Becoming an owner-builder

To become an owner-builder, you must first obtain owner-builder approval from the Building Services Board, and then a building permit from your local government.

The process and related form to become an owner-builder was amended in February 2019 to streamline determination of approvals.  

Applications made using the previous version of Form 75 (dated prior to 1 February 2019) will only be accepted up until 28 February 2019.  Applications received on the old versions of forms will not be accepted after 28 February 2019 and will be sent back to the applicant. 

When applying you must show that you have sufficient knowledge of the duties and responsibilities involved in being an owner-builder. This can be done by completing an owner-builder course or being registered as a building practitioner

To apply, complete and submit an owner-builder approval application form and pay the application fee. Fees are updated on 1 July each year.

The approval process

Most owner-builder approval applications are determined within five weeks. Licensing Services staff will contact you if any further information is required to process your application. You will be notified as soon as a decision regarding your application has been made.

Restrictions on building as an owner-builder

Once your owner-builder approval has been issued, you must apply for a building permit from your local permit authority within six months.  If you do not, your owner-builder approval will expire. 

Only one owner-build each 6 year period

You can only owner-build once every six years.

There is provision to waive the six year restriction.  A waiver may be granted in circumstances where:

• hardship would be suffered if the application for owner-builder approval was refused, or
• the new building permit will be for the same land  as the previously granted permit/licence.

You may apply for waiver of the six year restriction by lodging an application and completing page 6 of the application form for owner-builder approval (Form 75).