How to become an Owner Builder in Western Australia

Owner Builder Course Western Australia (online)

If you plan to build, renovate or extend your own home in Western Australia, you may be able to do so as an Owner Builder. This allows you to manage the building project yourself instead of engaging a licensed builder to supervise the work.

However, before you can begin construction you must apply for an Owner Builder License through the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety Licensing Services Branch . One of the key requirements for most applicants is completing an approved owner builder training course if the value of the works exceeds $20,000.00

What is an Owner Builder?

An owner builder is someone who takes responsibility for managing a residential construction project on their own property. This means you act as the head contractor, organise trades, and ensure the project complies with building regulations.

An owner builder is building a house they intend to live in and they are not in the business of building.

When Do You Need an Owner Builder License?

In WA you must obtain an Owner Builder License if you intend to supervise building work on your own property with a value greater than $20,000. An approved course is required if the works value exceeds $20,000.00

The permit allows you to:

  • manage the construction project
  • engage and coordinate subcontractors
  • oversee scheduling and inspections

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1 – Complete the Owner Builder Course

Most applicants must complete an approved training course before applying for an Owner Builder License.

This course explains:

  • legal responsibilities
  • contracts and insurances
  • project management basics
  • workplace safety obligations

Complete the Owner Builder Course WA here

WA ENROL NOW

Step 2 – Apply for the Permit

Applications are submitted through the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety Licensing Services Branch using the Form 75 Approval

You will need:

  • proof of land ownership
  • course certificate
  • identification documents
  • application fee

Step 3 – Obtain Building Approval

Before starting construction you must obtain:

  • planning approval (if required)
  • building approval from a certifier

Step 4 – Start the Project

As an owner builder you become responsible for:

  • coordinating trades
  • ensuring compliance with building codes
  • managing workplace safety
  • arranging required inspections

Owner Builder Course Requirement

Most owner builder permit applicants must complete the required training course within the last six years before applying.

The course can usually be completed online in a few hours.

Start the Owner Builder Course WA

WA ENROL NOW
WA FAQ 1 - How much does the course cost?

Our self paced online course is $147.00. 

This is to protect the industry. It ensures Licensed Builders who have considerable sums invested in training and equipment are not competing against less qualified and under resourced individuals who try to short cut the system. An owner builder is NOT in the business of building. They are building a home they intend to live in and not to sell for short term financial gain.

Typically we see our students complete the course over a weekend, spending around three hours each day. We always say, as with any training, you get out of it what you put into it. This is supposed to be a learning journey. Our most successful builders are those who put in the effort and take this seriously.

Yes, we have successfully trained literally thousands of owner builder students. You need to put in the effort and apply the systems we introduce you to during the course. This is about being organised and following a process.

Not really, we have owner builder graduates who are onto their third build in 18 years. The most recent one has just finished a build on the Brisbane River which had a build cost of in excess of 7 million dollars. These are rare but it shows what you can do!

The owner builder who takes this seriously and applies the principles we teach in the course have the greatest chance of success. Success for most is having greater control over their project. Getting better finishes and of course saving money.