- Can you please educate me along the way?
- Can you take care of everything for me?
- Can you email me all of the plans and documentations in PDF?
- Can you show me some of your work?
- Can you only do stage 1 or 2 for me?
- Can I use my own engineer, soil tester, energy rater, surveyor etc… ?
- How long does it take from the first sketch until we submit to council?
- What happens if the council rejects my application?
- What are my siteâs opportunities and constraints?
- Have you had experience with this council before?
- Have you designed anything in my area?
- What do you specialise in?
- Can you also do the town planning stage (stage 1), and working drawings / documentation stage (stage 2) for me once the permit is issued, and subdivision (stage 3)?
- When can I expect the first sketch?
- Can you walk me through all the stages as I need to?
- What other services do you offer?
- How many bedrooms will there be?
- What’s the process?
- What are the costs involved?
- When can I expect my permit?
- How long does council take to look at the proposal?
- How long does it take from your end?
- How many units can I fit on the site?
- I’m looking at buying this site, could you please let me know what you think of it?
- Can you please have a look at this site for me?
Can you please educate me along the way?
Of course! We like to educate you along the way so that you know where to buy next. We like to be able to keep you up to date with the whole process, as it makes our job easier the next time around.
Can you take care of everything for me?
Yes of course. We can look after the whole process for you, and at the end just give you one package with all the relevant documentation that you will require to start construction. This is very normal from our end, and we like to complete all of the works for you, as we know that nothing will be left out that may slow down construction at a later stage.
Can you email me all of the plans and documentations in PDF?
Yes. We will email you any format that you like. We can send PDF, CAD drawings, whatever you like. No problem.
Can you show me some of your work?
Of course. Please click onto the gallery to view some of our latest work. We have more work that we can show you, if you would like to pop in and visit us.
Can you only do stage 1 or 2 for me?
No problem. If you would like to use our team for only one of the stages, then that is OK. We have completed many town planning applications for builders who have their own in-house team to complete the working drawings. Likewise, we have completed working drawings for clients that have used someone else to complete their town planning drawings. We are simple. Either way for us, it is no problem.
Can I use my own engineer, soil tester, energy rater, surveyor etc… ?
Of course. We offer the consultants that we have worked with for years for you to use, but if you have your own team of consultants, or have a friend or relative that you wish to use, then that is no problem. Just forward to us their details and we will work with them directly.
How long does it take from the first sketch until we submit to council?
Once you are satisfied with the design and give us the green light to finalise, we can have the plans ready for council submission within 3-5 days.
What happens if the council rejects my application?
There is always the option to have your application reviewed by VCAT. This again depends on each and every application, as their each have their own opportunities, constraints and characteristics.
What are my siteâs opportunities and constraints?
There are a number of items to consider here, such as: front setbacks, north orientation, street access, neighbouring buildings and windows, adjoining structures, levels of the land, and more. Contact us directly if you would like us to view your site and provide some free feedback.
Have you had experience with this council before?
Yes, we have dealt with EVERY council in Victoria. Brimbank City Council, Darebin City Council, Hobsons Bay City Council, Hume City Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Maribyrnong City Council, Melton Shire Council, Moonee Valley City Council, Moreland City Council, Wyndham City Council.
For a list of specific areas that we cover, please click here.
Have you designed anything in my area?
We have designed over 6000 dwellings in our time. So chances are that were the actual designers of the property next door to you, or down the road.
What do you specialise in?
We specialise in unit designs, and town planning applications in Melbourne. We also design individual houses all across Melbourne, but our passion is squeezing units into tight spaces. We have been pushed by our previous clients to provide maximum site coverage with minimum space, and we got good. Very good!
Can you also do the town planning stage (stage 1), and working drawings / documentation stage (stage 2) for me once the permit is issued, and subdivision (stage 3)?
Yes, we can do all of the above for you. We aim to make the whole process as seamless and as painless as possible
When can I expect the first sketch?
Normally within a few days.
Can you walk me through all the stages as I need to?
Of course! We like to educate you along the way so that you know where to buy next. We like to be able to keep you up to date with the whole process, as it makes our job easier the next time around.
What other services do you offer?
We offer a full range of services, you can check them all out using the “services” drop down menu in the main top navigation.
How many bedrooms will there be?
Again, depends on the site. Call or fill in the form to schedule a free site evaluation and we’ll let you know what we think is possible.
What’s the process?
Good question! That’s why we created the “How It Works” page. That page will tell you everything you need to know about the Xpress Building Design process and what happens when you work with us. Click here to learn more.
What are the costs involved?
We try and customize our services based on our clientelles individual needs and budget. For aa free, no obligation custom quote just call 9310 8800 or fill in one of the forms on this website and we’ll get back to you.
When can I expect my permit?
Generally, from the time you start, until your permit, is on average 4 months. We have seen some of the fastest permits which were obtained in 6 weeks from commencement, and some take up to 8 months. It really depends on each and every application. Generally speaking, if your neighbours lodge an objection, then it can slow things down.
How long does council take to look at the proposal?
The council has 60 days to assess your proposal depends on how busy they are. Generally, they will look at the application within 14 days and get back to us with some feedback or comments.
How long does it take from your end?
The first sketch is normally done within a few days and sent over to you for your review. From there, it is really up to you how long it takes. We can slow things down or speed things up as you please. The quickest that we can have plans done is around 5-7 days.
How many units can I fit on the site?
Naturally, this depends on the unique opportunities and constraints of each individual site, you can contact us for a free site evaluation and one of our designers will be able to have a look at it and tell you what’s possible with your site.
I’m looking at buying this site, could you please let me know what you think of it?
Yes we can, just call or contact us and we’ll have a look at it and let you know if we think it has the potential to be a profitable site.
Can you please have a look at this site for me?
Yes of course, we offer free site evaluations. Just call us on 9310 8800 or fill in one of the forms on the website and we’ll get back to you about scheduling a free, no obligation site evaluation.