Tech Talks | powered by Buildable Approvals, hosted by Grant Johnsen

Retrospective Building Approvals.

Featuring Jareth from Approvable.

What Are Retrospective Building Approvals?

Ever wondered about retrospective building approvals? You’re not alone! In this episode of Tech Talks, Grant dives deep into this sometimes nerve-wracking topic with Jareth from Approvable, a specialist in getting approvals for buildings that are already built.

Who Needs Retrospective Approvals?

Jareth explains what retrospective approvals really are, who needs them (spoiler: it’s often everyday homeowners, not just developers), and why people find themselves needing to get their projects signed off. Whether it’s an unexpected council notice, selling your home, or just wanting to tidy things up for the future, there’s a lot to consider.

Real-Life Stories and Practical Advice

Hear real-world examples, practical tips, and a few surprises from the field. Jareth shares stories about homeowners who navigated the process, including those tense moments when council overlays or hidden structural issues come to light.

Challenges and Solutions: Navigating the Process

Grant and Jareth discuss the challenges—like discovering unknown problems, dealing with council requirements, and the stress of facing potential demolitions. Jareth explains how having a specialist on your side can bring calm to the chaos, especially when time and emotions are running high.

Why This Episode is a Must-Watch If you have unapproved works or simply want to understand how retrospective approvals work, this episode is packed with insights and advice. Tune in as we demystify the process and help you move forward with confidence.

Hit play and let’s make sense of retrospective building approvals together!

Disclaimer:

The information in this document is provided as a guide only and is of a general nature. Specific advice will vary depending on the individual construction circumstances. It may be necessary to check with relevant qualified persons when interpreting these requirements, or engage Buildable Approvals for a full assessment. Always obtain your own advice to ensure it is specific to your individual construction needs.

Smoother Building Approvals with Anthony from Buildable Approvals

Making the Approval Process Stress-Free

In episode 6, Grant sits down with Anthony from Buildable Approvals to reveal how you can streamline the building approval process and reduce stress at every stage.

Certifier Insights.The Little Details Matter

Anthony draws on years of real-world experience as a certifier, sharing how paying attention to small details—like clearly marking setbacks, showing service locations, and maintaining organised documentation—can make a big difference.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Learn about the most frequent mistakes people make during the approval process and why involving a certifier early can help you avoid costly delays.

The Power of Good Communication

Grant and Anthony discuss how strong communication between homeowners, builders, designers, and certifiers leads to smoother projects and fewer surprises down the track.

Practical Tips for a Hassle-Free Project

Whether you’re building, designing, or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help your next project go off without a hitch.

Tune in for insider strategies to make your building approval journey easier and more successful!

Building a Brighter Future with Energy Efficiency.

Featuring Helen Armstrong from House of Stars

Meet Helen Armstrong: A Passion for Sustainable Homes I

n this episode, Helen Armstrong from House of Stars shares her inspiring journey—from her family’s beginnings on Crib Island to decades of industry expertise. Helen is dedicated to making homes more sustainable, comfortable, and affordable for everyone.

Why Energy Efficiency Matters

Helen explains why energy efficiency is so important—not just for saving money, but for improving comfort and helping the environment. Hear real-life stories that highlight the practical benefits of building smarter and greener.

Adapting to Changing Building Codes

Discover how building codes have evolved and what these changes mean for homeowners, builders, and designers. Helen breaks down the new Whole of Home assessment and explains how it impacts your next project.

The Power of Communication

Learn why clear communication with building certifiers is essential for a smooth approval process and successful project outcomes.

Tips for Designing Sustainable, Affordable Homes

Helen shares actionable advice for anyone involved in building or renovating. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or designer, you’ll benefit from her practical, down-to-earth tips and industry insights.

Tune In for Insider Knowledge

Get inspired to create homes that are energy efficient, comfortable, and built for the future. Don’t miss Helen’s expert tips and warm, relatable stories on building better for people and the planet.

Disclaimer:

The information in this document is provided as a guide only and is of a general nature. Specific advice will vary depending on the individual construction circumstances. It may be necessary to check with relevant qualified persons when interpreting these requirements, or engage Buildable Approvals for a full assessment. Always obtain your own advice to ensure it is specific to your individual construction needs.

Making Development Approvals Easier with Joe from Plannable Town Planning

Inside the Life of a Town Planner

Welcome to episode 4 of Tech Talks! In this episode, we continue our conversation with Joe from Plannable as he shares what being a town planner truly involves—and how his expertise can simplify your development approval process.

Planners Do More Than Just Review Plans

Joe explains that planners aren’t just focused on plans. They’re constantly collaborating with councils, clients, and certifiers to ensure your project stays on track. By involving a planner early—ideally before purchasing a property or hiring an architect—you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your project is feasible from the start.

Understanding Application Types. Code vs Impact Assessable

Joe and Grant break down the two main types of development applications:

• Code Assessable: Quicker and more straightforward.
• Impact Assessable: More complex and time-consuming.

With council requirements getting more complicated, Joe’s top advice is to submit clear plans and provide plenty of information upfront to avoid delays.

Joe’s Pro Tip! Plan Early and Be Detailed

Joe’s final advice: “If you want your project to go smoothly, talk to a planner early and be detailed.”

Stay tuned for more industry insights, watch this space for Tech Talks Episode 5!

Disclaimer:

The information in this document is provided as a guide only and is of a general nature. Specific advice will vary depending on the individual construction circumstances. It may be necessary to check with relevant qualified persons when interpreting these requirements, or engage Buildable Approvals for a full assessment. Always obtain your own advice to ensure it is specific to your individual construction needs.

Avoid Costly Mistakes.

Insider Planning Tips from Joe at Plannable Town Planning

Meet Joe, 15+ Years of Planning Expertise

In this episode of Tech Talks, we welcome Joe from Plannable, a seasoned town planner with over 15 years of hands-on experience in the industry. Joe reveals essential tips for avoiding expensive setbacks in your next project, whether you’re building, subdividing, or adding a secondary dwelling.

Why Early Planning Pays Off

Discover why involving a planner early in your project can save you money, time, and unnecessary stress. Joe shares real-life stories, including cautionary tales where poor planning led to trouble, and inspiring examples where early intervention ensured project success.

Real Stories: Lessons Learned in the Field

Hear about actual projects that faced costly mistakes due to lack of proper planning—and what could have been done differently. Joe also highlights success stories where due diligence and proactive planning made all the difference.

Essential Advice for Builders and Developers

If you’re in construction, property development, or even just considering a small project, this episode is packed with actionable advice on due diligence, navigating council requirements, and working effectively with planning professionals.

Expert Insights for Project Success

Don’t miss Joe’s expert guidance and practical tips that can help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve the best possible outcome for your next build or development.

Tune in for planning strategies, compliance tips, and insider knowledge every builder, developer, and property owner needs to know!

Disclaimer:

The information in this document is provided as a guide only and is of a general nature. Specific advice will vary depending on the individual construction circumstances. It may be necessary to check with relevant qualified persons when interpreting these requirements, or engage Buildable Approvals for a full assessment. Always obtain your own advice to ensure it is specific to your individual construction needs.

Episode 2 of Tech Talks Building Classifications with Anthony & Sheryl

Let’s dive into building classifications with Anthony and Sheryl from Buildable Approvals, two expert certifiers passionate about making complex rules easy to understand!

Anthony and Sheryl’s journey as certifiers covers all kinds of builds, from homes and sheds to offices, hospitals, and warehouses. Along the way, they’ve helped designers, owners, and builders avoid common pitfalls and get approvals right the first time.

What Exactly Are Building Classifications?

If you’re confused by building classes, you’re not alone! In Episode 2, Anthony and Sheryl explain that building classification is all about how the National Construction Code (NCC) divides buildings based on their use and risk. That’s what determines the rules your project needs to follow.

Key Types

• Residential (Class 1 & 2): Houses, units, townhouses, and apartments.
• Commercial (Class 3-9): Offices, shops, hospitals, warehouses, and mixed-use spaces.

Why Does It Matter?

Getting your classification right up front means you get the right approvals, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure your building is safe and compliant. Anthony and Sheryl see most issues come from confusion between residential and commercial rules, or missing the details on secondary dwellings and mixed-use projects.

Rapid-Fire Classifications Cheat Sheet

• Class 1: Standalone houses, townhouses
• Class 2: Apartments, units
• Class 3: Hotels, motels
• Class 4: Caretaker’s residence in a commercial building
• Class 5-9: Offices, shops, hospitals, schools, warehouses, factories

Anthony and Sheryl’s Top Tips

• Clarify your building’s intended use early.
• Don’t assume, check the class before you design.
• Ask for expert help if you’re unsure.

Why Relationships Matter

For Anthony and Sheryl, great outcomes happen when certifiers, designers, and owners work together from the start. Open conversations make approvals smoother and projects less stressful.

What’s Next for Building Approvals?

Anthony and Sheryl see technology helping to clarify rules, but believe nothing replaces real-world experience and clear communication. They’re committed to raising industry standards and helping everyone simplify the process.

“We simplify the complex.”

P.S. If you found this helpful, share it with anyone building, designing, or renovating. Let’s make building a little less confusing for everyone!

Disclaimer:

The information in this document is provided as a guide only and is of a general nature. Specific advice will vary depending on the individual construction circumstances. It may be necessary to check with relevant qualified persons when interpreting these requirements, or engage Buildable Approvals for a full assessment. Always obtain your own advice to ensure it is specific to your individual construction needs.

Meet Rodney Byl: From Bricklayer to Certification Leader

Join us as Rodney Byl from Buildable Approvals shares his inspiring journey through Queensland’s construction industry. Starting as a bricklayer alongside his father, Rodney’s decades of practical experience and regulatory know-how now help homeowners, builders, and designers navigate the world of building certification.

How Building Certification Has Evolved

Discover how the certification process has changed over time. Rodney explains the shift from council-only approvals to the current system, where licensed certifiers like himself play a crucial, regulated role in ensuring safety and compliance for every project.

Understanding Development Approval (DA) vs Building Approval (BA)

Confused about DA and BA? Rodney breaks down what each approval means, why both are essential, and how the certification process protects everyone—homeowners, builders, and designers alike.

Why Early Communication Prevents Delays

Learn how early, clear communication between all parties can help avoid costly delays. Hear Rodney’s real-world stories about how a small design oversight can lead to weeks of extra paperwork, and get tips on staying ahead of common pitfalls.

Building Trust: The Key to Great Outcomes

Rodney reveals why strong relationships and trust between builders and certifiers lead to better, safer outcomes. He shares insider stories from inspections and on-site teamwork that highlight the benefits of collaboration.

Myth-Busting: What Certifiers Really Do

Think certifiers will “just approve anything”? Rodney sets the record straight, emphasizing the importance of integrity and strict standards in the certification process.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Building Certification

Explore how the industry is evolving, with a focus on combining robust systems with human judgment to lift standards and keep Queenslanders safe.

Building Approval Success

Get actionable advice, practical tips, and expert insights on navigating building approvals, avoiding common mistakes, and ensuring your next project is safe, compliant, and built to last. Perfect for homeowners, builders, and anyone interested in the future of Queensland’s built environment.

Disclaimer:

The information in this document is provided as a guide only and is of a general nature. Specific advice will vary depending on the individual construction circumstances. It may be necessary to check with relevant qualified persons when interpreting these requirements, or engage Buildable Approvals for a full assessment. Always obtain your own advice to ensure it is specific to your individual construction needs.