If you want to build or extend your home with work valued over $12,000, you must apply for an owner builder certificate.
This includes work like:
The construction, extension or renovation of duplexes, townhouses, flats or units can't be done by an owner builder.
An owner builder certificate is issued for one block of land for 3 years and can be renewed for another 3 years.
It is not a building permit and you can only hold one certificate at a time. All individuals on the property title must also be included.
If you want to apply for another property, you must wait 6 years from the issue of your previous owner builder certificate.
You can only apply for an owner builder certificate if you’re an individual property owner.
A company or trust is not eligible.
If you’re registered as a residential building contractor, you don’t need to apply.
You must also keep in mind that you will take on all legal responsibilities of a builder.
It may be cheaper to register yourself instead of contracting work out, but you will have no protection against defective work. You can only take subcontractors to court.
A builder who recommends you become an owner builder while they act as project manager, may be avoiding legal responsibilities or be unregistered.
As an owner builder, you have the following legal responsibilities:
Engaging a project manager does not remove any of your legal responsibilities.
To apply for an owner builder certificate, follow these steps:
Step 1. Read the owner builder manual PDF (359.7 KB) and fill in the declaration at the end.
Step 3. Find out how much you need to pay for your application on the Building Practitioners Board website.
Step 4. Submit your manual, application and fee by mail, email or in person to the Building Practitioners Board or in person to a Territory Business Centre.
Once you receive your owner building certificate, you must get a building permit to start construction.
Before you do, you must also have residential building insurance in the form of a fidelity fund certificate.