Owner-builder steps to building a home

If you’ve got a trade behind you and want to tackle building your own home, becoming an owner-builder is the first step.

Concreter Kevin Laso did just that. The first time he completed owner-builder training, it was to transform his then ugly-duckling house in Camden, NSW, into one of the area’s prettiest. Unsurprisingly, the south-west Sydney property’s resale value went north. Now, Kevin says he has a block of land paid off in the NSW South Coast town of Tathra and bigger plans.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to build this house and be debt-free,” he shares.

Kevin knows first-hand that by saving on building and project-management costs, owner-building can make for more profitable sales. Becoming an owner-builder can be one of the first steps when it comes to building a home. Kevin shares what he learned along the way…

Tip:  Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

Steps to building a home

Step 1: How ready are you?

Owner-builders need to comply with requirements their state regulatory bodies set out in areas such as land ownership, intended land usage and how they will approach building.

Assuming they’re eligible, they should ask: how much time do I have to be doing all this myself?

Kevin, who most recently completed training with owner-builder education provider Absolute Education, says there’s a lot to be across.

“Things like all the paperwork you have to fill out nowadays and the things you have to prepare for safety on the jobsite,” he says.

Step 2: Be prepared for info, info, info

Mastering the study and information guide, sitting the assessment and submitting your application (including your completed course certificate and white card) to your state’s relevant industry regulator can seem like a lot to take on.

But your registered training organisation is there to help. Absolute Education delivers its online learning modules with pop-up boxes. These display the learning content tied to the questions asked.

Peter Berginc, Absolute Education’s founder and managing director, says their courses have an almost perfect pass rate.

“The one thing we tell people... is, ‘We’re not here to fail you. We’re here to point you in the right direction’.”

Step 3: Expect to learn a lot

Learning topics, including legislation, contracts and quotes, dispute resolution and OHS, are areas owner-builders will understand the ins and outs of.

Kevin says gaining knowledge about all the key topics prepares owner-builders for the realities (seen and unforeseen) of domestic building.

“There are so many problems that can arise, just from not having any idea,” he shares. “So definitely, it’s a good thing.”

Tip: Did you know owner-builders are eligible to sign up for Bunnings Trade’s PowerPass Owner Builder membership?

Step 4: Putting the owner-builder training to use 

The real value of owner-builder training emerges as owner-builders become more engaged with duties such as safety, budget and trade relationship management.

For Kevin, he admits he would have completed the course even if it had been voluntary.

“I’m sure that when I get to work, there will be a lot of things where I say, ‘Oh yeah, I learned that. Oh yeah, I better do this.’

End-to-end building support

Our Trade specialists provide one-on-one support when it comes to your build. From supplying you with everything from pre-fabricated timber frames and trusses, to flooring, joinery, kitchens, commercial grade windows and more. Let us do all the heavy lifting for you by sourcing quotes, product and sorting out the project management, to find the right solution, every time. Across all building stages, we’ve got you covered for your residential project.

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