Documents You’ll Likely Need (WA)

In 30 seconds

Most delays are caused by missing documents, not bad work.
Different stages need different paperwork: planning (if required), building permit, insurance, and evidence/records.
Keep one “project folder” and update it as you go — it makes approvals, insurance, and selling later much easier.

Core project basics (start here)

Site details (address, lot details, title reference if available)
Project scope (what you are building/altering, and what’s excluded)
Contacts list (designer/draftsperson, engineer, building surveyor, trades, council)
A simple budget + contingency and a timeline (even a rough one)

Planning approval documents (if required)

In WA, planning approval is handled by your local council and depends on zoning and local planning rules. If planning approval applies, it generally needs to be sorted before a building permit is issued.

Common planning pack items

Site plan and proposed plans (to the level the council expects)
Written description of the proposal (scope and key measurements)
Any supporting reports required for your site (varies by council and project)
Evidence you’ve addressed council feedback (when revisions happen)

Planning approvals (WA) Terminology: Planning approval (WA)

Owner-builder documents (WA)

If your project requires Owner-Builder Approval, keep the approval outcome and any supporting evidence together. This can also be useful later if you need to explain your owner-builder status to others (insurer, surveyor, lender).

Owner-Builder Approval outcome (and any reference/receipt details)
Identity/eligibility evidence you provided (as applicable)
Any training/education completion evidence (if applicable)

Issued by (plain-English)

Issued by the Building Services Board, and administered by Building and Energy (DMIRS) (formerly handled by the Building Commission).

Owner-Builder Approval (WA) Terminology: Owner-Builder Approval (WA)

Building permit + construction documents

Building permits focus on building compliance and approved construction documents. The strongest owner-builder builds are the ones with clear, consistent plans that match what is actually built.

Common building permit pack items

Architectural drawings and specifications
Structural engineering (where required)
Energy efficiency / performance documentation (where required)
Evidence planning approval conditions are satisfied (if planning applied)
A list of mandatory inspection stages (and who signs off)

Common mistake

Getting a permit issued with “placeholder” documents, then changing the build without updating approvals. It often becomes a compliance and sign-off nightmare later.

Building surveyors (WA) Terminology: Building permit (WA)

Protections + insurance documents (before work starts)

Most construction-phase policies require evidence of what you are building, and that approvals are in place. Keep insurance documentation together, and update it if your scope changes.

Certificate of currency (contract works / construction insurance)
Public liability evidence
Any insurer correspondence about special conditions or disclosures
Trade insurances where relevant (especially for larger jobs)

Essential protections (WA)

During construction: evidence you’ll be glad you kept

Inspection bookings and sign-off records
Trade compliance certificates (electrical, plumbing, waterproofing, etc.)
Variation log (what changed, when, and why)
Invoices/receipts and warranties for key components
Photos of work before it’s covered (services, membranes, framing, etc.)

Simple tip

Create a single folder structure now (Planning / Permits / Insurance / Inspections / Trades / Photos / Variations). Keep it updated weekly and you’ll avoid 90% of “end of build” stress.

Back to the steps Next: After completion & selling (WA)