Owner Builder Information

39219QLD Course in Preparation for Owner Builder Permit

What is an Owner Builder?

The Queensland Building Services Authority Act 1991 has been drafted to allow persons who are not licensed building Trade Contractors to build their own home, roofs, decks, swimming pools, sheds and carry out renovations, extensions, relocations, repairs, etc on land owned by them.

The 39219 QLD Course in Preparation for Owner Builder Permit is an essential requirement of the Queensland Building Services Authority in the granting of an Owner Builder Permit for building work where the total commercial value (including GST) exceeds $11,000.

The 'commercial value' of building work for the purposes of the QBSA Act is the cost calculated for the work to be completed by a builder or trade contractor including the cost of plans, earthworks etc. Building experience is not a requirement; many Owner Builders today administer the project and contract with sub-contractors to do the physical building work.

The course provides training in the necessary administrative skills to carry out your building project. Owner Builders are allowed to do all the domestic building work themselves except for plumbing and electrical tasks. Note: Since 1st January 2006 Owner Builders have to complete the Course in General Safety Induction if they are doing any work on site.

Persons holding a BSA licence may not require the 39219QLD Course in Preparation for Owner Builder Permit. Please contact the BSA for information on exemptions from the owner builder course.

What is included in the course?

• The Peach Institute's Owner Builder Work Book
• The Owner Builder Study Guide - 170 page book
• A Building/Renovating Book to assist you with your particular project
• Mandatory documents and checklists you can use in your construction project
• Industry standard contract forms
• The BSA Owner Builder Permit application form
• An extensive referral list to outside resources that can provide information to assist you in your project
• Telephone support after hours and on weekends should you require any information or advice.
• Plus, the course will provide you with the opportunity to seek free advice from Bryan Peach, an experienced Builder of over 35 years.

At the conclusion of this Course you will receive a Statement of Attainment which is recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework.

What topics are covered in the course?

Depending on the course delivery the topics below are split into 10 sections for the Correspondence Course, and 4 sessions for the Weekend Course.

• Legal Obligations of an Owner Builder
• The Initial Decision
• Roles of an Owner Builder
• Choosing Land or Position
• Consultants & Engaging a Designer
• Environment & Energy
• Choice of Materials
• Building Methods
• Preliminary design drawing
• Approvals & Inspections
• Specifications
• Setting Goals
• Estimating, Costing and Budgets
• Planning and Scheduling
• Finance & Loan Requirements
• Controlling Cost & Time
• Financial Records
• Establishing Supplier Accounts
• Relevant Administrative Authorities
• Taxation and Portable Long Service
• Insurances
• Workplace Health & Safety
• Record keeping
• Trade Contractors and Contracts
• Organisation of Supplies
• Payment of Suppliers
• Progress Payments to Trade Contractors
• Final Payment to Trade Contractors
• Construction Stages
• Conflict Prevention and Resolution
• Move In and Maintenance

How do I enroll?

Submit your online enrolment form for Correspondence or the Weekend Course page or alternatively Contact Nadine or Bryan on 07 4053 2933 or 0408 772 653.

You can download the Owner Builder information leaflet (, 93K).
You may need to download Adobe Acrobat to view the pdf information leaflet.

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