Free calculator
Owner-Builder Savings Calculator
How much could you save by managing the project yourself instead of engaging a licensed fixed-price builder? This calculator gives you a rough estimate: and shows the trade-offs.
Owner-Builder Savings Estimate
Based on an estimated 33% saving by avoiding builder's margin. Results are indicative only.
If you don't have a builder quote, use the Build-Under Budget Estimator first.
Estimated owner-builder saving
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At 15%
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Midpoint (17.5%)
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At 20%
Your estimated owner-builder project cost: -
The 33% saving estimate is based on avoiding a licensed builder's margin and managing trades directly. It does not account for your time cost, higher risk of variations or the personal legal responsibility you take on as owner-builder.
What the saving doesn't account for
Your time
Managing an owner-builder project is at minimum a part-time job during active construction. During the raise, slab and frame stages it can be closer to full-time. The saving is real but the time cost is too.
Risk and variation management
As the owner-builder, you wear the risk of variations, delays and defects. A licensed builder absorbs these risks (to the extent their contract allows). Budget a 10-15% contingency on top of any owner-builder estimate.
Personal legal responsibility
You are the nominated responsible person for compliance. If something is non-compliant, the responsibility sits with you: not a builder. This is a genuine trade-off, not just paperwork.
Resale restrictions
If you sell within six years of completing owner-builder work, you must provide the buyer with a building inspection report and may need warranty insurance. This can affect financing and sale negotiations.
Next step
Understand the owner-builder process
Before deciding to go owner-builder, understand what it actually involves: QBCC permit, trade sequencing, hold points and the admin behind a successful build.