Owner Builder Victoria

HOW TO BECOME AN OWNER BUILDER IN VICTORIA

1. UNDERSTAND OWNER BUILDER RESPONSIBILITIES

As an owner-builder in Victoria, you will have certain responsibilities under the VBA regulations. These responsibilities include obtaining necessary permits, complying with building codes and regulations, ensuring the work is carried out by qualified tradespeople, managing the construction process, and organizing inspections.

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OWNER BUILDING IN VICTORIA

2. OBTAIN NECESSARY PERMITS

Before you start any construction work, you will need to obtain the necessary permits from your local council. This includes a building permit, which is issued by the relevant building surveyor, and any other permits required for specific work such as plumbing, electrical, or gas fitting. 

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VICTORIAN WHITE CARDS

3. COMPLY WITH BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS

As an owner-builder, you are responsible for ensuring that all construction work complies with the relevant building codes and regulations in Victoria. This includes the Building Code of Australia (BCA), which sets out the minimum requirements for the design and construction of buildings, and any local council requirements.

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO DOWNLOAD THE VBA'S OWNER BUILDER INFORMATION AND STUDY GUIDE

4. ENGAGE QUALIFIED TRADESPEOPLE

Under the VBA regulations, you are required to engage qualified tradespeople to carry out certain types of work, such as plumbing, electrical, and gas fitting.  It is important to verify the qualifications and registration status of any tradespeople you engage for your project.

5. MANAGE THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

As an owner-builder, you are responsible for managing the entire construction process, including coordinating tradespeople, ordering materials, and overseeing the quality of work. This includes regular site inspections to ensure that the work is being carried out to the required standard.

6. ORGANISE INSPECTIONS

You will need to arrange inspections at various stages of the construction process to ensure that the work complies with the building permit and relevant regulations. This includes inspections for footings, framing, plumbing, electrical, and final inspections. Inspections must be carried out by a registered building surveyor, and any defects identified during inspections must be rectified before proceeding to the next stage.

7. KEEP RECORDS

As an owner-builder, you are required to keep accurate records of all the work carried out on your construction project, including contracts, invoices, receipts, permits, and inspection reports. These records may be required for future reference, such as when selling your property.

CLICK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD THE OWNER BUILDER VICTORIA CHECKLIST

8. OBTAIN INSURANCE

If you are planning to sell your owner-built home within 6 years and 6 months of obtaining the occupancy permit, you will need to obtain domestic building insurance, also known as home warranty insurance. This insurance provides coverage to subsequent owners in case of defects in the construction work.

9. FOLLOW SAFETY REGULATIONS

As an owner-builder, you are responsible for ensuring that the construction site is safe for workers, visitors, and the public. This includes complying with occupational health and safety regulations, providing appropriate safety equipment, and taking necessary precautions to prevent accidents and injuries.

You May Also Be Interested In

Compare listings

Compare