Our Services

Residential Building Permits

More than just building permits, our approach to building surveying and consulting services makes BSA Building Surveyors a leader in the industry.

Building Permits Made Simple

Residential Building Permits in Geelong, Melbourne & Regional Victoria

Whether you’re building your first home, adding a garage, or installing a pergola, navigating the building permit process can feel overwhelming. At BSA Building Surveyors, we make it easy. Our team of registered building surveyors provides expert support to help you secure the right residential building permits – quickly, legally, and with confidence.

Do you need a Building Permit?

If you’re planning any of the following, chances are you’ll need a permit:

New dwelling
New Townhouse
Small second dwellings & granny flats
Extensions, Alterations & Additions
Verandahs, Pergolas & Alfresco areas
Change of Use (e.g. Garage to Dwelling)
Carports & Garages
Decks
Sheds
Ramps or accessibility upgrades
Pools, Spas & Safety Barriers
Residential Demolitions

We’ll help you determine exactly what’s required and guide you through the application process.

Our Residential Permit Services

We provide efficient, expert support for all residential building projects—from new builds to renovations and demolitions. Our team ensures compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and local regulations while streamlining the permit process.

We work closely with homeowners, builders, and architects to deliver:

Pre-application advice
Plan assessments
Permit application management
Mandatory inspections
Final certification and occupancy permits

Questions? Check our FAQs

When do I need to apply for a building permit?
A building permit is generally required for most construction, renovation, or demolition projects to ensure they meet safety and compliance standards. Examples include building a house, extending a property, or constructing a garage.

Need help determining if your project requires a permit? Contact us for expert advice!
Can I apply for a building permit myself, or do I need a surveyor?
You can apply for a building permit yourself, but a licensed building surveyor must issue it. They’ll review your plans to ensure compliance with all legal and safety standards.

Need a licensed surveyor for your project? Contact us today, and we’ll handle the process for you!
How long does it take to get a building permit?
The timeframe for obtaining a permit can vary depending on the complexity of your project and the completeness of your application. On average, it takes 1-3 weeks, but it could take longer for larger or more complex projects.

Want to speed up your building permit application? Let us help to ensure everything is in order!
What happens if I don’t get a building permit when required?
Failing to obtain a building permit can result in significant fines, legal action, or having to dismantle non-compliant structures. It’s always better to confirm whether a permit is needed before starting work.

Avoid costly mistakes—speak with us to confirm your permit requirements before starting your project!
What are the consequences of not obtaining a building permit when required?
Undertaking building work without a required permit can lead to significant penalties, including fines, legal action, and orders to demolish non-compliant structures. It's essential to ensure all necessary permits are obtained before starting any building work.

Avoid potential penalties—contact us to ensure your project complies with all legal requirements!
What is the difference between a building permit and a planning permit?
A planning permit is approval from your local council to use or develop land in a certain way, while a building permit ensures the construction complies with safety and building regulations. You’ll typically need a planning permit first to confirm what you can build, followed by a building permit to confirm how it must be built.

Need help navigating the permit process? Contact us today for expert guidance.
How do I know if I need a planning permit in addition to a building permit?
A planning permit is different from a building permit and relates to the use and development of land. Whether you need a planning permit depends on local council regulations, zoning, and the specifics of your project. It's advisable to consult your local council's planning department to determine if a planning permit is required before applying for a building permit.

Need help navigating planning and building permits? Reach out to us for professional assistance!

why choose us

Experience with all housing types
Advice on siting and overlays
Streamlined process to avoid delays
Support for owner-builders
Permit-ready plans for new builds

Ready to get started

Please reach out to see how we can be of assistance on your next project

Our community impact

Nearly 7000 clients supported
Projects delivered in 492+ suburbs
$600+ million in residential project value
400+ permits for fences, retaining walls, and shade structures
Over 1,000 garages and sheds approved

Can you manage it all yourself?

It’s a common instinct, but one of the biggest issues we see is when people take on complex building processes without the right support. While it might seem like a cost-saving move at first, skipping professional advice can lead to unexpected expenses, safety concerns, and delays down the track. 

Engaging qualified experts from the beginning (like a builder, architect, project manager, and building surveyor) can actually save you time, money, and a lot of stress. It’s all about building smart!

Cutting corners often leads to costly mistakes, safety risks and timely delays in progressing your project. Investing in the right professionals from the start is the best way to protect your project, your valuable asset… and your peace of mind.

Whether it’s your first home or your forever home, we’re here to help.

Not sure where to begin? We can help

We understand that starting a building project (especially your first one) can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to think about, and you want to make sure you’re doing it right, not just for yourself, but for your family or future occupants too. Here’s a few friendly recommendations to help you started:


A qualified builder brings experience, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of construction standards. They’ll help ensure your project is built safely, efficiently and to code.

An architect will work with you to design a space that suits your lifestyle and complies with local planning and building regulations. They can also help you make the most of your site and your budget.

A project manager acts as your eyes and ears on the ground—coordinating trades, managing timelines, and keeping everything running smoothly so you don’t have to.

A building surveyor plays a key role in making sure your project is safe, compliant, and built to last. We help you navigate the regulations, assess your plans, and issue the necessary permits—so you can build with confidence. Whether you're just starting out or already working with a builder or architect, having a building surveyor on your team early can save you time, money, and stress down the track.

Need demolition work as part of your project?

Learn more about our Demolition Permit Services for safe, compliant removal of structures with environmental and heritage considerations.

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BSA Building Surveyors

Specialist knowledge for any challenge.

contact us

Address: 126 Torquay Road, Grovedale VIC 3216

Call Us: 03 5241 2559

Mail: admin@bsabs.com.au

Open Hours: Monday – Friday: 8.30am – 17.00pm

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