In today’s competitive real estate market, homeowners and investors always seek the best ways to increase property value. One of the most effective strategies is to invest in good building design, which improves aesthetics and increases functionality and overall appeal. There is a significant correlation between property value, how building designers can significantly impact it, …
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Approval for building construction is serious business. Builders must only start building works after knowing all the approval requirements in NSW. As with everything relative to construction and building design, taking the proper steps to ensure your house is compliant and safe is essential. If not done correctly, it can be a very costly exercise. …
Continue reading “Thinking of Building a House? Read This Before Doing Anything”
This popular type of design offers a range of advantages including increased privacy and independence for families, flexibility in terms of use, and potential financial gains. Here ES Design looks at how convenient dual occupancy can be for both your family and your finances.
In NSW, most minor developments won’t need approval. For example, if you are adding a deck or a carport to your home that is no greater than 25 square metres, there is no need to get council approval. However, if your renovation or build is a little larger but still straightforward, you will be required …
Continue reading “A comprehensive guide to NSW Complying Development for Builders and Homeowners”
If you are building a new home or doing a major renovation, building development approvals are essential to any construction in NSW. Planning regulations constantly evolve, so it’s always best to research and know precisely what to do before starting any planning or construction work. When you know what you are dealing with, there are …
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Retrospective council approval for building works can be a long and complicated process. However, working with a professional building designer can avoid the need for retrospective approval altogether. What is retrospective council approval, and why do you need it? Before starting your building works, including dual occupancies, it is essential to ensure that your building …
NSW planning regulations are constantly evolving. Understanding them is essential if you want to begin work on your dream home within the state.
If you are planning on building or renovating a property in Sydney NSW, then you will need to obtain DA approval from your local Council.
Dual occupancy homes offer a unique opportunity to own or rent two separate dwellings on the same block of land. This type of development is becoming increasingly popular in Sydney due to its multiple benefits for owners, renters and builders alike. Explore why two is better than one for your upcoming home design.
Are you starting on the home building journey? There are many things to consider before you start. Failing to do so can end up being a costly mistake.
As cities become denser, and housing becomes more costly, dual occupancy has become an increasingly popular option for both homeowners and investors.
Your dual occupancy home may be perfect for now, but what if things change and you need to sell? Here are some important tips to note.
When it comes to compliance in your building project, residential property designers play an important role. Here’s what you need to know.
A complying development certificate is a smart way to fast-track the approval and construction of your project. How much does a CDC cost?
Are you building or renovating a property under CDC? Here’s everything you need to know about notifying your neighbours in NSW.
You may have to submit a DA if you’re building or renovating your home. Here’s what you need to know to make the process easier.
Want to maximise your return on investment? Find out how you could streamline the approval of your next dual occupancy development with us.
Covid impacted residential building trends. Residential design had to evolve & suit changing needs. Know what’s to come. Follow ES Design.
Before you can approve your Development Application (DA), you must understand what constitutes a ‘development’.
At ES Design, our priority is to ensure that the process of building is a smooth, hassle-free and pleasant experience. In saying this, a few hurdles may arise when participating in a new build, depending on the land or property where construction is set to take place. One of these main hurdles is concerning approvals. …
Continue reading “What you need to know about Complying Development Certificates”
Looking for a way to maximise your space through interior design? Here are our top 4 tips from ES Design for residential design.
Whether you’re looking for financial security or a place for family to call home, dual occupancy home designs open more doors.
Owning and designing a home is a big deal, so it’s easy to become overwhelmed. While it can give you creative freedom, it is better left in the hands of ES Design.
“The city’s dream home has changed in a year. It’s now all about statements in bold, head turning architecture.” Adam Devine, Real Estate Editor—The Daily Telegraph This year’s most popular properties are not based solely on location, harbour views or size, but are based on “risky” designs. Across Sydney suburbs, architects and builders alike are …
Continue reading “Sydney homes: Where unexpected design steals the show”
We’ve put together our pick of the top 5 modern residential designs for the perfect Sydney home.
Luxury interior design doesn’t have to mean high costs – it all comes down to the finer details, and embracing your individual style.
When it comes to designing a home, it is likely you’ve considered the differences between dual occupancy and townhouse options. Here at ES Design, we’re advocates of both, seeing as each has their own benefits depending on various factors, from council requirements to making the best use of the land. The truth is, both developments …
Continue reading “Dual occupancy homes vs townhouses: what is the right choice for you?”
In our articles, we’ve touched on two extremely important and necessary elements for your development – the Complying Development Certificate and Development Approval. However, we haven’t explored another integral piece of documentation needed to begin construction, the Construction Certificate (CC). In this article, we’ll expand on everything you need to know about the CC, including …
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When deciding on the design for the upcoming construction of your property, you will have to determine the type of development that you want. Within residential developments, several types of design can impact the functionality and comfort of your home. Considering your needs, future goals and your family’s lifestyle is important when designing your home …
How long do Construction Certificate (CC), Complying Development Certificate (CDC) and Developing Application (DA) approvals last? This is a question that is integral to the construction timeframe of any type of project. It’s well-known that construction on projects that require approvals cannot begin until approval has been granted. However, approvals also have a time limit. …
As designers, we’re well aware of how difficult designing a home can be. There are many factors to take into account and a lot of conceptualisation behind designing the perfect home. For luxury homes, professional designers and architects at ES design often recommend that homeowners practise restraint as it can be incredibly easy to go …
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When designing a home for investment, there are two popular options that people have in mind: a dual occupancy home and a granny flat. Naturally, our clients ask themselves and us, “Should I build a dual occupancy home or a granny flat?” While we usually attempt to answer as straightforwardly as possible, like our responses …
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Most construction projects in Australia require some form of development approval, whether it be a Complying Development Certificate, construction certificate or development consent. Very rarely would a project be considered as an exempt development and not require any form of approval. These varying approval requirements are based on the development’s impact on the environment and …
Building development approvals are an essential part of any type of construction in Sydney. However, newcomers to the industry as well as first time home builders are unaware of who requires building development approvals in addition to what building development approvals constitute. It’s expected that those unfamiliar with our industry are none the wiser, however, …
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When people build homes, they build for a purpose. That purpose may be for investment, comfort or design versatility. Regardless of what their purpose is, different houses can achieve different goals which is why the design of your home is crucial for achieving what you want. Some home designs are self-explanatory, such as a single …
Continue reading “What are the advantages of a manor style home?”
Townhouses can be small spaces that have a lot of potential. A townhouse is a multi-floor home that shares one wall with another property, essentially making it half the size of a single family home in some cases. Though townhouses have this decreased space, our ES Design team can cleverly develop your floor plan to …
Continue reading “4 additions for your townhouse floor plan to make it seem larger”
Dual occupancy homes are excellent properties to invest in, whether you are purchasing or building. If you are building, then you are at an advantage because you can customise your property according to your intention. With dual occupancy homes, the design potential is huge and can repay your investment in our services by producing impressive …
Continue reading “How do you make the design of your dual occupancy home attractive to renters?”
Hiring a building designer is a novel idea to many homeowners, however, designers like those hired at ES Design, have a wealth of knowledge about residential architecture and interior design for homes in Sydney. Building your new home is a massive construction project that requires more than just a little conceptualisation and financing. Whether you’re …
Continue reading “Building designers: 5 reasons to convince you they’re worth the hire”
Luxury homes are sights to behold. Impeccable craftsmanship and thoughtful designs are just some of the elements that make luxury homes visually appealing and a joy to live in. Developing an effective luxury home requires restraint from the designer. At ES Design, we understand why clients want as much as possible from their luxury home …
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In 2021, we’re seeing a great shift in home design trends that have forced architect firms in Sydney, as well as draftsmen, to reconsider their approach. According to realestate.com.au, the top five features in new homes and renovations which are of greater importance now include allowing for more natural lighting; larger living spaces; greater outdoor …
When it comes to a home’s functionality and aesthetic, a large portion of the responsibility rests on the shoulders of the designers and architects on the project. A duplex house contains two residences, either on top of each like apartments or next to each other like townhouses. This unique layout makes the design and architecture …
Continue reading “How to find the right duplex designer and architect for your new home”
Luxury homes in Sydney are sights to behold. They have impressive designs and are finished with high-end materials that make it immensely impressive. Luxury homes differ from country to country because architects realise the needs, wants and climates of their communities and design luxury homes according to their clients and their surroundings. While you may …
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Dual occupancy designs are two homes on one block of land. While it may be perplexing to some, dual occupancy designs are becoming increasingly popular among investors and young couples who view it as a cost-efficient method of owning a home while also earning income (through the rental of one home). The main advantage of …
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Everyone wants to achieve a cost-effective building design, but not every client understands what this entails or means. Having a small budget or reducing the cost of construction as much as possible is not the only way to be cost-effective with your building design. Instead of just maintaining low-costs throughout the building design, a comprehensive …
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Designing and building a luxury home is exciting but complex. A luxury home design is full of potential, but what makes a residential property’s design luxurious? Luxury home design may not be what you think. It doesn’t just involve gaudy furnishings or extravagant architecture, although they may be included as well. Instead, luxury home designers …
Continue reading “Luxury home designers name 5 must-have features”
The way you design your home’s floor plan and layout affect your home’s potential, in a number of ways. It is an essential part of the building process and is one of the key features you must consider for your home to be accommodating to your lifestyle and suitable to your family. Because building a …
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Complying development approval is needed for a number of different residential, commercial and industrial projects and is necessary to begin construction. Read more below.
An Occupation Certificate is a mandatory part of the DA and CDC approval processes. It should be sought to ensure the health and safety of a building and its occupants, but beyond that, there are many other legal and financial reasons to obtain an Occupation Certificate before moving into or using a new building. What …
To receive your home or building design plan, our design team goes through a design process that allows them to present a comprehensive design plan that is functional, includes all of your requirements and is compliant with the Building Code of Australia (BCA), Australian Standards and Building Fire Safety regulations. Our design process also allows …
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Designing, building and renovating your home is no easy task. It can be exhausting, overwhelming and put pressure on your pocket. For developers, a tight budget is usually the most difficult constraint to overcome. However, in a world of new and innovative materials, finishes and furnishings for the construction and building industry, the possibilities have …
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If you’re planning to construct or renovate a manor house, we expect that you’re probably a bit confused about the process of its construction. Manor houses are regal, beautiful and a coveted mix of country and city, making it the envy of any homeowner. However, in Australia, manor homes remain a mystery, with many Aussies …
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If you’ve made the exciting decision to construct a dual occupancy home, then you most definitely will want to ensure that the large investment you are about to make pays off. But, just how do you guarantee that your dual occupancy home will be designed and constructed in both aesthetically pleasing and valuable ways? You …
Continue reading “Why you should invest in the design of your dual occupancy home”
Luxury home designs usually require careful attention and planning in both its design, construction and fit-out. When it comes to luxury, restraint with colours, accessories and textures is usually thrown out the window to exude a lavish and rich aesthetic. While 2020 is no different with its flexible and individualistic trends, they seemed to have …
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A residential design service consultation is a great way to explore your options and discover what you need from your future property. At ES Design, we aim to help you find what you need and want so that you can start building faster. Part of beginning the residential design process is filtering through trends, needs, …
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Building or renovating a new home or your commercial business can be thrilling, however, getting the approval to develop can be overwhelming. If you are interested in renovating or constructing your property, whether commercial or residential, you will have to acquire a building development approval. To receive development approval, there are three standard methods in …
Continue reading “Property construction and renovation: your guide to development approval”
A complying development certificate (CDC) is issued for straightforward residential, commercial and industrial developments. Of course, ‘straight forward’ is determined via several factors, but generally they are less complex buildings than those that require development approval. A CDC can be approved more quickly than a Development Application (DA) but is used for buildings or constructions larger than exempt development. …
Continue reading “What is the online process of acquiring a complying development certificate?”
Examples of multiple dwellings include dual occupancies, townhouses, villas and any secondary dwellings on one block of land, such as granny flats. In higher density areas, multiple dwellings boast abundant opportunities for living and investment. Through clever architecture, properties on one piece of land can be maximised, ensuring areas are used to their full potential. …
Continue reading “Making the most of your space through clever architecture”
The scope of work of a draftsman and an architect can overlap in many ways. Architectural draftsmen produce drawings for construction developments. These can range from brand new homes to alterations and additions of existing homes, and even extend to commercial and industrial developments. A draftsman is responsible for preparing technical drawings as well as …
Designing your dream home is a thrilling, yet overwhelming experience. Besides the aesthetic features, it is important to consider elements that will contribute to the timelessness of your home. Dream homes are built for the long-term, so it is important that you work with architectural designers to consider long-standing, but appealing trends. Top 5 trends …
If you’re about to embark on a renovation project or thinking of building a new home, you must be aware of any development approvals you need to submit before you start. Most minor developments won’t need development approval in Sydney. For example, if you are adding a deck or a carport to your home that is at most 25 square metres, there is no need to get council approval.
Development applications in NSW require approval from the relevant local council before proceeding. Depending on the type of development, you may need to seek the consent of other government agencies. Generally, any building or altercation work visible from a public place requires planning and development approval before it begins.
Types of building development approval
In NSW there are five different types of building development approvals.
- Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
This is a simplified approval process for minor works that meet the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) requirements. It can be used instead of a traditional development application, often resulting in quicker approvals with less red tape.Complying development applies to homes, businesses and industry and allows for a range of things like the construction of a new house, alterations and additions to a place, new industrial buildings, demolition of a building, and changes to business use. A qualified architect or engineer should be consulted before applying for a CDC.
- Development Application (DA)
A Development Application (DA) is an application for major works, including the construction of new buildings or changes to existing structures. The application process involves describing the proposed project in detail, including drawings and other relevant documents, so the local council can assess and approve it before any work can commence. In some cases, additional approvals, such as a Construction or Occupation Certificate, may be required.
- Construction Certificate
This is an approval issued by a certifying authority such as an accredited architect or engineer. It is used to certify that the proposed building works comply with Building Regulations, Australian Standards and any other relevant code requirements. The certificate must be obtained before construction can begin and is often required in addition to a Development Application (DA).
- Planning Proposal
This is an application to make amendments to Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) or Development Control Plans (DCPs) set out by the relevant NSW local council. It may seek to change the zoning of land, amend the development standards applicably, or make changes to an LEP map.
- Section 96 modification
This is a process by which the landowner can apply to their local council to approve changes to a Development Application (DA). The modifications typically involve changing the design of the proposed building, such as increasing building height or floor area, altering car parking requirements and more. The council will assess the application against relevant development codes and regulations and determine whether or not the modification is approved. It is crucial for the proposal to be thoroughly researched and well prepared before submission, as this will ensure that it meets all relevant requirements and is more likely to be approved.
It is essential to ensure that all applicable approvals have been obtained before commencing work, as it may result in delays and additional costs. In some cases, works may also be subject to ongoing inspections by council or other authorities throughout the project. Once construction is completed, a final inspection will be conducted before an Occupational Certificate is issued. This certifies that the building meets all health and safety requirements and can be occupied or used for its intended purpose.
What needs Development Approval?
In NSW, DAs are required for any works that may affect the environment or the public’s access to the area. This includes:
- Building and construction works such as new buildings, extensions, garages and pools
- Demolition of structures
- Excavation and earthworks
- Subdivision of land
- Filling or excavation of wetlands
- Removal of vegetation as well as trees
- Change in the use of buildings or land, such as converting an office block into apartments
- Construction of infrastructure such as roads, footpaths and bridges.
In some cases, planning approval may also be required in addition to development approval. It is important to check with your local council as requirements for planning and development approvals may vary from one area to another.
What are the basic steps of the DA process in Sydney?
- Pre-Development: This involves initial consultations with the local council and other relevant authorities, as well as obtaining any necessary reports or studies.
- Lodgement: You’ll need to submit a DA to your local council or the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, which includes detailed plans and specifications for your proposed development.
- Assessment: The council or department will assess your application against relevant planning and building codes, as well as any environmental, heritage or other constraints.
- Public Notification: Depending on the scale and nature of your development, you may be required to notify the public and allow for feedback.
- Determination: After considering all the factors and feedback, the council or department will make a determination on your application.
- Construction: Once you have received approval, you can begin construction of your development.
- Occupation: Once construction is complete, you can apply for a Final Occupation Certificate to officially occupy the development.
What are the fees for lodging a DA?
The fees for lodging a development application (DA) in Sydney vary depending on the nature and scale of the development, as well as the local council or state authority processing the application.
The fee structure is usually set by the relevant authority and may include various components such as:
- A base fee for the DA application
- Additional fees for any advertising or public notification requirements
- Fees for any specialist reports or studies required
- Fees for any inspections or monitoring during construction
It’s important to note that the fees can add up quickly, particularly for larger and more complex developments. It’s recommended to seek advice from a professional such as a planner, architect, or engineer to ensure you understand the full scope of the fees and charges involved in lodging a DA. Additionally, some local councils or state authorities may offer fee waivers or discounts for certain types of developments or applicants, so it’s worth researching these options as well.
How long does it take for a DA decision to be made?
The time it takes for a Development Application (DA) decision to be made in Sydney can vary depending on several factors. Generally, the assessment process takes around 40 days for a straightforward DA, but it can take longer for more complex developments or if additional information is required.
Factors that can impact the length of time for a DA decision to be made include:
- Completeness of the application: If the DA application is incomplete or missing key information, the assessment process may be delayed.
- Public notification: If the development requires public notification, this can add time to the assessment process as the public has a right to review and comment on the proposal.
- Environmental factors: If the development may impact the environment or a heritage site, additional studies or reports may be required, which can lengthen the assessment process.
- Planning constraints: The local council or state authority may have specific planning requirements or constraints that need to be considered, which can impact the time it takes to make a decision.
Ask the experts at ES Design
If you are unsure whether your project requires development approval, it’s best to speak to a qualified professional such as ES Design. We have the knowledge and experience to help you understand all the options for getting your development approvals in a simplified, stress-free way.
We keep up to date with changing legislation and certifier requirements, so if you’d like to find out more or book an appointment, call us today on 0460 000 000.
