Building or significantly renovating your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Navigating the permit process is a critical part of that journey — yet many property owners find themselves overwhelmed by the paperwork, the timeframes, and the terminology. This guide breaks it all down clearly.
What Is a Building Permit?
A building permit (sometimes called a building approval or development approval, depending on your state) is official permission from your local council or a private building surveyor to carry out specified works. It confirms that your proposed project complies with the National Construction Code (NCC), relevant Australian Standards, and local planning requirements.
Without a permit, your builder is not legally allowed to commence work on projects that require one.
The Building Permit Process: Step by Step
Engage a designer or draftsperson — Have your architectural drawings prepared to the required standard.
Engage a building surveyor — Either through your council or a registered private building surveyor.
Submit your application — Including architectural drawings, site plan, engineering reports (if required), and the completed application form.
Application assessment — The surveyor reviews your documents for compliance. Additional information may be requested.
Permit issued — Once approved, you receive your building permit with any conditions noted.
Inspections during construction — The building surveyor will carry out mandatory inspections at key stages.
Certificate of Occupancy or Final Inspection — Issued once all works are complete and compliant.
Documents Typically Required
Architectural drawings (site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections)
Structural engineering plans (for structural work)
Title documents and site survey
Energy efficiency report (NatHERS or Section J, depending on project)
Soil report (for new builds and extensions involving footings)
Completed application form and payment of relevant fees
How Long Does It Take?
Timeframes vary considerably depending on the complexity of the project, the council or surveyor involved, and how complete your documentation is when submitted. A simple residential extension may be approved in 2–4 weeks through a private building surveyor, while larger or more complex projects with council can take 6–12 weeks or more.
The most common cause of delays is incomplete or non-compliant documentation at the time of lodgement. Ensuring your drawings are thorough and accurate before submission can save weeks of back-and-forth.
Planning Permit vs Building Permit: What's the Difference?
These are two separate approvals and they are often confused. A planning permit relates to whether your project is appropriate for the zone and location — governed by your council's planning scheme. A building permit relates to whether the construction method meets technical and safety standards.
Some projects require only a building permit. Some require only a planning permit. Many require both. It is important to check requirements for your specific site and project type early in the process.
How QuikDraft Helps You Get It Right the First Time
QuikDraft prepares residential architectural drawings that are specifically structured for permit submission. Our documentation includes all required plans, elevations, site plans, and notations that surveyors and councils need to process your application efficiently.
By working with QuikDraft early in your project, you avoid the costly delays that come from resubmitting incomplete or non-compliant drawings.
