Questions we get asked
Straight answers about how we work, NSW approval rules and what to check before you hire a builder.
Working with us
What areas do you work in?
We are based in Oatley and work across the Canterbury-Bankstown, Georges River and Sutherland Shire council areas in southern Sydney.
What kind of work do you do?
Carpentry and building for homes and small businesses: timber framing, renovations and extensions, decks and pergolas, pool cabanas, kitchens, roof carpentry, cladding and eaves, fencing, carports, garden sheds, cubby houses, and repairs and maintenance.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Urban Craft Constructions is licensed and insured for residential building work in NSW.
Are quotes free?
Yes. Quotes are free and there is no obligation. We talk through the job on the phone, visit the site to measure up, then give you a written quote.
Do you take on small jobs?
Yes. Repairs and small carpentry jobs are a regular part of our work. If you have a list of jobs, we can often get through them in one visit.
Do I need council approval for a deck or pergola?
Not always. In NSW a deck or pergola can be built without approval as exempt development if it is no more than 25 m², its floor is no more than 1 m above ground, it is no higher than 3 m and it meets the setback and other standards. Larger or higher decks need approval.
How high can a fence be without approval in NSW?
In most residential zones, side and rear fences can be up to 1.8 m (1.2 m if masonry) and fences facing a road up to 1.2 m as exempt development.
Do you build on bushfire-prone land?
Yes. Parts of the Sutherland Shire and Georges River are bush fire prone. We check your property's bushfire attack level (BAL) and choose materials that suit it.
What should a builder give me before work starts?
For work over $5,000, a licensed contractor and a written contract. For work over $20,000, a full home building contract and evidence of home building compensation insurance. In NSW the deposit can be no more than 10% of the contract price.
Can you work with my designer, engineer or certifier?
Yes. We regularly build from architectural plans and structural engineering, and work with certifiers on jobs that need approval.
Framing
Do you frame for builders and owner-builders?
Yes. We frame for builders, owner-builders and homeowners. Send us the plans and engineering and we will quote the frame.
What do you need to quote a frame?
Architectural plans, the structural engineering (including any bracing and tie-down details) and a rough start date. A site visit helps if the job is an extension to an existing house.
Pool houses & cabanas
Does a pool cabana need council approval in NSW?
Small cabanas can be exempt development if they meet the standards in the NSW Codes SEPP, including size, height, setbacks and bushfire rules. Cabanas cannot be used as living space under the exempt rules. Larger pool houses, or anything with plumbing, usually need approval. We check which pathway applies before we quote.
Can you add a shower or toilet to a pool house?
Yes, working with a licensed plumber. Water and sewer connections need approval from your water utility, council or both, so we allow for that in the plan.
Kitchen makeovers
Can you keep my existing kitchen layout?
Yes. Keeping plumbing and electrical points where they are is usually the most cost-effective way to renovate a kitchen.
Who does the plumbing and electrical work?
Licensed plumbers and electricians we work with regularly. We organise them so you have one point of contact for the job.
Renovations & extensions
Does a home extension need approval in NSW?
Almost always. Depending on the site and the design it may go through council as a development application or be approved as complying development by a certifier. We can talk you through the likely pathway.
Do you need a contract and insurance for an extension?
Yes. In NSW, residential building work over $20,000 needs a written contract and home building compensation insurance before any money is paid.
Roof carpentry
Can you repair sagging or rotted roof timbers?
Yes. We inspect the roof space, find the cause (often a leak or undersized timbers) and replace or strengthen what is needed.
Fencing
How high can a fence be in NSW without approval?
In most residential zones, side and rear boundary fences can be up to 1.8 m (1.2 m if masonry) as exempt development. Front fences, and fences in the setback to a road, are limited to 1.2 m. Heritage, foreshore and flood-control lots have extra restrictions.
Who pays for a dividing fence?
Neighbours usually share the cost of a sufficient dividing fence under the Dividing Fences Act 1991. Talk to your neighbour early. We can give you a quote to share with them.
Decks & pergolas
Do I need approval for a deck in NSW?
Not always. A deck or pergola can be exempt development if it is no more than 25 m², its floor is no more than 1 m above ground, it is no higher than 3 m, it sits behind the building line and it is at least 900 mm from the boundary in most residential zones, along with other standards. Otherwise you need approval.
Is timber or composite decking better?
It depends on how much upkeep you want, your budget and your bushfire rating. Timber needs regular oiling. Composite needs less maintenance but usually costs more up front.
Cladding & eaves
Can you replace damaged eave linings?
Yes. We replace damaged or sagging eave linings and repair the timber behind them. If the damage came from a roof leak, we find and fix that too.
Repairs & maintenance
Do you take on small repair jobs?
Yes. Small jobs are a big part of what we do. Make a list and we will work through it in one visit where possible.
Can you repair a rotten deck instead of replacing it?
Often, yes. If the frame is sound we can replace damaged boards and joists. If the structure has rot or termite damage, replacement may be safer.
Garden sheds & beds
Do I need approval for a garden shed?
Not if the shed meets the exempt development standards in the NSW Codes SEPP (clauses 2.17 and 2.18). On bush fire prone land it must be built from non-combustible materials. We check the standards for your lot before building.
Carports
Can I build a carport without council approval in NSW?
Often, yes. As exempt development, a carport can be up to 20 m² on lots of 300 m² or less, or 25 m² on larger residential lots, no higher than 3 m, at least 1 m behind the building line and 900 mm from side boundaries, with at least two sides open. Other standards also apply.
Tell us about your next job
Quotes are free and there's no obligation. Call, email, or send the details and we'll come back to you.