Frequently asked questions
Is ClearDA advice?
No. ClearDA is general information drawn from official sources. It isn’t legal advice and it isn’t a certifier’s decision.
Can ClearDA approve my project?
No. ClearDA can’t give, grant or lodge any approval. Only the relevant decision-maker can do that, such as a building certifier, your council or another authority.
Do I need approval to relocate a house in Queensland?
Moving a house to a new site is building work that isn’t accepted (self-assessable) work, so it’s likely to need a building approval from a building certifier. The council where the house will sit decides on a security bond first.
Do I need approval for a shed?
A small Class 10 building is accepted building work only if its plan area is 10 m² or less, it’s 2.4 m high or less (mean height 2.1 m or less), no side is longer than 5 m, and it’s not in Wind Region C. Otherwise it needs a building approval.
Do I need approval for a deck?
If the deck is roofed, or more than 1 m above natural ground, it needs a building approval.
How much deposit can a builder ask for?
For home (domestic) building contracts, generally 10% for contracts over $3,300 and under $20,000, and 5% for $20,000 or more. Up to 20% is allowed only where more than half the contract price is for off-site work.
Do I need an owner-builder permit?
QBCC says owner-builder work over $11,000 (including GST) needs a QBCC owner-builder permit before work starts.
Which councils do you cover?
Lockyer Valley, Toowoomba, Somerset, Ipswich, Scenic Rim and Southern Downs, each with a full local section in every kit, except the house relocation kit, whose Ipswich section is partial.
What does the bundle include?
All 7 standard kits, with local sections for all 6 councils (the house relocation kit's Ipswich section is partial): $59.95. The house relocation kit is sold separately.
What if a kit doesn’t help?
Full refund within 30 days. See our refund policy.
General information only, not advice. ClearDA kits and the screener give general information drawn from official sources. They are not legal, planning, building, engineering or financial advice, and they are not a council's or building certifier's decision. Rules change, and council requirements, planning scheme overlays (such as flood, bushfire or heritage overlays) and site conditions vary from property to property. Each kit shows the date its sources were last checked, and doesn't cover changes after that date. Before you act, always confirm with your local council, a building certifier or another QBCC-licensed or suitably qualified professional, and use a licensed tradesperson where the law requires one.