Legalising Your Outdoor Living Space
Perth’s climate is made for outdoor living. It’s no surprise that backyards across the city are filled with patios, pergolas, sheds, and alfresco extensions. However, many homeowners discover too late that these structures were built without the necessary council permits.
Whether it was a DIY weekend project by the previous owner or an oversight by an unlicenced tradesperson, unapproved structures carry significant legal and financial risks.
Why Council Approval Matters in WA
- Wind Regions and Tie-Downs: Perth experiences severe storms and high winds, particularly in coastal and hills areas. If a patio or shed isn’t engineered and tied down to the correct wind rating, it can become a dangerous projectile during a severe weather event.
- Property Boundaries and Fire Safety: Structures built too close to boundary fences without proper fire-rated materials breach the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and can severely impact your insurance cover if a fire breaks out.
The Cost of Selling (or Buying) Illegal Structures
The most common time unapproved structures come to light is during the sale of a property. Savvy buyers will request council plans during their due diligence phase. If an unapproved extension is discovered, buyers will often demand a massive price reduction, delay settlement, or pull out of the sale entirely.
Furthermore, if the local council becomes aware of an illegal structure, they can issue a demolition order, forcing you to tear it down at your own expense.
You don’t necessarily have to demolish an unapproved addition. In many cases, you can apply to your local council to have the structure legalised after the fact. This process requires a thorough inspection by a registered building surveyor to certify that the structure meets current safety standards.
If you have discovered illegal additions on your property, Hills Building Consultants can guide you through the process of securing retrospective building approvals. We assess the structure, outline any necessary remedial works, and provide the certification needed to satisfy the council, ensuring your property is safe, legal, and ready for sale.