THE OWNER BUILDER PROCESS

OWNER BUILDING IS AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY

— but it can also feel overwhelming.

Between design, engineering, permits, trades, and finance, there are a lot of moving parts to coordinate and many compliance obligations to navigate.

YourBuild Ally understands these challenges. We know that every decision — from selecting materials to lodging permits — impacts your timeline, budget, and overall success. That’s why we’re here to simplify the process.

With YourBuild Ally by your side, you gain professional guidance, structured systems, and clear direction at every stage of your build. We help you plan, coordinate, and deliver your project confidently — ensuring your design, documentation, and construction progress smoothly, efficiently, and in full compliance.

Our step-by-step approach below outlines the recommended* process for Owner Builders in Western Australia — designed to make your journey simpler, more transparent, and fully supported.

*The process below is not fixed — it’s the recommended approach developed by YourBuild Ally based on best practice, experience, and compliance requirements in Western Australia.

Every project is unique, and some steps may occur in parallel or in a different order depending on your site, design complexity, or approval pathway.

This guide outlines the optimal sequence to help Owner Builders plan efficiently, maintain compliance, and avoid unnecessary delays or rework

STAGE 1A - PRE-CONSTRUCTION

Every successful build begins with solid planning and feasibility. This stage focuses on confirming that your project is achievable, compliant, and financially sound before moving toward approvals or construction.

  • Feasibility & Site Assessment – Review zoning, R-Codes, setbacks, and site conditions, including services, bushfire, and flood requirements.

  • Survey & Concept Design – Engage a licensed surveyor and develop initial design concepts that balance layout, orientation, cost, and compliance.

  • Working Drawings & Engineering – Advance your concept into detailed architectural and structural documentation, including any required reports such as Energy/NatHERS, geotechnical, or BAL assessments.

  • Estimating & Market Comparison – Prepare a detailed cost estimate and obtain pricing from registered builders to benchmark your budget, confirm potential savings, and support future finance approval.

With YourBuild Ally guiding this process, your design, documentation, and budget come together seamlessly—setting a clear, confident path toward approvals and construction.

HOLD POINT - FINANCE PRE-APPROVAL

After completing your detailed estimate and obtaining market comparison pricing, seek finance pre-approval with your preferred lender (if required).

This step ensures that your project is financially viable and ready to progress to the approvals phase without delays.

Most banks will require:

  • A comprehensive cost estimate prepared from your final drawings and engineering;

  • Builder comparison pricing for benchmarking and valuation purposes; and

  • Evidence of your equity or contribution (typically around 40% of the total project cost).

If you’re self-funding, this stage still serves as an important checkpoint to confirm that your estimate, budget, and cash flow align with your intended project timeline and scope.

YourBuild Ally can assist by preparing finance-ready documentation, including cost breakdowns, inclusions summaries, and builder comparison schedules, helping you meet lender requirements and move forward confidently.

STAGE 1B - PRE-CONSTRUCTION

With your design and budget finalised, this stage focuses on securing the approvals and certifications needed before construction begins.

  • Owner-Builder Approval – Apply through Building and Energy (WA), completing the online course and obtaining your White Card to legally manage your own build.

  • Certificate of Design Compliance (BA3) – A registered Building Surveyor reviews your drawings and engineering to confirm compliance with the NCC and Australian Standards.

  • Building Permit (BA2) – Lodge your certified package with your local council, including your Owner-Builder Approval and BA3, to receive authorisation to commence works.

  • Final Finance Approval (if required) – Once your Building Permit is issued, obtain lender confirmation or funding release to move into construction.

With YourBuild Ally coordinating documentation, consultants, and approvals, you’ll enter the construction phase fully prepared, compliant, and ready to start on site with confidence..

💡 Tip from YourBuild Ally:
Many Owner Builders underestimate the time involved in certification and council assessment. We recommend lodging your Owner-Builder Approval and BA3 process in parallel to minimise delays — ensuring your Building Permit can be issued promptly once all documents are ready.

YourBuild Ally can assist by coordinating the Building Surveyor, ensuring your drawings and engineering align with the NCC, and managing the entire permit submission process on your behalf.

STAGE 2 - CONSTRUCTION SET-UP & DELIVERY

With approvals in place, construction can begin. This stage focuses on managing trades, quality, and compliance to keep your build on track.

  • Trade & Supplier Coordination – Engage qualified trades, compare inclusions, and confirm insurances and licences.

  • Scheduling & Site Setup – Plan sequencing, order materials, and establish site safety measures, fencing, and amenities.

  • Construction Oversight – Monitor progress, manage costs, and conduct inspections at key milestones to ensure work meets the NCC and Australian Standards.

YourBuild Ally provides professional oversight and structured project management so you can maintain control of your schedule, budget, and quality throughout construction

STAGE 3 – COMPLETION & HANDOVER

The final stage ensures your project is finished to standard, certified for occupancy, and fully documented.

  • Final Inspections & Compliance – Verify workmanship, rectify any outstanding items, and collect compliance certificates.

  • Practical Completion & Occupancy – Coordinate approvals, warranties, and manuals to achieve council sign-off and move-in readiness.

  • Post-Completion Support – Maintain records for future sale or warranty purposes and manage any defect-liability works.

With YourBuild Ally guiding close-out and certification, you can enjoy the confidence that your build is complete, compliant, and ready to call home.