Avoiding building permit delays on your New Home Build
Can you guess one of the biggest reasons for start-date delays on new home builds? It might not be what you expect—building permits. Many new homeowners sign contracts without fully understanding the role permits play in the timeline of their build.
Every single new build in Australia needs building permit and yet a lot of people don’t know how where to look in their contract when there’s an issue with getting it when planned.
In this blog post I walk you through what to look for in your building contract when it comes to building permits - especially how to avoid delays!
How Building Permits cause delays on New Builds?
Building projects often face delays, and one of the most common reason is waiting on building permits. If your contract isn’t crystal clear on who’s responsible for obtaining these permits, you could be looking at an avoidable hold-up before work even begins.
Here’s how to check your contract and avoid this all-too-common issue.
Where to Check for Permit Responsibility in Your Contract
If you head to the general conditions section of your building contract, you’ll find a clause dedicated to commencement. This clause outlines when the building project will officially start, as well as the tasks that need to be completed beforehand.
In most cases, building works won’t begin until the necessary permits are in place. That’s why it’s so important to identify who’s responsible for securing the permits early on. Typically, this will be found in the manually filled-out parts of your contract—yes, those little boxes! Look for a section that names who is responsible for obtaining and paying for the permits and the timeframe in which they’re expected.
Key Tip: Before you sign, make sure you’re clear on who is in charge of getting the permits and what the deadlines are.
What Happens If There’s a Delay With the Permits?
If there’s a delay with obtaining your building permit, don’t panic—it’s completely normal. In fact, it’s one of the most frequent reasons for hold-ups on new home builds. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this situation:
Confirm Who Is Responsible: Double-check your contract to see who is responsible for securing the permit and how long they have to do it. This will help you figure out whether it’s an issue you or your builder needs to address.
Call the Building Surveyor: A quick phone call to the building surveyor can provide clarity on the status of your permit. Ask what stage the process is at and if there’s anything you can do to move things along.
Consider a Staged Permit: In some cases, you may be able to request a staged permit. For example, you might get a demolition permit while you wait for the full building permit to be processed. Always ask the building surveyor what options are available to help get construction started sooner.
When Will Building Work Commence?
Once the building permit (and any other necessary documents) has been received, work should begin within 21 days. It’s essential to keep your builder updated as soon as you have the permit in hand. Ask them to confirm the official commencement date and ensure it falls within the required timeframe in your contract.
Understanding who’s responsible for building permits and how long they should take is one of the first steps in avoiding delays on your new build. Checking these details in your contract is key to keeping your project on track.
This is the kind of support I offer when reviewing building contracts. It’s not about changing everything—it’s about making sure everything is filled out correctly and that you’re protected from unnecessary risks. If you’re feeling unsure about your contract, I’d be happy to help! Book a call with me, and I’ll give you peace of mind before you sign.
Annelyse.
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Written by Annelyse, Building Contract Enthusiast, Project Manager, and founder of Build Together Project Management.
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