Consultants & Applications.

Consultants & Application Stage (Preliminary Drawings)

Once the Concept Design is finalised and you’re happy with the layout, we transition into the Preliminary Drawings stage. These drawings serve multiple purposes:

  • Enable builders to provide more accurate cost estimates

  • Facilitate detailed discussions on materials, finishes, and construction methods

  • Allow collaboration with engineers and consultants to ensure compliance and buildability

  • Form the basis for council approvals (if required)

1. Preliminary Drawings Set

This set of drawings is more detailed than the initial concept but not yet fully developed for construction. It typically includes:

  • Updated Floor Plans – With refined dimensions, door and window placements, and functional details.

  • Elevations & Sections – Providing more clarity on the building’s external appearance and internal spatial relationships.

  • Site Plan – Showing setbacks, access, landscaping, and any required compliance elements.

  • Roof Plan – Outlining drainage, overhangs, and roof pitch details.

  • Electrical Plan – Outlining power points, lighting, and switchboard locations.

  • Perspectives – External perspectives of the dwelling & site.

At this stage, you can also start finalising material and colour selections with your builder to integrate them into the design early.

2. Engaging Consultants

Depending on the complexity of the project, we may engage external specialists to provide reports or design input. Some key consultants include:

  • Structural Engineer – Designs load-bearing elements such as footings, slabs, beams, and columns.

  • Civil Engineer – Assesses stormwater drainage and earthworks if required.

  • Energy Assessor (NatHERS) – Ensures the design meets energy efficiency standards.

  • Town Planner – Assesses zoning compliance and prepares planning reports if a Development Application (DA) is required.

  • Bushfire Consultant (if applicable) – Provides Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment for construction in fire-prone areas.

  • Geotechnical Engineer (if required) – Provides soil classification for foundation design.

3. Council Approvals & Applications

If your project requires council approval, this is when we start preparing the necessary documents:

  • Development Application (DA) – If the project doesn’t meet Acceptable Outcomes (AO) criteria, we submit a DA, which may involve public notification and additional reports.

  • Building Permit (Construction Certificate or Building Approval) – Required before construction begins, confirming compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian Standards.