Browse Forums Outdoor Living 1 Oct 28, 2011 11:01 am Hi all, I am planning to build a deck 7.3x3.2 (which is quite big but it will fit just nicely) on the side of the house. We finished building the house some time ago but now it is time to build something there as i am quite sick of the mud and everything on the side. My question is: Do i need a building approval for this or not? How much the approvals are? And finally what's going to happen if I build without the approval (not that I am going to do that)? Does anyone know what the process is? Cheers, Mercer Re: Building approval needed for a deck in Springfield Lakes 2Oct 28, 2011 1:59 pm Quickest way to find out is to call your council. They will tell you if you need the permit, how much it costs and what you will need to get the permit. Usually you have to submit 3 copies of your plans that are to a professional standard, that includes elevations, specs and addresses any by-laws or building codes that apply. I'll go out on a limb and say that a deck that size will need a permit. Re: Building approval needed for a deck in Springfield Lakes 3Oct 28, 2011 6:39 pm Well, to be honest I am bit confused when a deck becomes a deck as per council's definition. I mean the deck I am building is just 150mm off the ground, but is quite large in sq metres. Just playing the devils advocae here right? If I want to cover this area in concrete to bring it up to the same level as the deck will I need councils approvals? i guess not...same if i want to put timber pavers or something to cover the damn mud...so why would I need councils approvals for just covering the floor and bring it up 150mm off the ground? I could even cover the area in timber and have it off the ground 50mm...would i still need council approval? I surelly wont fall off it and I wont need secured balustrades for it...just wondering. Is not a structural building as such really ... What you all think? Re: Building approval needed for a deck in Springfield Lakes 4Oct 30, 2011 5:33 pm I think call the council and find out for sure. Im 90% sure of the answer they will give you, cause its the same answer I got for my 28 m2 low level deck. A permit will be required if certain conditions are met. Will be greater than 10 square metres, over an easement etc.etc. Decks are a structure (class 10 i think?). They need to be designed and constructed properly to carry the required load. Timber spacing, footing dimensions and material choice are all important. Termite treatment, drainage and ground clearance are also important factors. The permit process is really, really simple. Draw up drawings to a required level of detail (which is quite easy and you need to do anyway), inspections at footings dug, frame and final. Surveyour will provide a certificate of final inspection. Cost somewhere around the $500 mark. Check the local laws however if the cost of the job is less than $10kish (varies state to state) you dont need to be an owner builder or anything like that, any person who can wield a hammer is fine. If you choose to build without approval chances are no one will ever know. The main time you may get caught is when you goto sell and conveyancers, solicitors etc. are (hopefully) going over the property with a fine tooth comb. An illegal structure is very easily detected and it would be a massive headache for you. Hi, I contracted a Builder to do a Garage to Bedroom + ensuite conversion (Class 1a), the Builder engaged the Certifier and Engineer and received BDA from the Certifier… 0 1978 I want to build a decking to the drawn shape outlined in black. The problem is how close can I build to the gas hot water unit? Will I be able to build around it and be… 0 16087 DIY, Home Maintenance & Repair Thanks. I was thinking of using either Extreme Joist or LOWDECK timbers for joists. Any idea what sets them apart and which… 2 10540 |