Browse Forums General Discussion 1 Oct 17, 2009 5:32 pm Hi there, I have an interesting situation. I have just purchased an existing dwelling in country NSW. During the settlement, the solicitor noted that there weren't any plans of our house with council, just an overview of the division from its original survey (early 20th century). We are intending making the following modifications: 1. Removing a load bearing wall 2. Moving the bathroom* I'm intending to use certified builders to undertake the critical components of the above, but I'm wondering what the implications are of undertaking the modifications without engaging the bureaucracy (submitting DA to council). I am concerned that I may be opening a can of worms with council if there are in fact no actual plans of the house available. *The bathroom move will use the existing sewer connection. This is my first renovation, and I'm doing a lot of reading learning, excuse the naivety of the question - just trying to understand the implications of what I am about to do. Re: DA Process for internal renovations 4Oct 20, 2009 10:29 pm We have just renovated our house (viewtopic.php?f=1&t=23238) and, like yourself, there were no plans with local council. Our renovation was reconfiguring the bathroom, toilet and laundry (and putting in a new kitchen). We didn't seek council approval and we filled in doors, added new doors and removed walls. We used the existing sewer, but have new plumbing. I hope this helps. Good luck with your renovations, it is trying sometimes...but exciting too! This site is a gold mine of information, I found it a little too late unfortunately. Post some pictures along the way for us to see! Cheers! Re: DA Process for internal renovations 5Oct 22, 2009 9:46 am A few points; This sounds like an old building...is it heritage listed??? If so heritage council will take an interest in any modifications you may do to it. While you may not need a DA, you may need need a council building license for any modifications, especially if your demolishing areas and theyre are structural implications. As far as existing approvals go, there are tens of thousands of dwellings in Oz, which dont have any council documentation or approval, simply because they were built well before any council had a system in place to record and approve them. Council recognize this and its not a problem. Its simply a matter of showing them whats existing, then explaining what you are intending to do to the dwelling. The last thing you want to do is go ahead and do all this work. Then if you have to sell the house the question will be asked...is all this new work approved? Regards, Pat Re: DA Process for internal renovations 6Oct 22, 2009 1:40 pm Thanks for the responses - I guess I am confused as to how anyone would know what and when something was modified, given that there are no plans available that would suggest otherwise. I spoke to my conveyancer this morning and asked if they seek out building certificates for modifications, as part of their checks, and it appears that they don't. I had a builder check the work required today and his reasoning for not getting council involved was that we'd be ensuring the work was correctly engineered/executed - and that council's involvement wouldn't impact that either way, so why engage them. I apologise for any confusion, but your understanding is correct. We approached our situation differently based on advice from… 11 53211 Thanks very much! And would the landscaper/contractor generally involve the engineer or is that something the client would do? Thanks for your help 2 10024 The most definitive answer to your question James is this taken from the James Hardie Axon Cladding Installation Guide - i just happen to have it… 5 3667 |