Fair Trading offers a range of services that can help you avoid or resolve disputes with your contractors. Contact your nearest Fair Trading Centre for more details.

What will I need to be a successful Owner-builder? There are a number of particular skills and attributes you will need to successfully complete your project:

Project management skills

Much of the work of a professional builder involves coordinating many different tradespeople, deliveries and inspections. By taking on the role of a builder you will need to be confident that you have the time and ability to undertake these tasks.

Technical knowledge

For any work you are doing yourself, you will need a thorough understanding of the methods and materials. Successful management and supervision of your contractors will also require that you have a good understanding of the tasks they are performing and the materials being used.

Keep in mind that only licensed contractors can carry out specialist work like plumbing and electrical. Your Owner-builder Permit does not allow you to carry out specialist work.

Financial, taxation and legal knowledge

By assuming the management of your building project you are also taking on responsibility for ensuring that all the legal, insurance and financial requirements of the project are completed successfully.

Site safety

As the person managing the project, you are responsible for the safety of all who work on site, and ensuring that safe work practices are adhered to by all workers on site.

Time and Availability

Building takes a lot of time, even if you are coordinating rather than undertaking the construction work yourself. You may be able to work on weekends or holidays, but many of your suppliers and contractors will not and they may require that you be present through the week. You will have to be contactable to make decisions when necessary, and you may often be required to be on site during the construction period.