Frequently Asked Questions

Many of the people who contact AKTIV Engineering need some assistance to understand the construction process. 

Let us help navigate you through the process of how to turn your ideas into a well-developed set of Structurally Drafted Plans that are ready for obtaining Building Approval Prior to commencing Construction.

BEFORE YOU CALL

  • Do you have existing house plans? If not, can you acquire them from Council?
  • Do you have a Council Sewer Plan of the property?
  • Do you have a scan / photo of any drawings / sketches you have done that could assist us in the design?
  • Do you have any photos of the area?
  • Do you have any photos of similar projects that you liked features of?

SCENARIO 1 - PATIO WITH NO PLANS

Client has an idea for a Proposed Patio, but has no Drafted Plans.

In this scenario the Client will require:

  • A Site Inspection to measure the site and take photos
  • Preliminary Drawings (Plans) showing the location of the Patio on the property for client review
  • Structural Engineering Analysis
  • Engineering Drawings & Form 15 Certificate of Design Compliance
  • Plans & Form 15 are submitted by client to their Building Certifier for arranging Building Approval

SCENARIO 2 - PATIO WITH EXISTING PLANS

Client has existing architectural House Plans that include a Proposed Patio. The plans show patio dimensions, site dimensions including distances to boundaries, and all aspects of the existing dwelling, but no Structural Engineering detail.

In this scenario the Client will require:

  • A Site Inspection may be required to confirm measurements & structural tie-ins
  • Accompanying Structural Engineering drawings prepared
  • Structural Engineering Analysis & Reviews completed
  • Form 15 of Design Compliance

SCENARIO 3 - PATIO DESIGN HAS CHANGED

Client has existing House Plans that include a Proposed Patio. The plans show patio dimensions, site dimensions including distances to boundaries, and all aspects of the existing dwelling. Engineering drawings have also been done but some aspects of the design have changed.

In this scenario the Client will require:

  • Structural Engineering Analysis of amendments
  • Existing Engineering Plans to be annotated and stamped with a Certification Stamp
  • Form 15 of Certificate of Design Compliance

TYPICAL WORK FLOW

The order is which most jobs are done goes something like this:

  1. Client contacts AKTIV to get project started.
  2. AKTIV staff undertake a Site Inspection to better understand clients needs, measure up the site including proposed works, review existing Structures where applicable and take photos for reference.
  3. Preliminary Drawings are developed including 3D Perspective views for client review.
  4. Once the Client is happy with the Preliminary Plans, then the full set of Structurally Drafted Plans are compiled which includes Structural Engineering Design & Analysis for Cyclonic Wind and other associated load conditions.
  5. Final Plans are then issued to the Client including the Form 15 Certificate of Design Compliance.
  6. These documents are then issued to your Building Certifier who will arrange Council Submissions & Building Approval prior to Construction. These plans are also used for obtaining a quote from your Builder for Construction.
  7. We might leave this out for a typical work flow: If Council Approval is required, the Preliminary Drawings are Submitted to Council (usually via an independent Building Certifier).