The Lodge:
Building Approval Services
Building projects often face delays during the approval phase, but getting your project approved doesn’t have to be your hassle
With a multidisciplinary team—including architects, certifiers, town planners, energy assessors, and structural engineers—VTAS bring extensive experience navigating complex approval pathways, cutting through red tape to save you time and money.
The Building Approval Process
Preliminary planning assessment
For an initial assessment fee our team offers a preliminary planning assessment to determine if your site and intended use meet the requirements for a Building Application (BA). To begin, provide us with your property location and a basic drawing indicating where you plan to place your Lodge.
Engage our team
Once our assessment is complete, we'll provide a quote with estimated costs for obtaining building or development approval, and if you choose to proceed, your initial assessment fee will be deducted from the overall quote. To start the approval process, simply sign and return the quote along with the required fee.
Start the Process
Once you're ready to proceed, we’ll coordinate with our structural engineers, energy assessors, and certifiers to begin the certification process. At the same time, we’ll send you a list of documents we’ll need from your side. You’ll also need to engage a geotechnical engineer, land surveyor, and any other required consultants specific to your site.
Document Submission and Building Approval
Our team will manage the document submission process. Our certifier will review the assembled materials for compliance with BCA, Local building and planning rules. Upon approval, we will receive a Decision Notice and Approved Stamped Plans, authorizing the start of construction.
Commence Construction
With the Building Permit in place, you can begin construction, adhering to the approved plans and any conditions specified in the permit. You will be required to notify us when inspections are needed (an inspection schedule will be on the approval documentation).
Final Inspection and Occupancy
Once construction is complete, you’ll need to book a final inspection with us. Following a successful inspection, our certifier will issue the relevant documentation confirming that your building is ready for occupation, in accordance with your state or territory’s requirements.
VTAS Approvals: FAQ
Planning to get your VFAB kit home approved? This FAQ covers the most common questions about the approval process, from required documents to council fees and timelines. It’s designed to help you feel confident and clear at every step.
Septic, Sewerage, and Plumbing
What is required to submit a septic application to council?
Wastewater management report – prepared by a geotechnical consultant
Plumbing Forms 1 & 7 – completed by a licensed plumber
Dwelling plans – provided by VTAS
Can my plumber help with the septic application?
Yes. A licensed plumber is required for installation and can also manage the application process.
What’s included in the “sewerage and drainage” item in your quote?
In this case, it refers to general support. Since you’re using a septic system, you’ll handle this with your local plumber and soil tester.
Can we reduce the planning fee since we’re managing the septic ourselves?
The septic application is not included in the quote. Since this part of the process is being handled independently by you and your plumber, it’s not covered under our planning support fee.
Site Conditions & Geotech
Is a geotechnical report required?
Yes, it’s mandatory for assessing footing design and approval.
Can VTAS help get quotes?
Yes, we’ll gather quotes from 2–3 local geotechnical engineers.
How long does it take to get the report?
Turnaround times can vary from several days to 2 weeks.
Footings & Structures
Is footing design for the Lodge included?
Yes – footing design and certification are included as part of the Approval Package. This includes design for the Surefoot footing system only.
If a different footing system is required (e.g. due to soil conditions), additional fees will apply.
Is footing design for a container or deck included?
No – this is additional. We can request a quote for you
How do I know if the Surefoot system is suitable for my site?
You’ll need to arrange a soil test for your site. Once complete, we’ll forward the results to Surefoot’s engineers, who will assess whether their system is suitable.
NT sites only: Please contact Surefoot before arranging the soil test, as they have their own in-house soil testing machine that may be used.
Why should I use the Surefoot system?
We recommend Surefoot because it is the most economically feasible solution for our kit homes and performs well across a wide range of soil conditions. It also integrates efficiently with our standard footing design, reducing the need for custom engineering.
Costs & Quoting
There is an additional fee for Town Planning in my quote — can I avoid it?
We include a Town Planning fee when the Certifier advises that an application to authorities is required.
Sometimes this can be avoided, and we’ll assess that during the desktop review.
In most cases, however, the application is mandatory — especially if the site has overlays like bushfire risk or landslip.
If it is required, we’ll help manage the process and documentation to make it as smooth and efficient as possible.
Is there an extra cost if I want to build more than one unit?
Yes. We charge $3,500 + GST for each additional unit.
If you decide to build a second unit after the first one has already been approved, the full approval fee will apply for the new unit.
To save on fees, it’s best to include all units in a single application where possible.
What other costs should I be aware of?
Consultant Fees
If your site requires additional reports (e.g. Bushfire Attack Level, Flood, or Landslip Hazard), these will be outlined in your Desktop Assessment.
We’ll help you get quotes from local specialists if needed.Council Fees
Council application and referral fees vary.
Please check your local council’s website for the most accurate pricing.Set-Out Survey
This is completed during the footing stage to make sure all elements — especially footings — are positioned exactly according to your plans.Levies & Insurances
These may include Q-Leave levies, Home Warranty Insurance, or Owner-Builder permits, depending on your state and build method.Septic Design
If required, this will be prepared by the same company who does your soil test.
Additional fees apply.
The Desktop Review advises that a Bushfire (BAL) Report is required — can I avoid it?
A BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) report is generally required, but there may be an opportunity to avoid it depending on site-specific assessment.
We recommend including the cost in your budget to be safe.
If it turns out the report isn’t needed, we’ll advise you during the approval process.
I need a detailed site plan for cost estimation. Can you provide one?
Yes. A site plan is included as part of our Approval Assistance package.
If you haven’t moved forward with approval assistance yet, we can still prepare a site plan for $500 + GST.
This amount will be deducted from the total Approval Assistance fee when you proceed with the full service.
If I engage my own engineer for structural design, will the approval fee be reduced?
No. For the approval process, we do not accept structural designs prepared by others.
To ensure compliance and coordination, all structural design must be done through our team.
I don’t want to engage VTAS for the approval process. Can I do it myself?
Yes, you’re welcome to manage the approval process independently.
However, please note:
If you choose not to purchase the Approval Assistance Package now, VTAS will not be able to step in later.
We’re unable to take over partway through an approvals process already in progress.
Approval Process and Timeline
Should I start the approval process at the same time I order The Lodge?
That’s completely up to you.
Keep in mind:
You can’t start any construction until the required approvals and documentation are in place.
Some clients prefer to begin the approval process before paying the deposit, to ensure everything is ready when the build is scheduled.
How long does it take to get building approval?
The timeframe can vary depending on:
Council processing time.
Consultant availability
How quickly you respond to Requests for Information (RFI)
We’ll help keep things moving, but allow several weeks to complete the process.
Custom Options
I want to have a custom deck. Can you design it?
For custom deck designs, please speak with your local EDGF representative — they’ll assist you with the design.VTAS can assist with obtaining approval for the deck as part of the overall building application.