Becoming an Owner-Builder
The following information is a guide only, please check with your local shire as requirements can vary.
What is an Owner-Builder?
An Owner-Builder is able to sign off on their shed project. To do so, they must own the land or be leasing the land with written permission from the owner to undertake building work, or be under contract as an interested purchaser to buy the land.
When is an Owner-Builder license required?
If your entire shed project exceeds a value of $20,000, including earthworks and concrete slab, then a Registered Builder is required to sign off on the project. You can either procure a Registered Builder, or choose to sign off on the project as an Owner-Builder.
Once obtained, the license is added to your Building Permit application.
Responsibilities of an Owner-Builder
Before deciding if becoming an Owner-Builder is right for you, please read over the responsibilities required for overseeing a building project available at:
How to obtain your Owner-Builder license
A quick search offers a few choices of online courses available for Western Australia. Prices vary, so it would be good to look over a few options and choose one that suits you. A great starting resource is https://ownerbuilderclub.com.au/
If you do not already hold a White Card, then modules are also available to obtain this in conjunction with your Owner-Builder license.
How to proceed once you have your license
Now that you have a license, you will be able to fill out ‘Form 75 Owner-Builder Approval’ which enables you to apply for a Building Permit under section 20 of the Building Act 2011.
Form 75 Owner-Builder Approval This form can also be found on the Government of Western Australia Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website.
When you have been issued with an owner-builder approval number, you can enter this into the builder’s details section on your BA2 Form application for a Building Permit with the Shire.