3 Simple Tips for Getting Quick Building Approvals

15 April 2015

Eugene Vargas

Before you begin any type of project such as construction or renovation of a building, including your own home, you want to ensure you have the proper building approvals in place. These are applied for through your local government and may need to be displayed on your jobsite throughout the entire life of your project.

While you may need these approvals in place before work begins, the process of applying and getting approved can take longer than expected. Note some simple tips for getting quick approvals the first time you apply.

1. Make sure you have a signed CDC attached to your application

A CDC refers to a certificate of design compliance, and this is issued to you by a registered design or building surveyor. Don't make the mistake of assuming that your approvals office will be able to access their copy of your CDC easily and quickly when you apply for approvals; submitting your application without a signed copy of your CDC is a common way for the process to be delayed, so ensure you provide a copy with your paperwork.

2. Get consent for use of other land

Consent will be needed if your building will need an easement, meaning the use of other land for access to your own property. If your work will affect adjoining property then this consent will also be needed before approvals will be issued. Avoid delays with your applications by ensuring that you have these consents in place as needed and that they are attached to your application when submitted. The proper consent forms to use are typically found online or at your local surveyor's office, or they may provide you with them during their survey so you know this consent is properly worded and signed.

3. Ensure you have all needed signatures

While the builder or contractor you hire may be able to get necessary building approvals, he or she is not the only person that needs to sign such applications. The legal owner of the property must sign on the application for approvals, along with the surveyor and the applicant if he or she is different than the builder or owner.

You also don't want to think that as the owner of a property, you are the only person that needs to sign the application; unless you're doing all the work yourself, you'll need the builder or contractor you're using to sign the application as well. Not having these signatures in place can delay the application process, so be sure you know who needs to sign before you submit your paperwork.

For more information, contact a company like Thomas Independent Certification.

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