!
For your application to be successful, you’ll need to give your building surveyor a couple of documents first, including:
- Design drawings
- Property information reports
- Flood certificates
- Allotment plans and building allotments
- Proof of ownership
- Certificate of Title
- Drain and stormwater information
- Energy-efficiency reports
Once that’s done, all that’s needed is to pay the building permit levy directly to the VBA (Victorian Building Authority) before receiving your permit number.
Of course, just because you’ve received your building permit number doesn’t mean you have carte blanche to go ahead.
The VBA may come back to you with a conditional permit - perhaps only part of your plan has been approved, or certain changes need to be made first.
So, how do you apply for a building permit?
Unlike many of the other permits and documents you’ll need when building, getting a building permit isn’t something you can do on your own.
We don’t say that because it’s a long, confusing process (though it’s certainly that, too) - it’s just that Australian laws state that ONLY registered building surveyors can file an application for a building permit.
It doesn’t matter whether it’s a council-appointed one or a private operator - before you do anything, you need a licensed building surveyor on your team.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can be completely hands-off!
For your application to be successful, you’ll need to give your building surveyor a couple of documents first, including:
- Design drawings
- Property information reports
- Flood certificates
- Allotment plans and building allotments
- Proof of ownership
- Certificate of Title
- Drain and stormwater information
- Energy-efficiency reports
Once that’s done, all that’s needed is to pay the building permit levy directly to the VBA (Victorian Building Authority) before receiving your permit number.
Of course, just because you’ve received your building permit number doesn’t mean you have carte blanche to go ahead.
The VBA may come back to you with a conditional permit - perhaps only part of your plan has been approved, or certain changes need to be made first.
How PSI makes getting your building permit easier
Let’s not beat around the bush - getting a building permit can still be a time-consuming affair.
One of the worst bottlenecks? The process of sourcing all the documents, files and drawings your building surveyor needs for a successful building permit application.
Many of these documents are buried in the computer systems of building authorities and council archives - places that aren’t exactly well-known for being user-friendly or easy to navigate.
Luckily, that’s what we’re here for.
Our automated system, combined with our direct connections with relevant authorities and databases, allows us to:
1. Save you time
2. Save you money
Save yourself the headache - get your property information faster with PSI Global.
There’s an easier way to get the documentation you need. And all you have to do is get in touch with PSI Global.
Got questions? Ask us on this link, or give us a call on (03) 8527 6300
One of the worst bottlenecks? The process of sourcing all the documents, files and drawings your building surveyor needs for a successful building permit application.
Many of these documents are buried in the computer systems of building authorities and council archives - places that aren’t exactly well-known for being user-friendly or easy to navigate.
Luckily, that’s what we’re here for.
Our automated system, combined with our direct connections with relevant authorities and databases, allows us to:
1. Save you time
2. Save you money
Save yourself the headache - get your property information faster with PSI Global.
There’s an easier way to get the documentation you need. And all you have to do is get in touch with PSI Global.
Got questions? Ask us on this link, or give us a call on (03) 8527 6300