Hi All,
I have just signed for some land (7 acres) near Geelong. It is a vacant block and I will be building my dream home, a small straw-bale house on it. I spoke to an architect that specialises in this type of build, and he has given me a quote for drawing plans for house and shed for planning permit and suggests that to cover his costs and costs of permit applications etc., I should allow $7,000. I thought this was fairly steep, especially as he says I am not employing him for architect skills, but rather as a building adviser. I have fairly much decided that I will not use his services, but I would be interested in anyone else's thoughts on this cost. I have been told by other friends that a draughtsman will do the same job for a fraction of the cost. If that is the case, do I just present plans to them and ask them to draw them up?
Also, although I have plundered the website of the shire council, (Surf-coast Shire), there is very little information on the whole planning process, what drawings are required etc. Does anyone have any idea what the process is for obtaining a planning permit and then a building permit, or know where I can look for this information?
I have previously restored an old building in Ireland and built a rather large stone-faced shed over there, but the process is distinctly different here, lots more inspections etc.
Any advice gratefully accepted.
Cheers