McMahons Point Building Designer & Draftsman | Homes and Extensions

Is council approval needed for a new home in McMahons Point?
Yes, almost all new homes require a development application, evaluated against the local council’s guidelines for height, floor space ratio, setbacks, and landscaped areas. Given the prevalent slopes and tree coverage in McMahons Point, additional conditions tend to apply to custom home designs, which is why we verify the site and controls before drafting begins.

What does it take to extend an older home in McMahons Point?
Most extensions require official approval, especially for second storey additions or any changes to the house’s footprint. Our home extension drafting for McMahons Point initiates with an accurate measurement of the existing house, as the new construction must align with the pre-existing roof, floor levels, and structure before any new wall or window is designed.

Can a granny flat be built on my McMahons Point property?
In nearly all cases, the key issue is identifying the correct pathway rather than determining if it’s feasible. A secondary dwelling on a standard McMahons Point plot that complies with size, setback, and open space criteria can often proceed under a complying development certificate. If there are significant slopes or heritage restrictions, our granny flat drafting would follow a comprehensive development application.

Do backyard studios require approval in this area?
Smaller constructions may sometimes qualify as exempt developments in New South Wales, but careful alignment must occur with height, size, boundary distances, and zoning. Our outdoor building drafting service evaluates your McMahons Point block against prevailing regulations before any drawings commence, clarifying the applicable approval process early.

What must a pool application in McMahons Point include?
Pool applications are reviewed based on setbacks, excavation, drainage, and compliance with pool barriers, with McMahons Point’s sloping yards typically necessitating considerations for retaining and levels as well. Our pool drafting service meticulously outlines the pool shell, surroundings, fencing line, and excavation details in advance of submission, ensuring that these elements do not delay the application when reviewed by assessors.

Why do so many McMahons Point projects include a retaining wall?
Much of McMahons Point’s terrain slopes towards nearby valleys, necessitating retaining walls in many rear yard projects. Our retaining wall drafting incorporates heights, materials, footings, and drainage features that an engineer can certify, meeting required standards for any wall of significant height or proximity to boundary lines.

Is council approval necessary for decks or pergolas in McMahons Point?
This depends on the structure’s height, location, and how visible it is to neighbouring properties. On closely spaced McMahons Point blocks, an elevated deck might raise concerns about privacy and overshadowing, necessitating our deck and pergola drafting to address height, screening, and boundary spacings before submission, averting later inquiries from the council.

Can I build a garage on a narrow McMahons Point lot?
Often, this is possible, particularly when the constraints of a narrow frontage, including the front building line, street tree, and driveway, are carefully managed. Our garage drafting service thoroughly checks what a McMahons Point frontage permits, which can determine whether the project proceeds as a full development application or falls under a complying development.

Is approval required for adding a new driveway or crossover?
Yes, permission is needed when any changes to vehicle access, gradients, or kerbs are made. Both the council and the road authority have input, setting standards for gradient transitions, visibility lines, and drainage. Our driveway drafting for McMahons Point addresses these standards clearly within the plans, streamlining the application review process with the right criteria the first time.

Is a carport exempt development in McMahons Point?
Sometimes, although forward-of-home covered parking is heavily regulated and varies between streets across McMahons Point. Our carport drafting service initially verifies what the specific frontage allows, thereafter crafting an attached or standalone carport compatible with the house and appropriate approval process for your lot.

Does a kitchen renovation need council approval?
Often, kitchen renovations maintaining the existing layout do not require a development application. However, renovations involving structural changes, wall removals, or enlargements typically do. Our kitchen drafting service for McMahons Point homes documents changes such as wall removals, new openings, and service alterations, providing a detailed plan for builders and cabinetmakers to accurately follow.

What does bathroom drafting include for a McMahons Point home?
In older McMahons Point residences, optimising bathroom space often involves relocating walls or utilising hallway areas rather than enlarging the overall footprint. Our bathroom drafting service comprehensively illustrates layout adjustments, fixture placements, and waterproofing specifications needed by trades to price accurately and build precisely without guesswork.

Can you manage DA and CC submissions with the local council?
Yes, our DA and CC drafting service for McMahons Point provides comprehensive handling from start to conclusion. We also manage information requests received from either the council or your certifier. In cases of qualifying developments, we can engage with a private certifier instead, which often presents a speedier approval pathway.