Owner-Builder Permits

What is Owner-Builder Work?

Owner-building work is any work (including supervising and co-ordinating work) involved in the construction of or alterations, repairs or additions to a dwelling or any ancillary residential structure eg., carport, garage, swimming pool, tennis court or the like.

When is an Owner's Builder's Permit required?

A homeowner, unless he/she is the holder of a contractor licence issued under the Home Building Act, 1989, will need an owner/builder permit where the homeowner is doing any of the work (ie the labour) or co-ordinating two or more contractors to do the work, where the market value of the labour and materials of the whole project is more than $5,000 and needs development approval. If the cost of the proposed project is over $12,000 then the owner-builder will need to complete an approved course. This requirement is to ensure that owner-builders have information relating to the Home Building Act, statutory and recommended insurance, licenses, contracts, building approval processes and occupational health and safety. (Further information regarding approved courses can be obtained from www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/building).

How do You Get an Owner-Builder Permit?

To get an owner-builder permit, you must apply to a Fair Trading Centre - refer to www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/building or call Fair Trading Centres on 13 32 20

What are your Limitations under an Owner-Builder Permit?

An owner-builder permit is not a building licence. It does not allow you to:

• do work other than the project covered by the Development Application or Complying Development Certificate.
• do specialist work such as electrical, plumbing, gasfitting, air-conditioning and refrigeration work (unless you hold a licence for such work).
• Generally only one owner-builder permit can be issued within any five-year period.

Owner-Builder Home Warranty Insurance

If and when an owner-builder decides to sell their home within 6 years after completing the work, the owner-builder will need to take out Home Warranty Insurance where the cost of the project (labour and materials) was more than $12,000.

Further information should be obtained from www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/building or call Fair Trading Centres on 13 32 20.

© 2008 Wollondilly Shire Council
This page: http://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/faqs/pages/8106.html