Beaumaris, Victoria, Australia
Working With Us
We are with you every step of the way
At Domicile we appreciate that the jargon, the red tape and the process itself can be extremely daunting so we follow a step-by-step process. Communication during each of these stages is critical to a successful project. After each of these stages we will meet to review the process thus far, adjust if required and determine proceedings to the next phase.
We can guide you through the process by liaising on your behalf with council, engineers, consultants and other authorities.
Here’s what will happen when you engage us for your project:
1. The Brief
We will meet with you to uncover your most pressing needs as well as your initial ideas and desires for your ideal space.
2. The Budget
We will prepare and present an itemized quote describing the tasks required and indicative cost for each, so that each element of the project is crystal clear to you from the outset.
3. Schematic Design
This first phase of design may include drawings of existing plans, proposed floor plans and proposed elevation. They’re drawn based on the brief, as well as research of zoning or building requirements.
These initial concept sketches communicate graphically the details and the general look and feel of the design, at which point we collaborate on feedback to achieve sign off.
Once sign off is achieved we can progress to Step 4 or Step 5.
4. Planning Permit
This second phase of our design deals with the appearance of the proposal and the effect if will have on the environment, particularly neighboring properties.
A Planning Permit may not always be required by council; the requirement depends on:
- The changes you are making.
- Where your property is located.
- The planning, building and local rules.
If a permit is required, both you and the relevant local authorities will receive more accurate drawings with dimensions to make sure everything fits and adheres to state and local planning policies. Extensive investigation and analysis of the site and its surroundings forms part of this process.
Depending on your local authority requirements, Planning drawings may include:
- Site Analysis Plan
- Design response Plan
- Existing Conditions Plans
- Proposed Plans, Elevations & Sections
- Streetscape elevation
- Shadow diagrams
- Land Survey
- Traffic Reports
These drawings are then lodged to the Council or a Building Surveyor for approval. Once approval is achieved we can move on to the next step.
5. Building Permit
The third and final phase of the design is generated for you as, under state legislation generally, a building permit is required for all structural works.
Building Permit Drawings are the final, detailed set of drawings that will specify every element of the project, to be checked and approved for construction standard compliance by your local council authority or building surveyor.
Depending on your local authority requirements and build complexity, Building Permit drawings may include:
- Site Plan
- Existing plans and elevations
- Demolition Plan
- Floor Plans (detailed)
- Roof Plan
- Elevations
- Sections
- Lighting Layout
- Window schedule
At this stage, you will need to engage several consultants to provide additional information to be lodged with the drawings:
- Geotechnical engineer – for soil report
- Structural Engineer – for structural drawings and computations
- Energy Assessor – for energy report (not always required)
On your authority we can facilitate the appointment of consultants for you. We will also read and check the drawings and documentation from these consultants ensuring that they are consistent with ours at this stage.
6. Construction
Once any building Permit drawings are approved and a builder appointed, construction will commence.
These Steps are a guide only and may not necessarily be required to be part of your individual process. For example: You may only be interested a schematic design at this stage or need to hit the “pause” button to think about things. Know that this is okay and that all stages required and/or optional by you will be outlined at the time of the brief and in the quotation.