Owner-builders are individuals who can build themselves the following structures;
• Class 1a (i) – a single dwelling being a detached house. This includes an extension to a house or a habitable building on the same property but separate to the main house such as a granny flat;
• Class 10 – buildings being a non-habitable building such as a private garage, carport, shed or the like; or
• Small commercial building – being a one or two storey building with a floor space of less than 500m2 that is not a detached house, Class 10 building or farm building.
In order to become an owner builder you must submit a fee, proof of identification and either a Residential Owner Builder Statutory Declaration or an Industrial Owner-Builder Statutory Declaration. A builder’s licence cannot be issued by the local government until these documents have been submitted to the Builders Registration Board.
A Statutory Declaration will not need to be submitted if any of the following apply:
• The total cost of construction (including materials and labour) is $20,000 or below.
• You are building outside the Board’s area of jurisdiction.
• The work is carried out by the crown or local government.
• You are constructing a non-residential ‘farm building’ where the building and the land are used primarily for agriculture.
You may like to contact your local government before submitting all parts of the application process, if you are unsure of what you are eligible to build as an owner builder or if a building licence is required.
It is also highly important to be aware of the restrictions, responsibilities and the risks involved before taking on any building project as an owner builder. You also need to consider your level of experience and knowledge is adequate enough to successfully carry out any building work. For more information about become an owner builder in WA, check out the Building Commission’s Owner Builders page.
The following documents must also be provided as part of the owner builder approval application package:
• Current land title search as evidence of land ownership. This document is available through Landgate.
• Evidence of knowledge, duties and responsibilities of an owner builder. Evidence includes proof of completing a course for owner builders or by being a building practitioner.
• Certified copies of a photographic identity document (passport, driver’s licence, or proof of age card) for each applicant / land owner.
Useful Resources:
Building Commission (WA) – www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au
Worksafe Western Australia - 1300 307 877 – www.worksafe.wa.gov.au
Register of Builders
Home Indemnity Insurance