Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Dec 15, 2013 10:18 am Hi there, I'm a first time poster so please be gentle with me My query is a common one but I'd like a few opinions of people who may have done what we are planning. I'm in the process of getting plans, permits, etc for a new kitchen/diner extension to my existing house. The value of the total project will be around $80k. I have used a guy in the past for a total bathroom renovation (total cost around $18k for a real luxury bathroom) and was over the moon with the standard of his work. That job involved a lot of non-bathroom work (pulling down and replacing walls, new sub floor, etc). For this next project I'd like to use the same guy but he's not a registered builder. Looking at the legal websites (building commission, etc) it looks like the maximum value of his work is recommended at $5k - am I actually breaking the law by engaging him to do more than that or just taking on a large amount of risk? Any advice would be gratefully received. Cheers, Dave. Re: House Extension - Owner Builder 2Dec 15, 2013 1:17 pm Hi Dave The rule is that any work over $20K you have to engage a registered builder or you have to become an owner builder. You could still get the same guy to do the work but you would have to take out owner builder insurance and legally if there are any structural issues with the build you are liable. To get building approval you need to put in an estimated cost of works and it should be accurate...they would know that you cant build an extension for less than $20000! (However building cost is only for structure NOT interior fit out). We are currently owner building, its a reno and grannie flat...my advice would be to get your plans drawn up and get a bill of quantities done (cost about $550) which will give you a ball park figure of the cost of the job if you were to owner build. Then get a few quotes from building companies. I'm enjoying the owner build, Ive done quite a few short courses at Home base expo here in Perth and there are lots of really good trades that are willing to help and give advice. It just depends how organised you are. You can also change your mind without it costing you a variation fee. Hope this helps Phil Re: House Extension - Owner Builder 3Dec 15, 2013 1:41 pm Thanks for the reply and advice Phil, I understand the rules for becoming an owner builder and am keen to do it this way but my question is when I sub-contract the work out does it have to be to registered builders? We have all our plans and drawings, etc done already and are now into the permit stage. Cheers, Dave. Re: House Extension - Owner Builder 4Dec 15, 2013 1:43 pm No by you becoming an owner builder you become the builder and then can use who you like. Good luck <!-- l --><a class="postlink-local" href="https://forum.homeone.com.au/viewtopic.php?t=62083">viewtopic.php?t=62083</a><!-- l --> Re: House Extension - Owner Builder 5Dec 15, 2013 8:00 pm Assuming OP is in Geelong, VIC, then work over $5k does require a Registered Building Practitioner and a Contract. Over $12k, same, Major Building Contract, plus the RBP must provide Warranty, prove Insurances etc. Best site to check is OB Section of Consumer Affairs Vic. Your guy might be the best, and a RBP not as good, but them's the regs. You'll have obtained your OB Certificate of Consent to get the approvals. Go with your guy, any problems might jeopardise your CoC. I'd consider playing it safe. Having sprouted all that, there are any number of posts to show that, even using an RBP, the resolution of issues isn't an easy task to undertake, though the revamped Building Authority might change that. Might. Re: House Extension - Owner Builder 6Dec 16, 2013 5:36 pm Thanks everyone. We've made the decision to play it safe and go for a registered builder to do the whole lot. I don't think we have the time or experience to do the OB thing. Hi VK, I am now retired however I have stood beside over 300 owner builders in the past 18 years that have successfully built their own homes. First of all a building… 10 22663 Hi all. Anyone know when the $11,000 limit was set in legislation for renovations in QLD? Ive been renovating for 5 years now and this was the limit back then. As we know,… 0 4242 |