FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

OWNER BUILDER BASICS

  • Yes. If the value of your works exceeds $20,000, you must obtain Owner-Builder Approval from Building and Energy (WA) before applying for a Building Permit.

  • Yes — in Western Australia, nearly all new residential buildings, extensions, and significant renovations require a Building Permit before any construction work can begin. This ensures your project meets the safety, structural, and performance requirements of the Building Act 2011, the Building Regulations 2012, and the National Construction Code (NCC).

    Why it’s required:
    A Building Permit confirms that your proposed works comply with all relevant codes, standards, and local council policies. Without it, any building activity is considered unauthorised and may lead to penalties, delays, or issues with insurance and resale.

    What’s involved:
    To obtain a Building Permit, you must first secure a Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC) — also known as a BA3 Certificate — issued by a registered Building Surveyor. This certificate verifies that your drawings, engineering documentation, and specifications meet the NCC and applicable Australian Standards.

    Once the BA3 is issued, your Building Permit application (Form BA2 for Certified applications) is submitted to your local council along with all supporting documents.

    How YourBuild Ally helps:
    Navigating this process can be complex, especially when coordinating multiple consultants and compliance documents. YourBuild Ally simplifies it by:

    • Engaging and coordinating a registered Building Surveyor to assess your documentation.

    • Reviewing and collating all required drawings and reports to ensure they align and meet compliance requirements.

    • Liaising with your designer, engineer, and energy assessor to resolve any gaps before submission.

    • Preparing and lodging your Building Permit application with the relevant local authority.

    • Managing correspondence and conditions through to permit approval.

    With YourBuild Ally managing the process, you can be confident that your documentation is accurate, compliant, and approved efficiently—allowing your project to move smoothly into construction.

  • The approval process for an Owner Build project in Western Australia varies depending on your design complexity, consultant availability, and local council processing times. As a general guide, you should allow approximately 12–16 weeks from starting your documentation to receiving your Building Permit.

    Here’s a breakdown of the typical stages:

    1. Design & Documentation (6–10 weeks)
    This stage involves:

    • Engaging a licensed surveyor to complete a feature and contour survey.

    • Preparing initial architectural plans for concept review and client approval.

    • Finalising detailed working drawings suitable for engineering and certification (allow an additional 2 weeks beyond initial plans).

    • Coordinating structural engineering design, energy assessments, and specification development once drawings are finalised.

    This process can extend if design changes occur or if consultants are engaged sequentially rather than in parallel.

    2. Consultant Coordination & Certificate of Design Compliance (2–3 weeks)
    Your Building Surveyor will assess all documentation—architectural drawings, engineering design, energy report, and specifications—to issue the BA3 Certificate of Design Compliance. Any missing or inconsistent information must be resolved before the BA3 can be released.

    3. Council Submission & Building Permit Approval (2–4 weeks)
    Once the BA3 is issued, your Building Permit (BA2) application is lodged with your local council. Most councils aim to issue permits within 10 business days, though this can extend depending on workload, public holidays, or requests for further clarification.

    4. Optional Planning or Development Approvals (if applicable)
    If your project requires planning approval (for example, boundary variations, R-Code relaxations, or heritage assessments), this must be completed before the Building Permit stage and can add an additional 4–6 weeks to the timeline.

    YourBuild Ally manages and coordinates the entire process—working with your surveyor, designer, engineer, energy assessor, and building surveyor—to ensure your documentation is accurate, consistent, and approved as efficiently as possible.

    By preparing your design package correctly from the start, YourBuild Ally helps you streamline the approval process and move into construction with confidence and compliance.

  • You may commence work once your Building Permit is issued — provided insurance, site setup, and trade agreements are in place.
    You must start within 12 months and complete construction within 24 months of permit issue.

    YourBuild Ally ensures all pre-construction requirements are met so you can begin confidently and compliantly.

FINANCE & COSTING

  • YourBuild Ally offers independent inspections at key construction stages to verify quality, workmanship, and compliance with the NCC and relevant Australian Standards.

    Typical inspection stages include:

    • Pre-slab or footing

    • Brickwork / plate height

    • Roof cover / structural framing

    • Waterproofing and pre-tiling

    • Lock-up and practical completion

    During each inspection, we:

    • Compare on-site works to approved drawings and engineering details.

    • Identify any defects, non-conformances, or incomplete works.

    • Provide a written inspection report with photos, findings, and recommended actions.

    • Review items before progress payments are made, giving you confidence in what you’re paying for.

    With YourBuild Ally’s engineering and project management background, these inspections provide true technical assurance — protecting your investment and helping your build stay on track.

  • As an Owner Builder, you take on the legal responsibilities of a registered builder — which means you must have the right insurance in place to protect yourself, your property, and anyone working on site.
    Having adequate insurance isn’t just a safeguard; it’s a critical part of managing risk and ensuring your project complies with Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Building Act 2011 (WA) requirements.

    The main types of insurance you should consider include:

    1. Public Liability Insurance
    Covers you for injury or damage caused to other people or property as a result of your building activities.

    • Required before any work starts on site.

    • Typically covers incidents involving visitors, neighbours, or adjoining properties.

    • Many councils and lenders will ask for evidence of this policy before construction commences.

    2. Construction Works / Builder’s All-Risk Insurance
    Protects the building structure, materials, and equipment against loss or damage during construction.

    • Covers events such as fire, storm, theft, or vandalism on site.

    • May also cover materials in transit or stored off site.

    • Highly recommended for all Owner Builders — it provides peace of mind if unforeseen events occur during your build.

    3. Workers Compensation Insurance
    Legally required if you employ anyone directly under a wage arrangement.

    • Covers injury or illness to workers while performing duties on your site.

    • Not required for independent subcontractors (they should carry their own coverage), but always verify this before engagement.

    4. Owner-Builder Indemnity Insurance (only required if selling within 7 years)
    If you plan to sell your property within seven years of completion, WA legislation requires you to obtain Owner-Builder Indemnity Insurance.

    • Protects the future purchaser against structural defects for up to 7 years after completion.

    • Must be provided along with Building and Energy’s approval to sell.

    5. Optional Insurances
    Depending on your site and project, additional policies may be recommended, such as:

    • Tools and Equipment Insurance – covers damage or theft of your tools.

    • Contract Works / Delay Insurance – protects against financial losses due to construction delays.

    • Professional Indemnity (for consultants) – ensure any designers or engineers you engage hold current PI cover.

    YourBuild Ally can help identify which insurances apply to your specific project, coordinate documentation for your Building Permit or finance application, and connect you with reputable providers familiar with owner-builder requirements.

    With the right insurance in place, you’ll protect your investment, stay compliant, and build with confidence knowing you’re covered from the ground up.

  • As an Owner Builder, you are legally responsible for maintaining a safe work environment on your site. Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA) and Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022, you are considered a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) — which means you owe the same duty of care as a registered builder to anyone working on or visiting your site.

    Your safety obligations include:

    1. Providing a Safe Work Environment
    You must ensure the building site is safe for all workers, visitors, and the public. This includes:

    • Securing the site with fencing and clear signage.

    • Managing site access and keeping unauthorised persons away from hazards.

    • Ensuring the site is free of dangerous conditions such as open trenches, exposed rebar, or unstable structures.

    2. Managing and Communicating Hazards
    You are required to identify potential hazards (e.g. electrical, fall risks, excavation, or manual handling) and implement appropriate controls.

    • Conduct basic risk assessments before high-risk work begins.

    • Ensure workers and subcontractors are informed of known hazards.

    • Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for hazardous materials on site.

    3. Engaging Competent and Licensed Trades
    Only engage qualified, licensed, and insured tradespeople to perform regulated work such as electrical, plumbing, gasfitting, or structural carpentry.

    • Verify licences and insurance before work begins.

    • Ensure subcontractors meet their own WHS responsibilities and work safely.

    4. Providing Site Amenities and Facilities
    You must provide access to basic welfare facilities, including toilets, drinking water, and rest areas. These are mandatory requirements under the WHS Regulations for any active construction site.

    5. Incident Reporting and Emergency Planning
    You are responsible for having an emergency plan and ensuring incidents (e.g. injuries, fires, or structural failures) are reported to WorkSafe WA if they meet the definition of a “notifiable incident.”

    6. Documentation and Record Keeping
    Keep records of:

    • Site inductions and toolbox meetings (if applicable).

    • Trade licences and insurances.

    • Risk assessments or Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) for high-risk activities such as roofing or scaffolding work.

    Why it matters:
    Failing to meet your safety obligations can result in serious penalties, insurance issues, or liability if an incident occurs. Maintaining safety on site also improves efficiency, reduces rework, and ensures your project progresses without disruption.

    YourBuild Ally assists by providing guidance on:

    • WHS compliance for owner builders.

    • Contractor verification and documentation checks.

    • Safe site setup, risk management, and inspection coordination.

    By taking safety seriously from day one, you protect yourself, your trades, and your project — ensuring your owner build is delivered safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with WA legislation.

YOURBUILD ALLY SERVICES

  • An Owner Builder is someone who takes responsibility for managing and coordinating their own residential building project without engaging a registered builder. You personally oversee the design, approvals, trades, and construction while maintaining control over costs, quality, and decision-making.

    In Western Australia, any residential building work valued over $20,000 must either be carried out by a registered builder or by an approved Owner Builder who has obtained an Owner-Builder Certificate from Building and Energy (WA) before applying for a Building Permit.

  • The step-by-step process includes:

    1. Complete the mandatory Owner-Builder course to demonstrate your understanding of responsibilities, compliance, and building regulations.

    2. Obtain a Construction Induction Training (White Card) – required for anyone working on or supervising a construction site in WA. This confirms your understanding of basic site safety and Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations.

    3. Provide evidence of land ownership for the property you intend to build on.

    4. Submit your Owner-Builder Approval Application to Building and Energy (WA) with all supporting documentation.

    5. Receive Owner-Builder Approval, which must be included when you apply for a Building Permit through your local council.

    ⚠️ Important: An Owner-Builder approval expires six months after it is granted unless the approval holder applies for a Building Permit within that period. If it lapses, you’ll need to reapply before proceeding.

  • Owner building offers a unique opportunity to take full control of your project—both creatively and financially. It allows you to manage your build on your terms while gaining a deeper understanding of the process and achieving real cost savings.

    By managing the project yourself, you can:

    • Save money by avoiding the typical 15–30% builder’s margin, keeping those savings in your pocket or reinvesting in higher-quality finishes.

    • Stay in control of every decision—from materials and design choices to which trades you engage and when.

    • Achieve flexibility in scheduling and scope, allowing you to adjust the pace or priorities of your build to suit your personal circumstances or cash flow.

    • Hand-pick reliable trades and suppliers, ensuring accountability and quality workmanship.

    • Gain transparency—knowing exactly where your money is going and making informed financial decisions along the way.

    • Develop valuable knowledge and confidence, giving you the skills to manage future projects or property investments more effectively.

    • Experience personal satisfaction from being directly involved in creating your own home, rather than relying entirely on a builder.

    While it requires more involvement and organisation, the rewards can be significant—and with professional guidance from YourBuild Ally, you can manage your project efficiently, stay compliant, and achieve professional-level results at a fraction of the cost.

  • As an Owner Builder, you take on the same legal responsibilities as a registered builder for the project you manage. This means you are personally accountable for ensuring that your build complies with all legislative, safety, and quality requirements under Western Australian law.

    Your key responsibilities include:

    • Compliance and Approvals:
      Ensuring your project complies with the Building Act 2011 (WA), the Building Regulations, the National Construction Code (NCC), and all relevant Australian Standards. You must obtain the correct approvals and permits, including the Owner-Builder Certificate (for works over $20,000) and the Building Permit issued by your local council.

    • Engaging Qualified Professionals:
      You are responsible for engaging and coordinating appropriately qualified consultants and trades, such as designers, engineers, building surveyors, and licensed subcontractors, to complete specialised or regulated works (e.g. electrical, plumbing, and gasfitting).

    • Site Safety and Supervision:
      You have a duty of care to maintain a safe worksite in accordance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation. This includes identifying hazards, ensuring trades work safely, and keeping the site secure and compliant.

    • Quality and Workmanship:
      It’s your responsibility to ensure the building work is completed to an acceptable standard, using the correct materials, methods, and specifications as outlined in your approved drawings and engineering documentation.

    • Record Keeping and Documentation:
      Maintaining accurate records of contracts, invoices, approvals, and inspection reports is essential for compliance and future resale (particularly within the 7-year restriction period).

    • Insurance and Financial Responsibility:
      You must obtain appropriate Public Liability, Construction Works, and (if applicable) Workers Compensation insurance, and ensure you have the financial capacity to meet costs and pay trades as work progresses.

    • Post-Construction Obligations:
      Upon completion, you are responsible for ensuring final inspections and certifications are completed, and for addressing any defects that may arise.

    Being an Owner Builder means being both the client and the builder, balancing project management, compliance, and coordination. With YourBuild Ally’s professional support, you can meet these responsibilities confidently—ensuring your build is safe, compliant, and delivered to a professional standard.

  • Owner building can be highly rewarding—but it’s not for everyone. It suits people who are organised, proactive, and willing to take an active role in managing their project.

    You don’t need to be a qualified builder, but you should have a good understanding of how construction works and be able to read architectural and engineering drawings, interpret specifications, and complete basic take-offs from plans to estimate materials and costs.

    If you’re confident coordinating trades, making decisions, and keeping track of timelines and budgets, owner building can be a great way to save money, maintain control, and achieve a truly personalised home.

    If you prefer to stay involved without managing every technical detail, YourBuild Ally can provide the professional guidance, systems, and support you need—helping you enjoy the benefits of owner building without the stress.

  • Owner building allows you to:

    • Save the 15–30% builder margin.

    • Control your design, trades, and materials.

    • Maintain flexibility with scheduling and scope.

    • Achieve transparency and direct accountability.

    While a registered builder offers convenience, owner building delivers financial and creative freedom — and with YourBuild Ally’s expertise, you gain professional systems and oversight without the markup.

  • Yes — however, there are specific restrictions and conditions in Western Australia that apply when selling a home built under an Owner-Builder Approval.

    Under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011, an owner-builder cannot sell their property within seven (7) years of completing the work without first obtaining consent from Building and Energy (WA). This rule is designed to protect future purchasers by ensuring that all building work is compliant, properly certified, and covered by appropriate insurance.

    If you intend to sell within this period, you must:

    1. Apply to Building and Energy (WA) for approval to sell before settlement.

    2. Provide a statutory declaration confirming that all building work was completed in accordance with approved plans, permits, and the National Construction Code (NCC).

    3. Obtain Owner-Builder Indemnity Insurance — this covers the purchaser for structural defects for up to seven years from the completion date of the building work.

    4. Provide copies of approvals and certifications (including Building Permit, occupancy certificate, and engineer’s certifications) to the buyer as part of due diligence.

    Failing to obtain approval or provide indemnity insurance before selling can result in penalties and potential legal or financial liability for building defects discovered later.

    YourBuild Ally can assist by helping you gather the required documentation, prepare your statutory declaration, and coordinate any post-completion certifications needed to satisfy Building and Energy and your insurer.

    With the right preparation and compliance checks, selling an owner-built home can be a straightforward process — ensuring transparency, protecting your buyer, and safeguarding your interests.

PERMITS & APPROVALS

  • The total cost of an Owner Build project depends on your design, size, location, and level of finish — but as a guide, you can expect to spend the same base construction cost as a builder, minus their profit margin, which is typically 15–30% of the total project value.

    For example, if a builder’s turnkey price is $600,000, managing the project yourself could reduce the overall cost to around $420,000–$510,000, depending on how efficiently you coordinate trades, materials, and scheduling.

    To accurately determine your project cost, it’s essential that detailed architectural and engineering drawings are first completed. Once these are finalised, a comprehensive take-off and cost estimate can be prepared—itemising materials, labour, and allowances for fees, insurances, and contingencies.

    At this stage, your completed design and documentation can also be issued to registered builders for comparison pricing, giving you a clear understanding of potential savings and allowing you to make an informed decision about whether to build independently or through a builder.

    While owner building can deliver significant financial savings, it requires careful planning, budgeting, and documentation. YourBuild Ally can assist by coordinating your design and engineering, preparing detailed cost estimates, and ensuring you have a clear, accurate financial roadmap before construction begins.

  • Yes — banks and lenders can provide finance to Owner Builders, but the process is generally more detailed than for a standard builder contract. Lenders want to ensure the project is well-documented, accurately costed, and financially viable before approving funds.

    Most lenders will require:

    • A comprehensive cost estimate that includes all materials, labour, and fees.

    • Detailed architectural and engineering drawings that match the estimate.

    • Copies of your Owner-Builder approval and Building Permit.

    • A fixed-price quote or comparison from a registered builder (for benchmarking).

    • Evidence that you have sufficient equity or cash contribution — typically at least 40% of the total project value.

    YourBuild Ally prepares professional, finance-ready cost estimates suitable for lender submissions. These estimates are based on detailed take-offs from your approved drawings and incorporate realistic, localised pricing for materials, trades, and fees.

    We can also assist by:

    • Ensuring your design and engineering documentation aligns with lender requirements.

    • Providing comparison pricing from builders to support valuation and risk assessment.

    • Coordinating with your lender or broker to address any documentation requests.

    With the right preparation and documentation, Owner Builder finance is entirely achievable—and YourBuild Ally helps ensure your application is accurate, professional, and supported by credible cost data.

  • Yes. You can obtain conditional pre-approval based on your financial capacity before securing permits.
    However, full approval and fund drawdowns will only be issued once your Owner-Builder Certificate, Building Permit, and final cost estimate are complete.
    Starting early helps confirm your borrowing capacity and avoid timeline delays later.

CONSTRUCTION & SAFETY

  • Absolutely. YourBuild Ally is designed to give you flexibility and control over how much professional support you need. You can engage us for a single service, such as a detailed cost estimate, council submission, or building inspection — or for comprehensive project management covering your entire build from design to handover.

    Our approach is built around the owner-builder model, which means you stay in charge of your project while we provide the expertise, systems, and technical oversight where you need it most. This allows you to maintain ownership of decisions, costs, and timing — without being tied to a builder’s rigid process or margin.

    Typical engagement options include:

    • Pre-construction support – coordinating your design, engineering, and approvals to get your project ready for permit submission.

    • Estimating and scheduling – preparing a full project cost breakdown and realistic construction timeline.

    • Trade and supplier coordination – helping you prepare scopes of work, review quotes, and engage reliable trades.

    • Construction stage inspections – providing independent quality and compliance checks at key milestones.

    • Coaching and advisory sessions – offering professional guidance when you need help interpreting drawings, managing trades, or resolving issues on site.

    Whether you want hands-on guidance throughout your build or simply professional backup for key stages, YourBuild Ally offers tailored involvement to suit your experience level, project complexity, and budget.

    Our flexible structure means you get the right expertise at the right time — helping you build smarter, stay compliant, and maintain full control of your project.

  • YourBuild Ally offers flexible, transparent pricing tailored to the level of support you need. Because every owner build is unique in scope and complexity, our fees are based on the specific services you select — whether that’s a one-off estimate, stage inspection, or full project management engagement.

    We offer:

    • Fixed-fee packages for defined services (e.g., estimating, BA3 coordination, council submissions).

    • Hourly or stage-based rates for advisory and project management support.

    • Custom proposals for complete project involvement, including design, approvals, and construction oversight.

    Our goal is to provide professional expertise without the high overheads of traditional builders or consultants — giving you cost-effective, value-driven support that fits your project and budget.
    (Detailed proposals and fee structures are provided upfront before any work begins.)

  • Ideally, as early as possible — before finalising your design or submitting for approvals. Engaging us early allows us to:

    • Review your concept plans for cost efficiency and compliance.

    • Coordinate your survey, design, and engineering consultants.

    • Ensure your documentation aligns with council and lender requirements.

    • Identify potential risks or redesign opportunities before they cause costly delays.

    That said, YourBuild Ally understands that most Owner Builders will have already completed the architectural design stage to establish the layout, size, and style of their home. Therefore, the ideal time to engage us is upon completion of your architectural plans — when your concept is locked in, but before engineering, energy, and council submissions begin.

    At this stage, we can provide the most value by:

    • Reviewing your plans for structural and cost efficiency.

    • Coordinating engineering, energy, and survey inputs.

    • Preparing detailed cost estimates and schedules.

    • Managing the approvals process through to Building Permit issue.

    However, you can engage YourBuild Ally at any stage of your project — whether you’re just starting, mid-way through design, or already in construction and needing inspections or professional oversight.

    Our goal is to support you where you need it most — providing industry expertise, independent guidance, and peace of mind from planning through to completion.