Becoming an owner builder
An owner-builder is someone who carries out building work on his or her own land. Owner-builders take on many of the responsibilities of a registered builder including:
- Obtaining permits;
- Scheduling, supervising and/or carrying out building work themselves;
- Ensuring the work meets all relevant building regulations, standards and other Laws; and
- Arranging the appropriate building inspections and the final or occupancy certificate at completion of the works.
As an owner-builder, you are required to obtain a certificate of consent from the Victorian Building Authority where the value of works is more than $16,000 in order to obtain a building permit.
Obtaining a certificate of consent does not guarantee that you will be issued with a building permit.
A building permit will need to be obtained from a registered building surveyor.
An owner-builder report and associated insurance will be required if you sell your owner-built property within six and a half years of completion.
For more information on becoming an owner-builder, download an owner-builder Information Kit or contact the Victorian Building Authority on 1300 815 127 or ownerbuilder@vba.vic.gov.au