Expert Building Design in Balgowlah

Balgowlah offers the best of both worlds—urban convenience and coastal calm. Located just minutes from Manly, this sought-after suburb features a mix of heritage homes, duplexes, and family dwellings on leafy streets. Many homeowners here are upgrading or extending older properties to better suit modern lifestyles while preserving the area’s character.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Balgowlah. Whether you’re extending a Federation-style home, planning a full knockdown-rebuild, or designing a dual occupancy on a corner block, we work with Northern Beaches Council regulations and your long-term vision in mind.

We proudly serve Balgowlah with smart, stylish building designs that align with local character and council controls.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Balgowlah?

  • Character-Sensitive Upgrades: Perfect for extending or restoring classic homes

  • Dual Occupancy & Duplex Specialists: Smart density that suits the street

  • Tailored for Urban-Coastal Life: Balancing privacy, sunlight, and open living

  • Heritage and Streetscape Awareness: Designs that respect the suburb’s look

  • Seamless Approvals: We handle heritage impact statements, shadow diagrams, and more

Our Balgowlah building designs balance heritage, lifestyle, and functionality from concept to council sign-off.

Northern Beaches Council Requirements for Building in Balgowlah

 

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with heritage conservation zones in select areas

  • Setbacks:

    • Front: 6–9m depending on adjoining properties

    • Side: 900mm–1.5m depending on height

    • Rear: Varies based on lot depth and zoning

  • Typical Lot Sizes:

    • 450–800 sqm; generally flat or gently sloping, often with rear-lane access or dual frontages

  • Key Constraints:

    • Heritage overlays in some streets require façade retention or sympathetic design

    • Stormwater design critical for older blocks with outdated infrastructure

    • Shadowing and privacy controls for two-storey additions

    • Off-street parking often required for new dwellings

  • Utilities:

    • Fully serviced—water, sewer, electricity, gas, and NBN available

Building in Balgowlah requires careful consideration of zoning overlays, bushfire ratings, and environmental planning policies.

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.

DA vs CDC: What’s Right for Your Balgowlah Project?

Given heritage and character zoning, DA is the most common pathway—but CDC can apply to straightforward projects. Whether it’s a Development Application (DA) or a Complying Development Certificate (CDC), we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the difference:

DA (Development Application):

  • Required for most façade changes, multi-dwellings, and streetscape-sensitive builds

  • We manage every document, consultant report, and negotiation with council

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • May apply for internal renovations or compliant rear extensions

  • We’ll assess your eligibility and advise on the fastest, safest option

Need help figuring out which route suits your site? We’ll assess your block and walk you through your options.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Balgowlah

  • Yes—but you’ll need to consider overshadowing, privacy, and structural feasibility. We handle the full assessment and create a compliant design.

  • We work with heritage consultants and council to ensure your design enhances the character while meeting your needs for space and functionality.

  • If your site has enough frontage and meets zoning rules, dual occupancy could be an option. We assess feasibility and design to council standards.

  • Not at all! While we love working in spots like Avalon, Narrabeen, and Dee Why, we also take on projects across the North Shore, Ku-ring-gai, and even further out. We’re open to select builds up to 4 hours from the Northern Beaches Council area.

  • Cost depends on the scope of your project. We’ll walk you through pricing during your discovery call so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to take the next step?

From custom home designs to council-ready plans, we’re here to guide your project every step of the way. Let’s bring your vision to life — reach out today.

Our Building Design Services in Balgowlah

We design extensions, dual occupancies, studios, and full rebuilds that make the most of your block while respecting the suburb’s unique character.

From family-friendly layouts to clever use of tight urban spaces, our Balgowlah building design services deliver lifestyle-driven outcomes without the approval headaches.

What to Expect: Our Building Design Timeline

A step-by-step look at how we take your project from concept to council approval and beyond.

Every project starts with a discovery call and ends with council-approved, build-ready plans.

Here’s how we make it easy from start to finish:

Step 1 - Discovery Call

  • Let’s chat! We’ll have a quick call to understand your project and see how we can help.

Step 2 -Site Visit & Consultation (5–7 days)

  • We’ll meet at your site (or virtually), take a closer look, and discuss your vision in detail.

Step 3 - Fee Proposal (2 days)

  • You’ll get a clear, no-surprises proposal with the scope, timeline, and costs.

Step 4 - Concept Design (4 weeks)

  • We’ll create initial design ideas and layouts tailored just for you.

Step 5 - Design Development & Expert Coordination (2 weeks)

  • We’ll fine-tune the design and collaborate with any needed specialists (engineer, energy consultant, town planner, geo tech engineer, bushfire, heritage consultant, etc).

Step 6 - Final Adjustments (1 week)

  • We’ll polish everything and prepare the final drawings for submission.

Step 7 - Submission for Approval

  • We handle the council or certifier submission, so you’re ready for the next steps.

Want the full breakdown?

View our detailed process here.

From Plans to Reality: See How It All Comes Together

Explore our recent projects in urban-coastal areas like Balgowlah, where older homes are reimagined with modern layouts and light-filled living.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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Our Balgowlah building design services combine vision and compliance—helping you build smarter, faster, and better.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Balgowlah?

We’re here to help you take the next step! whetheR It’s

a new chapter or a fresh upgrade

We’d love to hear what you have in mind. Book a discovery call or send us a message, and we’ll be in touch within 48 hours.

Not based in Balgowlah?

DMR Designs proudly serves the entire Northern Beaches—from Palm Beach and Avalon to Dee Why and Manly. Wherever you're building, we bring the same precision, creativity, and local know-how to every design.