What if council asks for more information?

That is normal, and it is part of our price. We answer council's questions and update the drawings if needed until your permit is issued. While council waits for answers, its decision clock is paused, so we reply quickly.

What if my project can't be approved as planned?

We check your project against the state rules and your council's policies before we lodge, so this is rare. If something won't pass, we tell you before lodging and explain what would, such as moving a shed further from the fence or lowering a wall. And our promise is simple: approved, or your money back. If council refuses your application and we can't get it approved, we refund everything you paid us. The only exception is council's own lodgement fee once it has been paid to council.

What do I need to give you?

Your address, what you are building and where it will go. Photos of the spot and your supplier's drawings help. Later you sign the application forms, which we send ready to sign by email.

Can my builder start once the permit is issued?

Yes. Keep a copy on site. A WA building permit is usually valid for two years. When the work is finished, a notice of completion (form BA7) is lodged within 7 days.

How Getting a Building Permit Works in WA, Step by Step

How getting your permit works, step by step

Short answer

You tell us what you are building. We check your council's rules, prepare the plans and forms, lodge them and answer council's questions until your permit is issued. Council then has up to 25 business days to decide a standard application, or 10 for a certified one. You sign the forms and build.

Last updated 30 October 2026

The whole journey, step by step

Most people only deal with council once or twice in their life. Here is everything that happens, in order, so there are no surprises.

Step 0. Free check: do you even need a permit?

Use our 20-second checker or call us. If your project is exempt, we tell you, and it costs nothing.

Step 1. Your fixed price

Tell us what you are building and where. We usually reply within one business day with one total price. For most small projects that includes the council's fees. See our prices.

Step 2. We check your council's rules

Before drawing anything we look up your lot: its zoning and R-Code, setbacks, heritage or bushfire areas, easements and sewer lines. This is where most refusals are avoided.

Step 3. We prepare the application

We draw the site plan, prepare the drawings and fill in the forms. If your job needs an engineer, a registered building surveyor or a bushfire (BAL) assessor, we organise them. You sign the forms by email.

Step 4. We lodge it with council

We lodge the application and pay the fees. A standard (uncertified, BA2) application has up to 25 business days for a decision. A certified (BA1) application, which comes with a private building surveyor's certificate, has up to 10.

Step 5. We answer council's questions

Council often asks for something extra: a measurement, a detail, a signature. We handle it. Planning approval, if your project needs it, comes before the building permit.

Step 6. Permit issued

We send you the permit and explain any conditions in plain English. Your builder can start.

Step 7. Finishing off

When the work is done, a notice of completion (BA7) goes to council within 7 days. For pools, the safety barrier must be finished and inspected before you fill it.

Who does what

Task	Who
Checking whether you need a permit	Us, free
Checking council and planning rules	Us
Site plan, drawings and forms	Us
Engineering, surveyor certificate, BAL report	Us, using registered professionals
Signing the forms	You (every owner on the title)
Lodging and paying council fees	Us
Answering council's questions	Us
Building it	You or your builder

How long it takes

Stage	Usual time
Quote	Within one business day
Preparing the application	A few days to a week (longer for granny flats)
Council decision, standard application	Up to 25 business days
Council decision, certified application	Up to 10 business days
Planning approval, if needed	Usually 60 days, or 90 if neighbours are asked for comments

Want it faster? Our fast track (+$550) uses a certified application, so council has 10 business days instead of 25.