Dual Occupancy Workflow

This document outlines the typical workflow for a dual occupancy project, from initial concept to final completion. It covers the key stages, considerations, and potential challenges involved in developing two dwellings on a single property. This guide aims to provide a clear understanding of the process for homeowners, developers, and anyone interested in pursuing a dual occupancy project.

1. Initial Assessment and Feasibility Study

The first step is to determine the feasibility of a dual occupancy project on your property. This involves:

• Zoning Regulations: Research your local council's zoning regulations to understand the permitted uses, minimum lot size, setbacks, and other relevant requirements for dual occupancy developments. This is crucial as zoning laws vary significantly between municipalities.

• Site Analysis: Conduct a thorough site analysis to assess the property's characteristics, including its size, shape, slope, orientation, existing structures, easements, and any potential environmental constraints (e.g., flood zones, bushfire prone areas).

• Preliminary Design Concepts: Develop preliminary design concepts to explore different layout options and determine the potential size and configuration of the two dwellings. Consider factors such as privacy, access, and amenity.

• Budget and Finance: Establish a realistic budget for the project, including design fees, council application fees, construction costs, and contingency funds. Explore financing options and secure pre-approval if necessary.

• Engage Professionals: Consult with relevant professionals, such as town planners, architects, surveyors, and builders, to obtain expert advice and guidance on the feasibility of your project.

Potential Challenges:

• Non-compliance with zoning regulations.

• Site constraints that limit development potential.

• Unexpected costs or budget overruns.

2. Design Development and Planning Approval

Once you've determined the feasibility of the project, the next step is to develop detailed designs and obtain planning approval from the local council. This involves:

• Detailed Design: Work with an architect or building designer to develop detailed architectural plans that meet all relevant building codes and regulations. The plans should include floor plans, elevations, site plans, and specifications.

• Town Planning Application: Prepare and submit a town planning application to the local council, including all required documentation, such as architectural plans, site surveys, and supporting reports (e.g., traffic impact assessment, stormwater management plan).

• Council Assessment: The council will assess your application against the relevant planning controls and may request additional information or modifications to the design.

• Public Notification: In some cases, the council may be required to notify neighbours and the public about your application, providing them with an opportunity to provide feedback.

• Planning Permit: If your application is approved, the council will issue a planning permit, which outlines the conditions of approval.

Potential Challenges:

• Delays in the planning approval process.

• Objections from neighbours or the public.

• Council requests for modifications to the design.

• Conditions of approval that are difficult or costly to comply with.

3. Building Approval and Construction

After obtaining planning approval, you'll need to obtain building approval before commencing construction. This involves:

• Detailed Engineering Design: Engage a structural engineer to prepare detailed engineering designs for the foundations, framing, and other structural elements of the buildings.

• Building Permit Application: Prepare and submit a building permit application to a building surveyor, including all required documentation, such as architectural plans, engineering designs, and energy efficiency reports.

• Building Surveyor Assessment: The building surveyor will assess your application against the Building Code of Australia and other relevant standards.

• Building Permit: If your application is approved, the building surveyor will issue a building permit, which authorizes you to commence construction.

• Construction Phase: Engage a licensed builder to construct the dual occupancy dwellings according to the approved plans and specifications. Ensure that the builder has appropriate insurance and licenses.

• Inspections: The building surveyor will conduct regular inspections during the construction phase to ensure compliance with the building permit and relevant standards.

Potential Challenges:

• Delays in obtaining building approval.

• Construction delays due to weather, material shortages, or other unforeseen circumstances.

• Defects or non-compliance issues identified during inspections.

• Disputes with the builder.

4. Subdivision or Strata Titling

Once construction is complete, you'll need to subdivide the property or create a strata title to legally separate the two dwellings. This involves:

• Surveying: Engage a licensed surveyor to prepare a plan of subdivision or strata plan.

• Council Approval: Submit the plan of subdivision or strata plan to the local council for approval.

• Registration: Register the approved plan with the relevant land titles office to create separate titles for each dwelling.

Potential Challenges:

• Delays in obtaining council approval for the subdivision or strata plan.

• Disputes with neighbours regarding boundary lines or easements.

• Costs associated with surveying and registration.

5. Completion and Occupancy

The final step is to obtain occupancy permits for each dwelling and prepare them for occupancy. This involves:

• Final Inspections: Conduct final inspections to ensure that all work has been completed to a satisfactory standard.

• Occupancy Permits: Obtain occupancy permits from the building surveyor, certifying that the dwellings are safe and habitable.

• Handover: Handover the dwellings to the owners or tenants.

Potential Challenges:

• Delays in obtaining occupancy permits.

• Outstanding defects or incomplete work.

By following this workflow and carefully considering the potential challenges, you can increase your chances of a successful dual occupancy project. Remember to engage qualified professionals and seek expert advice throughout the process.