Yes. In Perth, you’ll need Development Approval (DA) and a Building Permit before starting construction. These are enforced by your local council under WA’s planning and building laws.

Not always. A structural engineer must assess your existing foundations and walls to confirm if they can handle the extra load or if reinforcements are needed.

DA ensures your proposed addition complies with zoning, setbacks, height limits, overlooking, and overshadowing under the R-Codes and local planning scheme.

A Building Permit ensures the build meets structural and safety standards. It’s issued by your local council after a certified (BA1) or uncertified (BA2) application is lodged.

Yes. In WA, only a registered builder can undertake works over $20,000. They must be licensed with WA Building and Energy.

Often, yes. Many builders stage construction to minimize disruption. Some even offer modular second storeys that are installed quickly to reduce on-site time.

It depends on complexity but usually 4 to 6 months from start to finish. Approvals can take several weeks beforehand.

Costs range from $2,250 to $3,300 per m². A standard second-storey extension usually starts from $200,000 to $300,000+.

Possibly. Your council rates may increase due to the higher property valuation, and land tax may be affected if the property is an investment.

Yes. Most residential zones limit building height (e.g., 9m–10m for two storeys) under the R-Codes. Local councils may impose stricter limits.

Setbacks vary by zoning and wall height. For second storeys, you’ll often need at least 1.5m to 2.5m from side and rear boundaries.

Not for all builds, but if your addition affects privacy, overshadowing, or is a variation to R-Codes, you may need to notify neighbours and get their comments.

You can apply for a variation, but it must be justified with Design Principles and may trigger a consultation or referral to neighbours or planning staff.

Yes, but balconies must meet privacy requirements. You may need screening if they overlook adjoining properties.

Yes. All new additions must meet minimum 6-star energy efficiency ratings under WA building regulations.

Absolutely. Modular second storeys are popular in Perth for their speed, lower site disruption, and cost predictability.

Yes. Most banks offer renovation loans, equity loans, or construction loans for major home additions.

Yes. Roof-mounted equipment may need relocating or upgrading. Discuss with your builder to plan accordingly.

You’ll face stricter controls. Council may require the second storey to be set back, lower in scale, or use specific materials to match the area’s look.

Often yes. A professionally built second storey that adds bedrooms, bathrooms, or living space can significantly boost property value, especially in land-constrained suburbs.

Start with a site assessment from a builder or structural engineer. They’ll look at site slope, roof structure, and zoning limitations.

Yes. Using a private building certifier (BA1 application) typically speeds up the permit process compared to the council’s BA2 pathway.

Only if your property is in a bushfire-prone area. In that case, you’ll need a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment before design approval.

Usually not. Upper floors have stricter setback and privacy requirements. Boundary-to-boundary second-storey walls are generally not permitted unless special approval is given.