Building Permits For Melbourne Fitouts
Let us navigate the complexities of acquiring a building permit for your fitout.
What is a Building Permit and Why Do You Need One?
Before starting your fitout, your design needs to be approved by a relevant authority. A building permit is a document that certifies your proposed design is compliant with the building’s current regulations.
In Victoria, approved permits are always issued by either a privately contracted or municipal building surveyor. Having a permit allows a business to commence fitout works on the property per the proposed plans.
Building permits protect a business owner at every stage of their fitout build. It ensures your fitout provider is registered and insured. It ensures that all works are completed to code. And with a surveyor signed on to your project, all works will be assessed at every stage of the build, ensuring that the fitout is suitable for occupation upon completion.
Disclaimer: Our permit application service is only available to businesses who choose to build their fitout with us. Why Canopy Fitouts?
Permit Application Process For Melbourne Fitouts
Building a fitout is a significant investment for any Melbourne business. Our permit application process is simple and optimised to the needs of your business.
- Hiring a Building Surveyor: A registered building surveyor is required to sign off on any permit. We have access to a network of building surveyors across various industries and can help find the right one for your fitout.
- Applying For a Permit: Once all design aspects are signed off, we present the fitout plan and blueprints to the building surveyor for approval. Surveyors can deny permission to build for a variety of reasons, which is why we’re extremely through at this stage. We’ll help you prepare all necessary and supporting documents, creating a strong and well-rounded application.
- Approval: After the application is reviewed and approved, we commence work immediately on your fitout.
- During the Build: The building surveyor reviews the progress of your build at every step of the way, ensuring the fitout is suitable for occupation after completion.
A Headache-Free Application Process With Canopy
We complete hundreds of fitouts yearly in Melbourne, so we know the application process in and out. No matter your industry, we have a deep understanding of the key details a building surveyor will be looking out for in your permit application.
The Canopy Difference
- We successfully complete over 100 building permits yearly.
- We apply for the building permit on your behalf.
- We help you find a building surveyor.
- Regardless of industry, our fitouts are designed within exact approval specifications, making it easy for any building surveyor to sign off on your plans.
- If the intended use of your space is changing, we’ll also help you prepare your change of occupancy permit.
Book Your Free Consultation
Let our team bring your business to life. If you are ready to revolutionise your space and impress your clients and customers, enquire below or call us on 1800 434 868.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a building permit in Victoria?
Building permits usually take us about two weeks depending on the size and the scope of the work involved. In the rare case that Town Planning is required to start your fitout, we recommend consulting with a town planning expert prior to applying for a permit, as this may delay your approval.
When is a building permit required?
In almost all fitout projects, a building permit will be required.
- Alterations to egress (how you exit a building)
- When you affect an essential service in a building, fire, air conditioning, electrical and plumbing
- Spend over 16k
- Or change the fire indices, things like the wrong carpet or flooring will affect how the building will react in case of fire.
How much does a building permit cost?
A building permit costs anywhere between $3000 - $8000. This does not include the building permit levy which varies based on the size of the space where works are to be carried out, topography, and the neighbourhood (among other things).
How long does a building permit last in Victoria?
After permit approval, applicants have up to 12 months to start their fitout. If more time is required, applicants can request an extension.