Owner Builder Course Questions

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  d500 on 04/04/2022 - 07:48

  +5

  Owner builder course does not prepare you to supervise or understand the construction processes. It most definitely does not prepare you to assess the quality of work. It is a legal document that makes you responsible for when things go sideways. Unsure of short courses that would be helpful.

  To help get an understanding of processes and quality perhaps refer to standards and tolerances.

  www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/36998…

  From memory, white card was a requirement to complete OB course. That is, to finalise the OB application and have it assessed by the building authority.

  As a general note, beware of builders that want you to run the works under OB / apply for OB.

  As another note, builders and subbies will not be fond of someone running around after them with a tape measure and level. Chances are you'll only provoke them.

  • 

    duluxe2000 on 04/04/2022 - 10:51

    Thank you, I'm checking the PDF and find it really useful.

    I understand that tradies do not generally like untrained people to check their work. I only check when there is noone on the site.

    • 

      deme on 04/04/2022 - 11:34

      I understand that tradies do not generally like untrained people to check their work.

      No, it's fine to check their work. It's the idea that you will supervise them that's annoying. Hire experts for a reason.

      If you become an owner-builder you are the builder now, shits on you boss.

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  Porker on 04/04/2022 - 08:50

  +1

  If you don't have any experience with building or managing trade (or even renovating), I'd say get a builder.

  You'll probably save money in that you own't be losing as much time troubleshooting etc or having to re-do things.

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  Shadowsfury on 04/04/2022 - 08:53

  +1

  I agree that a course may not be the best way - but you'll be surprised how much you can pick up taking a gander through the property whilst its under construction (yes technically might be trespassing on your own site) - just go on a weekend or in the evenings after all the tradies have gone home.

  Long as your slab is the right size probably wouldn't bother any more - if a room is 10cm smaller than expected another one is going to be 10cm larger anyway

  Check all the fixtures and fittings especially - e.g. sizes of doors, windows, taps, powerpoints etc

  • 

    duluxe2000 on 04/04/2022 - 15:35

    Thanks, I definite will check. I'm more concerned about structure defects, waterproof defects.. as they are more expensive to fix.

    • 

      DooDah on 04/04/2022 - 15:43

      That course won't help identify structural or waterproofing defects.

      The Owner Builder course will give you a lesson on the basics of the building process (approval process, hiring licenced contractors, insurances etc…), not specific construction methods.

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  chriskq on 04/04/2022 - 11:22

  i did a owner builder course only because i wanted to be able to submit the council DA (i did the SEE and a building designer did the plans) and as my father in law was helping with the main part of the build it allowed me to hire out the other trades we required (sparky / plumber) and deal directly with the private certifier.

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  Drakesy on 04/04/2022 - 12:33

  You can see the building progress at each stage gate, and your builder/project manager should technically be acting on your behalf to ensure no defects arise.

  As for being more hands on, unless your an experienced builder/engineer i wouldn't necessarily be trying to helicopter parent the building process at risk of annoying already under resourced/in demand builders and trades. Yes call them out at each stage gate but don't set up camp whilst the building goes on at risk of having builders walk off to another build.