Construction legislation does not allow for a retrospective building permit to be issued for illegally built structures. However, there is a process in which property owners can go through to provide certification and retain the illegally built structure. This process can be complex and difficult manage.

S Group Consulting has certified numerous structures, including extensions, alterations, sheds, garages, verandah’s, retaining walls, swimming pools and more! We will guide you through our specialised six phase certification process in order to retain your structure. More Info »

Siting requirements are minimum standards which need to be complied with for new buildings, extensions and alterations. These requirements are enforced by the Building Regulations and the local Council. However, variations to these minimum standards are able to be approved by Council with a process known as Report and Consent. The Report and Consent process requires the applicant to provide detailed such as architectural drawings and a written report, justifying the proposed construction.

S Group Consulting will provide detailed justification to Council on your behalf. Our report will outline the minimum standards, the proposed variation and justify to Council why the proposed structure should be allowed.

With our carbon footprint drastically impacting our environment, energy efficiency requirements are getting stricter and important. A well-designed house can significantly reduce your homes impact on our environment while saving money on heating and cooling bills. In Victoria, new homes are required to achieve a minimum six-star rating (increasing to seven stars in 2023).

New homes, extensions and some alterations will all require energy reports to be prepared by an accredited energy assessor. S Group Consulting can provide FirstRate5 energy certificates to achieve compliance as required by the Building Code of Australia, Part 3.12.

S Group Consulting is currently in the process of providing a guideline to the building surveying industry. The guideline will be targeted to students currently studying an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor of Building Surveying.

Our building surveying guideline will outline the following:

• Introduction to building surveying;
• The relationship of the Building Act, Building Regulations, National Construction Code and Australian Standards;
• Building surveyors responsibility and project timelines; and
• Advanced knowledge for first time employment.