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In Victoria, an owner-builder is someone who is responsible for the domestic building works performed on their own land.
There are certain works which an owner-builder can, and cannot, perform.
Permitted | Not permitted |
Construction of new single domestic dwellings | Multiple dwellings or work on non-domestic works |
Alterations, renovations, additions to existing dwellings | Demolition works |
Completing works on a home that has been relocated | Subfloor work including re-stumping or reblocking |
Work on ancillary buildings and structures, including garages, carports, sheds, pools, spas, fences, pergolas and retaining walls | Relocation of a home (which includes re-stumping or subfloor work) |
To be an owner-builder, you must apply to the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) for a ‘Certificate of Consent’.
A Certificate of Consent is required for domestic building works valued over $16,000 and carried out on your own land. An owner-builder is required to obtain the Certificate of Consent from the VBA before carrying out domestic building work.
A Certificate of Consent will only be provided to an owner-builder if:
If you have been issued with a Certificate of Consent on a dwelling you own or co-own within the previous 5 years, then you may apply for an exemption from the 5-year requirement. The VBA may determine a special circumstance such as financial hardship if the application for a Certificate of Consent were refused.
If you fail to obtain a Certificate of Consent for the domestic building work, the VBA can issue a fine.
You do not require a Certificate of Consent if:
Owner-builders have several duties and responsibilities, including some obligations which last for several years. Responsibilities may include:
As an owner-builder, you will undertake all or a part of the building works yourself. You can also contract some works to licenced tradespeople or registered builders to supervise or carry out some of the works. You must notify the building surveyor the details of each tradesperson that you have engaged throughout the project.
If you require a registered builder to complete works valued over $10,000, you must enter into a major domestic building contract.
If an owner-builder has engaged you to supervise or carry out some domestic building work, please refer to HIA’s information sheet on 'Performing work for an owner-builder.'
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