Owner Building - YES or NO?

[Jill]

This question is similar to the following ones:

'Marriage: Yes or No?'; and 'Children: Yes or No?'; 'To homeschool your kids: Yes or No?

People are different in personality type, tolerance of stress, skill levels/intelligence, etc. etc. - and then throw in the individual variables of: finances available, circumstances like time available, energy levels, stickability, enthusiasm, stamina, the ability to dream & make the dreams reality, etc. Then throw in extra variables like - marriages/pregnancies/injuries/caring for an elderly parent/stability of relationships, etc. that can change your circumstances in every way, overnight.

It is totally an individual thing, really - and evidently what can be one of the most satisfying work/creative activities of a lifetime for some, can be the biggest nightmare for others.

Do your homework - on every factor, and with every part of the project, and make sure you have access to an additional 10 - 20% of your original (well researched & detailed, based on quotes) financial estimate. Building smaller, in stages, is sometimes the better option for some people.

There are those who love the challenge and have the skills to do every legal part of the project, and others who would be better to get the pro's in. You need to know what is best for you as an individual/couple.

For me, I am happily building away (alongside my husband) on our second home. For us, it works, but I totally understand that for others, it doesn't. Each to their own.

Cheers,

Jill

[MrFixIt]

Hi

Too many ppl watch them lifestlye shows where Jamie Jurry flashes his pearly whites, and hey presto, the job is done like magic.

Well the bad news, I dont think his girly hands are up to it for starters, he may chip a nail or worse, get a blister.

What you dont see behind the scenes are the hoard of real tradies doing all the work.
Yes I know, it all looks like plain sailing on tv.

Al

That is SOOOOOOOO true

[cosmoad]

Do a Tafe course first and then enjoy the pleasure of your accomplishments. Charging double rates for owner builders by tradesman is outrageous. I built my own house and saved heaps. Use of a qualified tradesman for performing work should not be a problem if the Tradesman arranges his own materials, and you manage the whole of the building process. There is numerous literature out there to help the budding owner Builder. One very important piece of information. Get a quote for the work first and stick to it. Do as much as the manual work you can. Some of the work that you can do is.
1. Painting
2. Sealing concrete walls.
3. Tiling.
4. Fitting Gyprock to walls and ceilings with a friend.
5. Core fill and Structural steel placement
6. Landscaping.
7.Installing Windows and Doors. Leave Door Jambs to pro's if not confident.
8. Screw down the Roof.
9. Electrical Work if you have a licence.

Also with owner Builer Licence I was able to purchase materials and Hardware at Trade prices. ( Savings in my Pocket)

I am now starting a large shed and have employed sub contractors to lay the slab and brickwork. The rest is mine. Cant wait.

[bigdazza]

To OB or not to OB????

I am just finishing up a 70m2 extension to my home as an OB. Bearing in mind I am a structural engineer, so I do know a bit about building and also have industry contacts.

I would not recommend it to a novice in the current climate. Tradies have heaps of work on and unless you know them your job will not get priority.

I have engaged a construction foreman who has organised most of the trades and also the materials for the job. I have paid him an hourly rate to do this and it has worked really well, although I have to fit in with his other commitments.

Even with all these advantages, we have still found the whole process reasonably stressful. In hindsight the $$$ savings will personally be worth it, but be wary it could end up costing you just a much if not more if you dont do your homework. There are a lot of hidden costs to look out for.

Best case scenario is a 15-20% cost saving unless you do a lot of the finishing off work yourself. The extra stress and loss of family time may not be worth it depending on your personal situation.

Good Luck.