For builders & developers: duplex plans, CAD workflows and repeat builds
Australian House Design Group (AHDG) supplies ready-made duplex, dual-occupancy and multi-dwelling designs, editable DWG/AutoCAD options and separately scoped Australian drafting services. For repeat builds, confirm an eligible builder-package licence or written reuse permission before purchasing. Downloading a plan does not transfer ownership of the design or establish site approval.
Based in Brisbane, AHDG helps a small developer or builder separate three decisions: which layout fits the brief, which files the professional team needs and what use rights cover the proposed projects. This is a plan and drafting service, not a construction contract or an investment-return guarantee.
Choose the correct package and permission
Ordinary plan purchases
The Preview Set includes dimensioned floor plans and external elevations in PDF format. The Working Set adds editable DWG/AutoCAD files. The Copyright Agreement describes ordinary purchases as a limited, non-transferable, non-exclusive licence for one build. Further builds require advance written permission and a reuse fee, unless the eligible builder-package exception applies. Editable files alone do not grant unlimited use.
Builder Display Packages
The Builder Display Packages page advertises CAD files, marketing materials and an unlimited-use licence for selected designs. Confirm the selected designs and permitted marketing and construction uses in writing. Copyright remains with AHDG; the agreement separately restricts sale, distribution and transfer of original or modified files without written consent.
Townhouse and unit-development designs are excluded from the standard Display Package prices and require a custom quote. Ask AHDG to confirm duplex or dual-occupancy inclusion and the licence for each chosen design rather than assuming every multi-dwelling project qualifies.
Builders Construction Packages
Builders Construction Packages are a separate bulk working-drawing service supplied in PDF, not CAD. Confirm eligibility, site-specific scope, engineering, assessments and submission responsibilities in your quote. Do not treat a display package, an editable source file and completed project documentation as interchangeable purchases.
A CAD workflow for a small developer
- Test the site and intended use. Obtain suitable planning advice on permitted development, dwelling numbers, access, parking and any title or subdivision proposal. A catalogue label does not establish the legal classification or approval pathway.
- Compare layouts and drawings. Review dimensions, dwelling mix, private outdoor space and circulation against the brief. Use catalogue drawings for early discussion, not as an automatic construction issue.
- Confirm file compatibility and rights. Ask the professional making changes to check the DWG/AutoCAD option. Document the selected designs, permitted builds and any marketing rights.
- Scope each site's adaptation. Even repeat builds need separate assessment of levels, services, access, hazards, applicable National Construction Code requirements and relevant Australian Standards.
- Coordinate the project documents. Agree who prepares working drawings, engineering, specialist assessments and applications, and confirm required approvals before construction.
Three catalogue typologies to compare
These are design examples, not claims that the designs have delivered a particular investment return or been reused on multiple sites.
D3002: two three-bedroom homes with different storey arrangements
D3002 modern duplex design lists 479.9 m² total area: one single-storey dwelling and one two-storey dwelling, each with three bedrooms and a double garage. Compare the different household layouts and site requirements rather than assuming the dwellings have identical construction costs.
D3003: a mixed two- and three-bedroom duplex layout
D3003 duplex design lists 255.3 m² total area across two two-storey dwellings, with different bedroom counts and parking arrangements. A small developer can use those differences to frame a local demand and cost assessment; they do not prove achievable rents or site approval.
UD3001: a three-townhouse starting point
UD3001 lists 393.94 m² total gross floor area across three three-bedroom townhouses. The listing's site dimensions are a catalogue reference, not confirmation that three dwellings are permitted on your property. Obtain a custom quote for townhouse package inclusion and licensing.
Browse the duplex and dual-occupancy plans, dual-occupancy collection and unit and townhouse designs for current drawings and selected options.
Existing built-project galleries
These published galleries document completed projects according to AHDG's records. They do not establish repeat-build history, investment performance or a builder endorsement.
- D3002 Sunshine Coast duplex gallery: the published record states it was built in 2015.
- D3003 Brisbane duplex gallery: the published record states it was built in 2014.
- UD9001 Brisbane unit-development gallery: the published record states completion in 2016. This is a unit development, not a third duplex case study.
What does builder-ready duplex plans actually mean?
Buyers searching for builder-ready duplex plans should ask which project documents are actually complete. A downloaded plan or editable file is not automatically ready for construction on a particular site. Required site-specific working drawings, engineering, assessments and approvals must be confirmed before building. Prior approval for another property does not establish approval for yours.
Assessing the economics of repeat builds
Reuse rights may change the design-licence cost over several permitted projects, but do not remove each project's adaptation and approval work. Compare total design-related cost as: package and licence charges + site-by-site design changes + engineering and specialist assessments + application costs. Divide by the number of permitted projects actually proceeding to compare the design-related cost per project.
That calculation is not property investment ROI. A full feasibility assessment also needs land and acquisition costs, construction and services, finance, holding costs, taxes, contingency and independently supported sale or rental assumptions. Reusing a layout does not guarantee lower overall cost, higher yield or a faster approval.
Before requesting a builder or developer quote
Provide the design references, site locations, intended dwelling mix, anticipated project count, requested changes, file needs and proposed marketing use. Ask for written confirmation of package eligibility, licence terms and what is excluded. For drawings and approvals outside Australia, engage your local professional team: AHDG's custom drafting and site-specific approval drawing service is offered only in Australia.