Frequently asked questions
The Approval Maze (DA & BA)
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It depends on the size and location. In the ACT, many small decks and pergolas are considered "Exempt Developments" if they meet strict criteria (e.g., under a certain height, specific distance from the boundary).
However, the rules are black and white. If you miss even one rule (e.g., your deck is 10cm too high), you will need approval.
A good starting point for the rules is the ACT Government 'Check if you need a BA' page.
Warning: The government guidelines can be complex. We can assess your property to see if you qualify for an exemption or if a DA/BA is required.
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A: Development Application (DA)
An easy way to think of a Development Application is as an "additional planning step" for projects which do not meet the strict requirements to be considered exempt.
Many clients' first instinct is that smaller projects won't require DA approval, but this is a common misconception. The requirement for a DA has more to do with setbacks, height, and overshadowing than it does with the size or complexity of a project. For example, it is common for a large home addition or knockdown-rebuild to be DA Exempt, whereas a large shed or second-floor deck may require full Development Approval because of how it impacts neighbours.
A DA is submitted directly to the planning authority (ACTPLA). During the process, your neighbours will be notified and given a chance to comment. ACTPLA then assesses the application against the relevant planning rules, looking mainly at factors like privacy and solar access.
Building Approval (BA)
In the ACT, a Building Approval is obtained via a Private Certifier and is the "Construction" check.
The Certifier will first confirm if your design is DA Exempt or if it matches your DA plans. Then, they assess the design for compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and safety standards. Further documents, such as energy ratings and engineering plans, are generally required at this step to ensure the structure is safe and compliant.
How we help: Draftup can prepare all required plans and obtain the additional documents for both Building and Development Approvals, making the process as simple as possible for you.
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A: Yes. Whether you are selling your house or have received a notice from the Access Canberra Rapid Response Team, we can help you obtain retrospective approval for your structure or alterations.
We will document the existing structure and guide you through the process of making it compliant.
[Click here to learn more about our Retrospective Approval services]
Our Design Process
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For most residential projects—like new homes, extensions, and renovations—a Building Designer (like Draftup) provides the same design and documentation outcome as an architect, often at a more accessible price point. We focus on practical, buildable designs that look great and get approved.
The key difference is Project Management. While many architects charge fees to manage the construction site and administer the contract, we specialize in the design and approval phase.
We deliver a complete set of drawings and liaise with engineers, energy assessors, surveyors, and certifiers to ensure your project is approved and ready for you and your builder to take over. This approach keeps your overall costs down.
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A: We follow a structured 4-step process to ensure your design is practical, beautiful, and within budget:
1. Initial Meeting & Quote We meet (on-site or online) to discuss your project goals, timelines, and options. Following this, we provide a full fixed-fee quote so you know exactly what to expect.
2. Concept Design & 3D Visualization We create a detailed initial concept including floor plans, elevations, and 3D Line / Form perspectives. Unlike simple sketches, our concepts are detailed enough to help you fully visualize the design from the start.
3. Refinement & Budget Check We work together to refine the design to suit your needs. At this stage, the plans are detailed enough for you to get indicative pricing from builders. If the price is too high, we can adjust the design before moving to the expensive technical stage.
4. Plans for Approval Once the design is finalized, we produce the comprehensive construction drawings. We also coordinate with necessary consultants (like engineers and energy assessors) to provide a complete plan set ready for approval and your builder
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We handle the full architectural design and council submissions. Depending on your project, you will likely also need:
Surveyor: To survey the block boundaries and levels.
Structural Engineer: To design the beams, footings, and structural elements
Energy Assessor: To calculate the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER).
Private Certifier: Arguably the most important consultant for the construction phase. They issue the final Building Approval (BA) and conduct critical site inspections during the build.
We have a network of trusted local consultants that we engage and coordinate for you as part of our service.
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A: Every project is unique. A simple deck or carport design might take 2-4 weeks to document. A full new home design usually takes 2-4 months to refine the design, seek inital pricing from builders and prepare full working drawings. Approval times (DA/BA) are on top of this.
Costs & Construction
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A: Yes. After our initial site consultation, we provide a detailed Fee Proposal. This outlines exactly what drawings and services are included for a fixed fee, so you know exactly what to budget for upfront.
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A: Absolutely. We work with many reputable builders across Canberra. We can recommend builders who suit your specific project type and budget.
Once you are at the initial pricing stage we can work together with a builder to bring the project together on budget.
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A: We sit in the "sweet spot" between a standard drafter and a high-end architect.
Real Construction Experience: Our team is led by a former carpenter and builder, so we don't just draw lines—we understand how things come together on site. We focus on practical, buildable solutions that save you money during construction.
We Know the Rules: We have deep expertise in the complex planning rules of both the ACT and NSW. We design your project specifically to get approved and to be buildable.
We Are Visual: Every concept includes 3D line/form perspectives, so you can see the shape your home is taking in the early stages of the concept phase. We can also produce realistic colour 3D perspectives later in the design phase if required.
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