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Building Inspiring Spaces
Nelson Bay Building & Construction offers a complete building service including residential, commercial and industrial. We service the Port Stephens, Newcastle and Hunter Region. We also travel up and down the entire east coast for our clients when we are required. With over 40 years experience, we offer a fast, friendly and professional service to meet all budgets.
No job is too big or small for us to handle. Let us turn your design dreams into a reality. We can assist in the design and offer ideas and advice.
Our contracts are tailored to suit the client and project requirements. We are happy to provide Design and Construction and/or Construction only contracts. Whatever the scope of works requires, we can take stress out of your decision and make sure you completely understand the entire process throughout all stages of your project.
We only use people we can trust and rely on the get the job done for our clients. With so many years experience, we have a great network of trades allowing us to offer the complete construction experience leaving our clients feeling confident in choosing Nelson Bay Building & Construction.
With high standards being one of our core values, we always strive for perfection and expect no less at all times.
Take advantage of our free no obligation quotes and stop dreaming of your building ideas. Let us turn them into reality.
Plans – DA – Council Approval
If you’re planning to construct or make changes to a building or dwelling, you may need to lodge a development application (DA).
With our professional network, we have taken the stress out of the process, and we tailor our services to the specific needs of each client and project.
Plans for a DA and council approval involve submitting detailed architectural and environmental plans (like site analysis, floor plans, elevations) requiring consent.
The process includes stages like pre-lodgement, lodgement, assessment by the council, and determination (approval/refusal), culminating in a Construction Certificate (CC) and Occupation Certificate (OC) before building and completion, with specific requirements by local council.
What needs Approval?
- New buildings and major renovations.
- Decks, granny flats, extensions, earthworks, demolitions.
- Subdivisions or boundary adjustments.
What might not need approval?
- Small sheds and internal renovations that do not affect structure.
- Minor, low-impact structures without council approval if they qualify as Exempt Development.
Key Components of a DA
Architectural Plans
Detailed drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections, site plans) showing scale, orientation, dimensions, and existing/proposed structures.
Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE)
Explains the development’s impact, addressing issues like overshadowing, noise, and visual amenity.
Site Analysis Plan
Illustrates existing conditions, boundaries, contours, vegetation, and surrounding buildings.
Specialist Reports:
May include Bushfire Reports, Waste Management Plans, or Stormwater Plans.
Cost Estimate
An estimated cost of the development.
Owner’s Consent
Required consent from the property owner/s.
The DA Approval Process
- Pre-Lodgement (STAGE 1)
Researching local guidelines and the preparation of documents. - Lodgement (STAGE 2)
Submission via the NSW Planning Portal with all the required documentation and fees. - Assessment (STAGE 3)
Council officers review the application, potentially requesting more information. - Determination (STAGE 4)
Council approves (with conditions), refuses, or defers the DA. - Construction Certificate (CC)
If approved, obtain a CC from the council or a private certifier before starting construction.
Three types of approval
- Exempt Development
Exempt development requires no approval from Council, has minimal environmental amenity/impact, and must comply with the pre-set legislative standards in the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP).
This may apply to smaller developments like balconies, decks, patios, pergolas, terraces, and verandahs.
- Complying Development
Complying development is a fast-track assessment that can be carried out by Council or an accredited certifier to approve certain types of development if pre-set legislative standards are met.
Complying development allows for the construction of things like a new dwelling, an extension to a house, structural alterations, internal fit out of a commercial building and new industrial buildings.
- Development Consent
Developments that require development consent generally have greater environmental/amenity impacts than exempt and complying development, and therefore require assessment from Council.
the development application process is a merit-based assessment, which means Council can consider minor variations to the standards set in the Development Control Plan (DCP) if an appropriate justification is put forward by the applicant.
First Floor Additions
Nelson Bay Building and Construction (NBBC) has over 40 years experience in designing and building first floor additions.
A first storey addition, commonly referred to as a second storey addition, involves the construction of a new level above an existing single-storey dwelling. This form of development increases the internal floor area of a home without expanding its footprint on the site, so you get to hold onto that great aussie backyard!
First storey additions may be partial, constructed over a portion of the existing building such as bedrooms, living areas, or garages, or full, extending over the entire ground-floor footprint. They are often used on sites where land constraints, setbacks, or planning controls limit ground-level extensions.
Typical uses of a first storey addition include the creation of additional bedrooms, bathrooms, home offices, living spaces, or private retreats. These additions can also take advantage of improved views, natural light, and ventilation.
From a structural perspective, first storey additions generally require assessment of the existing foundations, walls, and framing to determine whether strengthening or upgrades are necessary. The existing roof is usually removed and replaced as part of the construction process. Staircase location and integration with the existing layout is a key design consideration.
Design of a first storey addition should respond to the architectural character of the original dwelling and surrounding streetscape. Elements such as setbacks, window placement, balconies, and roof form are often used to reduce visual bulk and address privacy and overshadowing impacts.
First storey additions can significantly enhance living space and property value and removes the hassle of moving!
If you’re unsure of extending outwards on your existing home, or to extend up, get in touch and we can help provide our feedback.
Complete Renovation Services
Extensions and renovations can improve the livability and sustainability of your home with careful planning, thoughtful design and a professional choice of builder. Choose Nelson Bay Building!
No job too big or small for us to handle. Let us turn your design dreams into a reality. You can be rest assured that we strictly follow the Building Code of Australia and all relevant Australian Standards.
Whether you are looking at a simple revamp, complete restoration or adding on living space, Nelson Bay Building & Construction is your one stop destination for all your building needs.
Kitchens & Bathrooms
The two major investments anyone can make to a home is a modern bathroom and kitchen. With over 40 years experience, we know what clients want, and we know what the market demands!
After receiving our free no obligation quote, many clients can see how affordable this investment can be.
Outdoor Living Space
Combining the comfort of indoors with the scenery of outdoors.
This is Port Stephens outdoor living at its best. Our luxury, quality and pleasing results allow our clients to enjoy our blue water paradise!
Turn you two-door garage into one
If you’re looking to renovate your garage, you might be considering converting your outdated two-door garage to one. This conversion can provide a range of benefits, such as adding more space, fitting modern vehicles easily and improving the curb appeal of your home.
Removing a garage door center brick pier involves a major structural alteration, requiring a a steel beam to support the load, followed by removal of the pier and installation of the beam to create a single, wider opening for one large double garage door.
We have a professional network of designers and engineers to complete the most complex projects. Get in touch with us today for a free no obligation quote and inspection.
Commerce Space
Combining sophistication and practicality creating a versatile commercial or industrial space is paramount to the success of any business.
Your office, restaurant, medical practice, shopfront or workshop represents your professional identity. This reflects the quality of services that customers can expect.
Here at Nelson Bay Building and Construction, we pride our workmanship and quality to be the best of the best.
Our range of industrial services range from steel portal framed dwellings through to tilt-slab/precast concrete structures.
Our range of commercial services range from complete new builds to office, restaurant, retail and medical fit-outs.
Building Repairs & Maintenance
Nelson Bay Building & Construction are specialists in major and minor home and building repairs including structural repairs, plastering and carpentry. Access quality building repair and maintenance support from our knowledgeable team.
Whether you have suffered storm damage, fallen trees or simply had an accident, luckily we are here to assist your urgent needs. With our high standards, we are also trusted in undertaking many tenders for insurance companies.
Feel free in contacting us today and see how we can assist.
Safe Asbestos Removal
Nelson Bay Building & Construction is licensed to make Domestic, Commercial & Government buildings asbestos-free safely. Contact us immediately if you have concerns about asbestos and need expert service.
For general information about Asbestos, please feel free to Click Here to access WorkSafe NSW data.
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