Browse Forums General Discussion 1 May 27, 2013 9:29 am Hi - I am in the last stages of compiling my DA to council. I have been trying to do everything I possibly can myself (because of the challenge and not as a money saving venture - though that is a fringe benefit!), finished my Bushfire Self Assessment, BASIX, Environmental report, house plans etc. But now I have come to the things I cannot do - the structural engineers report and the soil report. Can anyone tell me the best way to find the people to do these? Would my council have a list? Yellow pages? And if it isn't a length of a piece of string type question, approximately what sort of costs am I looking at for each? Also can the soil report for foundations also be used for the waste/storm-water management plan? Finally - a site supervisor question: a chat with council said I was better off using a council supervisor as there were aspects of the build that would need a council inspection even if I had an independent SS. So instead of doubling up, stick with a council inspector. Is this true? (I have experienced that some people I have dealt with on my council do not know their own regulations!) And what sort of fees are site inspections? Do you pay per visit? Thanks. (I will get around to creating my own build thread when something actually starts on site!) Re: DA bits and pieces 2May 27, 2013 6:12 pm The site supervisor is different to the certifier. The site supervisor is the "foreman" or builder's representative who is responsible for coordinating all of the various trades and materials. They should also be keeping an eye on the quality of the work and instructing trades to rectify where there are issues. The certifier inspects at key points during construction (eg, prior to the slab being poured, prior to wall cladding etc) - basically their job is to certifier that everything conforms to the appropriate standards before it is covered up (electrical cables and plumbing in the wall, the frame etc). They also perform a final inspection which allows you to get your certificate of occupancy). It shouldn't matter whether you use council or a private certifier. When I submitted my DA I just appointed council since it seemed easier than dealing with yet another party, although I am in a rural area where there are fewer options. Closer to a city there would probably be more competition so there could be some money to be saved by shopping around. For your geo tests you should be able to contact a civil engineering firm - you can try the yellow pages or the institute of engineers. I think I asked my builder or surveyor for a recommendation - I can't quite recall. The same engineers may be able to prepare your water management - ask them. In my case I needed a specialist because we have onsite waste water treatment and effluent dispersal - one of the people who quoted for the treatment system referred me to the appropriate local engineer. Paul Re: DA bits and pieces 3Jun 03, 2013 11:36 am Thanks Paul - I was meaning 'certifier' when I said 'supervisor'! And like you, I'm in a rural area so will probably just use a council appointed one. As I plan to be the builder (and therefore supervisor!) I don't have anyone to ask for recommendations. So if anyone in the Goulburn area is reading this and can recommend someone I would be very grateful. I am trying to find someone/a company that can do the wastewater management report, soil report and footings/structural engineering reports all in one go. Might be a big ask! Re: DA bits and pieces 4Jun 03, 2013 7:25 pm Through a bit of Googling I found this firm http://www.seec.com.au/geotech/ who, although they are based in Bowral, were referenced by a civil engineering consultant based in Goulburn, so they might be worth a try. Paul I have a box of quality drill bits that seem to be new but their engraved sizes covered by rust ,,,,I tried to sand them to see their sizes but still I am finding… 0 1441 I recently went through a similar renovation and move scenario when updating our family home. We also swapped some rooms around and tackled a major… 2 10049 The HIA contract, in the term & conditions section states that "Commencment" is deemed when the drainage is started or the piers are dug or the slab is formed up (incase… 2 6183 |