Renovations

The extent and requirements of a renovation - from roofing and window renovations to reblocking foundations - determine the necessity of a building permit and any other forms.

Generally, repair, renewal or maintenance of your home is free of building permit requirements as long as nothing is structurally altered. But this exemption also relies on using the materials ‘commonly used’ for the same function as the ones being replaced. So, you can perform repairs and renovations with current equivalents of the materials being replaced without a permit. For example, the installation of a skylight when repairing the roof does not qualify for such an exemption, as the structure of the building has been altered.

Renovations often comprise structural changes, which require a building permit from Council. What kind of renovation are you planning?

Encountering Asbestos

While it is possible for homeowners to remove small amounts of non-friable asbestos material, loose asbestos materials are incredibly dangerous if encountered.

Large-Scale Renovations

Large-scale renovations on any building often comprise structural changes, which require a building permit from council. A planning permit is also required if your building falls in a heritage overlay or the renovations are for commercial purposes.

Reblocking

Underpinning, re-stumping or otherwise altering the footing of a building, is changing part of the building’s support structure and is considered a structural alteration. You will need a building permit for structural alterations to a building.

Retaining Walls

If a wall is part of the structure supporting the building, then it is deemed to be a retaining wall. Removing or altering a retaining or supporting wall is considered to be a structural alteration. You will always need a building permit for any structural alterations to a building.

Roofing

When renovating, repairing or replacing your roof there are several issues to be taken into consideration.

Windows

If you want to replace, remove or install windows, there may be different permit requirements depending on your situation.