Having a deck in your garden is great because it gives you a place to relax, enjoy meals during warm weather and entertain friends and family. If you have the tools and the know-how, it’s certainly possible to build your own deck. However, there are some cases when you’ll need a permit to do the work and that’s when you need the professionals at AT Constructions on your side. We can build decks of all sizes and shapes. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about installing decking in the Gold Coast area.
Do I Need a Permit to Build a Deck on the Gold Coast?
Yes indeed, you need a permit to build a deck in Australia
Building Permit
In Australia, you almost always need a permit to build a deck in your garden. There are several things to consider when it comes to this project. That includes planning restrictions from the local planning council and how large the size of your block is. Another consideration is safety, which is one of the top reasons why a permit is required to build a deck.
Steps to Building a Deck
Securing a permit isn’t the only thing required when you decide to build a deck. The first step is to create a design, either on your own or with a contractor, so that you know what size and shape your deck will be so you can get the right materials in the right quantity. Once that’s been decided, you can submit the plans for approval, so that you can get a permit before you start the building process. When you have the permit in hand, you can purchase materials or hire us to get started on deck building.
Making Changes
As with any building projects, you might find that changes need to be made at some point during your project. When that happens, it’s important to check your permit and make sure it covers any changes you plan to make. If not, you may need to resubmit your plans for approval. Otherwise you could be facing fines if you go ahead with changes without also changing your permit.
Consequences of Building without a Permit
The consequences of building without a permit can be pretty severe and are something you likely want to avoid. Without the permit you could be hit with some big fines, up to $75,000 in some cases. It’s much more affordable to pay for the permit, rather than be billed with the fine if you’re caught building without a permit.
If you’re ready for decking on the Gold Coast, call us here at AT Constructions. We can answer any questions and provide free quotes.