Building Approval & Certification

Building Approval & Private Certification

Building Approval is a key milestone to achieve before you can start Owner Building your Kit House on your land.

There is a basic format to follow that will allow you to get your plans approved so you can get your approvals in place. The process may vary depending on your location. Terms used may be different. Check with your local council for specific requirements in your area.

Building Approval Plans

Site Survey

Before you can prepare your house plans ready for certification you need to get information about the land slope and the shape of the building envelope. For most people this will mean employing a Surveyor to prepare site plans. Some of this information may be available on disclosure plans, however as they are prepared well before the land is registered disclosure plans may contain inaccuracies.

We can help you organise a site survey. Read more about Site Surveys Here.

House Plans

House Plans can be prepared by Building Designer, Builder or Owner Builder themselves.
Our Kit Home Designs include the standard plans required. Site plan is provided by surveyor.

Standard House Plans

The standard house plans required for approval by the private certifier include:

• Site Plan
• Floor Plan
• Elevations
• Cross Section

Structural Plans

Various plans are required for the structural design of your home:

• Soil Test & Foundation Design
• Bracing Plan
• Framing Plan

Other Plans

Other plans that aren’t generally required that may be handy to help during house building

• Electrical Plan
• Window Schedule
• Construction Details
• Cabinetry Elevations
• Driveway Plan

Let us know if you want any of these plans are we will help you prepare them for your home.

Plumbing Approval

Plumbing approval includes the design of the plumbing for your home. Your Local Council provides the Plumbing Approval and inspections. Your certifier can organise plumbing approval on your behalf if you want them to. Council does the mandatory plumbing inspections, which your plumber calls up and attends on your behalf.

Plumbing Approval Extras

If you have a home sewerage treatment plant or water tanks its likely you will need your percolation test and HSTP design for your plumbing application.

Bushfire BAL Design

If your in a Bushfire Attack Zone you will need to know the bushfire resistance level your home needs to meet. Levels range from Bal 12.5 to Flame Zone.

Driveway Approval

Driveway application and approval will be required for many councils if your building a driveway.
Council will require a driveway plan, some councils will charge for the driveway approval such as Gold Coast Council.
There may also be a driveway inspection required before you pour the driveway.

Energy Efficiency

Your home energy efficiency will require an assessment. The location, orientation, materials and colours will be taken into consideration. In some states you also need to submit a basix report.
We are energy efficiency assessors and provide BERS Energy Efficiency Assessments for our clients and anyone else who needs one.

More about our BERS Energy Assessments here

QLeave

QLeave and Long Service Levy is required to be paid if your building through a builder for work valued $150’000 or over.
Owner Builders can apply for an exemption, you are still required to notify QLeave.

QBCC Home Warranty

Owner Builders are not eligible for Home Warranty Insurance through QBCC.

Building Approval Overview

Once you have the following your generally ready to submit your application to your Private Certifier.

• House Plans
• Structural Design
• Plumbing Approval
• Energy Efficiency Assessment
• QLeave
• Home Warranty (not for owner builders)

Building Approval Possible Extra Reports

• Bushfire Report
• Tree Report
• HSTP Design

Building Approval Private Certification

Your private certifier will assess your plans to confirm they comply with the building code, state and local council requirements.
Once assessment is complete the certifier will provide you with stamped approved building plans.
The building approval will include a list of certificates required for design and installation.
Read more about certificates and forms.

Conclusion

The process may vary depending on your location. Terms used may be different.
Check with your local council for specific requirements in your area.
Your Private Certifier will guide you through their requirements.

Contact Us about Building Your Owner Builder Kit Home

Contact Us On Our Website
Office Ph: 0738012316
Jeff Ph: 0407 763 976
Jeff Send a SMS message
Email build@mykithome.com.au

Building Approval Certification