We are currently accepting building permit applications in the following municipalities: 
Greater Shepparton City Council, Strathbogie Shire Council and Rural City of Benalla, however, all areas of Victoria are considered on application.

Chances are the answer is 'Yes'. There are only limited situations where building works do not require a building permit in Victoria. This is to ensure that the highest level of compliance and safety is achieved. We are more than happy to discuss your project and advise you of your requirements prior to commencing your build.

Private Building Surveyors have a more focused approach on issuing building permits, they are not 'bogged down' with all of the additional auxillary functions and community service requirements that are directed to a local Council.

Due to this, you will likely find that a private building surveyor is able to get your permit assessed and issued in a more timely manner.

When you choose to engage a private building surveyor in Victoria to issue your building permit approval there is specific information that must be obtained from local Council, and there may be a requirement for Planning approval to first be granted before we can consider your application, so there will still be some engagement required.

If you would rather not deal with local Council, Next Project Building Permits can assist.

If this is your first time looking to build it can be daunting at first! Rest assured, Next Project Building Permits have systematic procedures in place and can guide you through the process.

Simply make contact and we can get you started on the right foot.

​The Building Regulations 2018 state that a decision on your building permit application is required to be made within 10 business days after all required information and third-party referral responses have been obtained. We aim to exceed this timeframe whenever possible, and often can.

We aim to keep our pricing as fair as possible. There are a number of factors that can influence the cost of each permit application. Due to this, we provide a personalized quote based on the location of your site and the complexity of your proposal.

Building permits are issued for 'building work', so if your structure is fully completed with nothing left to do you are not able to go back and get a permit. If, however, there are works still to be completed you may be able to obtain a building permit for the final 'stage' of your building.

Class 1 buildings are habitable residential buildings. These can be single family homes, detached sleep-outs or studios/home offices or a row of attached dwellings such as townhouses, terraces or villa units.
Class 10 buildings include sheds, carports, shelters, swimming pools and barriers, fences, decks etc

Yes.

If you obtain a Planning permit (or your project is exempt from requiring a Planning permit) and you are able to provide the necessary information to demonstrate that you meet the requirements of the Building Act 1993, Building Regulations 2018 and National Construction Code (NCC), you will be able to obtain a building permit to commence your project.

For new builds that are Class 1a, Class 10a, Class 10b your permit allows for up to 12 months to commence. You must have completed your build within 24 months from the date of permit issue (for swimming pools/spas and barriers the completion time is reduced. These must be completed within 6 months of commencement)

Additional restrictions on your title can complicate things, however, they may not be a 'deal breaker' for your project. The type of restriction and the specific details vary from site to site.

Contact us to discuss your options.

Next Project Building Permits can liaise with your Local Council to determine if there is a course of action that will satisfy the requirements of the Notice/Order. Although not always possible, you may be able to retain the structure!

It is important to reach out to us early for the best chance at a positive resolution.

It is an offence for and owner-builder to sell a building without first obtaining an inspection report and insurance. This applies within a certain time frame (typically 6 years and 6 months from the building completion date).

The report is known as a s137B report or more commonly an 'Owner-builder Defect Report'.

Bookings for Owner-builder Defect Reports are available through our 'Inspection Booking Portal'.

Once you have applied for a building permit with a local Council you are unable to transfer functions to a private building surveyor (PBS). You may, however, engage a PBS for any subsequent projects or even a subsequent 'stage' of the same project. A permit for a 'stage' is a permit in it's own right.

If your current application or permit is with a PBS already, there are ways to transfer by mutual agreement between all parties. This can be complicated and should be discussed prior to making a decision.

Every pool in Victoria must be registered with local Council and the safety barrier must also be inspected and certified as compliant. There is then a recurring requirement for a new certificate to be lodged every 4 years.

Bookings for Pool Barrier Compliance Inspections are available through our 'Inspection Booking Portal'