What Are Building Approval Plans?

Once you’ve completed your DIY tasks in Build Buddy — including your design brief, early selections, and concept review — it’s time to bring in a professional to deliver your formal documentation.


This task is where you request quotes from a Building Designer to complete:

  • Your Building Approval Plans (for CDC or DA submission) (NSW only)
  • Your Final Construction Drawings (Issued for Construction or IFC plans)


These are the drawings used to get approved and build your home — they are more detailed and compliance-driven than anything prepared in the earlier concept stages.

What Does a Building Designer Do?

Your Building Designer will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, a Building Designer will:

  • Review your brief, any existing plans, and your completed DIY steps
  • Coordinate with required consultants (e.g. BASIX, engineering, bushfire)
  • Respond to certifier or council feedback as needed
  • Finalise and issue your Construction Drawing Set (IFC) for site use


This stage results in two clear deliverables — submission-ready plans and site-ready construction documents.


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 move ahead with Building Approval Plans, ensure you have:

  • Signed off on your Design Plans
  • All consultant inputs completed (e.g. BASIX, bushfire, engineering)
  • Your chosen approval pathway confirmed (CDC or DA) (NSW only)
  • Finalised site survey and due diligence documents
  • Your Build Buddy Approval Plan Checklist on hand


These plans will form the legal foundation of your construction — double-check everything before submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What’s the difference between Design Plans and Approval Plans? (NSW only)

    Design Plans resolve layout and intent. Approval Plans add full technical detail and compliance documentation, ready for CDC/DA submission.

  • What if my certifier requests changes? (NSW only)

    Your designer will revise the plans and resubmit. This is common — especially with CDC projects. Build Buddy designers are used to handling this efficiently.

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.