What things can and can't I do as OB...?

[ReP0]

In a year or two I would like to build a triple garage at the back of the yard.

Now I know I need to get an owner builder certificate and potentially once I get that it may answer my question but since I'm not at that stage I thought I'd ask here.

What things can I do myself?

1) Can I lay the slab?
2) Can I lay the bricks?
3) Can I do the roofing (frame and tiles)?
4) How about the plumbing for stormwater from the gutters etc

I assume electrical will need to be called in but all the other stuff I would like to try myself. I do plan to do alot of investigating prior to starting (courses etc for bricklaying etc) but just want to get a feel for how much I'm allowed to do myself and what things definitely need licensed tradesmen.

So how much am I allowed to do myself? I live in Sydney, NSW.

Any good resources for showing how things are done would also be great.

Thanks

PS: Is there a place I can get hold of the standards for free so I need to know what I have to comply with and is there a free online owner builder course that I can go through to at least see what I'm getting in for without forking out the $$. Once I want the certificate paying the $$ is fine but I'm along way away from that atm.

[woodcutta]

RePO

Plumbing also has to be done by a licenced plumber. The rest you can do yourself.
If the value of the work is over $12K you need to do a TAFE course. Fortunately my shed came in at $11958

woodcutta

[MrFixIt]

Hi

In a year or two I would like to build a triple garage at the back of the yard.

Now I know I need to get an owner builder certificate and potentially once I get that it may answer my question but since I'm not at that stage I thought I'd ask here.

I have been an owner builder twice. Once for a very large second storey additon and the second time for a whole home renovation and a medium sized bed/bath/toilet/passageway ground floor extension.

I don't know how it is in NSW, but here I required the "use" of a builders licence. This means that the onus of the construction was on the builder that generously allowed the licence to be used

In each case as I have the ability and confidence in my own work, I did 99% of the work myself, obviously saving a sustantial amount of $'s

What things can I do myself?

1) Can I lay the slab?
2) Can I lay the bricks?
3) Can I do the roofing (frame and tiles)?
4) How about the plumbing for stormwater from the gutters etc

I don't see why not. However do *YOU* feel capable of finishing a concrete slab? Can you use the theodolite etc to level off the "pegs", lay out the formwork, dig the footings, compact the ground etc. If you do then IMHO go ahead.

Can you lay bricks? Can you lay them in an acceptable (to you) time frame. Do you WANT to lay bricks? Would you be happy with the appearance of the brickwork on its completion? If so, IMHO go ahead

Roofing is also not too hard, though for a "beginner" the style of roof may have some influence on how easy it is. A gable end or a flat roof would be easier than doing hip ends. But if you can read and understand plans and are a capable "carpenter" then give it a go.

The same with roof plumbing, it is all relatively simple, but requires some basic knowledge of how to install the gutters and downpipes. It is MUCH easier now with pop rivets and silicon, than it used to be with neatly cut joints and soft solder BTDT (Been There Done That).

Tiling is a DIFFERENT story, at least in WA. The tile manufacturers will not supply you with the tiles UNLESS you have roofing tilers to do the job. (This is rigged (IMHO).

I was able to do my own roof tiling because I was able to use the original tiles on the second storey and was able to souce a few "lots" of secondhand tiles for the other extension (I had to match the original 1970's tiles).

I assume electrical will need to be called in but all the other stuff I would like to try myself. I do plan to do alot of investigating prior to starting (courses etc for bricklaying etc) but just want to get a feel for how much I'm allowed to do myself and what things definitely need licensed tradesmen.

So how much am I allowed to do myself? I live in Sydney, NSW.

This will depend to some extent on the local council and the NSW building by-laws. You will need to investigate this or await advice on this forum.

Notwithstanding ALL the regulations, in many instances you could do much of the work as a T/A (trades assistant) for the "real" tradesman.

Ie digging footings, mixing the motar, laying out the roof timbers, chasing the walls or attaching conduit for the electrical work etc.

Just be aware that ALL of the above are "TRADES" and as such there is either a "talent in" or a "method of" doing the work. There can also be some "hidden tips" that as a beginner you don't find out until the end of a job, "Oh, THAT'S how they do it" BTDT.

Also be aware that while much of the work LOOKS simple it is not necessarily so when you actually come to do the job. Building a brick BBQ or flowerbox is NOT in the same league as building a STRAIGHT AND PERPENDICULAR wall.

Doing all of the work yourself is very satisfying and obviously very cost effective. Just keep in mind that there is an "art" to doing all of these trade jobs. It is unlikely that you will have this "art" at the beginning - and you may not have it and the end of the job - but you WILL gain an insight into what these trades (have to) do and most likely have a new found respect for those tradesmen.

While I have never doubted my abilities to do the kind of work I have taken on, it does not mean that I always enjoyed it, sometimes it is just plain hard work and I would not choose to do it for a living

There is a good sense of satisfaction in seeing the job completed. There can also be the occasional "head swelling" as others admire your handiwork, very gratifying

While I don't want to put you off, please be aware that there is usually more to doing such a job than may be seen at the beginning. A triple garage is not necessarily too hard a job and would give you the insight and grounding for the day you may want to consider something bigger

HTH

Best wishes with your future garage.

[ReP0]

While I don't want to put you off, please be aware that there is usually more to doing such a job than may be seen at the beginning. A triple garage is not necessarily too hard a job and would give you the insight and grounding for the day you may want to consider something bigger

Well thats how I'm approaching it. The idea is to get a feel for what it's like with a "simple" standalone structure before I tackle the house extension. I don't mind it taking a while. It's just a garage as long as I do things properly.

Truth be told I'd almost prefer to get tradies in to do it but quite frankly most in the area aren't worth ????. Price doesn't equal quality either so I don't truly believe what you pay for is what you get in the industry.

I've done in the past the kitchen, electrical (am certified), plastering, tiling, doors, windows etc so I know it's hard work but I know it's done properly unlike most of the time when shortcuts are taken where the tradie doesn't realise the owner knows a fair bit and realises the work is subpar. I've run a few tradies out right at the start of the job because I saw the crap they where up to. I think thats why tradies prefer builders. Most builders aren't as anal about quality and I am which is why I do alot of the stuff myself and quite frankly the less tradie involvement the better. I really hate battling to get things done properly for which I paid for just because I'm not in the industry and some tradies think they can do a hack job to earn some quick cash. Apologies to the good tradies out there, it's just I've had alot of bad ones over the years so my views are a little coloured.

I do plan on taking a brick laying/roofing course at tafe etc and don't plan on rushing into anything until I have my head wrapped around whats involved from start to finish which is why the timeframe 1-2 years min before I start.

It also sets me up going forward to do an holiday house a decade down the track so I think the effort of learning and going through it all will pay for itself in the long run even it I don't save anything initially.

Many thanks for your input.

Cheers
ReP0

[ReP0]

RePO

Plumbing also has to be done by a licenced plumber. The rest you can do yourself.
If the value of the work is over $12K you need to do a TAFE course. Fortunately my shed came in at $11958

woodcutta

Really? I thought the 12k limit referred to insurance. That is below 12k the tradie doesn't have to issue you with insurance for the job and above he does. As a OB I thought if the value of the reno's is over 12k then if you sell within 6.5years then you need to take out insurance for the new owners. Haven't heard of anything about compulsory courses based on value of change? Do you have a link by anychance?

Note I'm not adverse to taking a course. I plan to do the major ones anyway.

[ex-chippie]

Hi Repo,
Don't be shy about taking a crack yourself, your positive attitude is half thats required. The only licenced tradies that you will require will be the sparkies and plumbers, (storm water drain, down pipes, spout and tin roof.) If you are fitting a tiled roof, you can do this yourself. And as for bagging the tradies, some of us (ex) tradies have/had to compete with the cowboys/butchers to get the work and it gets /got pretty frustrating seeing these guys charge the same $'s and getting out heaps earlier(by doing 80% of the job). Best advice is to speak to a local building surveyor to see what jobs you can legally do and what you can legally get away with.
Best of luck, Jason.

[Pulse]

Being an OB means you are really the supervisor of the job. You probably need tradies for their experience and extra hands.

<$5K - no OB permit
<$12K - OB permit with approved OB course and insurance. This course informs you of the legal requirements.

As far as the standards go can get most from standards australia. You may need AS2870 - residential slabs and footings.

Probably the best way is to get a building designer to submit your drawings and all the details will be there.

Cheers
Pulse

[peter_sm]

I was able to OB my 13 x 7m weatherboard garage.

I did all plans to the detail required myself. They did ask for one extra bit, a bracing plan.

The council came and did inspections at several stages.

- Trenches and sand
- Steel and mesh (I had to change some mesh)
- Frame (I had to redo the speed bracing)
- Final

Now you can see I had a good run, and the inspector was very helpful.

I had a builder put the frame and trusses up, and he put the bracing according to the truss manufacturer. The Inspector wanted it slightly different according to the bracing plan.

I had a plumber attach the stormwater to the connection point. I did all of the roof, gutter and pipes.

Everything else was done by me.

[bentley]

I dont think you need a builders or owner builders licence if the building is not a house I think the licenses only apply if it is a dwelling

[silentC]

<$5K - no OB permit
<$12K - OB permit with approved OB course and insurance. This course informs you of the legal requirements.

Actually, if it's >5k <12k you need the OB but not the course. > 12k needs the course.

I dont think you need a builders or owner builders licence if the building is not a house I think the licenses only apply if it is a dwelling

You need an OB for anything over $5k in value. Basically, if you need a council DA for it, you need an OB permit. That includes sheds.

Department of Fair Trading is the responsible body in NSW.