NSW & VIC · Plain English · Tailored to your address

Know what you can build before you spend a dollar

The free tool that tells Australian homeowners exactly what approval they need — in plain English, in 2 minutes.

Check my property free 6 questions · 2 minutes · Tailored to your address
6questions
2 minaverage time
3possible results
Freealways
How it works

There are only three possible approval paths in NSW and VIC

Most homeowners don't know which one applies to them until they've already paid a designer or called the council. ReadyBuild tells you in 2 minutes — before you spend anything.

Path 1

No approval needed

Small works like minor fences, small decks and internal changes often need no approval at all. You just build.

⚡ Start tomorrow
Path 2

Fast-track approval

Most granny flats, extensions and new homes on standard blocks qualify for the CDC pathway — no council, just a private certifier.

⏱ Around 20 working days
Path 3

Council approval

Heritage, bushfire and flood overlays, or larger projects, usually require a Development Application through council.

📅 8 to 16+ weeks

Whatever stage you're at, there's a guide for you

The tool

How ReadyBuild works

1
Tell us about your project
What are you planning — granny flat, extension, new home, pool, deck? Select everything that applies.
2
Tell us about your block
Your suburb, block size, and any known overlays like heritage or bushfire. We guide you through finding any information you don't have.
3
Get your plain English result
Exempt, CDC fast-track, or DA through council — with a timeline, typical approval costs, and the three things most likely to affect your specific project.
4
Know your next step
Book a free 15-minute call with RO-KA Studio to confirm your pathway — or share your brief if you'd like a designer's perspective on your project.

Ready to find out where you stand?

No council hotlines. No jargon. Just a clear answer for your specific property.

Check my property now
4 questions · 2 minutes · Free

Plain English guides to NSW building approvals

Built by a residential designer for NSW homeowners

ReadyBuild was built by a residential designer to help NSW homeowners understand what they can do with their property — before spending money on plans or consultants. Free to use, with the option to share your brief if you want a designer's perspective.