Preliminary building enquiry for more planning security
In today's world, where sustainability and alternative forms of living are becoming increasingly important, more and more people are opting to build a Tiny House. But before the adventure can begin, careful planning is essential.
An important measure to achieve planning security is to apply for a preliminary building enquiry. But what exactly is a preliminary building enquiry and how can it help to realise the dream of a tiny house?
What is a preliminary building enquiry?
A preliminary building enquiry is an official application to the building authorities to obtain information and a binding opinion on a planned construction project. It enables future builders to obtain clarity about the eligibility for approval of their project before the actual purchase of the property and before construction begins.
The preliminary building enquiry should be submitted as early as possible, ideally before the property is purchased. By submitting the application at an early stage, potential obstacles and problems can be recognised and avoided in good time. A preliminary building enquiry therefore provides an important basis for decision-making as early as the purchase and planning phase.
If developers have already purchased a plot of land or are about to do so, they have the option of submitting a preliminary building enquiry. This involves checking whether the planned building project is generally permitted. A preliminary building enquiry can therefore always be useful if clients have a concrete idea of their own four walls, but do not know exactly whether any building regulations are against it.
Building law or design regulations could, for example, result from the current development plan for the property. If your own ideas differ from those in the development plan or if there is no development plan at all, it makes sense to submit a preliminary building enquiry. The potential building project is then examined and either approved or rejected. In this way, future building owners receive a legally secure planning basis.
Who can submit a preliminary building enquiry?
In principle, anyone planning a specific building project may submit a preliminary building enquiry. These can be private developers, architects or construction companies. Professional support can help to avoid potential errors and ensure that the preliminary building enquiry meets the requirements of the building authority.
An architect can submit a detailed preliminary building enquiry and knows the tips and tricks to successfully implement the project.
This text was published in Kleiner-Wohnen-Magazin (issue 2024/2025). The author is Anne Kozlowski. She is a tiny house architect and an expert on sustainable and alternative ways of living. Those interested can find the full article and the entire issue of the magazine HERE.
