Alterations and Additions Plans, Australia-Wide
Extending or reworking your home can give you the space you need without moving. We design and draw extensions, second storeys and renovations for approval in every state.
What we prepare
We start by measuring up the existing home, or working from a survey. Then we prepare concept options and the full drawing set: existing and proposed plans, elevations, sections, demolition plans and site plans. Recent work includes alterations and additions to a family home in Albury NSW.
How the rules differ by state
- NSW. Many extensions can be a CDC under the Housing Code, otherwise a DA. BASIX applies above the state's cost threshold. See NSW.
- Victoria. A building permit, plus a planning permit if your zone or overlays require one. See Victoria.
- Queensland. Building approval, with council's agreement if the design does not meet the siting rules. See Queensland.
- Western Australia. Extensions that meet the R-Codes deemed-to-comply standards are generally exempt from development approval. See WA.
- South Australia. Planning and building consent under the Planning and Design Code. See SA.
- Tasmania. A planning permit where needed and a building surveyor's certificate. See Tasmania.
- ACT. Many extensions are exempt from development approval if they meet every exempt rule. See ACT.
- Northern Territory. A building permit from a private certifier, with a development permit if a variation is needed. See NT.
What makes an extension work
The best extensions fix how the house flows, not just add rooms. We look at light, the link between old and new, the roof form, and where the structure and services already run. Second storeys need early structural input, so we bring the engineer in at concept stage.
How the process works
- Send your address. Tell us what you'd like to do. We reply the same business day.
- Site and planning check. We look at the zone, the lot, overlays and your council's controls, and tell you the likely approval path.
- Concept design. Layout options, sized to the rules and your brief, that you can comment on before any detail is drawn.
- Drawings. The full set for planning and building approval, ready for your council, certifier or building surveyor.
- Lodgement support and coordination. We line up the surveyor, engineers and energy assessor, and help answer any questions that come back.
Get started
Send us your address and what you'd like to do. We'll check the zone, the lot and your council's controls, and come back with the likely approval path and a fee proposal. Every project is quoted on its own. We reply the same business day.
Granny flat plans · Duplex drafting · Knock-down rebuild plans · New home plans · Alterations and additions · How we work Australia-wide
Common questions
Do I need approval for a home extension?
Almost always. The type of approval depends on your state, zone and the size of the work. Some extensions can use a fast-track or exempt path when they meet set standards.
Do you need to measure my existing home?
Yes, we need accurate existing drawings. We can measure up or work from a survey, depending on the project and location.
Can I add a second storey?
Often, but it depends on height limits, overshadowing, the existing structure and local controls. We check these at concept stage.
Do you work outside NSW?
Yes. We work Australia-wide with our own team in every state.
Can you coordinate the engineer and certifier?
Yes. We can coordinate the whole project, from survey to lodgement support and the builder hand-over.
What can you build on your block?
Send us the address and we’ll outline what your site can generally carry and the likely approval path. We reply the same business day.
Tell us about your project.
Send us your address and what you'd like to do. We'll check the zone, the lot and your council's controls, and come back with the likely approval path and a fee proposal. Every project is quoted on its own.
We reply the same business day.