In this episode, Helen Armstrong from House of Stars shares her journey and passion for making homes more sustainable and affordable. From her family’s experience on Crib Island to decades of industry expertise, Helen offers practical advice for homeowners, builders, and designers.

We cover how building codes have changed, the importance of clear communication with building certifiers, and what the new Whole of Home assessment means for your next project. Helen’s warm, real-life stories remind us why energy efficiency matters – for our wallets, our comfort, and the planet.

Tune in for down-to-earth tips and insider insights on creating homes that work for everyone.

In this episode, we continue to chat with Joe, a Town Planner with Plannable, who shares with us, what his job is really like and how he can help you make development approvals easier.

Joe explains that planners aren’t just looking at plans, they’re constantly talking with councils, clients, and certifiers to ensure your project is a success. He believes that involving a planner early, ideally before you buy a property or hire an architect, helps avoid costly mistakes and make sure your project is possible.

Joe and Grant break down the two main types of applications: Code Assessable (quicker and simpler) and Impact Assessable (more complex and time-consuming). With planning getting more complicated and Council rules constantly changing, Joe’s tip is to provide clear plans and plenty of information right from the start.

Final advice from Joe, “If you want your project to go smoothly, talk to a planner early and be detailed.”

Thanks for tuning in to Tech Talks. Make sure you watch this space for Ep 5….

Disclaimer:

The information in this document is provided as a guide only and is of a general nature. Specific advice will vary depending on the individual construction circumstances. It may be necessary to check with relevant qualified persons when interpreting these requirements, or engage Buildable Approvals for a full assessment. Always obtain your own advice to ensure it is specific to your individual construction needs.

The best part is that Joe shares real-life stories of projects that ran into trouble due to poor planning, as well as success stories where early intervention made all the difference.

If you’re in the construction or property development industry, or you are even just thinking about a small project, this episode is packed with advice on due diligence, council requirements, and how to work with planning professionals to get the best outcome.

Don’t miss Joe’s expert insights and practical advice that could save your next project!

Disclaimer:

The information in this document is provided as a guide only and is of a general nature. Specific advice will vary depending on the individual construction circumstances. It may be necessary to check with relevant qualified persons when interpreting these requirements, or engage Buildable Approvals for a full assessment. Always obtain your own advice to ensure it is specific to your individual construction needs.

Let’s dive into building classifications with Anthony and Sheryl from Buildable Approvals, two expert certifiers passionate about making complex rules easy to understand!

Anthony and Sheryl’s journey as certifiers covers all kinds of builds, from homes and sheds to offices, hospitals, and warehouses. Along the way, they’ve helped designers, owners, and builders avoid common pitfalls and get approvals right the first time.

What Exactly Are Building Classifications?

If you’re confused by building classes, you’re not alone! In Episode 2, Anthony and Sheryl explain that building classification is all about how the National Construction Code (NCC) divides buildings based on their use and risk. That’s what determines the rules your project needs to follow.

Key Types

• Residential (Class 1 & 2): Houses, units, townhouses, and apartments.
• Commercial (Class 3-9): Offices, shops, hospitals, warehouses, and mixed-use spaces.

Why Does It Matter?

Getting your classification right up front means you get the right approvals, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure your building is safe and compliant. Anthony and Sheryl see most issues come from confusion between residential and commercial rules, or missing the details on secondary dwellings and mixed-use projects.

Rapid-Fire Classifications Cheat Sheet

• Class 1: Standalone houses, townhouses
• Class 2: Apartments, units
• Class 3: Hotels, motels
• Class 4: Caretaker’s residence in a commercial building
• Class 5-9: Offices, shops, hospitals, schools, warehouses, factories

Anthony and Sheryl’s Top Tips

• Clarify your building’s intended use early.
• Don’t assume, check the class before you design.
• Ask for expert help if you’re unsure.

Why Relationships Matter

For Anthony and Sheryl, great outcomes happen when certifiers, designers, and owners work together from the start. Open conversations make approvals smoother and projects less stressful.

What’s Next for Building Approvals?

Anthony and Sheryl see technology helping to clarify rules, but believe nothing replaces real-world experience and clear communication. They’re committed to raising industry standards and helping everyone simplify the process.

“We simplify the complex.”

P.S. If you found this helpful, share it with anyone building, designing, or renovating. Let’s make building a little less confusing for everyone!

Disclaimer:

The information in this document is provided as a guide only and is of a general nature. Specific advice will vary depending on the individual construction circumstances. It may be necessary to check with relevant qualified persons when interpreting these requirements, or engage Buildable Approvals for a full assessment. Always obtain your own advice to ensure it is specific to your individual construction needs.

Rodney’s story started on the tools, working alongside his dad, a bricklayer in Western Australia. From there, he moved into local government as a trainee surveyor, tackled high-rise and heritage projects, and eventually set out on his own. Today, Rodney’s journey embraces everything from council certification roles to leading industry teams and consulting on complex builds. Through it all, he’s stayed focused on what matters, making sure buildings are safe, compliant, and built for the real world.

What Exactly Is Building Certification?

If you’re confused by building approvals, you’re not alone! In Episode 1, Rodney explains that certification is all about making sure what’s built is safe, up to code, and meets the National Construction Code (NCC). It’s a role that’s changed a lot. Before 1998, only councils gave approval.

Now, private certifiers like Buildable Approvals can do that job, but with strict rules, and always in the public interest.

In Queensland, certifiers are licensed and regulated by the QBCC, and there are three levels:

• Level 1: Anything goes—high-rise, hospitals, complex structures.
• Level 2: Factories under 2000m², buildings up to three storeys, houses and sheds.
• Level 3: Houses and small residential structures.

DA vs BA

The Great Approval Myth “Council approval” gets thrown around a lot, but Rodney sets the record straight.

• Development Approval (DA): Decides what and where you can build (think zoning, land use, height limits) and is handled by local councils.
• Building Approval (BA): Decides how the building is constructed, covering everything from fire safety to cyclone resistance and is issued by certifiers.

How Does Certification Work? Rodney Breaks It Down

• Design Assessment: Reviewing plans for compliance, energy efficiency, fire safety, engineering, and more. Sometimes specialists (engineers, surveyors, etc.) are called in for technical sign-offs.
• Construction Inspections: Certifiers inspect at critical stages (footings, framing, final approval). In Queensland, the certifier must do the final inspection themselves. Builders give 24 hours’ notice, so teamwork is essential!

The Most Common Delays (and How to Dodge Them)

Rodney sees many project holdups caused by small mistakes at the design stage, such as a setback being 600mm off, or missing an engineering report. Even little errors can mean weeks of extra waiting for extra council approvals. Rodney’s advice? Get the details right up front, and don’t skip the due diligence.

Why Relationships Matter

For Rodney, success is all about trust and communication. The best outcomes happen when certifiers and builders work together, solve problems side by side, and aim for quality, not only ticking boxes. Certifiers aren’t just “the approval guys”; they’re partners in finding solutions.

Myths About Certifiers

Busted. Some people think certifiers will just approve anything because they’re paid by the client. Not true. Certifiers walk a fine line; they balance client expectations, public safety, and compliance. Approving something non-compliant can cost a certifier their licence, so he says integrity isn’t optional.

What’s Next for Building Certification?

Rodney sees a time when technology like AI helps analyse plans and spot compliance issues, but we still need the human touch (and judgment). He’s also passionate about educating builders and tradies on best practices and teaming up with industry groups to raise the bar of certifying across the board.

As Rodney says, “we simplify the complex.”

P.S. If you found this helpful, feel free to share it with anyone planning a build or renovation. Let’s make building a little less confusing for everyone!

Disclaimer:

The information in this document is provided as a guide only and is of a general nature. Specific advice will vary depending on the individual construction circumstances. It may be necessary to check with relevant qualified persons when interpreting these requirements, or engage Buildable Approvals for a full assessment. Always obtain your own advice to ensure it is specific to your individual construction needs.