Granny Flat & Secondary Dwelling Approvals QLD
Building a granny flat or secondary dwelling in Queensland? Let’s get your approvals sorted.
We've got your granny flat approvals sorted, with clarity from start to finish.
Whether it’s a granny flat, auxiliary dwelling or secondary dwelling, attached or separate from the main home, we know what’s needed to get it certified. We work with homeowners, builders, developers, and designers to make sure the rules are clear and the right path forward is chosen.
That means confirming whether your project needs a referral or Development Application, assessing your building designs for compliance, and carrying out inspections throughout the build. Once everything’s ticked off, we’ll issue your Form 21 for detached dwellings or Form 11 for attached dwellings, giving you the official sign-off to move in with confidence.
[ Our approach ]
How Buildcert gets your approval sorted.
01
Kicking OffWhat it is
Before you get started, we'll assess your plans and site details. This helps determine if any council applications are needed. If you do need a Referral Agency Application or Development Approval (DA), we can help with this too.
What's involved
To kick this off, we just need you to provide design plans (site layouts, floor planning, elevations, etc.). We’ll check zoning, planning overlays (e.g., heritage, character, bushfire, flood), and confirm your plans align with the codes and standards that apply in QLD. We are here to walk you through each step so you are clear on what’s needed.
What might be needed
- Plans & drawings
- Engineering documentation
- Energy efficiency report
- Soil test report & site classification
- QBCC Home Warranty Insurance
- Q leave Certificate
Next steps
Once any necessary planning approvals are sorted, the approval process starts.
02
Plans in, Paperwork Rolling03
Construction & Inspections04
Signed, Sealed & Sorted
[ Services ]
The right solution, every time.
Everything you need to get your approval sorted, in one place.
[ Why choose Buildcert ]
Certification sorted.
For projects big or small, Buildcert gets your certification sorted. Trusted experience, clear communication and fast turnarounds mean you get less stress, more certainty, and support to keep your project moving.
- +47000Approvals issued.That's over 47,000 approvals, sorted.
- 15.6B$Total value of construction approved.$15.6B of construction approved and counting.
- +275000Inspections completed.Clients trust Buildcert because we’ve got the experience and know-how to get your certification sorted.
"Buildcert’s building compliance expertise was invaluable during our recent upgrades. Their team brought confidence, clarity and professionalism to a complex project, ensuring everything stayed compliant and on track from start to finish."
"Buildcert has been a reliable partner for years. Their proactive approach, local knowledge, and responsiveness take the stress out of certification for our team."
"Buildcert are a valuable partner for our team. Their practical guidance, collaborative approach and clear advice help us deliver bespoke designs that meet compliance without compromising creativity."
Planning a granny flat or extension? Let’s get your approval sorted.
Frequently asked questions.
Got questions? Here are some of the most common things we get asked when it comes to granny flats and approvals in Queensland.
What’s the difference between planning approval and building approval? Do all projects need approval from Council?
Planning approval (sometimes called a Development Approval - DA) is issued by the local Council. It deals with land use and relaxation matters such as setbacks, zoning, flood or heritage overlays. Building approval is issued by a certifier and relates to how the structure is designed and built to meet the Building Code and legislation.
Some projects need both planning and building approvals and others can go straight through private certification. If council approval is required, we’ll guide you on that process and coordinate referrals as part of our role.
Do I need building approval for my project?
What documents are needed to start an approval?
What do I need for quoting?
How long does an approval last? Can it lapse?
How long does approval take?
Can I convert my garage into a living space?
Toolbox
Sorted.
