Licensed to Build: Getting your Owner Builder’s License

Are you handy on the tools, and keen to get involved in the build of your very own tiny home?

Or maybe you’re a great organiser and ready to sink your teeth into a new project.
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If coordinating trades, getting your hands dirty and saving money is up your alley, a DIY build of your Tiny Blox home could be your next exciting project. 

When you purchase your Tiny Blox kit home, we handle the design and supply of the core components, however we don’t build or install onsite. 

You have the option to either DIY the build, or we can connect you with a reputable local building contractor to complete this work if you would prefer to outsource.

What are the DIY options?

Many of our customers think that the term “Owner Builder” requires them to be fluent in the ins and outs of the building trade, and actually complete the build of their tiny home themselves. 

The beauty of the simplified Tiny Blox build system is that if you’ve got some construction experience, you can absolutely complete a lot of the work yourself. Full instructions come with your kit, and you can outsource to relevant trades when needed. 

However the Owner Builder option can also be taken by anyone who has the time, and can use a phone! 

Is DIY right for you?  

Many Tiny Blox customers who are after a lower cost, minimalistic alternative to the traditional building process opt to DIY and find the process straightforward, and even fun.

If you choose DIY and manage the tradespeople yourself, you can cut out the builder’s margin and save around 20%. 

Many of our customers also say they enjoy the sense of control over the build and love the feeling of putting together their kit home themselves. 

What is Owner Builder licensing?  

Owner Builder doesn’t mean you need to build your tiny home yourself. The license allows you to hire and manage tradespeople such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, that you’ll need to complete your tiny home build. 

You don’t have to actually do any of the drilling and hammering yourself, unless that’s your thing! 

Becoming an owner-builder is easier and quicker than you may think, but does require you to obtain a licence. While there are a few steps to go through to get the relevant permit in your state, you can enjoy significant savings by not using a traditional builder to oversee construction.

How to obtain an Owner Builder licence in your state

The steps involved to get an Owner Builder license vary from state to state.

Queensland: 

• Complete an approved Owner Builder course, or apply for an exemption in certain cases.
• Complete the Owner Builder application form. 
• In your application, you’ll need to provide a detailed description of the works to be completed under this permit, and an accurate estimated value of the work. 
• You’ll also need to include an original or certified copy of a current title search from the Titles Office. 
• The application fee is $420.80

New South Wales: 

• Complete an Owner Builder approved education course.
• Apply for a general construction induction card, referred to as a White Card, through SafeWork NSW.
• Complete the permit application online, or in person at a Service NSW centre. 
• In your application, you’ll need to include evidence of ownership of your property or a registered lease.
• You’ll also need to include development consent from either the council or a private certifier.
• The application fee is $253.

Victora:

• Download the owner-builder study guide and complete an e-Learning knowledge assessment.
• Complete construction induction training to obtain a WorkSafe Victoria White Card. 
• Complete your Owner Builder application online.
• In your application, you’ll need to include evidence of ownership of your property.
• You may also need to include a site plan, floor plan or planning permit.
• The application fee is $102.20.

How Tiny Blox can help

Tiny Blox will guide you through all stages of the owner builder process, from helping you decide if the owner builder approach is right for you, right through to any information you might need to obtain your Owner Builder permit. 

We’ll help with compliance permits, easy-to-understand costings and any site or floor plans you need for your application. 

When it comes time to get your build started, your kit home comes with easy-to-understand instructions and clear guidelines around when and how to engage the required tradespeople. 

Think a Tiny Blox home could be your next exciting project? Speak to a Tiny Blox Consultant to discover how simple building a tiny house in your backyard can be.