Preparing a building project in the Northern Rivers
Before asking a builder to assess a project, gather the property information that could affect design, approvals, access and construction. The right checks depend on the actual site and council area. This guide points to official starting places; it cannot determine whether a property can be developed.
Five useful preparation steps
- Identify the council and site. Keep the property address in your own notes. Record land status, existing structures and access, then check the relevant council’s current maps and planning information.
- Check constraints early. Flood information and other constraints are site-specific. Record what you know, the source and date, and questions for council or a qualified adviser. A regional map or postcode is not a buildability decision.
- Assemble the design and approval picture. List current drawings, reports, approvals, conditions and unresolved questions. Ask council or a suitable professional what applies to your proposal.
- Explain scope and timing honestly. Describe the intended work and dependencies such as approvals or funding. Ask a builder about actual capacity instead of assuming availability.
- Prepare for a builder conversation. Use the project brief checklist and Service NSW licence check before progressing discussions.
Official local starting points
These are examples, not a complete list of Northern Rivers councils or a claim that PBC has builders available in each town. Check the current council information for your actual property.
- Ballina Shire: building and planning advice explains how to ask general or property-specific questions. Its property flood information and mapping page is a starting point for site-specific flood questions.
- Byron Shire: flood information for your property describes council information to consult for a particular site.
- Lismore: building and planning information covers development starting points; Know your flood risk provides council guidance for local flood questions.
Do not infer the safety, approval pathway or buildability of a particular property from this guide. Confirm current information with the relevant council and appropriate professionals.
When you have outlined your project, send your project enquiry to PBC. The service is free for homeowners. PBC reviews project readiness and suitability before considering an introduction. Reading this guide does not reserve a builder or submit a project request.