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Sustainability for Owner Builders   So you’re building your own home. You’ve got the slab booked, the trades half-organised, and a folder of Pinterest screenshots your partner pretends not to know about. Somewhere in the chaos, someone’s said the word “sustainable” — and now you’re wondering whether going green means going broke. Good news: it […]

If you’re thinking about becoming an owner builder in Queensland, you’re probably already doing a bit of research, talking to people, maybe watching a few videos and trying to piece it all together. And to be honest, that’s exactly where most of the problems start. Not because you’re doing anything wrong — but because the

How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Owner Builder Project Underway? If you’re planning to become an owner builder, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: how much does it actually cost to get started? Many people assume it’s just the permit fee. In reality, there are several upfront costs you need to

New Application Requirements for WA Owner-Builders (What You Need to Know Before You Apply in 2025) Western Australia has recently updated the Owner-Builder approval process, including changes to the application form, evidence requirements, and supporting documentation. If you’re planning to build or renovate your own home in WA, it’s important to understand what these changes

Merry Christmas from Abacus Training — & What’s Coming in 2026 Season’s greetings to all our students, past and present! As the year winds down and the festive season approaches, I want to take a moment on behalf of everyone at Abacus Training / Owner Builder Courses Online to say a heartfelt thank you. Thank

I have been asked what the best way to connect the gutter to your rainwater tank is.My response included good design will always include:1)   A rainwater head2)   A Leaf Diverter3)   A First Flush System4)   A fine mesh inlet strainer. To help our Owner Builder students identify these components, pleas see the images below

As an owner-builder, you have the unique opportunity to design your project with sustainability and long-term cost savings in mind. One of the simplest yet most impactful eco-friendly features you can incorporate is a rainwater harvesting system. By capturing and storing rainwater, you’re not only reducing your reliance on mains water but also creating a resource

Owner Building is a rewarding experience, allowing you to create a home that is uniquely yours. However, it can also be a complex and challenging process, with a variety of potential pitfalls. In this blog, we’ll explore five common mistakes that owner builders make, as well as tips on how to avoid them. Underestimating the Scope

Helping Owner Builders Work Safely Work Health and Safety Responsibilities for Owner BuildersWhen you take on the role of an owner builder, you’re not just creating your dream home—you’re also stepping into the shoes of a project manager and, importantly, the person responsible for work health and safety (WHS) on your site. This is a