Navigating building permits and other requirements can be challenging.
For two decades, builder and family business owner Thomas Teunissen has been using Council's building services, rather than going private, to apply for permits.
"My father, Oscar, first used the municipal building surveyor because he found it a lot easier to do that for our work within the Council area," he says.
"Now, we just use Council for everything. A private building surveyor may still have to liaise with a municipal building surveyor in terms of building work going on in your area. So, you may as well go straight to the municipal building surveyor.
"Council building surveyors are knowledgeable, professional and efficient. The team is always happy to help with problem solving to ensure all parties get the best outcome."
Council reviews applications and plans for compliance with the National Construction Code and prepares and issues building permits.
Our expert team also attends fires, accidents and emergencies 24 hours a day to ensure buildings are made safe.
Customers are supported at every stage of the building application process, including consultation and mandatory inspections. We help to interpret and apply building regulations, legislation, codes and policies.
There are no hidden costs, with all fees listed on our website, and building permits are typically assessed within 10-15 working days.
"Council are pretty quick with their permits so it's not a drawn out, slow process," Thomas says. "They are thorough with all aspects of building surveying. If you need advice, they do provide it."
Although his business now undertakes renovations and extensions in many locations outside Knox, Thomas continues to use Council's building services.
"Council is just like a private surveyor out of area," he says. "Put it this way, if you've got everything in the one building, it's a lot easier. It's a one-stop-shop. If you've got one place doing your building permits and your town planning, why would you go anywhere else?"
Find out more at knox.vic.gov.au/building
