What Are Building Approval Plans and Construction Drawings?
After completing your DIY setup in Build Buddy — including your design brief, early selections, and concept plan — it’s time to transition into professional documentation.
This stage involves your Building Designer preparing two critical deliverables:
- Building Approval Plans:
A detailed drawing pack used to obtain CDC or DA approval (NSW only). These plans must comply with planning controls and include consultant reports (e.g. bushfire, BASIX, flood) if required. - Construction Drawings (IFC Plans):
Once your approval is granted, your designer will finalise the Issued for Construction set
These two document sets work together to secure approvals and support real-world construction.
What Does a Building Designer Do?
Your Building Designer will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.
Typically, a Building Designer will:
- Develop and issue a compliant set of Building Approval Plans for CDC/DA (NSW only)
- Coordinate with any consultants needed (engineering, BASIX, bushfire, stormwater)
- Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) from your certifier or council
- Finalise a complete, fully resolved Construction Drawing set (IFC)
- Ensure drawings are labelled, versioned, and ready for certifier use
This work is typically delivered as PDFs (and DWGs if needed), with files uploaded to your Build Buddy library.
A good building designer must produce documents based on best practices. Click the button to download Build Buddy's Building Design and Documentation Standards.
Before You Begin: What You'll Need Ready
To progress to Building Approval Plans, ensure you have:
- A confirmed set of Design Plans (signed off by you)
- Consultant inputs (BASIX, bushfire, flood, engineering, etc.)
- Any known estate or developer guidelines
- Final design decisions confirmed (floorplan, façade, materials)
- Payment schedule agreed upon for this phase
You’ll also need to know whether you’re proceeding via CDC or DA (NSW only), as this affects what's required.
Tip: Check Every Detail Before You Submit
Make sure all consultant inputs are integrated into your plan set — not just sent separately.
Review your plans against CDC (NSW only) or council controls yourself — even if your designer has done it. You know your goals best.
Create a folder with all RFI responses, invoices, and approvals — you’ll need this history later.
Use your Build Buddy Quality Checklist to double-check inclusions before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Design Plans and Building Approval Plans?
Design Plans focus on layout and internal design resolution. Building Approval Plans include compliance reports, technical details, and documents required for CDC or DA lodgement.
Who is responsible for submitting the plans to council or a certifier?
Some Building Designers include submission as part of their service. Others hand the documents to you for lodgement. Confirm this in your quote.
NEED HELP?
Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro
If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.
If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.
