Are you an Owner-Builder?

An owner-builder is defined as a person who constructs or renovates a domestic building on his or her own land, who is not in the business of building.

It is important to consult your building surveyor at the outset to determine if a certificate of consent is required.  This may be a private building surveyor or a municipal building surveyor.

Did you know that an owner-builder takes on all the risks and responsibilities of a registered building practitioner? Before you decide to do-it-yourself, get the facts on being an owner-builder.

• Fact: Owner-builders must obtain a Certificate of Consent for any domestic building work with a value over $12,000 in order to obtain a building permit.
  
• Fact: Owner-builders can only obtain a building permit for one home in a three year period.
  
• Fact: Owner-builders do not build for a profit (rent or sale).
  
• Fact: Owner-builders must be an owner of the land/property (must have their name on the Certificate of Title). Further information can be found on the Land Titles Office website (Certificates of Titles/Register Search Statements). Visit www.land.vic.gov.au. 
  
• Fact: Owner-builders must reside and continue to reside, or intend to reside in the property.

Get the facts - What YOU need to know about becoming an Owner-Builder

• Choosing to be an Owner-Builder
• How the Owner-Builder process works
• Applying to be an Owner-Builder
• Know the risks - Risks and responsibilities of an Owner-Builder
• Fees and charges
• Owner-Builder insurance requirements
• Owner-Builder training information
• Useful contacts