Frequently asked questions
Building questions, answered.
The approvals, documents and agreements that come before construction, explained.
Where do I begin?
Contact the Superior Building Solutions team today. We will guide you through the process step by step, no matter what stage your project is at.
See Your Journey for a comprehensive guide.
What approvals are required to start building?
Development Application (DA): a Development Application is an essential approval required to undertake a new dwelling, renovation or extension. The requirements vary significantly depending on the type and nature of the development, but usually include application forms, architectural plans, stormwater and civil works plans, a cost estimate report and consultant reports.
Construction Certificate (CC): a Construction Certificate follows directly after a Development Application. It certifies that the detailed construction plans and specifications comply with the Building Code of Australia (BCA), including the relevant structural standards and codes, and are not inconsistent with the development consent.
Engineering and council approvals
Structural and civil plans are the only engineering documents required once you finalise the planning drawings for the planning approvals. Planning approvals can take 30 days or longer in some local government areas, not allowing for a few weeks of potential public notification.
When applying for building approvals through a private certifier, the required documentation typically includes:
Construction drawings
Engineering report
Energy rating report
Structural calculations
Framing design
BASIX certificate
Once complete, we send these documents to the private certifier, who, after doing their due diligence, sends them to council for approval. Allow between three and six months for engineering and council approvals.
What is the difference between drawing types?
Concept drawings: a simple floor plan.
Concept development drawings: site plan, floor plan(s) and elevations with basic measurements.
Construction drawings: detailed information on each plan, plus footing, roofing, plumbing, electrical and cross-section construction details.
What is a Preliminary Building Agreement?
If you are building, renovating or extending, you want a design you love for a price you can afford. Many homeowners don't know what a Preliminary Building Agreement (PBA) is, or why it matters. Without one, you could end up with a project that isn't designed to suit your budget, a builder who doesn't understand your needs, and inclusions and specifications that are unclear. By the time it comes to contract pricing, you could be left with a project you can't afford and 12–18 months of time and money spent on an approved design.
A PBA is an agreement between the client and the builder before construction begins. It allows the builder to collect everything needed — plans, engineering, approvals, specifications and selections — and gain a deep understanding of the project to provide a guaranteed fixed price quote. This is especially important for renovations and extensions, where the existing house must be scoped in detail on site.
Why is a PBA like an insurance policy?
With a Preliminary Building Agreement, you establish a relationship with your builder at pre-construction, with trust and transparency from the start.
With every specification included at pre-construction, there are no provisional sums, cost items or builder variations for known scopes of work. Working with a builder who uses a PBA as early as possible means your vision and budget aren't compromised.
Want to know more?
Ask us about your project.
Every site and design is different. Tell us where you are in the process and we'll explain the next steps.