If you are planning the major renovation, new build or sometimes just a small alteration - the cost of approval is very similar. Design & drawings are just the beginning. There is lots more paperwork required than most people realise. I always advise - be prepared to spend between $20k-$35k on the reports and government fees and charges  before you even start the renovation. 
Below is a breakdown of fees and charges for the  DA + Construction Certificate approval for the average alteration & addition in Northern Beaches Council.  ​​
Please note - if your property is located in the hazard zone - you will require the reports prepared and signed off by others. Also note, that some fees and charges are percentage of the building work. 

I recommend to read the blog already prepared and posted by Custom Construction - high end Northern Beaches builder. It will give you a good idea on how to budget for the renovation ....CLICK HERE 

Design on paper not always is matching the real scale build. 

VR (virtual reality) is technology that is not only exciting and fun to use, but also has massive benefits for builders the designers and most importantly the client.

For the builder, you can walk around a proposed job to check before pricing. Sometimes you can not see  a certain detail, like how a mezzanine floor or how a void may work off the plans. With VR you can see these details and then work out the best way to get the job.

The a designer being able to stand back and review your work is obviously a fantastic tool.

But most importantly VR is a huge benefit for our clients. Virtual reality helps people understand how a space will feel before it’s built. There is no substitute to physically being in the space, but with virtual reality, you can be as close to the real thing as possible. To make changes to a proposed renovation before any physical work has started can save a lot of time and money!

If you are wanting to learn more about VR, please contact Kinga

I'm not going to explain the difference in the education stage. Every blog covers that part. I'm going to share with you my observation and opinion....

Architect -  is a designer, an artist with the holistic approach to the form. Architect will focus on the building detail, colour, finishes. Every Architect has a unique style that repeats in every project. A good Architect will stick to your building budget and come up with something that looks good and is affordable for your needs.
In most cases an Architect "owns" the project. That means, he/she will take you through design, approval, selecting best builder and on site consultation during the building stage.

Building Designer (Draftsman) - is a "translator" between Home Owner, Architect (if engaged on the project), Council and the Builder. Their role is to present the design in a form of the drawings that will be easily understood by all the reders. Home Owner and an Architect want to see plans showing the functionality of the space and designer aspects of the building. Council or Town Planner need to understand that proposed development is within the Council or State regulations. And the Builder must see the sizes, details, products and finishes to be able to accurately price and build what's designed.

Building Designer is ideal when you, the Home Owner know what you want and just need someone to guide you though the best design options and council approval. Building Designer will pass the project onto the Builder when the application is approved. And from that point it will be between the Home Owner and the Builder to decide on the best delivery.

When you are investing a large sum into the build, have no idea what's best for you, or simply have no time to be part of the design - the best option for you would be to engage a good Architect.

But in most cases - I believe the Architect and the Building Designer should work together, as a team, and deliver what's the Client is asking for in a form of presentation that are easy for the Owner and the Builder to read.

Kinga @ Blue Sky Building Designs