A

Approval Drawing

A drawing package prepared for review by the local authority before construction or development work is approved.

Architectural Drawing

Drawings that show the layout, rooms, elevations, sections, doors, windows, and general design of a building.

As-Built Drawing

A drawing that shows what is actually on site now, not what was originally proposed or designed.

B

Bill of Quantities

A detailed breakdown of the materials, labour, quantities, and costs needed to price construction work.

Building Estimate

An early cost guide that helps you understand what your project may cost before or during the planning stage.

Building Permit

Formal approval from the relevant authority that allows approved construction work to begin.

C

Certified Copy of Title

An official copy of your land title used to confirm ownership and property details for submission or legal purposes.

Construction Drawing

Detailed drawings used by builders and contractors to understand how the project should be built.

Covenant

A rule or condition attached to a land title that may affect what can be built or changed on the property.

D

Development Approval

Permission from the local authority for a proposed development, usually based on drawings and supporting documents.

Drainage Plan

A drawing that shows how stormwater, wastewater, or surface water will be managed on the property.

E

Elevation

A drawing that shows what the building looks like from the outside, usually from the front, back, or sides.

Extension

An addition to an existing building, such as adding a room, floor, shop space, verandah, or other usable area.

F

Floor Plan

A drawing that shows the rooms, walls, doors, windows, and layout of a building as if you are looking down from above.

Foundation

The lower part of a building that supports the structure and transfers its weight safely into the ground.

I

Identification Report

A surveyor's report that confirms the property boundaries and identifies the land for submission or legal purposes.

L

Land Title

The legal document that confirms ownership and key details of a property.

Layout

The arrangement of rooms, walls, spaces, entrances, and movement areas within a building.

M

Measured Survey

A site visit where an existing building or space is measured so accurate drawings can be prepared.

Municipal Submission

The process of submitting drawings and documents to the local authority for review and approval.

P

Parish Council Submission

The submission of drawings and supporting documents to the local authority for building or development approval.

Property Tax Certificate

Proof that property taxes are current. This is usually required before building approval can be granted.

Proposed Drawing

A drawing that shows the new design, addition, alteration, or improvement being recommended.

R

Renovation

Improvement or alteration of an existing building, usually to make it more useful, modern, or suitable for the owner's needs.

Restrictive Covenant

A condition on the land title that may limit how the property can be used, changed, or developed.

S

Section

A drawing that shows the building as if it has been cut through vertically, helping to explain heights, floor levels, roof structure, and internal relationships.

Setback

The required distance between a building and the property boundary, road, or neighbouring lot.

Site Plan

A drawing that shows the building on the land, including boundaries, access, setbacks, parking, and other site features.

Structural Report

A technical report prepared by an engineer to comment on the condition, strength, or proposed structural work of a building.

Surveyor’s ID Report

A report that confirms the legal boundaries of your land and is required for most building submissions.

T

Topographic Survey

A survey showing land levels, slopes, boundaries, and site features. It helps guide design, drainage, and site planning.

TRN

Taxpayer Registration Number. This may be required as part of the client identification documents for submission.

Z

Zoning

Planning rules that guide what type of development may be allowed in a particular area.

Plain-English answers to the questions everyone asks.

A

Approval Drawing

Architectural Drawing

As-Built Drawing

B

Bill of Quantities

Building Estimate

Building Permit

C

Certified Copy of Title

Construction Drawing

Covenant

D

Development Approval

Drainage Plan

E

Elevation

Extension

F

Floor Plan

Foundation

I

Identification Report

L

Land Title

Layout

M

Measured Survey

Municipal Submission

P

Parish Council Submission

Property Tax Certificate

Proposed Drawing

R

Renovation

Restrictive Covenant

S

Section

Setback

Site Plan

Structural Report

Surveyor’s ID Report

T

Topographic Survey

TRN

Z

Zoning