Being an 'Owner Builder'
The Risks, Rewards and what you have to
know
An owner-builder is a person who
decides to construct or renovate a domestic building on
their own land, who is not in the business of
building.
To become an owner-builder you need to
have a 'certificate of consent' and you should check
with the Building Authority in your state.
Many people who have undertaken 'owner
builder' projects have got great satisfaction from
completing the work and saved money along the way. Of
course you should be aware that by becoming an
owner-builder essentially you are undertaking to manage
the risks associated worth a building project. With risk
can come problems, so it is very advisable to get the
best advice, plan carefully, and keep a watchful eye on
all aspects of the project.
There are many tasks that an
owner-builder can do themselves, but remember that
electrical and plumbing are a job for a licensed
tradesperson. The majority of the work will come down to
managing the administration (paperwork) and the
contractors that perform work on the project.
Some tips for dealing with
contractors:
- ask to see their building
registration (check them out at your building
authorities web site)
- get a written quote from several
contractors that details all the work is to be
performed
- consider more than just the price
of the job
- never accept an hourly rate
- consider providing a success fee
for finishing on time
- People try many things to keep
contractors motivated, but experience says that the
best way is, if progress payments are required, and
everything is going to plan, pay them promptly.
Cashflow is almost always an issue for contractors.
- be aware of the legal and
construction requirements, don't just assume they
will be
- monitor and talk with the
contractor about the work as it proceeds carefully,
but don't look over their shoulder all day :)
Any owner-builder project should start
with a detailed plan. Seriously you need to know
exactly what needs to happen in what order, how long its
going to take, how much is it going to cost, and how
much of your time its going to take to oversee it. Most
TAFE colleges around Australia offer a course to help
you.
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Essential Resources for Owner Builders |
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How to Build a House - This is a
fabulous resource for the 'owner-builder' or
anyone thinking of undertaking a home renovation
project. The site contains hundreds of 'how to
do it' videos from professional tradespeople.
There are also design tools that assist you in
the planning process. |
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