If you’re taking on the challenge of building or managing your own home, granny flat, shed, or renovation, first off, respect. As an owner-builder, you’re not just saving money, you’re making the project your own. But even with your hands on the tools or the tradies, one thing is non-negotiable: you need the right plans.

That’s where we come in.

At Perth Drafting, we provide professional drafting services tailored specifically for owner-builders in Western Australia. We deliver plans that are clear, compliant, and ready for council approval, without the designer price tag.

Who Is an Owner-Builder?

An owner-builder is someone who takes on the legal responsibility for a domestic building project without engaging a registered builder. You might be managing the trades, organising the materials, or even doing some of the building work yourself. You’ll also need to apply for an Owner-Builder Permit through the Building Commission (especially for projects valued over $20,000 in WA).

But whether you’re building a shed in the backyard or a full home extension, your council will require properly drafted plans to approve your project.

That’s where having the right draftsman can make or break the job.

Drafting Services for Owner-Builders

At Perth Drafting, we specialise in affordable, accurate, and fully compliant drafting services tailored to owner-builders. Whether it’s a granny flat, extension, patio, or a new home, we help you bring your ideas to life: while making sure the council says yes.

How We Help Owner-Builders

We help you turn your idea into reality by preparing:

• Site Plans (to show where the structure will sit)
• Floor Plans (to visualise layout, rooms, and functionality)
• Elevations (front, side, and rear views required by council)
• Sectional Drawings (if needed for complex builds)
• Shadow Diagrams (for privacy and overshadowing compliance)
• Room Layouts (for cabinet and tilers)
• Slab and plumbing layout
• Details (If needed)
• Council Submission Documentation (we help you lodge if needed)

We work with the R-Codes, local government policies, and Building Code of Australia standards—so your plans are not only functional, but also approvable.

Engineering and Energy Ratings Made Easy

As part of our drafting service, we can also assist with obtaining the required engineering documentation and energy efficiency assessments for your project. We work closely with trusted third-party consultants who provide structural engineering certifications and 7-star energy ratings both of which are often required for building permit approval in Western Australia. We’ll coordinate the process on your behalf so everything is aligned and ready for submission, saving you the stress of chasing multiple providers.

Owner-Builder Draftsman Process?

1. You send us:
   • A basic sketch or idea
   • A current site survey (or we can source one)
   • Any existing plans (or we help you request them from council)
2. We create:
   • Initial concept plans based on your vision
   • Fully compliant working drawings for your building permit
3. We assist with:
   • Council submissions
   • Engineering coordination
   • Energy efficiency certificates
4. You get:
   • Accurate, affordable plans ready for approval
   • Straightforward support and fast turnaround

Projects We Commonly Draft for Owner-Builders

We’ve worked with dozens of owner-builders across Perth and surrounding areas. Projects we commonly assist with include:

• Granny flats (ancillary dwellings)
• Renovations and home extensions
• Patios, pergolas, and verandahs
• Carports and garages
• Garden sheds and workshops
• New single-storey or two-storey homes (for experienced owner-builders)

Whether you’re sketching on paper or have your vision mapped out, we’ll help you turn it into formal plans that meet council standards.

What You’ll Need as an Owner-Builder in WA

To get started, you’ll typically need:

• A current copy of your Certificate of Title
• Basic measurements or photos of your property
• Your rough concept (a sketch, example image, or just an idea)
• If over $20,000: Owner Builder Permit from Building and Energy WA
• Engineerign sign off
• Building Permit approval (after your drafting is complete)

We can guide you through these requirements and provide additional support if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need council approval as an owner-builder?
Yes. Almost all structural works like granny flats, extensions, carports, and new builds require approval from your local council or a certifier. Even if you’re building it yourself as an owner-builder, you’re still legally required to meet the same standards. We help you prepare plans that meet R-Codes, zoning rules, and council expectations so your application gets approved with fewer delays.

What’s the difference between a draftsman and an architect for owner-builders?
A draftsman focuses on technical, compliant, and cost-effective plans, perfect for owner-builders managing their own projects. An architect offers broader design and project services, usually at a higher price. If you already know what you want and need plans for council and building permits, a draftsman is often the more practical and budget-friendly option.

Can you help me lodge my application to council?
Yes. While some owner-builders prefer to lodge their application themselves, we offer council submission support for those who want it. We can prepare all required documentation and help communicate with your local council, giving you peace of mind that the process is handled professionally.