I want to extend my home, where do I start?

Planning a Home Extension: A Step-by-Step Guide

Extending your home can be both exciting and a little daunting... but it doesn’t have to be. While most people may only undertake a home extension once or twice in their lives, it’s something we deal with every day. Here’s a simple guide to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Step 1: Do Your Research, Talk to a Draftsperson and Your Local Council

Start by gathering essential information. It’s a good idea to speak with a draftsperson or building designer who can advise you on what’s possible for your property, including setbacks, height limits, and other local planning regulations.

If your property has special considerations such as heritage listing, bushfire-prone classification, or flood zoning, consider booking a pre-lodgement meeting with a council town planner. They can give you detailed advice on how specific planning rules apply to your site.

Step 2: Create Preliminary or Concept Plans

Once you understand your site’s constraints and opportunities, the next step is to get your concept plans drawn up. These plans are essential for getting accurate quotes from engineers, certifiers, and builders.

This is also the stage to organise a site survey to provide accurate measurements and topography for your plans.

Step 3: Finalise Your Plans

With feedback and input from your consultants, you can now finalise your plans. These will form the basis of your application for approval and ensure your builder has a clear guide to work from.

Step 4: Submit a DA or CDC Application

At this point, you're ready to submit your application through the NSW Planning Portal. either as a Development Application (DA) or via a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), depending on your project and its compliance.

You can choose to manage this process yourself or let us at Acacia handle it for you, liaising with all necessary parties to make it seamless.

Final Thoughts

While home extensions can feel overwhelming at first, the right support and a clear plan make all the difference. With professional guidance and a step-by-step approach, your dream space is well within reach.