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Planning Your Build? Start Here

Get practical guidance on approvals, council requirements, and common mistakes homeowners make before building - straight to your inbox.

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Our Services

We offer a two-part engineering and documentation system designed to make DA/CDC approvals simple and stress-free:

Step 1: DA Stage

Includes:

Civil Engineering (Concept Stormwater & Drainage Design)
Concept Driveway Design
Waste Management Plan
Sediment & Erosion Control Plan
Consultant Coordination
Priority Turnaround
One Point of Contact
Weekly Project Updates

Site Conditions Add Ons: only if triggered by your site or council

Bushfire Report (BAL Assessment)
Flood Report / Flood Impact Statement
Landscape Plan
Heritage Impact Statement
Detail & Level Survey
Acoustic Report
Mine Subsidence
Retaining Wall Locations
Subdivision Design (planning layout only)

Step 2: CC (or only CDC)

Structural Engineering Footings Design (slab)
Civil Engineering (detailed Stormwater & Drainage Design)
Structural Engineering Beams Designs (if required)
Geotechnical Report
Detailed Driveway Design
Sydney Water Tap In
Consultant Coordination
Priority Turnaround
One Point of Contact
Weekly Project Updates

Site Conditions Add Ons: only if triggered by your site or council

Retaining Wall Structural Details
Driveway Long Section
Stormwater Redesign (if DA approved layout changes)
OSD System
Building Plan Approval (BPA)

All Posts

The Most Expensive Mistake First-Time Duplex Builders Make

Building a duplex in New South Wales (NSW) can be a smart investment and a way to create valuable living spaces. Yet, many first-time duplex builders face a significant and expensive mistake that can derail their project before it even begins. This common oversight often leads to unexpected costs, delays, and frustration. Understanding this pitfall early can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress. Understanding the Duplex Building Process in NSW Before diving into

Vanessa Harrison

Feb 34 min read

Navigating Land Subdivision in NSW

Dividing land into smaller parcels can unlock new opportunities for property owners in New South Wales (NSW). Whether you want to create additional lots for sale, build new homes, or develop your property differently, understanding the rules around land subdivision is essential. The process involves more than just drawing new boundaries; it requires compliance with local laws, planning controls, and council requirements. This guide explains how to subdivide land in NSW, what

Vanessa Harrison

Jan 314 min read

Understanding Granny Flat Costs in NSW for 2025-2026 A Comprehensive Guide

Building a granny flat in New South Wales (NSW) is a popular way to add extra living space, generate rental income, or provide a comfortable home for family members. However, understanding the true cost of building a granny flat can be challenging. Many homeowners see “from” prices that don’t reflect the full scope of expenses involved. This guide breaks down realistic cost ranges for granny flats in NSW for 2025-2026, explains what a turnkey build includes, highlights key fa

Vanessa Harrison

Jan 283 min read

About to sign a Building Contract? Read this first.

Signing a building contract is a major milestone and often an exciting one. But it’s also the point where most of the financial risk in a project is locked in. Even when working with a builder you trust or have a good relationship with, it’s critical to approach the contract stage carefully. Good relationships don’t replace clear documentation. - AND TRUST US - We have seen a lot of money hungry lying builders out there. So, here are some tips that we have seen and learnt alo

Vanessa Harrison

Jan 223 min read

Is Your Block Actually Suitable for a Duplex?

Buying land with the intention of building a duplex can look straightforward on paper. Two dwellings. One block. Strong resale or rental potential. But in reality, many blocks that appear “perfect” for a duplex aren’t actually suitable once constraints are properly assessed . Before you commit to a purchase - or commission design work - it’s critical to understand what really determines whether a block can support a duplex without unexpected cost, redesigns, or delays . 1. Zo

Vanessa Harrison

Jan 203 min read

How Much Does It Really Cost to Build a Duplex in NSW in 2026?

If you search “how much does a duplex cost to build in NSW”, you’ll find numbers that range from $700,000 to $1.8 million . That’s not helpful - and it’s why so many duplex projects blow out. The real answer is: It depends on your site, approvals and engineering far more than the house itself. Here’s what duplexes actually cost in 2026 - and what most people don’t budget for. The Real Cost Range in 2026 For a standard two-storey, 2 x 3–4 bedroom duplex in NSW, most projects

Vanessa Harrison

Jan 153 min read

DA vs CDC in NSW: Which Approval Path Is Right for Your Build?

If you’re building a new home, duplex, or extension in NSW, one of the first questions you’ll hear is: “Are you going DA or CDC?” Most people nod like they understand - but very few actually do. Choosing the wrong approval pathway can add months of delays , trigger unexpected design changes , and in some cases force you to start again from scratch . Here’s the real difference - explained properly. What is a DA (Development Application)? A DA is a planning approval issued by

Vanessa Harrison

Jan 132 min read

Unpacking the Real Reasons Behind Residential DA, CDC, and CC Approval Delays

Delays in residential DA, CDC and CC approvals frustrate everyone involved -homeowners, builders and designers. The default assumption is always the same: council is slow. In reality, most approval delays have very little to do with how fast councils or certifiers are working. They happen because applications are lodged incomplete, inconsistent, or without a clear approval strategy in place. Once that happens, the clock stops - and the back-and-forth begins. Understanding wha

Vanessa Harrison

Jan 123 min read

The Importance of a Geotechnical Report for Accurate Building Quotes

Most people think a build quote is based on their floor plan. In reality, it’s based on what the house is sitting on. And that’s where most budgets blow up. A geotechnical (soil) report tells your engineer and builder what’s actually under the ground -not what it looks like from the surface. Without it, foundation pricing is guesswork. With it, it’s engineering. What a geotechnical report actually does A geotechnical report involves drilling boreholes into your site and analy

Vanessa Harrison

Jan 113 min read

Why Ignoring Landscaping Costs Could Cost You Tens of Thousands After Your Home Build

When planning a new home build in Australia, most people focus on the house itself — the design, materials, and construction costs. Yet one of the most overlooked expenses is landscaping. Many homeowners move into their new property only to discover they need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on driveways, turf, fencing, retaining walls, drainage, and outdoor living spaces. These costs often come as an unwelcome surprise, blowing out budgets and causing stress. Including

Vanessa Harrison

Jan 104 min read

Navigating Your Next Steps After Buying Land in NSW: A Guide for New Homeowners

Buying a block of land is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Many new landowners and first-time builders in New South Wales find themselves asking, "What now?" The process after purchasing land can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about the right steps to take or the approvals needed before construction can begin. This guide aims to clear up the confusion and provide a calm, clear path forward. Understanding th

Vanessa Harrison

Jan 83 min read

Understanding the Impact of Sloping Blocks on Home Design and Approval Processes

Building a home on a sloping block presents unique challenges and opportunities that differ significantly from flat sites. The natural incline of the land influences the design, construction methods, and approval requirements. For Australian homeowners and builders, understanding these impacts early in the planning stage can save time, reduce costs, and lead to a more functional and attractive home. This post explores how site slope affects building form, approvals, earthwork

Vanessa Harrison

Jan 73 min read

Beyond Project Homes: Why Custom Builds are the Key to Maximising Your Unique Block

When Australian homeowners start planning to build a new home, many assume project home builders are the only practical choice. These builders offer fixed designs and packages that seem straightforward and affordable. But this common belief overlooks an important fact: project homes are usually designed for flat, standard blocks of land. If your block is sloping, narrow, or in a rural area, a project home may not fit well or meet your needs. Custom home builds offer a better

Vanessa Harrison

Jan 74 min read