So you have decided to build a new home or expand your existing one. Should you engage a builder or should you choose to construct yourself, as an owner-builder? Before you decide, ensure that you have completed your homework.
As an owner-builder, instead of hiring a builder to build a house and applying for builders public liability insurance, you take the responsibility for building yourself. In theory, this can possibly take tens of thousands of dollars off the build cost, but the fact is often much less rosy. Builders, overall, are highly qualified and very experienced. Though there are a few bad apples, just like any profession, excellent builders bring with them a wealth of knowledge and a network of skilled tradespeople. Through their previous project experience, builders can filter out any subcontractors that don't deliver on quality, cost or time. If you decide to become an owner builder, you will be responsible for scheduling the job and being across different trades necessary for your build. You'll need to be certain that when the tiler, painter and plumber all turn up on site, there's something ready for them to perform. Because of this, many owner-run assembles take much longer than when a contractor was hired. This can be an enormous trap if you're renting a house elsewhere while the build is on. There's absolutely no use saving some cash on the construct simply to spend more on rent. As an owner-builder it will be your job to comply with the lawful requirements of building pertinent to your state (say, Victoria) and apply for owner builder insurance in Victoria. This will include making certain that you have the suitable health and safety training and all your tradespeople have a safe working environment. You'll also have to be across the insurance requirements in your state, for building and for the continuing warranty insurance after the build is completed. Another important point as an owner-builder is supervising the work and spotting poor workmanship and defects should they occur. When mistakes happen, it's much more likely as an owner-builder to be at your own cost to fix them. If the building is not built to the satisfaction of the building surveyor, you will not find an occupancy certificate until you fix the problems. For many people, building their own home is a lifelong dream. There's no doubt that it can be a rewarding experience to be hands on creating your own house. However, being an owner-builder is perhaps best suited to those who have enough time to learn and research and time to be onsite organising tradespeople. Think twice before starting down this road, otherwise your fantasy may become your nightmare.
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