Residential Pre-construction
Steps To Success
Ever wondered why there are so many steps and hurdles to a build? In Tasmania, like many states in Australia, there are regulations in place to ensure constructions are built to the highest standard. Do you know them all? We do and here’s the process we take a project through from concept to build.
Our from concept to construction system
Design Concept
All builds start with a vision. But is it actually possible?
We consult with you on the design before investigating all the possibilities.
Client Brief
Share your client’s brief with us – their wish list, ideas and discussion points. We establish project scope & design potential in response.
Council checks
We can do the preliminary checks including: Have titles been issued? Are there easements or covenants over the land to factor in? Has the full budget been considered? Does the planning scheme allow for all their requirements? Exactly what permit applications will need to be prepared?
Concept drawings
We prepare conceptual architectural drafting, creating a visual picture of the design concept vision.
Engage building surveyor
The building surveyor comes into your project now, to be fully briefed and get us ahead of the permit application process.
Order BHMP & SC
We lay the groundwork. SC (site classification), wastewater design and BHMP (Bushfire Hazard Management Plans) aren’t required until the documentation stage. However, getting the reports takes time. We advise getting ahead of this requirement.
Design Concept
All builds start with a vision. But is it actually possible? We begin the process of investigating all the possibilities.
Client Brief
Share your client’s brief with us – their wish list, ideas and discussion points. We establish project scope & design potential in response.
Council checks
We can do the preliminary checks including: Have titles been issued? Are there easements or covenants over the land to factor in? Has the full budget been considered? Does the planning scheme allow for all their requirements? Exactly what permit applications will need to be prepared?
Concept drawings
We prepare conceptual architectural drafting, creating a visual picture of the design concept vision.
Engage building surveyor
The building surveyor comes into your project now, to be fully briefed and get us ahead of the permit application process.
Order BHMP & SC
We lay the groundwork. SC (site classification), wastewater design and BHMP (Bushfire Hazard Management Plans) aren’t required until the documentation stage. However, getting the reports takes time. We advise getting ahead of this requirement.
Design Documentation
Your project may require both planning and building permits. If you have been told that you don’t need a planning permit, you will need an NPR (no planning permit required) to be issued by Council. Once you have this, your project can move ahead a few steps.
Planning application
If your project does require planning permission, it’s at this stage that we have a pre lodgement meeting with council. We may be able to act as your agent or walk you through the steps of what’s required for your design concept drawings to go through to development application (DA).
Planning RFI’s
Tasmanian councils are sending RFI’s (request further information) and conditions to Planning Approval’s with increasing regularity and it’s important to factor this time into your timelines. Whilst it can be deemed an obstacle, at HED Consulting we prefer to frame them as insight into how to move forward with the process. We respond to any RFI’s which may include a request to resubmit the planning application.
Planning approval
With RFI’s actioned and handled on your behalf, this is the stage where planning approvals are issued by council and we can progress to preparing for a building permit.
EEA
We arrange an EEA (Energy Efficiency Assessment) for your project, required for all building permits in Tasmania.
Engineering
Our expert engineering consultants prepare the structural, civil and hydraulic engineering for your project as required. Working together under one roof, they take care of every detail.
CLC Assessment
The preceding steps have now delivered a full set of drawings (architectural and structural) and documentation that includes soil, wastewater and bushfire reports, ready to submit to your building surveyor for CLC (Certificate of Likely Compliance) assessment.
Building surveyor submits to council for building permit
The Building Surveyor certifies the plans and documentation (CLC) for the proposed work and submits them to council for a building permit.
Design Documentation
Your project may require both planning and building permits. If you have been told that you don’t need a planning permit, you will need an NPR (no planning permit required) to be issued by Council.
Once you have this your project can move ahead a few steps.
Planning application
If your project does require planning permission, it’s at this stage that we have a pre lodgement meeting with council. We then progress to developing the design concept drawings for your planning application and submit to council.
Planning RFI’s
Tasmanian councils are sending RFI’s (request further information) and conditions to Planning Approval’s with increasing regularity and it’s important to factor this time into your timelines. Whilst it can be deemed an obstacle, at HED Consulting we prefer to frame them as insight into how to move forward with the process. We respond to any RFI’s which may include a request to resubmit the planning application.
Planning approval
With RFI’s actioned and handled on your behalf, this is the stage where planning approvals are issued by council and we can progress to preparing for a building permit.
EEA
We arrange an EEA (Energy Efficiency Assessment) for your project, required for all building permits in Tasmania.
Engineering
Our expert engineering consultants prepare the structural, civil and hydraulic engineering for your project as required. Working together under the one roof, they take care of every detail.
CLC Assessment
The preceding steps have now delivered a full set of drawings (architectural and structural) and documentation that includes soil, wastewater and bushfire reports, ready to submit to your building surveyor for CLC (Certificate of Likely Compliance) assessment.
Building surveyor submits to council for building permit
The Building Surveyor certifies the plans and documentation (CLC) for the proposed work and submits them to council for a building permit.
Start Works
Permits approved, construction can commence
Components of the construction phase need to be certified by an engineer or building surveyor. Now is the time to ask your building surveyor who should be certifying what.
The building surveyor will oversee the construction process to ensure the result is ‘fit for purpose’ and compliant with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Construction inspections
Give us 24-48 hours’ notice for a construction inspection your building surveyor has determined your engineer must undertake. Any engineer will need to be in receipt of a SWN before they can attend a construction inspection.
Engineer signoff during construction stages
Our engineers will inspect and certify the foundation and framing components of your build to meet statutory regulations.
Start Works
All builds start with a vision. But is it actually possible? We begin the process of investigating all the possibilities.
Permits approved, construction can commence
Components of the construction phase need to be certified by an engineer or building surveyor. Now is the time to ask your building surveyor who should be certifying what.
The building surveyor will oversee the construction process to ensure the result is ‘fit for purpose’ and compliant with the National Construction Code (NCC) and Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Construction inspections
Give us 24-48 hours’ notice for a construction inspection your building surveyor has determined your engineer must undertake. Any engineer will need to be in receipt of a SWN before they can attend a construction inspection.
Engineer signoff during construction stages
Our engineers will certify the foundation component of your build, inspecting and certifying footings, piles/pier holes and slab formwork.
Note that every project is unique and may not necessarily follow this linear process.
We help navigate and adapt the process to your project for the most efficient and optimal outcome. A build that both you and your client can be proud of.
Here’s some FAQ’s to help understand how we can work with you:
We already have a design. Can we use HED Consulting as an engineer for our project?
Yes, utilise our full service or the relevant expertise you need. As Tasmania has numerous requirements to pass council and state regulations, just be sure that your designer adheres to specification 1 of the director’s list.
How does pricing work for pre-construction support?
Depending on the project and our degree of involvement, we may provide a fixed quote at the beginning of the job, or work at an hourly rate and invoice at pre-agreed project milestones (eg. DA, EEA, CLC), or a combination of both.
Why is the pre-construction phase so complex?
In addition to referencing current construction requirements described in the NCC/BCA and Australian Standards, requirements for building in bushfire-prone areas, as well as energy efficiency compliance, have become much stricter in recent years. Separate municipal planning schemes in Tasmania are also being consolidated as the Tasmanian Planning Scheme. There is a higher level of accountability required throughout the process, and practitioners are routinely audited by CBOS for compliance. Getting it right from the start is critical to a smooth and profitable project.
Can HED Consulting manage the entire pre-construction for my project?
If engaged as an agent for your project, we can take care of the pre-construction stage in its entirety for you* (*available on application for new builds only). With design and engineering in-house and close working subcontractors on hand, you can then focus on the construction phase, whilst we prepare the documentation, and specifications for the approvals you need to build.
How long does the pre-construction phase take?
As you can imagine, each project is unique and timelines vary. However as a guide, an average residential project may take 5 months to move from concept, through planning, to permits, to commencing construction. If the project site has significant zoning or planning overlays, bushfire or plumbing factors, this may lengthen the timeframe. We’ll always advise these as early as possible to help project management.
I’ve spoken to someone at council and I’m sure I don’t need planning approval. Can I skip that part?
The planning and permit process is a complex one, but an NPR (no planning permit required) is more common for renovations. We ensure we have an answer in writing from a prelodgement assessment if a planning approval isn’t required.
Do you help mainland building designers with permit applications in Tasmania?
Yes we do. We understand that every state has its own regulations and you need a local partner to navigate them efficiently. We can liaise with you and prepare everything required to submit to the relevant Tasmanian council.
What building sectors do you work with?
We can support construction in the residential sector along with multi unit developments and subdivisions. We also support community projects such as the Great Lake Community Greenhouse and the tiny house sector.