Browse Forums Owner Builder Forum 1 Aug 04, 2020 6:36 am Hello to everyone! I have a simple question. I'm looking into owner building a small two bedroom house in central Vic and would like to know if anyone can see any potential ramifications of using an unregistered builder. But, before our collective jaws drop to the floor in horror, it won't be any unlicensed builder, it will be a family member that lives in another state who is now retired and passed on his business to his son so the license is now in his sons name. Having known this person all my life (I'm over 50) I feel he is very trustworthy and has spent his working life as a decent and moral person and has left a trail of excellent work with only happy customers, so I fail to see how my owner build could be screwed up. I understand a registered builder has to have insurance (if they disappear, die or become insolvent) so if he has no plans to disappear, won't become insolvent (I will be the bank) and (hopefully) won't die is there any other potential issues that anyone can see arising ? Re: Using an unregistered builder 2Aug 04, 2020 1:32 pm I guess what you are really asking is can you use your friend (old builder) as a project manager/supervisor for your owner build and the simple answer is, yes. As an owner builder you are free to use whoever you want to help you build your house because YOU are the builder. You are responsible for any issues during or after the build. You will need to carry any insurance during the build and have indemnity insurance if you sell before 7 years and would be liable for any issues if you did. Ultimately if there are issues, you are taking on the role of builder and will bear the burden of those problems. Your friend can just walk away with none of the responsibilities of a builder, so make sure you very carefully document exactly what his role is to be and what is expected. He will essentially be a contractor to you so it's important that what he is being paid to supply is very clear between all parties. Accessible Carpentry & Cabinets accessiblecarpentry@gmail.com accessiblecarpentry.com.au https://www.facebook.com/pages/Accessible-Carpentry-Cabinets/583314911709039 I used MJH, and same thing, buy now pay later. So far its been excellent. We have only paid the first payment, was around $25,000 total or so. We are now 3 or so months… 3 47144 0 2477 Hi Mofflepop, I would recommend finding a building designer to prepare plans, they should design to your specified budget. The benefit is you can tender the project out… 9 22414 |