top of page
Talk to our team now - available Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm
Call a Permit Specialist: (03) 9123 8998
A collection of articles for you


Permit Ease: Do I Really Need a Building Permit? Discover Permit Ease by Haven
When you’re planning a shed, verandah, carport or deck in Victoria, the building permit process can feel like the most confusing part of the project.
That’s exactly why Permit Ease exists. And why thousands of Victorian homeowners choose Haven to manage the entire process from start to finish.
Haven Design
Aug 282 min read


The Benefits of Adding a Deck Before the Warmer Weather (Victoria Edition)
The Benefits of Adding a Deck Before the Warmer Weather (Victoria Edition)
Haven Design
Aug 272 min read


Do You Need a Permit for a Carport in Victoria? Here's What You Need to Know
A clear guide to carport approval requirements in Victoria, so you can move forward with confidence. A well designed carport & building permit will protect your prized rides. Planning to build a carport at your Victorian home? You're not alone, carports are one of the most popular backyard and front-yard structures across the state. But before you pick up the phone to a builder, it's worth understanding exactly when you need approval, what documents you'll need, and how to av
Haven Design
Jul 92 min read


Building Guides & Permit Help. Everything You Need to Know About Building a Shed and Getting It Approved
From definition to design to council permits, Haven Design & Approve makes your shed project simple, legal, and built to last. Fully compliant plans & shed building permit means no sleepless nights. Whether you need somewhere to store the mower, house your tools, or finally give yourself the personal retreat you've been planning for years, a shed is one of the smartest investments you can make on your property. But before the first panel goes up, there's something even smarte
Haven Design
Jul 74 min read


Why So Many Backyard Projects Run Into Permit Problems in Victoria
Most homeowners assume a backyard project like a pergola, shed, deck, or carport is fairly straightforward. And getting the building permit will be similarly easy. Then the questions start. Do I need a permit? How close can it be to the boundary? Can I build over an easement? Why did council reject the design? This is where many Victorian homeowners start feeling overwhelmed. The reality is that even relatively small backyard structures are affected by the Part 5- Siting requ
Haven Design
Jun 91 min read


The Hidden Issues That Can Delay Backyard Projects
Most homeowners focus on the exciting part of a project. The design. The outdoor space. The finished result. But what often causes the biggest delays are the hidden compliance issues homeowners never expected. Some of the most common include: · Easements · Boundary setbacks · Site coverage limits · Fire separation rules · Incorrect classifications · Missing approvals For example, many people believe they are building a pergola when the stru
Haven Design
May 201 min read


Pergola or Verandah? Why the Difference Matters in Victoria
This is one of the most common permit mistakes homeowners make. They think they are building a pergola. But under Victorian regulations, the structure is actually classified as a verandah. Why does this matter? Because pergolas and verandahs follow completely different permit rules. A pergola is considered an open-framed structure without solid or waterproof roof sheeting. That means it may include: Battens Open rafters Shade cloth But once you add: Polycarbonate roofing Meta
Haven Design
May 151 min read


Shed Building Permits
Sheds are one of the most common backyard structures in Victoria. They are used for storing tools, lawnmowers, bicycles, and household items, and can range from small prefabricated metal kits to large custom-built timber or steel structures. Because of their variety in size and placement, sheds fall under specific siting requirements in Part 5 of the Building Regulations 2018 (Victoria) . Here's a few key points we'd like to share about obtaining a shed building permit in Vic
Haven Design
Dec 26, 20252 min read


Building a deck in Victoria
If you want to build or replace a new deck you must ensure that it is designed and constructed legally. This usually means that you will need to apply for a building permit. It also means that you will need to have the deck appropriately designed and documented. Haven Design & Approve can ensure that the design of your new deck meets Victorian building codes and requirements. We will check if the deck is fixed to a building and that the building can support the anticipated s
Haven Design
Jun 26, 20252 min read


Staying Cool under a Polycarbonate Roof
Let in the light but not the heat! Most people chose polycarbonate roof sheeting to let in plenty of light under their new verandah. But...
Haven Design
Jun 26, 20251 min read
bottom of page
