Builder changes post-DA approval?

JenBarber · May 24, 2019 12:33 pm

Has anyone else's builder made structural changes after DA approval was provided AND a construction certificate issued?

Our builder has, creating a new house design plan to reduce risks caused by excess fill. Why this wasn't picked up at survey stage or design or previous re-designs I have no idea but we now have to get DA approval for the amendment and a new construction certificate.

It's caused about 3 months in delays so we're annoyed and wondered if this is normal?

InvincibleInDN · May 24, 2019 4:10 pm

JenBarber

Has anyone else's builder made structural changes after DA approval was provided AND a construction certificate issued?

Our builder has, creating a new house design plan to reduce risks caused by excess fill. Why this wasn't picked up at survey stage or design or previous re-designs I have no idea but we now have to get DA approval for the amendment and a new construction certificate.

It's caused about 3 months in delays so we're annoyed and wondered if this is normal?

I think the council doesn't what you do inside the house. As long the changes are interior, you should be good to go!

JenBarber · May 24, 2019 4:28 pm

InvincibleInDN

JenBarber

Has anyone else's builder made structural changes after DA approval was provided AND a construction certificate issued?

Our builder has, creating a new house design plan to reduce risks caused by excess fill. Why this wasn't picked up at survey stage or design or previous re-designs I have no idea but we now have to get DA approval for the amendment and a new construction certificate.

It's caused about 3 months in delays so we're annoyed and wondered if this is normal?

I think the council doesn't what you do inside the house. As long the changes are interior, you should be good to go!

Not interior changes, quite substantial structural changes (house was moved metres away and house was made a split level.)

InvincibleInDN · May 24, 2019 4:32 pm

JenBarber

Not interior changes, quite substantial structural changes (house was moved metres away and house was made a split level.)

Then your builder have to amend the changes.

alexp79 · May 24, 2019 6:31 pm

Hmm.. What kind of excess fill you are talking about?

Usually, it is something structural engineer is looking into and considering you already have CC, then the design has been already approved by both engineer and certifier, so I am not sure what risks are you talking about here (as risky designs should be never approved).

StructuralBIMGuy · May 26, 2019 1:10 pm

JenBarber

Has anyone else's builder made structural changes after DA approval was provided AND a construction certificate issued?

Yes, it is quite common
It needs to dealt as a variation or in some cases a new Application/ Contract

JenBarber

Our builder has, creating a new house design plan to reduce risks caused by excess fill.

Did you not read the Geotech Engineer Report and cross [X] check the Structural Engineering with the docs/plans/specis
Before you signed the agreement for preparation documents ?
If not then you are stuck with additional delays and costs, or a low cost substandard build

JenBarber

I have no idea but we now have to get DA approval for the amendment and a new construction certificate.

You are back at square one, unfortunately it doesn't give battlers any confidence
In the whole build process
There's only one thing worse than being ripped off and that's getting a sh!t job
You will need to be vigilant during your build..starting with the earthworks/foundations
For [X] check, you'll need to put up more info and photos
OT In Reality no-one cares about the coloured rendered elevation you signed up on, when your house is falling apart...
we (Regulators and engineers) are more concerned about the Engineering/Structural Integrity
goodluck