Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
type to best suit the owner-builder's ability and the desired end result. A good consultant
can establish timber sizes and other materials to be used that are within the realm of
normal construction. Most owner-builders would benefit from a construction schedule
that a good consultant can supply. This will negate many of the problems caused by
doing work out of the correct sequence - a challenge that many owner-builders face.
Depending on your personal ability, it may be appropriate to get the consultant to
produce a timber list for the construction. If you do get the timber list, be sure to get
specific details as to where each individual piece of timber is to be used, otherwise you
will likely cut the wrong timber for the wrong position and end up in a totally confused
mess. I have found that this type of confusion is what causes owner-builders to get
bogged down and disheartened. Make sure you understand the instructions about what
timber is to be used where. It needs to be clear and concise. Many owner-builders will
order materials in small quantities to avoid supply errors. This will reduce the likelihood
of errors, however, it is likely to lift the cost of the job, as it is difficult to buy materials at
a competitive rate when just buying bits and pieces. Furthermore, it is very frustrating if
you have three hours of daylight left and no materials to work with.
Engineering requirements
It is advisable to have an engineer check your plans for any areas that require specific
specifications prior to lodgement for a building permit. This may save you weeks when
getting the permit. Plans with incomplete documentation have a habit of ending up on
the bottom of the pile. It is the engineer that will supply the building surveyor with proof
of the structural integrity of the house. This is particularly important when building a
straw bale house, as it is still deemed as an alternative construction type.
The architect or draftsperson
Most owner-builders will employ the services of a draftsperson or architect to prepare the
plans and details for submission to the building surveyor. I have on one occasion
submitted drawings that I drew on graph paper and photocopied. It was a very small
extension for a customer with severe financial limitations and too few bedrooms to cater
for the needs of his growing family. I didn't have any difficulties getting the permit,
however it should be noted that it was a very simple weatherboard extension that did not
require a town-planning permit and was prior to the five-star energy rating requirements.
I would not recommend this approach for a straw bale house.
You need the building surveyor to have confidence in you as an owner-builder. If the
plans are not presented in a professional manner it may cause the building surveyor to
doubt your capacity to complete the project without causing him or her undue stress.
First impressions really do count. This does not mean that you should pay thousands of
dollars for fancy coloured plans. When the time comes to construct the house you need
drawings that are simple and clear. It is the general consensus of carpenters that drawings
from some architects have so much information that they are confusing. If the drawings
are confusing to a tradesperson, then how much more confusing would they be for an
owner-builder? Our building surveyor is sharp enough to look past fancy drawings to
ensure the details are full and correct. I would hope that your surveyor would do likewise.
If fancy plans are enough to influence your surveyor you have got a problem.
