Working with Construction Contractors

Many homeowners do not comprehend the building approval process. As such, they often get disappointed when informed their buildings do not meet the required standards. Below is an article on the building approval process in Australia. 

What Are Building Approvals? 

Building approval is a certification that proves the design and construction of a building meets the minimum standards set by the building code and other building laws. Typically, if you opt to build or renovate a building without the required permits, the local council could penalise you, demolish the structure or ask you to renovate it to the required standard. There are several reasons why homeowners should take building approvals seriously. First, the building approval process compels the architect to design the building to withstand the various stresses. For instance, if you live on a flood plain, the building code could require homeowners to use a specific foundation. Without the building approval process, unscrupulous designers could fail to consider such hazards when designing the building. 

Secondly, the approval process acts as a quality control system at the site. Given that you do not have any expertise in building construction, it would be difficult to tell if the contractor adheres to the construction blueprints. For instance, did they use the required steel gauge? Do the columns have the correct width? What types of piles did they use when building the foundation? Building approvals put your mind at rest since an independent surveyor inspects the construction site to ensure that the contractor complies with the construction plans. Finally, if you decide to sell your home, buyers will ask for building permits, compliance and occupancy certificates. If you cannot produce these documents, they may be disinterested in purchasing the property. 

Building Approval Process In Australia

In Australia, buildings are approved by building certifiers or surveyors. These are professionals who have the training needed to understand your state's building code and standards. Typically, the professionals work in the public interest since a faulty building poses a threat to neighbouring properties and passers-by. Building surveyors could either be in private practice or employed by the local government. 

When hiring a certifier, ask for their practising licence to check if they are accredited to inspect the class of building you intend to construct. Certifiers should be engaged at the design phase since they assess the blueprints and provide a certificate of design compliance. You will need this certificate to obtain a building permit that allows you to commence construction works. During construction, the certifier inspects the building work at the footing stage, slab and frame. They also examine the complete structure to ensure it is safe for occupancy. If it is, the certifier issues an occupancy permit.