Do I Need a Permit to Renovate Building Exterior in Brisbane?

Do I need a permit to renovate a building’s exterior in Brisbane? The short answer is yes, in most cases. Before starting any renovations, you must understand Brisbane’s strict building regulations and approvals. 

A building approval or permit is necessary for all construction or renovation projects. However, in Australia, there are quite a large number of state legislation exemptions based on the size or nature of the project.

You want to be sure you have the right permit. Getting a license is much better than paying a huge fine to the local Australian Council for illegally carrying out an exterior renovation. So let’s dive into more detail.

What is a building permit? 

Building permits before renovation ensure that the building structure’s stability and health are safe to carry out any renovation. 

The Private or Council Building Surveyors organization Australia are responsible for issuing the permits after thoroughly inspecting the building plans and the site to ensure that the construction complies with the Building Code of Australia. 

The permits must be posted on the property and forwarded to the local Council. Many people mix building permits and Planning Permits, but they are different. 

Even if you have jumped through Council’s hoops to obtain a Planning Permit, you will still need a Building Permit.

When do I require a building permit?

Any renovations for a possible house sale in Brisbane that alter the structure or shape of your home require a permit. You must get a permit when removing internal or external walls, installing new windows and doors, and extending the parking garage. 

Many exterior building additions require a Building Permit, depending on how intense or imposing they are. Self-house demolition work always necessitates a permit too. 

Suppose you’re often buying property at auction in Brisbane and want to demolish an outdoor shed, garage, fence, or anything larger than 40sqm, which may affect public space. In that case, you must contact a Building Surveyor to get a permit before commencing.

But on the bright side, a slight modification of minor interior or exterior areas can be done without a building permit, like if you’re simply replacing the cabinets in your kitchen or changing a lamp holder. 

The same applies to replacing doors and windows, provided the opening remains the same size.

How to obtain a building permit

The good news is that obtaining a building permit is probably easier than you think because you won’t have to do it yourself. 

Unless you’re a pretty savvy DIYer, chances are your project will necessitate the use of the building permit process.

Professional contractors understand the intricacies of obtaining building permits in Brisbane. So it’s easier to work with them. 

But If you want to get the work done yourself, you will need to obtain your building permit, which will require you to draw up and submit plans. 

Check with your local building permits agency to see if there is an approval permit suggested plans for a relative project. 

What is the cost of a building permit?

Inquiring about the cost of a building permit is similar to inquiring about the cost of building a granny flat in Brisbane—prices vary greatly. 

Not only does the size of the project matter, but each town has its permit pricing schedule.

But if you’re in need of a ballpark figure, you can expect to pay around $500 for an Owner Builder Permit in Queensland.

If you are getting the permit yourself, you must first determine the cost of a building permit by visiting your local building permits website; most will have a fee schedule.

The good news is that once you obtain the permit, this fee will cover all inspection costs performed by the city as the project progresses. 

This process usually necessitates one or more inspections by licensed inspectors to ensure the work is done following the Australian code of renovation. 

The local building department or permit office will have all the information you need to ensure that the inspections are properly scheduled and prevent you from breaking the law.

So, when you’re calculating costs, you can use our house extension costs per square metre guide, as well as the above information.

How much time does it take to obtain a building permit?

The time to obtain a permit varies; the earliest permit can be approved the same day for simple projects like minor fences repair, plumbing issues, power outages, roofing repairs, and minor remodels.