Understanding How It Is to Be an Owner-Builder

To say that you built your home with your own hands is something anybody will be happy about doing. These days, it is no longer a dream to be able to build your own home, it is a reality that more and more people are deciding to do and with good reasons.

For one, being responsible from the design up to the very last nail hammered onto it saves you time and money because you don't have to hire contractors and also because kit homes already come with the materials you need so all you have to do is follow the instruction manual that also comes with it. You also have complete control over everything concerned with your home's construction, which also includes complete accountability and responsibility for any mistakes made as well. Only natural, especially if you are doing this for the first time.

Owner-builders are defined as individuals who supervise and oversee the construction of their own homes and coordinate all the work being done in whole or in part, including any repairs or alterations made to the structure. As owner-builders, these individuals are expected to work no differently than an accredited builder, and will be responsible for the organization of labor, the sourcing of materials and the payment of employees and sub-contractors. They will also be responsible for any income tax, worker's compensation, public liability and for maintaining occupational health and safety conditions as per regulations.

To be eligible for this position, you need to adhere to some conditions like being the owner of the land you plan to build on for one. You must also not be in the business of building, you must not construct more than two buildings of any class within a 10-year period, you must sign a Form 34 or an Owner Builder Declaration and you must get confirmation from an accredited building surveyor who will in turn get confirmation from the Director of Building Control that you are eligible to become an owner-builder in your state.

It is also important to note that you have three options to choose from as owner-builders. The first one is taking on the role of builder, which means you will build everything yourself without the help of any trades people, except those that are required by law like electricians and plumbers. The second option is that you still take on the role of builder but only in some tasks and still oversee the project to completion but with the help of subcontractors and some trades people to do part of the building work like roof tiling or framing.

The third and last option, is you being construction manager and organizing all the materials and subcontractors needed on the project. You will be responsible for carrying insurances, organizing site management and safety, as well as supervising and making your own inspections of the progress being made.

While most people are aware of the responsibilities and what it entails to become an owner-builder, there are some who still forget that if things are not planned correctly from the start, building your own dream home can quickly become a nightmare. Being able to do more than enough research, excellent organization and communication skills are as important as having the technical skills to pull it off. Always consider your confidence and skills level and don't hesitate to take classes if you need to as lenders can also be wary of builders who don't have the necessary skills and experience to build kit homes.

You must also be physically, mentally and even emotionally prepared to take on such a momentous task as losing heart halfway can lead to disastrous and regrettable consequences.