Consulting

Pre Lodgement Advice
Advice in relation to the likelihood of approval prior to lodgement with Council. A brief overview in relation to Council’s requirements, Development Control Plans, Building Line Variations, etc.

Completion of Documentation to Council
There are approximately 9 forms, which need to be completed to be lodged at Council. We carry out this function for you to ensure that all required information is detailed for Council.

Energy Efficiency Checks – ABSA and BASIX
New South Wales has a requirement that a BASIX report be lodged with every dwelling or dwelling addition over $100,000. This is a computer generated document, which we can provide to you and includes all aspects of energy efficiency.

Preparation of Statements of Environmental Effects
A Statement of Environmental Effects details the specifics of your proposal and the likely effects on the environment. We complete this document on your behalf.

Preparation of Building Line Variation Applications
A Building Line Variation is required if you wish to construct your building closer than the setbacks prescribed by Council. We prepare a report detailing the reasons for the variation.

Preparation of Fence Height Variation Applications
All fences over 1.2 metres high in the front of your dwelling require a Fence Height Variation. We prepare a report detailing the reasons for the variation such as privacy, reduction of road noise, security, etc.

Preparation of Demolition Applications including Work Method Statements
A Demolition application is required when you demolish a structure of any size. We prepare the application including the Work Method Statement.

Lodgement of Council Applications
We lodge your applications at Council’s offices for your convenience.

Council Liaison
We liaise with Council during the Development Approval Process and provide answers to Council on questions they may raise prior to the issue of the Development Consent.

General Building Compliance Advice
We can provide general building advice in relation to compliance with the relevant Council standards, the Development Consent and the Building Code of Australia.

Pre Purchase Property Inspections
An inspection carried out on existing building prior to purchase so that the purchaser has an informed view of the property prior to purchase.

Risk Management Inspections
An inspection normally carried out on rental properties to ensure that there are no risks, which could cause injury to the tenants and lead to a possible legal dispute.

Insurance Inspections
An inspection carried out for insurance purposes such as damage from storms, fire, flooding, etc. and usually carried out on behalf of the insurance company.

Defect Inspections
An inspection carried out on new buildings and lists all finishing off items, which should be attended to prior to purchase of the property.

Dilapidation Inspections
An inspection carried out on your property before commencement of construction on an adjoining site. It can be determined if any damage is caused to your building by the works carried out on an adjoining site by comparing the report and photos at the completion of the project.

Maintenance Inspections
An inspection carried out mainly on rental properties so that the owners are aware of what items need to be addressed immediately or in the future to keep the premises in a good state of repair.

Owner Builder Insurance Inspections
An inspection carried out for Owner Builders who wish to sell their dwelling within a seven year period after completion to enable them to obtain insurance for the project.

Town Planning
We have a qualified Town Planner on our staff at our Tweed Heads South Office. Nick Folkers was formerly employed at Tweed Shire Council and has an intimate knowledge of Tweed Shire Council’s development requirements, which will ensure that all applications lodged will have the best chance of approval in the best possible time frame. Nick is available for pre lodgement advice, which can save you time and money by ensuring that your application is correct prior to final drawings being completed.

What is a Sustainability Declaration?

The aim of the Sustainability Declaration is to enable prospective buyers to make informed choices as to the sustainability performance of residential buildings. The declaration enables the ongoing financial and environmental benefits to be identified and is a key marketing tool for Real Estate Agents and private sellers.

The declaration identifies five key areas:-

• Energy
• Water
• Access
• Safety

If a buyer purchases a home and the declaration is found to be false, misleading or prepared without skill and care, the seller may be liable to compensate the buyer for the loss or expense.

When is a Sustainability Declaration required?

A Sustainability Declaration will be required for all property sale contracts:-

• Selling a house, town house or unit from 1 January 2010
• Real Estate Agents and property sellers cannot publicly advertise for the sale of a property unless the advertisement identifies where a copy of the Sustainability Declaration can be obtained

Who can complete a Sustainability Declaration?

The declaration can be completed by the following persons and must be signed by the property owner:-

• Property Owner
• Power of Attorney
• Suitably qualified person