Choose a
colour scheme
for your new
dwelling that’s in
harmony with its
surrounds. You
can even make
small container
gardens!
See page 144 for
instructions.
HOW TO BE AN
owner-builder
If you’re building or renovating,
you can make big savings by doing
the job as an owner-builder. Here
are the basics you need to know.What is an owner-builder?
An owner-builder takes on all
the legal responsibilities and
management tasks usually
completed by a builder. It doesn’t
necessarily mean doing all the
work (although you can save even
more if you do!), but making sure
the work is done correctly and
by qualified tradespeople.How do you save?
The major savings are made
because you’re not paying for a
builder’s time to coordinate the
work. What’s more, you don’t pay
their profit margin, which can be
about 20 per cent of the cost of
the job. You can also shop around
for the best deals on materials and
competitive quotes from trades.Where do you begin?
You will need to get an owner-builder
licence or permit. The requirements
for this vary between states, so check
with your state’s builder licensing
authority. Most require an education
course to be completed and proof
of land ownership as a minimum.What do you need to know?
Apart from making sure the
work will meet relevant building
codes and Australian Standards,
important knowledge is the business
side of the process – obtaining
required certificates and approvals;
having the correct insurances;
knowledge of contracts; and
being aware of the risks you are
taking by being the builder.3
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