What Is an Owner-Builder Permit?
An owner-builder permit authorises a property owner to manage and coordinate residential building work on their own property without engaging a licensed builder as the principal contractor. The permit holder takes on the legal responsibilities that would normally fall to a licensed builder, including coordinating licensed tradespeople, ensuring compliance with building codes, and arranging required inspections.
Key Responsibilities
Holding an owner-builder permit does not exempt you from using licensed tradespeople for regulated work. Electrical, plumbing, gasfitting, and other specialist trades must still be carried out by appropriately licensed professionals. As an owner-builder, you are responsible for:
- Obtaining all necessary building approvals and permits
- Engaging licensed tradespeople for regulated work
- Ensuring work complies with the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards
- Managing workplace health and safety on site
- Disclosing owner-builder status if you sell the property within a set period (typically six years)
State Variations
| State/Territory | Issuing Authority | Value Threshold | Course Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | QBCC | $11,000+ | Yes |
| NSW | NSW Fair Trading | $10,000+ | Yes |
| VIC | Victorian Building Authority | $16,000+ | No (knowledge test) |
| WA | Building Services Board | $20,000+ | Yes |
| SA | Consumer and Business Services | $12,000+ | Yes |
| TAS | Director of Building Control | Any building work | No |
| ACT | Access Canberra | $12,000+ | Yes |
| NT | NT Building Advisory Services | Varies | Yes |
How It Relates to Licence Verification
When you purchase a property that was renovated or extended within the past six years, checking whether the work was done by a licensed builder or an owner-builder is essential. Owner-builder work is not backed by home warranty insurance, meaning you carry the risk of any defects. TradieVerify can help you verify the licence status of any tradespeople who contributed to owner-builder projects.