Expert Building Design in Westleigh

Westleigh is a quiet, leafy suburb within Hornsby Shire known for its generous blocks, well-maintained family homes, and close-knit community feel. With local amenities like Westleigh Village Shopping Centre, access to quality schools, and nearby bushwalking tracks in Berowra Valley National Park, the suburb is perfect for families seeking a balance of convenience and nature.

At DMR Designs, we specialize in drafting services, council approval assistance & building design in Westleigh—delivering home designs that align with both your lifestyle goals and Hornsby Shire Council requirements. Whether you're looking to extend an existing home, build a custom new residence, or modernize a classic layout, we’ll help make the process simple and successful.

We proudly service Westleigh and all of Hornsby Shire—from riverfront properties to bushland retreats.

Why Choose DMR Designs for Building Design in Westleigh?

  • Ideal for Families: We design with lifestyle in mind—open living, outdoor flow, and flexibility for growing families.

  • Tree-Conscious Planning: Designs that respect the area’s greenery and meet council tree protection rules.

  • Knockdown Rebuild Expertise: Start fresh on a block you love with a brand-new layout that maximizes potential.

  • Full Council Compliance: We handle all documentation, setbacks, FSR limits, and approvals with Hornsby Shire.

  • One-Stop Service: From bushfire assessments to final council submission, we take care of the lot.

Our Westleigh building design projects combine functionality, comfort, and council compliance—ensuring your vision is realized stress free.

The Hornsby Shire Council Requirements for Building in Westleigh

  • General Setbacks:

    • Front: 6–9m | Side: Minimum 900mm–1.5m based on height and lot size

  • Floor Space Ratio (FSR):

    • Typically 0.4:1 under R2 zoning

  • Average Block Size:

    • 850–1,100+ sqm—mostly low-density, family-sized lots

  • Zoning:

    • Primarily R2 Low Density Residential, with some sites affected by bushfire-prone land or vegetation protection

  • Local Considerations:

    • Many sites have established trees and fall within bushfire buffer zones. Drainage and overshadowing also play a role in design approvals.

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

For detailed council regulations and submission guidelines, visit the The Hornsby Shire Council website.

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

Many Westleigh builds proceed via a DA due to tree protections or bushfire overlays, but some straightforward projects may qualify for CDC.

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

DA (Development Application):

  • Best for knockdown rebuilds, large extensions, or tree-affected blocks

  • Lodged with Hornsby Shire Council

  • Offers more flexibility in design and materials

CDC (Complying Development Certificate):

  • Suitable for compliant lots with minor changes

  • Faster process, assessed by private certifier

  • Strict on setbacks, FSR, and BAL ratings

We’ll evaluate your site and guide you to the most fitting approval pathway.

 

FAQs About Building Design in Westleigh

  • Yes—many homes in the area have been upgraded this way. We ensure your addition meets height, privacy, and overshadowing rules.

  • We’re experienced in BAL-rated design. We’ll work with bushfire consultants to meet planning standards and keep your family safe.

  • Most projects move from concept to submission in 6–10 weeks, depending on complexity.

  • Not at all—we also work across the entire Hornsby region, including Mount Colah, Hornsby, and Waitara. We're also available for select projects up to 4 hours away from The Hornsby Shire 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?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a classic home.

Our Building Design Services in Westleigh

We design everything from custom family homes and dual occupancies to renovations, outdoor living upgrades, and knockdown rebuilds—tailored to your goals and Westleigh’s unique landscape.

From modern upgrades to full new builds, our Westleigh building design services help your ideas become reality—stress free.

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 how we’ve helped Westleigh homeowners bring their dream homes to life while meeting all council and environmental requirements.

Portfolio

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Home Designs

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From thoughtful extensions to stunning rebuilds, our Westleigh building design services deliver timeless, functional homes—without the stress.

Ready to Start Designing Your New Home in Westleigh?

We’re here to help you take the next step—whether you’re planning a brand-new build or modernizing a classic home.

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 Westleigh?

DMR Designs proudly services the entire Hornsby Shire Council area—from the riverside homes of Brooklyn and Berowra Waters to the leafy streets of Beecroft, Wahroonga, and Westleigh. Wherever you're building across the Shire, we bring the same expert process and personalized design approach to every project.