Frequently Asked Questions

A building permit may be required for many types of building work, including new homes, extensions, renovations, structural alterations, decks, verandahs, pergolas, retaining walls, garages, carports, swimming pools and associated safety barriers.

If you are unsure whether your project requires a building permit, contact CFL to help you understand the likely pathway and what information may be needed before you proceed.

To apply for a building permit, you will need to complete CFL’s Application for a Building Permit form, including signing and dating the required section. Without this completed application form, CFL cannot commence work on your application.

You will also need to provide supporting documentation. A checklist can be supplied on request, but you do not need to wait until every item is available before submitting your application. If there is enough information for the Building Surveyor to begin assessing your application, CFL can get the process moving.

Find out more about the Building Permit Process.

Supporting documentation will vary depending on the type and complexity of your project. It may include architectural plans, engineering drawings, specifications, planning information, soil reports, energy reports, bushfire information, builder details, owner details and any relevant council correspondence.

If you are unsure what documents are required, contact CFL who can provide a checklist or advise what is needed once your project details have been reviewed.

Yes. You can submit your building permit application before you have chosen a builder. This allows your application to be entered into the system and assessment can begin where there is enough information available.

However, CFL cannot issue the building permit until all required builder details have been supplied. This includes the builder’s name, address, contact details, registration number, job-specific warranty insurance and the relevant extract of the contract between the owner and builder.

Generally, you can expect to receive an assessment of your building permit application within approximately two weeks of submission. Once the assessment has been sent, CFL will wait for any additional information, documentation or action required from you.

After the additional documentation has been reviewed, the Building Surveyor will issue an updated assessment if required. Timeframes can vary depending on current workloads, project complexity and the completeness of the information provided.

To prepare a fee proposal, CFL needs to understand the type of project, the property location, the current stage of the project and what documents are available.

Helpful information may include the property address, project type, preliminary drawings, estimated cost of works, owner details, builder or designer details if known, engineering documentation, planning information, soil reports, energy reports, bushfire information, photos or council correspondence.

You do not need everything finalised before requesting a fee proposal. Submit what you have and CFL will advise if more information is needed. Start a Fee Proposal Request online.

Once you submit your project details, CFL will review the information provided and advise on the appropriate next step. For a building permit, this may include preparing a fee proposal, requesting additional documentation or guiding you toward the correct application form.

For more complex matters, a Director may review the scope before the next step is confirmed.

A builder cannot appoint a Building Surveyor on behalf of an owner. The Building Surveyor may be appointed by the owner of the property, or by a draftsperson or architect.

This requirement was introduced by the Victorian Building Authority and took effect in 2016.

Yes. CFL issues building permits electronically and requires PDF copies of all plans and supporting documentation to be emailed to the office.

When your building permit is issued, CFL will email the stamped approved documents and plans, along with your building permit.

No. Paying your invoice early does not accelerate the assessment timeframe.

Payment is expected within 30-day payment terms, which are agreed to when the application form is signed, or upon issue of the building permit if this occurs before the invoice due date.

The Building Surveyor determines the mandatory inspections required for your specific project during the assessment stage. The number of inspections included will also depend on CFL’s fees for your permit.

If additional inspections are required beyond the number allowed for in the fee proposal, each additional inspection may be charged separately.

It is recommended that you obtain a fee quotation before submitting your building permit application. This will outline the fees required to obtain the permit, the number of inspections included, and any disbursements or additional charges that may be incurred.

If CFL is the appointed Building Surveyor for your active permit, you can request an inspection using the Request an Inspection form.

You will need to provide your permit number, property address, inspection type or stage, preferred date and time, site contact details, access notes and any required supporting information.

Inspection requests are not confirmed until CFL has reviewed the request and confirmed availability.

Before requesting an inspection, ensure the relevant stage of work is ready, safe access is available and the required documentation or site information can be provided.

You should also confirm the site contact details and any access instructions so the inspection can be carried out efficiently.ription

Yes. CFL can provide preliminary building surveyor advice before a formal building permit application is lodged.

Preliminary advice can help identify compliance matters, documentation gaps and possible building solutions early in the process. This can be particularly valuable for custom-designed residential projects, complex sites or projects where the approval pathway is unclear.

Yes. CFL has particular expertise in custom-designed residential dwellings and high-end residential projects across Melbourne and Victoria.

These projects often require careful consideration of design intent, documentation, site conditions and compliance pathways. CFL’s Director-led approach gives clients access to experienced practitioners who understand both the regulatory requirements and the practical realities of construction. Read more about CFL Building Surveyors.

Yes. CFL can provide advice and permit support for proposed and existing swimming pool and spa barriers.

Pool and spa barriers must meet applicable compliance requirements, including Australian Standard 1926.1 - 2012 or the previously applicable standard. CFL can provide preliminary design advice and onsite consultation to help clients understand the requirements and the pathway to a compliant outcome.

Start a pool & spa barrier application.

Please provide as much information as possible, including the property address, type of pool or spa, whether the barrier is proposed or existing, any council correspondence, existing plans if available, photos of the pool area and details of any proposed works.

The more information CFL has upfront, the easier it is to understand the requirements and advise on the next step.

Start a pool & spa barrier permit application.

Yes. If building work has been carried out without the required approval, or if a council notice has been issued, CFL can review the available information and provide advice on possible next steps.

This may include considering the type of work completed, available documentation, likely compliance requirements and whether further assessment or action is required. Contact us to discuss.

If you have constructed building work as an owner-builder within the previous six and a half years and wish to sell the property, a Section 137B defects report may be required.

This can apply to building work such as additions, renovations, verandahs, pergolas, retaining walls, decks, swimming pools and associated barriers.

If you are proposing to construct a building in a designated bushfire area, a Bushfire Attack Level assessment may be required.

This assessment helps determine the level of construction required in accordance with the building regulations and Australian Standard 3959 - 2018. Contact us to discuss.

CFL is a Melbourne-based private building surveying practice located in Mont Albert, with more than 30 years of experience across Melbourne and Victoria.

Every permit is handled by registered and working Directors, giving clients access to experienced practitioners, practical guidance and direct accountability. CFL combines regulatory expertise with practical construction knowledge, helping clients move through building permits, inspections and compliance requirements with clarity and confidence.