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:
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:
Questions? Check our FAQs
When do I need to apply for a building permit?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Need help navigating planning and building permits? Reach out to us for professional assistance!
Ready to get started
Please reach out to see how we can be of assistance on your next project
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.