Owner Builders

Owner-builder work is any work involving construction, alterations or additions to a dwelling, including houses etc. This excludes coordination or supervising works...

Owner-builder work is any work involving construction, alterations or additions to a dwelling, including houses etc. This excludes coordination or supervising works. If you are going to carry out owner-builder work, and you are not the holder of a contractor license issued under the Home Building Act 1989, you must obtain an owner-builder permit if the value of the work is greater than $5,000.00.

In general, to apply for an owner-builder permit you must show that you:

a) Are over 18 years old,
b) Own, or have a prescribed interest in, land, and
c) Do, or intend to, live in the house.
You must also provide the following:

a) Completed application form, b) A description and address of the proposed work, along with a copy of the approved plans,
c) Council development number, or complying certificate number,
d) Owner-builder permit application fee of $135.00, and
e) Evidence of completion of approved owner-builder course.

NOTE: It is essential you do your sums before considering an owner-builder course as an option. You must compare the savings you make against the time and responsibility you must provide. If you require any further information regarding Owner-builder permits please do not hesitate to contact the NSW Office of Fair Trading on 133 220.