FAQ

Yes. GM Building Design is operated by a registered Victorian Building Designer with over 10 years of experience across the building design, construction and subdivision industries. We provide professional design and documentation services that comply with Victorian regulations and industry standards

We provide building design and documentation services throughout all of Victoria including:
- Greater Melbourne: Including the CBD, inner suburbs, and outer growth corridors.
- Regional Hubs: Major cities including Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo.
- South East & Gippsland: Servicing the Latrobe Valley, Bass Coast, and areas surrounding Drouin.
- Northern & Western Victoria: Extending through the Mallee, Wimmera, and Hume regions.
- The Murray & High Country: Covering areas from Mildura to Albury-Wodonga and the Alpine districts.

We offer a range of residential design and documentation services, including:
- New home design
- Extension and renovation designs
- Site Assessments
- Pre-Purchase Site Assessments
- Concept designs
- Planning permit documentation
- Working drawings
- Building permit documentation
- Subdivision documentation 

Not all projects require a planning permit. Requirements depend on your property's zoning, overlays and the type of development proposed. We can assess your project and advise whether a planning permit is required before proceeding

Yes. We can prepare the drawings and supporting documentation required for planning permit applications and liaise with local councils throughout the approval process.

Most construction projects in Victoria require a building permit before work can commence. We prepare the documentation required for your appointed building surveyor to issue a building permit.

A planning permit relates to how land can be used and developed under local council requirements. A building permit confirms that the proposed construction complies with the Building Code of Australia and relevant building regulations. Some projects require both permits, while others may only require a building permit.

Yes. We have experience preparing subdivision documentation and coordinating with relevant consultants to assist clients through the subdivision process.

Absolutely. We can assist with the design and documentation of dual occupancy developments, including planning permit documentation and coordination with consultants where required.

Yes. We can prepare concept designs, planning documentation and working drawings for multi-unit and townhouse developments, subject to council requirements and site constraints.

No. We assist with a wide range of projects, including:
- New homes
- Extensions
- Renovations
- Dual occupancies
- Unit developments
- Secondary dwellings
- Subdivisions
- Planning permits
- Working drawings

Yes. We can work with homeowners to design extensions and renovations that improve the functionality, appearance and value of their homes while complementing the existing dwelling.

Yes. We regularly collaborate with builders, engineers, surveyors and other consultants to ensure the documentation aligns with construction requirements and project objectives.

Yes. If required, we can help coordinate or recommend trusted consultants such as land surveyors, structural engineers, energy raters, town planners and soil testers.

Depending on your project requirements, our services may include:
- Initial consultation
- Site assessment Concept design
- Design revisions
- Planning permit documentation
- Working drawings
- Building permit documentation
- Consultant coordination
- Assistance throughout the approval process

Working drawings are the detailed construction drawings used by builders and building surveyors. They typically include floor plans, elevations, sections, site plans, construction details and specifications required for approvals and construction.

Concept design is the initial stage of the project where ideas and layouts are explored. This phase focuses on developing a design that meets your needs, budget and site constraints before progressing to detailed documentation.

Every project is different. Fees depend on the size, complexity and scope of work involved. We provide tailored quotations based on your specific requirements following an initial consultation.

Where possible, we provide fixed-fee proposals outlining the scope of services included. Additional services outside the agreed scope will always be discussed before proceeding.

Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the project and council processing times. Concept designs may take a few weeks, while projects requiring planning permits can take several months.

Planning permit timeframes vary between councils and project types. Straightforward applications may take a few months, while more complex proposals can take longer, particularly if further information is requested.

If available, it is helpful to provide:
- Certificate of Title
- Existing plans
- Land survey
- Photos of the site
- Details of your ideas and requirements
If you don't have these documents, we can advise on what is required.

Yes. Design is a collaborative process, and we encourage client feedback throughout the concept stage to ensure the final outcome aligns with your vision and requirements.

Yes. Budget considerations are an important part of the design process. We work with clients to develop practical and buildable solutions that align with their budget expectations.

Absolutely. We carefully consider site orientation, slope, access, planning controls and your project goals to develop designs that make the most of your property's opportunities.

Generally, site visits aren’t required, however can be arranged where required to better understand the property's conditions, constraints and opportunities.

Many projects benefit from a feature and level survey, particularly where planning permits or detailed documentation are required. We can advise if a survey is necessary for your project.

Yes. We have experience designing for a variety of site conditions, including sloping and irregularly shaped blocks.

Yes. We can assist in responding to requests for further information and work with councils to address concerns throughout the planning process.

Where appropriate, we can provide 3D visualisations or coordinate rendering services to help you better understand the proposed design before construction.

Yes. We can design new homes for clients looking to rebuild on their existing property and guide them through the documentation process.

Yes. We work on projects of varying sizes, from smaller alterations and additions through to new homes and larger developments.

We work with councils accross all of Victoria

As much as you'd like to be. We maintain clear communication throughout the project and involve you in key decisions to ensure the final outcome reflects your needs and preferences.

Our process generally includes:
- Initial consultation to discuss your project.
- Site and project assessment.
- Preparation of concept designs.
- Refinement of the preferred design.
- Planning permit documentation (if required).
- Preparation of working drawings and building documentation (if required)

GM Building Design combines over 10 years of industry experience with a practical understanding of building design, construction and subdivision processes. We pride ourselves on delivering detailed, buildable and client-focused solutions while maintaining clear communication from concept through to documentation.

Simply contact GM Building Design through our website enquiry form to discuss your project. We'll arrange an initial consultation and guide you through the next steps to bring your vision to life