General Owner Building

What Insurances do I need to have as an Owner Builder?

There are a wide variety of insurances you will need as an Owner Builder. Some are compulsory and some are recommended. It is vital that you are fully insured on all fronts. As an Owner Builder, you are the Principal Contractor and with that comes all of the responsiblity and liability. We recommend FDBeck, a highly competitive, industry expert. 

There is a whole section relating to Owner Builder Insurance in the Owner Builder Training Course. The course is a requirement in some states but it is wise for anyone considering Owner Building to complete the course because it is a valuable tool for Owner Builders.

Do I have to have Home Warranty Insurance?

This area of insurance is a minefield for builders and the building industry. Once again it varies state to state. Generally Owner Builders are exempt from requiring to purchase Home Warranty Insurance. Talk to FDBeck for more information. They are a highly competitive, industry expert.

Can I sell my house after I have built it as an Owner Builder?

Yes you can. However if you sell it within 6-7 years (depending on which state) you will have to note this on the contract that the house was owner built and therefore is exempt from Home Warranty Insurance. Check the local regulations in your state.

As an Owner Builder can I build a duplex?

In some states you can, but in Queensland for example you cannot. Building a dual occupancy dwelling or duplex has its unique list of challenges. If you are in a state that allows such construction under the Owner Builder Permit then we recommend you chat with the team at UBuild Homes.  They have helped a number of Owner Builders meet and overcome the challenges of building a dual occupancy.

Can I claim the GST?

First of all you must pay the GST on all transactions as an Owner Builder. As an Owner Builder you are not carrying on a business so you cannot claim the GST back. These are private consumption costs that you incur. You should obtain a tax invoice from all trades and suppliers and keep all of these on file as a means of proof of purchase. This will assist in any future potential disputes or repair work.

Is the Owner Builder Course the same in each state?

No. Each state is different. Check out the Owner Builder Course Self Assessment Article for more detail. 

Queensland and NSW are the only states that currently require yo uto do an Owner Builder Course. It is recommended that regardless of which state you are in, complete a comprehensive training course.  The skills you will learn from this course will save you time, money and energy during your project. To find out more detail please contact us.

Is there anyone who can’t be an Owner Builder?

Apart from being over 18 and being one of the legal owners of the property/land that you intend to build on there are really no other legal reasons why you can’t be an Owner Builder.

With the right training, skills, commitment and attitude we believe anyone can be a successful owner builder. You don’t need to be a technical professional from the industry and you don’t need to actively undertake any physical work to be a successful owner builder. But you do need to apply a system and stick to a detailed plan.

If you are in any doubt, why not do the course? By doing the course you will provide yourself with a self assessment of your capability and readiness for owner building. It will tell you what to expect and therefore allow you to make a more informed decision.

Further more you can always talk to the team at UBuild Homes, professional builders who just work with Owner Builders to make sure they have successful and positive outcomes on their projects.

Can I do my own plumbing?

If you are a licensed plumber then by all means you can do your own plumbing. Otherwise you most certainly cannot do your own plumbing. When you are Owner Building there are certain activities that you can do and there are specific activities that you can’t.

The Owner Builder Course will take you through this in more detail but basically any licenced trade qualification such as plumbing, electrical, waterproofing, etc. you will not be able to do.

There are plenty of things you can do as an owner builder and if you have the time and energy there are a number of ways you can save money – such as putting in your own time and energy into the project, and buying smart.