Are you thinking of adding a new tiny home, secondary dwelling or granny flat to your property? Whether you’re undertaking a new build, remodel or any other type of home improvement, you will need Building Approval.
A secondary dwelling is an alternative for homeowners wishing to expand their living quarters or generate additional rental income.
Due to the economic unpredictability the pandemic has caused, many homeowners have looked to diversify their income streams and boost the resale value of their residences. As more people and families move, the demand for accommodation and rentals has risen dramatically.
In light of the housing crisis, the State and Local Government Authorities are committed to developing fresh living arrangements, with secondary dwellings high on their agenda.
When making improvements to your house, having a development permit for building work (Building Approval) is crucial, and getting one is simpler than you would think.
But what are building approvals? And why do you need them?
A building approval is Development Permit for Building Works granted under the Planning Act 2016. The building approval and inspection process is managed by a Building Certifier (also referred to as a Private Certifier). Assessment of building work is undertaken to ensure all aspects comply with the Building Act 1975, including Building Regulation 2021, the National Construction Code, Queensland Development codes and so on.
Obtaining building approval enables you the legal authority to begin construction on your home improvement project. Building without a permit is unlawful and can result in many issues in the long run, including monetary fines and expensive repercussions. Your local council may order you to demolish the recently built area or forbid you from using it altogether, if they learn that you have performed work to your property unlawfully.
A building approval also affords you, the owner, confidence. On receiving building approval you can be positive that your new home improvement is compliant and legal. As the project progresses the necessary checks (inspections) are undertaken in accordance with the inspection schedule of the building approval and the building certifier provides stage certificates of construction to confirm these have been completed satisfactorily.
A secondary dwelling is a dwelling on your allotment used in conjunction with and subordinate to your primary dwelling. It can be attached or separated from your primary dwelling. It can also be above, below or beside your primary dwelling. Whichever way it is configured with your primary dwelling on your allotment, it must adhere to the requirements of the National Construction Code (Building Code) and the Local Council.
Traditionally the “granny flat” was a separate dwelling or part of a main dwelling used to accommodate the aging parents or grandparents of the homeowner.
A granny flat is typically a smaller, independent residence that shares the same area and zoning as the primary residence. Granny flats, often called cottages, farmers’ houses, or guesthouses, are more than just places for the elderly to live in the community. Sound familiar?
A tiny home, is typically a prefabricated dwelling, built off site and shipped, on its completion, to your property. They can be built with or without wheels and sometimes even fold out like magic once onsite.
Tiny homes have taken the home industry and world by storm, thanks to a host of reality tv shows showcasing their diversity and range for home living possibilities.
Whether you are submitting a “granny flat”, “tiny home” or “secondary dwelling” proposal for building approval to a building certifier, when the intent is for them to be used in conjunction with the primary dwelling on the same allotment, the legislative requirements remain the same.
The next big trend in housing and construction is granny flats or tiny homes. Residents are turning to these options as a solution to rising rental costs, rapid home sales, and growing populations and families.
Due to the relaxation of regulation restrictions around residential properties by the Queensland Government, savvy homeowners are building, renovating and revamping in their backyards to generate additional money, support their families, or improve their quality of life with the help of these secondary dwellings.
A lawful secondary dwelling, tiny home or granny flat is allowable for rent to anyone. Occupants do not have to belong to the same family or household as the primary dwelling or they can be utilised for a multitude of things, like hosting relatives, housing older children or offering an independent space for visitors.
Nowadays, accommodations can be a divisive topic. As our lives change, we frequently discover that a parent or a teenager who has outgrown their little or shared bedroom requires additional space. Many families cannot afford to move to a larger property due to the rising cost of homes. The granny flat or secondary dwelling is one solution, but the thought that a drawn-out and challenging council approval will be necessary discourages people.
The good news is that you often only need to acquire a Building Approval (BA) if you intend to build the dwelling on your property and stick to the acceptable requirements of the Local Council. Your property cannot be divided into smaller blocks; when proposing a secondary dwelling the property remains as is. If you intend to reconfigure your property into separate allotments down the track you must opt for a Dual Occupancy proposal which can be discussed with a Town Planner.
It is strongly advised that you obtain a Preliminary Assessment Report for your property. This will provide details regarding the zoning, any neighbourhood plans or overlays, infrastructure and easements on your property, and more. It will highlight any obscure aspects of your property which may affect your proposal and can be completed at the time you are making considerations to make it simpler for you to get your building approval later.
Self-contained accommodation is an excellent alternative for your family, guests, or relatives. They can provide people with more access to housing options and create extra income for homeowners. The Gold Coast alone is suffering a severe lack of accommodation.
Granny flats and tiny homes provide an alternative to the conventional housing options we have been accustomed to for millennia.
Living simply, being environmentally conscious, and slowly moving are all made possible with these arrangements. What matters most is your vision, purpose, and personal style.
In order to successfully develop and build, you must still follow specific rules and minimal site criteria. Below, we’ve listed a few of the things you should consider before planning to build. Keep in mind, each local council may have different requirements, the list below, whilst not exhaustive, includes frequent requirements, typical of the Gold Coast, Brisbane and surrounding areas.
It is important to note that the regulations made with regards to renting out secondary dwellings to anyone only came into effect on 26 September 2022. If you had a secondary dwelling approved previous to this change, there may have been strict local council requirements that your dwelling could only be occupied by members of the same household and, if the secondary dwelling was attached to your primary dwelling, it may not have been approved under the National Construction Code as two independent dwellings, requiring compliant construction methods for the purpose of fire and sound separation. If you now wish to rent your secondary dwelling to a separate household you are responsible for first checking if additional building works are required to be undertaken. Any new building works needed, do require building approval with a building certifier. You can consult your previous building approval documents to ascertain these requirements.
Whether you’re working on a substantial commercial development or a little home project, we can help you get the building approvals needed to successfully complete your project. We are a reliable private building certifier on the Gold Coast that will make things simpler for you to establish your dream secondary dwelling building.
TSC Group offers knowledgeable and efficient preliminary assessment, consulting and building certification services for the Gold Coast, Brisbane and many other areas in Queensland. Call or email us today for a no obligation, complimentary fee proposal and chat with our friendly and experienced staff on how we can best assist you and your property goals.
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