Getting expert advice
While Brisbane City Council aims to assist you through the process, preparing a development application can be a complex task. Unless you understand the legal requirements and Brisbane’s planning rules, you may find it useful to get expert help.Council also provides the RiskSMART service to assist you through the application process.
Before engaging an expert to work on your project:
- do some research to make sure they provide the service you need
- check they are properly registered and insured
- obtain several quotes
- ask for details of projects they have worked on
Below is a list of the types of experts who may be able to help with your building or development project, a brief description of their services and links to relevant industry associations. Please note that Council cannot endorse particular suppliers.
You can also check with Queensland Building Services Authority to obtain historical and current information about building contractors’ work.
Getting expert advice from Council
You can talk to a RiskSMART consultant. It is a simple and fast way to get low-risk development proposals approved by Brisbane City Council.
Architects and building designers
Architects and building designers develop building concepts, designs and drawings. They may also offer services such as:
- site evaluation
- project management
- managing the development application process on behalf of the property owner
- co-ordinating specialist consultants
For more information visit:
Builders
Builders use plans and drawings to construct buildings and other structures. They may also offer project management services or manage the development application process on behalf of the property owner. For more information visit:
Building certifiers and surveyors
Building certifiers are responsible for assessing whether proposed building work complies with the Building Act 1975 and associated standards. The building certifier who issued a building permit must also carry out an inspection to determine if the building work complies with the approval.
Certifiers can provide you with technical advice on siting variations and most can help you prepare a siting variation application.
Building certifiers are listed in the Yellow Pages under 'building surveyors'.
Land surveyors are responsible for matters relating to the registered boundaries of a property. This includes determining if building work has been constructed within the approved boundaries of the property and to the relevant height limitations. For more information visit:
Engineers
Engineers plan, design and advise on structural requirements. They may work in a specific field such as:
- construction
- land development
- structural or hydraulic design
- soil or water treatment
Some engineers will manage the development application process on behalf of the property owner. For more information visit:
Landscape architects
Landscape architects develop concepts, designs and drawings for outdoor spaces. They may also offer services such as:
- site master planning
- project management
- advice on site rehabilitation
- managing the development application process on behalf of the property owner
For more information visit:
Plumbers
Plumbers install:
- gas
- water reticulation and irrigation systems
- sanitary plumbing and drainage
- metal roofing and wall cladding
- refrigeration and fire protection
They may also offer asbestos removal services. For more information visit:
Solicitors
Solicitors provide legal advice. Some specialise in services for people who are buying or selling a home or setting up and running a business. For more information visit:
Town planners
Town planners prepare development applications on behalf of the property owner and advise on development and design. They may also offer project management services and specialise in areas such as:
- the environment
- transport
- heritage
- services planning
For more information visit:
