So you want to be an owner builder...
Building your own home can be challenging at best and it is common for unexpected things to arise, complicating the course of works.
This article provides you, the novice owner-builder, with information to get started building your own home - from the design stage through to occupation.
Become empowered!!
(This is "important stuff"...)
Who ever said that "knowledge is power" must have worked in the building game as this is one of the golden rules of owner-building.
Have you ever dealt with a tradesperson and felt you were totally out of your depth? Felt like an idiot? Or thought "they are the experts they know best"?
As an owner builder don't ignore your gut-instinct. If a statement made by a trades person does not sound right, question it. The trades person may be right, but you would be amazed how often they are not. 'Beware the trades person' who says "It can't be done", this is often a sign of laziness or ignorance.
Women owner-builders are generally more vulnerable in the construction industry as 'the trades' are dominated by men, but women also have an uncanny gift of knowing "what looks and sounds right or wrong". Don't ignore this voice - you need to question everything you don't understand. Don't be afraid to ask 'what may seem like' silly questions and don't let anyone rush you into a hasty decision that you may regret.
Getting Owner-Builder Information
Where can you get all the information you require to become a "confident and well adjusted " owner builder?
(1) Council
Think of council as a wonderful resource that is in business just to answer all your questions. Speak to the Customer Service Desk first, and then, if they can not help you, or you require more information, speak to the "On Duty Building Inspector" at your local council. They can answer questions about construction requirements, boundary fence issues and bathroom surface falls, etc.
(2) Trades
Ask lots of relevant questions where ever you go, bathroom retailers, hardware stores, kitchen manufacturers, plumbers, carpenters etc. If they want your business, and they usually do, all these professions and more will give you all the information you require.
(3) Books & Websites
There is a great book they hand out in first year at the University of Newcastle in NSW. It's called "Building Your Own Home" (written by George Wilkie). This book is clearly written, easy to follow, and aimed at people who know nothing about building. This book can be found at many libraries, hardware stores (e.g. Bunnings) or at various online booksellers.
An alternate resource (and freely available online) is a series of articles we have published entitled The Building Process which covers the entire home construction process. The articles include information on everything from legal requirements to electrical & plumbing. Our Further Reading section (below) has a list of links to the individual articles.
Another great resource is The Owner Builders Guide. This is an easy to follow publication that has been written specifically for first time owner builders. It details the entire process of owner building a home step by step. It guides you through all of the different stages of building and provides comprehensive information about the trades people and suppliers required to get you to the finished product. The Owner Builders Guide provides a wealth of information to give you every chance of succeeding as an owner builder.
Your budget!
Oh yeah this is the worst bit! - realising that construction prices always 'end-up' costing more than you anticipated. There are ways to minimise the shock and prepare you mentally as well as financially for the process ahead.
Firstly take a good look at our construction cost calculator . Note that the results vary greatly depending on many things including size of the home, quality of finishes, building complexity and site conditions. When using the calculator you will be provided with suggested sizes of rooms, so 'get handy' with a tape measure and compare the suggested sizes of spaces with spaces you can relate to in your current home.
1. Do these size spaces feel large enough? Remember don't over compensate with space it will only cost you more than you may want to spend.
2. Measure the furniture pieces that will go into your new home - will they fit into the spaces and shapes of the new rooms
You can save dollars...
You can reduce the construction costs of your home with a few of the following tips.
- Go to building supply auctions - advertised in your local paper or listed in the yellow pages.
- Never take the first quote - shop around and talk them down. You will be surprised how much suppliers will move on price if you ask, you have nothing to lose.
- Seconds outlets - scout your yellow pages for these under white goods, kitchens, tiles, etc.
- Cash and Carry outlets - these shops can sell everything from strawberry jam to ceramics basins, tiles, door stops, kitchen sinks, nails and hand tools... and the list goes on.
- Name brands - name brands are generally more expensive than lesser known brands and not always better quality. Shop around and be well informed before you buy.
Insurance
The various insurance policies you will be required to obtain will vary from state to state. See our Further Reading section below to find the relevant owner-builder pages provided by your state government. You can also use google.com.au to search for an insurance broker who specialises in owner-builder insurance policies.
Sourcing products & services (electrical, plumbing, etc.)
|
For a complete range of construction materials, suppliers and trades professionals see buildingchoice.com.au. This all-in-one website caters for floor coverings, insulation, doors, bricks and more. |
|
Sydney based Trentwood Building Services caters to your electrical and plumbing needs. |
|
Decks & roofing - see Hunter Building Products for products that will last a lot longer than traditional products. |
 |
WallArt Wall Decor are the resellers of an innovative 3D walling product. They have over 8 different designs to choose from and can deliver the product anywhere in Australia. In 2009 the exact same product was chosen by U.S. interior designers as one of the most innovative & eco friendly products of the year. For more information on 3D walling phone WallArt Wall Decor on 1300 435 967. |
Further reading
The Owner Builders Guide is an easy to follow publication that has
been written specifically for first time owner builders. It details the entire process of owner building a home step by step. It guides you through all of the different stages of building and provides
comprehensive information about the trades people and suppliers required to get you to the finished product. The Owner Builders Guide provides a wealth of information to give you every chance of succeeding as an owner builder.
Building Your Own Home, guide on construction drawings and details, subtitled "A comprehensive guide for owner builders" has been written by two architects/lecturers - George Wilkie from Sydney and Stuart Arden from Wellington, New Zealand. Heavily illustrated (a picture is indeed worth a thousand words), the publication takes the reader through the entire home building process from design and concept, to painting, paving and surface finishes. The language used is very concise, with the text reading more like a specification than a book. In this sense it is a difficult book for the novice to read cover to cover, but nonetheless it is essential to study the entire contents to fully understand the building process.
DIY home design. The complete home design process fully explained.
Seven deadly sins of home design. What not to do when designing a home.
State government authorities:
- Becoming an owner builder (NSW Dept. of Fair Trading)
- Are you an Owner-Builder? (Victoria Building Commission)
- Owner Building (Queensland Building Services Authority)
- Owner Builder, SA (South Australia Office of Bus. & Consumer Affairs)
- Owner Builder, WA (Western Australia Builder Reg. Board)
- Owner Building, TAS (Tasmania Workplace Standards)
- Owner Builder Manual, NT (Northern Territory Bldg Practioners Board)
- Owner-builders licensing (ACT/Canberra Planning and Land Authority)
The building process fully explained... This set of articles is written by an architect for owner-builders and property owners hiring a builder who want to familiarize themselves with the home construction process. It covers:
Home design and renovation tips
Home design and construction process
Council requirements and reports.
Residential structures - the basics
Choosing your garden wall or fence in 6 easy steps
How to make your home warm and cosy in winter & cool in summer
Capital allowances for investment properties
Sponsors
|
Adelaide Concrete Polishing & Grinding incorporate the very latest mechanical, multi-step process, which is environmentally friendly and does not include the use of any harmful chemicals, waxes, or volatile compounds. |
|
Ezy Online Bathrooms and Kitchens offer an extensive range of bathroom, kitchen and laundry products all at discounted prices. Sourcing products from designers all over the world since 2005, and their design team is constantly seeking out the latest trends and designs. |