Frequently Asked Questions
Designing and Building your Dream Home or Renovation
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s
∙Can I build a 2-storey home or extension on my property?
∙Where do I start if I want to renovate my home.
∙Who do I contact if I want to build a new home.
∙Can I demolish my home and build a new home, units or Townhouses on my property.
∙How can I ensure I build my home or renovation cost effectively?
∙How can I build my home energy efficiently?
∙Do I select a builder first or a Architect / Building Designer or Interior Designer
∙What will it cost me to build or renovate my home?
∙What are the costs of Architectural fees in Melbourne?
ARCH design can answer your questions and will establish whether you need to apply for town
planning or require only a building permit to commence the process. We will also give you a pricing
estimate to design and build your project, assisting you at each stage of your design and construction
journey.
We are one of the leading architectural design firms in the Stonnington, Boroondara, Glen Eira, Monash,
Port Phillip and Bayside Municipalities. Working with these councils for over 30 years, gives us insight, knowledge and experience to speed up the design approval process.
Port Phillip and Bayside Municipalities. Working with these councils for over 30 years, gives us insight, knowledge and experience to speed up the design approval process.
Each council has specific town planning needs, which are based on the “Victorian Planning
Provisions” – Clause 54 (Single Dwelling per site) and Clause 55 (Development of 2 or more dwellings
per site). If town planning is required and approved, we then coordinate the building permit, in
accordance with the National Construction Code of Australia to ensure your plans meet compliance
requirements and achieve building approvals in a timely manner.
So, what are the steps to a new build or renovation?
- Does it require a planning permit? Does your site have a Heritage Overlay or Neighbourhood character Overlay? Your local council can advise you or we can investigate for you.
- Obtain a copy of Title. A Title search through “Landata” to confirm the exact size details of the block of land and any easements or other limiting factors. We will undertake this step for our clients.
- Appoint an experienced and capable Architect, Building Designer or Draftsman
- Undertake Feature and Level Survey of the site.
- Conceptual Drawings
- If planning approval required, designer submits prepared town planning drawings and
application to council. Awaiting approval - Architectural working drawings, Engineering, Soil testing and Energy Rating of the
development is undertaken through your designer and submitted to the relevant Building
Surveyor for approval. - Once the Building Permits is in place, you need to appoint a builder either through
recommendation or a tender process which ARCH design can undertake for you. - After appointing a builder, contracts need to be put in place. Highly recommend this step is undertaken with your chosen designer.