Approvals & engineering
Yes, your deck probably needs approval
And an unapproved one will surface the day you sell. We handle the whole process inside the quoted price — here’s what it involves, so you know what you’re buying.
When approval is required
Approval needed
Often exempt
Even when it’s exempt, we still get it engineered. It costs little and it’s the document that answers a building inspector’s questions in ten years.
What happens if it wasn't approved
It shows up in the pre-purchase inspection when you sell, and the buyer’s solicitor will want it resolved before settlement. Retrospective approval is possible — we do a few every year — but it means engineering an existing structure that may not comply, and sometimes rebuilding parts of it. Far cheaper to do it properly the first time.
What we do, and what it costs
Soil test & site classification
Determines footing sizes. Brisbane’s reactive clay soils mean a bigger footing than most people expect.
Structural engineering
Certified plans for your wind rating and soil class, with member sizes, bracing and tie-down details.
Plans & certifier lodgement
We use a private certifier rather than council where we can — typically three weeks instead of six or more.
Inspections & final certificate
Footing and frame stage inspections, then the final certificate of classification for your records.
Town planning application
Only needed if we’re encroaching a setback, or on a character or heritage property. Adds four to eight weeks.