Process timeline and Minimum Fees

01 — Initial Consultation

Understanding Your Vision & Site

  • Site review (including slope, access, surrounding context)

  • Discussion of your renovation or extension goals

  • Identification of site constraints by determining which external consultants may be required.

    • BAL rating

    • Soil classification

    • Planning overlays

    • Energy efficiency requirements

    • Access and circulation considerations

Outcome: Clear project brief and feasibility direction + list of external consultants potentially required.

A minimum fee of $1,000 applies, excluding any required external consultants, whose fees must be paid directly to them.

02 — Concept Design

Turning Ideas Into Practical Layouts

  • Concept floor plans

  • Preliminary site plan

  • Early compliance considerations

  • Spatial planning and orientation for passive solar performance

Outcome: Agreed design direction aligned with regulations and site constraints.

Minimum fee of $2,000 applies.

03 — Planning Design

Developing the Design for Planning

  • Detailed floor plans, elevations & site layout

  • 3D modelling for visual clarity

  • Refinement of materials and form

  • Assessment against council planning scheme

If required, this is when a Planning Permit Application is prepared and submitted.

Outcome: Planning-ready documentation.

A minimum fee of $2,500 applies, excluding the council application fee.

04 — Detailed Documentation

Construction & Certification Drawings

  • Full construction drawings

  • Structural coordination

  • Energy efficiency assessment

  • BAL construction detailing (if applicable)

  • Plumbing and drainage layouts

  • Schedule 1 documentation requirements

All documentation is prepared in accordance with:

  • Current NCC provisions

  • Tasmanian Building Act & Regulations

  • Local council requirements

Outcome: Certification-ready building documentation.

Minimum fee of $2,800 applies.

05 — Certificate of Likely Compliance (CLC)

Independent Compliance Review (Building surveyor project control)

  • Documentation issued to licensed building surveyor

  • Assessment against Building Code & regulations

  • Requests for clarification (if required)

  • Confirmation that the proposed works are likely to comply

Outcome: Certificate of Likely Compliance issued.

Fee to be paid directly to the selected building surveyor company.

06 — Building & Plumbing Permit (BA)

Formal Approval to Build

  • Certified plans lodged

  • Building & Plumbing Permit issued

  • Approved for construction commencement

Outcome: Construction can legally begin.

A minimum fee of $800 applies, excluding any required external consultants or council application whose fees must be paid directly to them.

Why This Structured Timeline Matters

Renovations and extensions in Launceston and larger Tasmanian areas involve complex regulatory requirements. A staged process ensures:

✔ Early identification of site constraints
✔ Proper documentation for councils
✔ Reduced approval delays
✔ Compliance with evolving regulations
✔ A smoother construction process

What’s Included

✔ Concept and detailed design drawings
✔ Construction documentation
✔ Preparation for planning and building approval
✔ Communication and coordination with external consultants
✔ Support through certification processes (including Certificate of Likely Compliance where required)

What’s Not Included

External consultant and authority fees are not included in my design fee, such as:

  • Engineering reports

  • Soil tests

  • Energy or BAL assessments

  • Surveyor fees

  • Council application fees

  • Building and Plumbing Permit fees

These are paid directly to the relevant consultant or authority.

Clear scope. Transparent pricing. No surprises.