Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Jun 27, 2014 12:35 pm Hey guys, I'm an architecture student and we're doing a small addition to our house. So I see this as a good opportunity to get some hands on experience. The question is if I can do the documentations and hire a certified/qualified builder to help me with getting approvals and, obviously, to get it built? I have design and residential BA DA drafting experience but not very sure about some of the laws. I know you need Building Approval, and possibly Development Approval for an extension to your house. And you have to be a certified builder, or an architect to be able to go ahead with the approvals, right? So it means there I 2 things I don't have and need to acquire; 1. having a licensed builder to help me with getting approvals and, 2. Hire a builder (or the same licensed builder) to get it built according to my documentations. So being Queensland, can I do this and hire someone to help me like this? i'm not sure if this is the best place to ask this . I appreciate any answers, thanks! Re: Hiring a licensed builder for my design and documentatio 2Jun 28, 2014 1:37 pm mort The question is if I can do the documentations and hire a certified/qualified builder to help me with getting approvals and, obviously, to get it built? Im not sure exactly what you are asking? As an architectural student, you should know about town planning compliance and whether your council permits what you intend to build. If you have the skill to draw plans, then do so. Then show them to builders for quotes. Accept a quote, and let the builder do the work. Hire your own building inspector to double check the work. Re: Hiring a licensed builder for my design and documentatio 3Jun 29, 2014 11:10 am Quote: The question is if I can do the documentations and hire a certified/qualified builder to help me with getting approvals and, obviously, to get it built? As per qebtels advice. Every council has their LEPs and DCPs that you have to adhere to for things like total height, floor space ratios, boundary setbacks etc. If you download those and have a good read then half your answers are there. Quote: And you have to be a certified builder, or an architect to be able to go ahead with the approvals, right? No, any Joe Schmo can do the documents - plans to scale, SEE, shadow drawings etc. You are in the perfect position to do all this yourself. Most councils also have current and previous DA's on their websites that you can download and peruse all their documents for info too. Quote: So it means there I 2 things I don't have and need to acquire; 1. having a licensed builder to help me with getting approvals and, 2. Hire a builder (or the same licensed builder) to get it built according to my documentations. 1. No, as above do it all yourself. 2. Yes a licensed builder or carpenter is what you are after unless you want to OB. Stewie Hi Mofflepop, I would recommend finding a building designer to prepare plans, they should design to your specified budget. The benefit is you can tender the project out… 9 22414 ideal house depends on the site and location as much as internal floor plan....what is the distance from the house to all four boundaries, where is north, describe your… 3 16193 Although I am a big opponent of using waffle pod slabs over H2/P soils under any circumstances, in your case I would certainly opt in to keep piers under central… 1 2728 |