For most building, renovation or structural work in Victoria, a building permit is required. It’s the formal approval that ensures your project is safe, compliant and built to the standards set out within the Building Act, Regulations & other relevant codes and standards.

However, there are limited situations where the Regulations allow certain minor works to proceed without a building permit. These are clearly defined in Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations 2018, which outlines specific exemptions for low-risk or small-scale work.

Before you begin any works, it’s important to understand which category your project falls into.

KWA helps you cut through the complexity so you can move forward with clarity. If you’re unsure, we’re here to review your proposal and advise exactly what approvals you need.

View the full list of exemptions under Schedule 3

Your project begins with a formal application submitted through our portal.

We confirm the project scope, classification and the relevant regulatory requirements, providing clarity from the outset.

Our role at this stage is to ensure every party understands the process ahead and what documentation is required for a complete and valid application.

Request a project proposal here.

The compliance review is where we bring structure, clarity and technical certainty to your project.

Our role is to independently assess your documentation against the Building Act, Building Regulations and the NCC, ensuring the regulatory pathway is clear and properly demonstrated.

Rather than feeling transactional, this stage is deliberate and detail-driven, a considered review that supports the wider project team with direction and certainty.

Our approach is defined by:

• Clarity Early - an average 7-business-day initial assessment to establish next steps.
• Requests for Information that are intentional and concise, outlining exactly what is required for compliance to be demonstrated.
• Communication that is calm, measured and professional, Allowing architects and builders the space to ask the right questions.
• A focus on precision, ensuring the documentation is complete, accurate and aligned with the regulatory framework prior any permit issuance.
  

The outcome is a clear, a structured path forward. Momentum created through understanding, not shortcuts & allowing the project to progress with confidence and compliance at its foundation.

Once all RFI items are addressed and the documentation demonstrates compliance, we can proceed to permit issuance.

You’ll receive an endorsed building permit package including a clear outline of the mandatory inspection stages required.

Our priority is accuracy, regulatory compliance and clear communication so the project can progress with confidence.

Certain stages of construction must be inspected by a registered building surveyor or inspector to confirm the work aligns with the approved building permit package.

At KWA, inspections are delivered with the same precision and clarity that underpin our entire process.

Our approach includes:

• An integrated in-house inspection team - registered professionals who understand our systems, our standards and the level of consistency your project requires.
• Practical insight on site - several members of our team come from carpentry and trade backgrounds, bringing grounded awareness of how buildings are constructed.
• Live inspection reports - outcomes are recorded and issued in real time, providing builders with immediate clarity on what has been accepted or what requires attention.
• Responsiveness that supports progress - timely inspections carried out with care, maintaining momentum while upholding every regulatory requirement.
  

The intention is simple: a construction phase that is informed, transparent and confidently guided.

Compliance and clarity at the centre of every stage.

At the end of construction, we complete a final assessment to confirm all mandatory inspections have been passed and the required trade compliance certificates and documentation have been received.

Once compliance is fully demonstrated, we issue the Occupancy Permit (OP) or Certificate of Final Inspection (CFI).