Unapproved deck, what should I do?

My mum recently bought a property that comes with an unapproved deck. We don't have a problem with it but now she wants to build a verandah on it, would the council request me to remove the deck first?

For the verandah, she is going to to it properly by following council procedure. Is there any chance to get the deck approved by council as well? And how much would it cost? Or who should we go to first? A building surveyor? Or the verandah builder? Or council?

Thanks

 

How did you find out it was un-approved?

 

It was not in the plan and didn't have any planning and building permits in the past ten years. So we guess it is unapproved.

 

Sometimes a deck of smaller size can be constructed under an "exempt development". If this is not the case, you could seek a Private Certifier who could retrospectively approve it, as long as it meets the building code.

 

Any idea how much we have to budget for? Thanks

 

500-1000 probably.