SA: Documents you’ll likely need (simple checklist)
A practical checklist of documents most owner-builders gather for planning, building approval, inspections and completion.
This is a general checklist — your council / building surveyor may require additional items.
In 60 seconds
- Your approvals move faster when documents are consistent (site plan matches drawings, engineering matches structure).
- Most owner-builders lose time on missing certificates late in the job.
- Set up folders before you start (Planning / Building / Inspections / Trades / Completion).
Planning stage (if required)
- Site plan (boundaries, setbacks, existing features)
- Floor plans and elevations
- Shadow diagrams (where required)
- Stormwater / drainage concept (where required)
- Any specialist reports triggered by overlays (bushfire, heritage, flooding, etc.)
Building approval stage
- Construction drawings + specifications
- Engineering (as applicable)
- Energy efficiency / performance documentation (as required)
- Soil test / footing design inputs (as required)
- Planning conditions (if planning approval was required)
During construction (inspections & evidence)
- Inspection schedule (written)
- Inspection outcomes / sign-offs
- Trade compliance certificates (electrical / plumbing etc.)
- Photo evidence at each stage (before covering work)
- Variations log (what changed, when, and why)
Completion pack (end of job)
- Final approval / occupation documentation
- All compliance certificates (compiled)
- Warranties, manuals, receipts
- As-built notes/photos (where services run)