10274NAT – Course in preparation for Owner Builder Permit

If you’re thinking about doing some building work on your own property and you want to do it yourself, you may need an owner builder permit. 

QBCC issues a permit for work over $11,000, which allows you to personally perform the building work and take on the role of head contractor on a building project. You’ll be responsible for engaging and co-ordinating your contractors, as well as the scheduling of work.

Please note – you can’t personally carry out work where you need an occupational licence, or for fire protection work over $1,100. 

As an owner builder you may:

• build a new home
• renovate, alter or extend an existing home
• build a garage, carport or residential shed
• build a swimming pool for residential use
• build a pergola or entertainment area for residential use.

Work you can’t do as an owner builder

• occupational work such as plumbing, draining, gasfitting or pest control unless you have an occupational licence
• fire protection work in excess of $1,100 (unless you have the appropriate licence)
• build commercial or industrial buildings (e.g. shops, industrial sheds, farm buildings)
• build or renovate multiple dwellings (e.g. duplexes, boarding houses, block of units).

Note: There are special provisions for farm buildings. If the value is no more than $27,500, an owner can personally do that work.

Apply for an owner builder permit to QBCC

You must include:

• the cost of the materials (the value can’t be reduced if they’re discounted or recycled)
• the labour (the amount a licensed contractor would charge you for the work).

The value of labour can’t be reduced if it’s provided free of charge.