Terms of Service

This Terms of Service outlines the conditions under which BNE Building Design provides building design and drafting services. They are intended to ensure clarity, transparency, and alignment throughout the design process.

1. Scope of Services

BNE Building Design provides residential building design and drafting services, including preparation of documentation suitable for planning approval and construction pricing.

Our services may include:

• Design consultation
• Site inspection and property measure
• Council searches, flood checks, and underground infrastructure searches
• Preparation of concept plans for client sign-off
• Documentation for approvals and builder pricing
• Coordination with external consultants through to project completion

We do not provide construction services, project management, contract administration, or site supervision.

2. What Is Not Included

Unless specifically agreed in writing, our fees do not include:

• Surveying
• Structural, civil, or hydraulic engineering
• Energy efficiency reports
• Building certification
• Council or government fees
• Town planning advice

These services are provided by external consultants and are engaged separately by the client.

3. Appointments & Consultations

Initial consultations are conducted by appointment only and typically include a design discussion and site measure-up.

Consultations are intended to:

• Discuss project ideas and site constraints
• Review feasibility at a high level
• Confirm suitability to proceed to design documentation

No drawings, approvals, or pricing guarantees are provided during consultations.

4. Fees, Payment & Refunds

• All packages are outlined on the pricing page and selected at the time of booking a consultation.
• An invoice will be issued following engagement of services after the initial consultation.
• Payment must be made in full prior to receipt of the first iteration of design drawings.
• Fees paid for completed work are non-refundable, unless the plans are not materially suitable for building approval by a private certifier and construction estimates by a licensed builder.
• All prices are inclusive of GST.

5. Variations & Additional Work

• Each package includes two complimentary revisions within the agreed scope of works.
• Additional revisions are charged at an hourly rate of $120.
• If the scope changes following the initial consultation, the package may be amended to suit the revised scope.
• If the scope changes after the first design iteration, a new invoice will be issued with a 35% fee reduction on the new package (excluding deck or carport additions).

6. Approvals & Outcomes

While documentation is prepared to be suitable for approvals, approval outcomes are not guaranteed.

Approval outcomes may depend on factors including:

• Planning controls and overlays
• Council or certifier assessment
• External consultant inputs

Where changes are required by authorities or consultants during the approval process, those changes will not incur additional fees.

7. Reliance on Information

BNE Building Design operates on a feasibility-first basis to respond to known site constraints and budget considerations before clients engage additional consultants.

While reasonable care is taken, certain project parameters cannot be confirmed until external consultants are engaged, including:

• Site and boundary survey information
• Structural engineering requirements
• Builder pricing, material availability, and construction costs

8. Intellectual Property

• All drawings and documentation remain the intellectual property of BNE Building Design.
• Upon full payment, clients are granted permission to use the drawings solely for approvals, pricing, and construction of the approved project.
• Drawings may be shared with builders, certifiers, and consultants as required.
• Reuse, modification, or reproduction for other projects or sites is not permitted without written consent.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Our liability is limited to the value of the services provided.
• We are not liable for construction costs, builder performance, delays, or variations outside the issued documentation.
• We are not responsible for outcomes beyond the design and documentation phase.

10. Communication

• Communication is primarily conducted via email.
• Response times may vary outside standard business hours.
• We aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe.

11. Termination

• Either party may terminate services in writing.
• Fees for work completed up to termination are non-refundable.
• A refund may apply only if plans are not suitable for private certification and builder pricing.

12. Updates to These Terms

These Terms of Service may be updated from time to time. The version in effect at the time of booking or engagement will apply.

13. Acceptance

By booking an appointment or proceeding with our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms of Service.