Most patios and carports in South East Queensland need a building approval. It sounds like red tape, but with the right paperwork it is routine — and we do it as part of every job.
Step 1: Measure and design
We measure up, check the boundaries, the house, the slab and any sewer or stormwater lines, and design the structure with you.
Step 2: Site plan and engineering
We draw the site plan and get the engineering for your wind rating and soil. The engineer certifies the design with a Form 15.
Step 3: Lodging the approval
The plans go to a private building certifier, who issues the building approval. If the design needs a boundary relaxation or is near a sewer, that is lodged with the council or water authority as part of the process.
Step 4: Build and inspections
Once approved, we order the materials and build. The certifier inspects at the required stages and signs off at the end, so the structure is on record for when you sell.
Local differences
- Logan, Ipswich and Brisbane each have their own planning schemes for setbacks and front-of-house structures
- Building over or near sewer needs separate approval from the water authority
- Estates and body corporates may have their own design rules
Why it matters
An unapproved structure can cause trouble with insurance and when you sell. Doing it properly from the start costs less than fixing it later.