All Topics / Value Adding / building for the first time

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  • Profile photo of BillyTBillyT
    Participant
    @billyt
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 24

    Hi everyone

    I have a block of land in west melbourne, which currently has a house on the front of the block which I would like to keep.
    The back of the block I would like to subdivde and build on, a 3 rm house which would roughly be on 350m2.
    What should be my first step, can I go directly to a builder/designer or do I need to start with an architect or town planner?

    Profile photo of diclemdiclem
    Member
    @diclem
    Join Date: 2003
    Post Count: 537

    Hi Billy,
    I’m no expert.
    First I’d ring the council and check their requirements. Councils all differ in the size of block they will let you subdivide/ build at the back.
    The width of the driveway is important, as is the distance between neighbouring properties and even the direction that the sun shines!
    I’d talk to them first and if they say you have the basics, ask an achitect/draftmen to inspect and see what is possible for you to build.
    Hope this helps a little,
    Sue

    “Be careful not to step on the flowers when you’re reaching for the stars”

    Profile photo of MichaelYardneyMichaelYardney
    Participant
    @michaelyardney
    Join Date: 2001
    Post Count: 616

    Billy you can’t just build.
    To build multiple dwellings on one site you need a town planning permit (DA in other states)

    This has become a complicated and reasonably expensive process. For details check this link:-

    http://www.metropoleprojects.com.au/files/PQ9BWYG8RK/development%20approval%20process.pdf

    You will find other details about property development in general on the same site http://www.metropoleprojects.com.au

    So the first step is not a builder, but you need to see an architect to design the new dwelling and get him or a town planner to submit it to council.

    You will find some useful contacts on this forum. Alistair Perry is a proficient town planner.

    Maybe you should do some sums first – conduct a feasibility to ensure the project will be viable

    Michael Yardney
    METROPOLE PROPERTIES
    Author of Australia’s leading property e-magazine.
    Join over 10,000 readers each month.
    FREE subscription http://www.propertyupdate.com.au

    Profile photo of Alistair PerryAlistair Perry
    Participant
    @aperry
    Join Date: 2004
    Post Count: 891

    Hi Billy,

    Your first move should be to speak with an architect or draftsperson who has experience in designing dual occupancies. You will need a town planning permit, so it is important that the designer understands the planning system.

    Whether you will receive a permit or not, and the quality of the end product, will be heavily influenced by the design you come up with.

    You should have a look at the info on Michael’s site, as its pretty comprehensive. It would also be a good idea to have a chat with him, as he is very experienced in all facets of development.

    If you have any queries re the town planning process, please post them and I would be more than happy to answer.

    Regards
    Alistair Perry
    http://www.town-planning.com.au

    Profile photo of timeastwoodtimeastwood
    Member
    @timeastwood
    Join Date: 2006
    Post Count: 4

    I’ve just gone through the process of doing this in West Sunshine. I started by calling the council for some information – they were pretty helpful on explaining the process. I then rang all the draftsmen I could find in the area and explained the situation, then interviewed about five of them. I eventually decided on going with one that had worked with the council before. The main reason for choosing this draftsman was his association wth a builder that seemed to understand what I was after and gave me a good estimate on the finished house. As it turned out, the draftsman was a bit of a pain to deal with (very slow), but I got there eventually, and he took care of the entire process for me (council applications etc).

    I’m now just trying to decide on a builder. Can anyone recommend a good builder?? I’m already considering Nava Homes and Classic Homes.

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