Design

Preliminary Building Agreements

What are preliminaries?

Preliminary Building Agreements (PBA) are all the documents you need to give to council before work starts on any major project on a residential property. 

This information typically consists of building plans, engineering plans, soil tests, energy efficiency reports and more.

The need for preliminary building agreements highlights the importance of working with a professional designer and builder. At BGH Construction, we offer full design and preliminary packages, where we will carefully and thoughtfully design your new home or extension so it is approved by council.

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OUR RISK-FREE, 3 STEP PRELIMINARY PROCESS

STEP 1: CONCEPT DESIGN

The first step to your custom design starts with a site meeting and introduction to our architect. This meeting involves the following:

• A full site measure of the existing home and property
• A needs analysis of your non-negotiables
• A full brief and scope of your unique requirements and design parameters
• A detailed site survey for an accurate layout of your levels and site features
• A preliminary concept design (floor plan) for you to consider
• Allowance for multiple changes to your concept to get it ‘just right’ 
• A budget analysis of expenses based on your approved concept.

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STEP 2: PLANNING STAGE

The next step of this process is to develop council-ready drawings. This stage requires the following:

• A site drainage, retaining and contour plan by a civil engineer
• Site plan, demolition plan, proposed new floor plan and elevations 
• Submission of drawings for your comments and approval 
• Submission to council planner on your behalf
• Liaise with council as required and answer all requests for information 
• Provide council stamped drawings to you on final approval
• A second budget analysis of costings based on your approved design

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STEP 3: BUILDING STAGE

The final stage of approval is the building rules consent stage. This is where we engage consultants who will provide structural and mandatory plans to be added to the overall design. 

This includes the following:

• Meeting to determine construction details
• Soil test and footing design
• Structural steel design (if applicable)
• Timber frame design and take-off
• Energy efficiency report
• Private certification
• Coordination of all consultants and development of drawings ready for construction
• A full BGH Construction cost analysis and fixed price construction proposal
• BGH Construction will work closely with you and the designer to ensure you stay aware of how your design decisions impact your budget. 
• We will then prepare all of the plans, documentation, engineering and reports to get the necessary approvals before we start building. Our preliminary agreements ensure that you own all of the plans and documents on completion of the contract.

With the above completed, it’s time to build. 

We look forward to helping you with all aspects of your project. 

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BRING YOUR OWN PLANS

Have you already been through the planning and design process? No problem. 

If you already have full architectural drawings or are working with an architect, BGH Construction will integrate with your selected team without disruption and with full cooperation. 

Our processes can be fully customised to suit whatever stage you’re at.