Nicholson Wright.

If you are looking for help obtaining a building permit from Nicholson Wright, here are a few FAQs to help you understand the process and requirements:

What are Building Surveyors?

Building surveyors evaluate and assess plans, conduct inspections and issue building permits.

Building surveyors are responsible for ensuring buildings are safe, energy efficient, accessible and meet all legal requirements.

What is a Building Permit?

A building permit is a document issued by a registered building surveyor to signify that the plans and documentation for a proposed building work meets the requirements of the Building Act 1993 and the Building Regulations 2006.

The building permit provides approval for work to commence and is required for most new buildings, major renovations, extensions, alterations and demolitions.

How much does a building permit cost?

The cost of a building permit always depends on the nature of the building project. The cost is determined by the size, scale and complexity of the proposed project. To get a free, no obligations quote for your project, get in touch with Nicholson Wright today.

Why are Building Permits required?

Building Permits are required:

• To ensure buildings are constructed to comply with the Building Regulations 2006.
• To independently check that all documentation has been completed and meets with the regulations.
• To verify that building practitioners are registered and appropriately insured.
• To ensure key stages of the building works meet with building regulation standards.

The Building Act 1993 prescribes a penalty of $10,000 for work undertaken without a permit.

Building Permits provide standards for the construction and maintenance of buildings and ensure the safety of the people who use them.

When is a building permit required?

A building permit is required for all building works involving:

• New construction

• Structural alterations and repairs

• Alterations that change the use of a building

You can apply for a building permit after your plans and structural details are completed.

Who Issues Building Permits?

Building surveyors who have a current registration.

What does the building permit process entail?

Once we have been enlisted to approve a building permit, we will:

• Identify any restrictions that may apply to the building site
• Ensure the plans comply with the Building Act 1993, Building Regs 2006 and any other related guidelines and standards.
• If the plans are satisfactory and all required documents are provided we will then issue a building permit.

Why use Nicholson Wright for your Building Permit?

Our building surveyors have the resources, experience, expertise and training to fully know and understand the building permit legislation.

The building regulations are complex and frequently changing. We've been issuing building permits for over 15 years so we can provide thorough and trusted advice. We:

• Advise you on how to comply with building legislation, regulations and requirements
• Provide accurate and trusted information on exemptions or concessions your project may be eligible for.
• Help identify and action any potential planning problems that have potential to cause delays.
• Save you time quickly identifying areas that are likely to cause you delays.

What is involved in issuing a Building Permit?

Checking that all relevant documentation has been completed correctly and is compliant.

Checking that building practitioners are registered and carry appropriate insurance. Building practitioners include: Draftspersons, Engineers and Builders.

All applications are processed by our registered building surveyors to ensure the proposal meets the requirements and objectives of the Building Regulations and associated Standards.

What are Mandatory Building Inspections?

Mandatory Inspections are required during construction of new, renovated or extended buildings (*Class 1 or 10 buildings).

After a building permit has been issued, the building works may be inspected at the following milestones:

• Pre slab
• Foundations and stump hole
• Steel reinforcing in a slab or footings
• Framework
• Final inspection
• Swimming pool and spa safety barriers

The actual number of inspections required could vary from one for a verandah, to dozens on a large commercial project.

*Class 1 buildings - majority of all domestic buildings in Australia

*Class 10 buildings - non inhabitable structures including sheds, carports and swimming pools.

How long is my building permit valid for?

The length of time your building permit is valid for varies according to the type of building works.

*The works completion date is calculated from the building permit issue date.

As registered building surveyors, we can approve your application for building permit period extension providing you apply before the current building permit lapses.