What Happens If You Ignore an Unapproved Structure?

It’s tempting to leave it alone. The shed’s been there for years, nobody’s complained, and dealing with it feels like opening a can of worms. We understand the instinct. But it’s worth knowing what can actually happen if an unapproved structure is left unaddressed, so you can make an informed decision rather than just hoping for the best.

Local councils have the power to investigate buildings that appear to have been constructed without approval. This can be triggered by a neighbour’s complaint, an inspection, or something coming to light during a sale or a separate application.

If a council determines that a structure isn’t approved, it can issue orders. Depending on the circumstances, that might mean being required to obtain approval, make changes, or in some cases remove the structure altogether. There can also be financial penalties involved so its better to solve it now and cover yourself for the foreseeable future.

Beyond the council side of things, an unapproved structure can quietly cause problems in other ways. It can complicate a future sale, affect insurance claims if something goes wrong, and create headaches for whoever owns the property down the track.

The reassuring part is that addressing it is usually far less painful than people expect. In many cases a Building Information Certificate provides a clear, certified position on the existing structure and puts the matter to rest.

If you’ve got something on your property that’s been sitting in the “I’ll deal with it one day” pile, that day is a lot easier to face with the right help. We’re happy to take a look and let you know the simplest way forward.