This document is intended to provide a general overview of steps which may be involved in or contemplated by any work performed by us for you.  This document is not intended to set out what services or obligations you or we will undertake.

GENERAL

FEES

We believe that our clients should know what they will spend on the documentation required to obtain Planning, Building, and Plumbing approvals.

There are many variables throughout the process which make it difficult to give a definitive cost for the overall work. We refer to an “estimate of fees” because it is just that. We calculate the “estimate of fees” on an hourly rate which is fair to us, and the client.

Variables can be changes to the design by the client, changes to the design because of input by others such as Bush Fire Management Consultants, Energy Assessment consultants, and Structural Engineers etc. and along with changes required by the planning processes and planning conditions. Until such time as the design is determined it is difficult to put a cost to the processes that follow. However Design East endeavours to provide the client with a realistic and competitive costing for our services.

 PRELIMINARIES  

The first stage of the process is to collect all the information necessary to complete the design and documentation for the project.

SITE ANALYSIS

A site analysis may be required to determine orientation and views. Topographical features such as location of trees, watercourses, vehicle access to the site, and the location and heights of structures on adjoining properties. Refer to SITE SURVEY AND CONTOUR PLAN.

SITE MEASUREMENTS

Measurements of setbacks to existing boundaries, also adjacent structures and measurement of existing structures – floor plans and elevations.

 EXISTING SERVICES

Collect information from DBYD (Dial Before You Dig), Council records, and TASwater for services that may be on the site such as stormwater, sewer, cold water, gas, power and digital services (telephone/Data).

CERTIFICATE of TITLE

The title establishes the property boundaries, the property area, and the dimensions and location of existing easements, and any covenants that may be attached to the title. A Certificate of Title is required for all development applications as well as building and plumbing applications – There is a requirement for a title to have been searched within 60 days before submission.

SOIL TEST

Where it is intended to build on a vacant site, or extend an existing building a soil test is required for the Structural Engineer to design footings and slabs, and for the Certificate of Compliance documentation. Only one soil test is required for any one site. In certain circumstances the structural engineer may design a footing system where the foundation material is inspected and approved during the building works.

SITE SURVEY AND CONTOUR PLAN

A contour plan, especially for vacant sites is essential to the design. Accurate heights on the drawings are required for planning submissions, and to provide accurate estimating at the tendering and building stage. In certain situations a site survey may be required to establish the location of boundaries, easements and services. All documentation presented to Building Surveyors requires an AHD (Australian Height Datum)