What is an owner-builder
If you build or renovate on your own land, you may qualify as an owner-builder. This means you take responsibility for the building work done on your property.
Your responsibilities as an owner-builder
As an owner-builder, you must:
- Understand building permits, occupancy permits, and contracts.
- Pay the building permit levy.
- Supervise or do the building work.
- Ensure inspections are completed.
- Follow all building regulations and standards.
- Inform the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) if costs increase.
What you cannot do
As an owner-builder, you cannot:
- Build multi-unit projects.
- Build on a property that is not your main home.
How to become an owner-builder
You need an Owner-Builder Certificate of Consent from the VBA if:
- The construction costs are more than $16,000.
- You live in or plan to live in the building.
When calculating costs, include all expenses, such as labour and materials. If your estimate is incorrect, a building surveyor may adjust the value or request a report from a qualified quantity surveyor.
Completing your project
Your project is finished when a building surveyor issues one of these:
- Final Inspection Certificate
- Occupancy Permit
If you sell the property within 6.5 years, you must get insurance. This includes a technical inspection for defects by an Insurer Approved Inspection Service.
Need help?
Contact Building Services and we will get back to you.
Or call our Building Services team on 9298 8125.
