Is the permit application still live?
Yes, your permit application is still valid and in place.
What stage is the application at?
We have checked your application and had sent a request for further information (RFI) to Porter Davis. We have attached a copy of the outstanding information required to issue the permit for your assistance.
We wish to proceed with another builder, what do we need to do?
We will need the attached application form completed to nominate the new builder along with the building surveyor appointment form, both are attached. Your new builder will need to provide a copy of the relevant insurance certificate and the contract. The items listed on the attached request for further information will need to be addressed so that we can issue the permit.
Our new builder wants to change the plans or other documents, what do we need to do?
If there are minor changes, you can submit the new documents and we can assess them in place of the previously accepted Porter Davis documents. If there is a significant change in design, a new application may need to be made.
We wish to proceed as an owner builder, what do we need to do?
If you wish to proceed as an owner builder, you will need to complete a new application form (attached). You will need to apply through the Victorian Building Authority for an Owner Builder Certificate of Consent to enable us to issue your permit.
Can we use another building surveyor?
Yes, you can appoint another building surveyor to issue your building permit. However, you will need to end our appointment via the Victorian Building Authority prior to appointing another building surveyor. Please visit the VBA website for further information.
Can I cancel the building application?
Yes, you can cancel the permit application. However, you will need to cancel the application with the VBA before we can cancel the application. Please visit the VBA website for further information.
Please note that Porter Davis incorporated performance solutions in their permit applications. We are not able to attach these performance solutions to the amended permit. Should your new builder wish to incorporate any performance solutions we will require details of the performance solution along with a design brief. We are happy to assist in administration of this process.
We wish to proceed with another builder, what do we need to do?
The attached application form will need to be completed to nominate the new builder along with the building surveyor appointment form, both are attached. Your new builder will need to provide a copy of the relevant insurance certificate and the contract.
How long does a permit amendment take?
We should be able to process all permit amendments for a change of builder within 3-5 business days. If you are amending the design the time to assess the variation will be dependent upon the extent of the proposed changes.
How do we apply?
Once you have appointed a new builder and signed the contract, complete the attached application form and RBS form.
Send both forms, signed contract and relevant insurance certificate to prelim@djmbc.com.au.
Our new builder wants to change the plans or other documents, what do we need to do?
If there are minor changes, you can submit the new documents and we can assess them in place of the previously accepted Porter Davis documents. If there is a significant change in design, a new building permit may be required.
We wish to proceed as an owner builder, what do we need to do?
If you wish to proceed as an owner builder, you will need to complete a new application form (attached). You will need to apply to the Victorian Building Authority for an Owner Builder Certificate of Consent to enable us to issue your permit.
Can we use another building surveyor?
Yes, you can appoint another building surveyor to issue a new building permit. However, you will need to end our appointment via the Victorian Building Authority prior to appointing another building surveyor. Please visit the VBA website for further information.
Can I cancel the building permit?
Yes, you can cancel the permit application. However, you will need to cancel the application with the VBA before we can cancel the application. Please visit the VBA website for further information.
We are receiving numerous questions in relation to the insurance claim process and/or applications with the liquidator. Please direct insurance questions to the VMIA. Liquidator questions, including what “bucket” you are in, need to be directed to Grant Thornton.
Please note that Porter Davis incorporated performance solutions in their permit applications. We are not able to include these performance solutions to the amended permit, they were specific to Porter Davis. Should your new builder wish to incorporate any performance solutions we will require details of the performance solution along with a design brief. We are happy to assist in administration of this process.
What works need to be completed for the Occupancy Permit?
Basically, all works need to be completed to call for an occupancy permit inspection. As an absolute minimum, the following needs to be completed:
- Full electrical fit off
- Full plumbing fit off including the installation of all tapware and sinks/basins.
- All wet areas sealed and tiling completed.
- All shower screens installed.
- All stairs completed, including external access steps and non-slip coating applied.
- All flashings and infills around windows (building water tight).
- All BAL works as noted on the plans.
- All weather and door sills installed.
- All retaining walls completed and backfilled.
Once the above has been completed, we can undertake an occupancy inspection and advise of any outstanding items via a written direction to fix.
What certificates are needed to issue the occupancy permit?
The attached application form for occupancy permit nominates the minimum level of certificates that are required to issue the occupancy permit.
Should any certificates, such as plumbing or electrical, not be available for any reason the works will need to be tested and certified by a person with the required level of knowledge and qualification to certify the works.
I intend to complete the works as owner builder, what are the implications?
To undertake works as an owner builder you assume responsibility for the works. We’ve attached a copy of the Victorian Building Authority’s Owner Builder Information Guide, as well as a link to their website which contains all of the information you’ll need to consider in regards to this process: https://www.vba.vic.gov.au/owner-builders
The following are some important considerations before becoming an owner builder:
- An owner-builder is someone who takes responsibility for domestic building work carried out on their own land. It comes with certain risks and legal requirements. For instance, your property may become a workplace under Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) law. This means you will have obligations such as ensuring the site is safe for workers.
- Some of the obligations of an owner-builder last for several years after completion of the building work. For example, if you sell your home within six and a half years after you finish the work, you will need to engage an independent registered building practitioner to provide a defects report to the buyer and purchase domestic building insurance for the work you carried out.
- As an owner-builder, you will need to enter into a major domestic building contract when you use a registered building practitioner to do work on your project costing more than $10,000 (unless a single trade exemption applies).
- Some builders or tradespeople may ask you to apply for an owner-builder certificate of consent so that you appear as an owner-builder on the building permit, even though they will be doing all the work. If you do this, it may put you at risk. The person may be unregistered or trying to avoid their legal responsibilities. You are not an owner-builder if you intend to engage one tradesperson to do all the building work.
What the fees for a permit amendment?
The permit amendment fees will be dependent on the stage of works completed and inspections that still need to be completed.
The following is an indication of the permit amendment fees, excluding outgoings and GST:
Permit amendment: $900 to $1,300 (dependant on stage of works completed, size of dwelling and any plan/design amendment)
Additional Inspections: $250 to $350 per inspection
Application for Occupancy Permit: $200
Can DJM do our defects report.
No we not able to do a defects report.
You will need to engage a consultant to complete a defects report.
We make no recommendations on consultants, however, we are aware that BSS Group complete many of these inspections and may be able to be of assistance.