The questions worth answering before work begins

An owner-builder is an eligible individual approved to be named as the builder on a building permit for qualifying work on land they own or hold a prescribed interest in. They manage and supervise the work and assume many responsibilities of a registered builder.

It may generally be required where a building permit is needed and the estimated work value exceeds $20,000. From 1 July 2026, the stated threshold for private Class 10a work such as a shed, carport or garage is $50,000. Exemptions, prescribed areas and the nature of the work can affect the answer, so confirm it with Building and Energy (LGIRS) and the permit authority.

At least one applicant must hold accepted construction-industry safety training and demonstrate sufficient knowledge. This can be through qualifying professional registration or WA-specific owner-builder training completed within the previous 24 months.

No. Approval from the Building Services Board allows you to apply to be named as the builder. You still need the relevant planning and building approvals before starting work.

Depending on the agreed scope, support can include consultancy, a structured build schedule, product selection, procurement and delivery coordination, panel or structural-shell work, selected contractor packages, or construction through an agreed lock-up stage. Every arrangement is open-book and cost-plus, with mark-ups agreed upfront and full cost visibility throughout.

All procurement and labour costs are disclosed to you with mark-ups agreed before work begins. You see the underlying cost of every item and the coordination fee on top. This means no hidden margins and full transparency over where your money goes. The scope and calculation basis of each fee is documented so you can clearly see how the overall project cost is built up.

You retain control over purchasing decisions, work package approvals and the project budget. Before each work package begins, you receive an estimate covering scope, anticipated labour, materials and associated costs. Material changes to the agreed scope or budget require your approval before proceeding.

Owner Builder WA sources materials through an established supply network including direct import procurement, local suppliers and specialist items. Where practical, multiple quotes are obtained for non-structural and smart home products to help you compare value. You can also source independently—Owner Builder WA coordinates agreed specifications, delivery, installation interfaces and warranty responsibilities so selections fit the overall build.

For an agreed structural-shell or lock-up package, labour is recorded on timesheets and submitted for review with invoicing aligned to the accepted commercial terms. SIP-panel-experienced carpenters deliver the defined package, supported by specialist trades and supervision where the written scope requires them. Your owner-builder responsibilities remain with you.

Site activity is recorded through the Buildxact construction portal as work occurs. Work scheduling and project management use the same platform, giving you visibility into the current programme, trades, inspections and deliveries.

No. Advice, supply, coordination or engaging contractors for part of the work does not transfer the owner-builder’s statutory responsibility. Every proposal should clearly define who is contracted for each task and what remains with you.

Electrical and plumbing work require appropriately licensed people, and other regulated work may require specific licences or registrations. Verify every trade and retain the required notices, certificates and records.

A person granted a building permit as an owner-builder generally must wait six years before another application. The Board may waive this in limited same-land or hardship circumstances.

If no building-permit application is made, owner-builder approval expires after six months. If a permit is granted, the approval continues for the duration of that permit. Building permits are generally valid for two years unless another period or extension applies.

Yes, but selling or disposing of it within seven years of the building permit can trigger home-indemnity insurance and disclosure obligations. Confirm the current requirements before entering a sale contract.

Potentially. A coordinated panel package can create a clearer structural scope and route to lock-up, but it does not remove planning, engineering, energy, permit, safety, trade or certification obligations.

The initial service area is Greater Perth and suitable projects generally within about 150–200 kilometres of Perth. Project type, scope, travel, access and delivery logistics are reviewed before a proposal is made.