It can be a bit of a myth that it is cheaper and quicker to be an owner-builder when building your new house.
Not only do you need to understand all aspects of building codes, council regulations and planning, but you need to have the right contacts to buy at trade rates and have a wide network of tradie contacts who you know how to schedule in the right order to make the best use of time and budget. And of course, you need to complete the Owner Builder course to prove that while you aren’t a licensed builder, you have the proficiency and skills to be responsible for the building work as a fully licensed builder would be.
As builders, we are full time builders. This is what we do day in, day out. Most owner/builders have full time jobs and responsibilities. So unless you have hours and hours to spare daily or a very understanding employer who doesn’t mind you directing the build, chasing up trades and inspecting the worksite, owner/builder can be an extra layer of stress that adds more pressure to your already busy life.
