When a family extends, every homeowner feels the necessity of a bigger property to accommodate every family member and offer deserving privacy to everyone. This is easily possible with home additions, as it allows the homeowner to update the property and make it more spacious, open and ideal for every family member. At the same time, the construction work must be carried out as per the council approvals and laws. For homeowners, these laws and the approval process can be overwhelming, and this is where the home addition contractors can be beneficial.
Since they are closely associated with the industry, they are fully updated with the latest laws and rules related to home additions, first floor additions, second-floor additions, etc. They must also take it as their responsibility to get the necessary council approvals and get paperwork cleared before the construction process.
WHY DO WE NEED COUNCIL APPROVALS?
Councils from different states have different rules and laws regarding the projects that need council approval. Hence, the homeowner must check with the local council or rely upon the construction contractor for this information. It is worth understanding that most internal renovations don't need any council approvals. But yes, if structural changes are involved in internal renovations, you might have to get approvals from the local council. External renovations, building works, home renovations, home additions, etc., will all require council approval, and no matter how small the project is, it is always helpful to get these approvals.
Significant extensions and projects involving substantial excavation or filling and free-standing constructions like granny flats, studios, etc., will require council approval.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO GET APPROVALS RELATED TO HOME ADDITIONS?
The approval process differs between councils, and you must get accurate information from your local council. Generally, the following steps are involved in the process.
You start by contacting your local council and confirming the policies, procedures and associated fees.
The home additions builder appoints a professional draftsman or an architect to draw the plan.
The team from the home additions builder gets the plan approved by the building certifier.
He approves that the plans comply with the local building codes.
A principal certifying authority is then appointed to certify your plans and be responsible for monitoring the construction process closely. His role is to ensure that the construction is done according to the plan. This principal certifying authority will also provide an occupational certificate once the construction is completed.
