FAQ's

At Freedom Building Design we want your experience to be as smooth as possible.
Here you will find many of the answers that you might have questions to.

Q. When do I need a Building Approval?

A: You require building approval, also called certification, for development that involves carrying out building work under the Planning Act 2016 (PA), as well as under specific building legislation.

Q. Why do I need a Building Approval?

A: All residential building work involving a new home or a renovation to a new home needs a building approval. Building approvals have different names in each state and territory. A building approval must be obtained before any building work can start.

Q. How do I get a Building Approval?

A: Building certifiers are responsible for lodging building approvals and certification information with Council. Getting building approval normally involves plans and details being given to council, or a private building survey or, showing:

How the home will be built
The technical details of the construction including all the materials to be used
What Building Code of Australia requirements (BCA) will be met.

No two houses are the same. That means every job needs to be designed properly to ensure you can get a building approval.

Q. What type of Building Approval do I need?

A: In Brisbane, there are different types of approvals needed for different types of projects. Brisbane City Council allows some projects to be accepted development. Other projects are accepted development, subject to requirements (previously known as exempt development or self-accessible development). These do not need approvals.
Other types of projects need development approval, building approval or siting variation approval. Even if your project does not need a development application, you may still require building approval.
Certain types of development are simply not allowed and you cannot lodge an application for these projects. Council will not assess these applications and refers to these projects as prohibited development.

Q. How long do Building Approvals take?

A: It's going to depend on a number of factors. Some of them will be outside of your control, but there are things you can do to minimise delays.
The council approval process varies somewhat from state to state and even council to council, but in general, you will have to go through one or both of two approval processes:

You may need to lodge a Development Application (DA) first.
You will need to get a building permit.

The process of getting a DA can take longer than that of getting a building permit because each DA must be scrutinised carefully by council before approval is given. The council will need detailed plans and specifications and if there are variations on local zoning restrictions included in the plans, the reasons for those variations need to be given in detail. The time it takes for approval will depend on where you live.

Q. What is a Building Designer?

A: In Qld, there is no difference in the work that can be done by a Building Designer as opposed to an Architect. There are some differences in education and regulation between Architects and Building Designer professionals, but that makes little difference to their work output.
A Building Designer must have a licence by the QBCC.
Building Designers design buildings, prepare all of the necessary working drawings and documentations needed for council approval and construction. Everyone from new home buyers to major project mangers use them.
Whether you are planning an extension, a renovation, raising your house, or creating a brand-new building – you can rely on Freedom Building Design to look after you and your project.

Q. Do I need a Building Designer and what are the benefits?

A: Doing a home extension or designing project without a reliable building designer could lead to disappointing, costly and potentially disastrous consequences. If you talk with any homeowner who’s tried to do an extension project on their own, you’ll likely hear them saying that in hindsight, they would have been better off hiring an experienced and professional building designer. The reality is designing and/or extending your existing space is far more complex than you may first believe. You need someone who has proficiency and experience with these projects

Here’s a great article that gives another insight into why it’s beneficial in hiring a Building Designer; https://www.houzz.com.au/magazine/6-reasons-why-you-should-haul-in-professionals-for-your-next-project-stsetivw-vs~28663633?irs=US

Q. What is a BA / DA and when / why do I need one?

A: Link to helpful fact sheet https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/9159/develop-build-approval-factsheet.pdf

Q. What is a Building Class? How many classes are there?

A: A Building Class defines each type of dwelling or building, depending on their unique specifications and usage. There are 10 different classes, the below link outlines them in more detail. https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/building-codes-australia-bca-classes-buildings

Q. Are all council requirements the same?

A: Simply put, No. Each site is completely different; therefore, each council will have their own set out requirements. Other things to take into consideration is council zonings, the lay of the land, location (bush fire area, flood effected area etc).

Q. How much does Freedom Building Design charge?

A: Because every project is unique and has many aspects to consider when approaching a design, the best approach to determine fees, is to contact Freedom Building Design for our free consultation, which allows us to customise the quote to each bespoke design project. Please feel free to use our ‘Contact Us’ form under the Contact page for your free consultation.

Q: What are your Terms and Conditions?

A: If you click the link below it will take you to our Terms and Conditions. For further information, please contact us at info@freedombuildingdesign.com or through our Contact page.