Owner-Builder Process
The Owner-Builder Process in Queensland
What the process looks like in practice when you are managing a real Queenslander renovation as an owner-builder.
Queensland Owner-Builder Context
Running an owner-builder Queenslander project
Owner-building means you take on the role of the builder for your own project: managing licensed trades, coordinating inspections and taking legal responsibility for the build. On a Queenslander raise and build-under, that's a lot to keep on top of.
Start with the QBCC owner-builder licence. From there, the practical work is sequencing trades, managing hold points and keeping the paperwork in order through to occupancy.
About the 33% saving figure
Industry rule of thumb is around 25% off a comparable licensed-builder cost. On the Coorparoo project we hit closer to 33% by managing trades directly, locking high-demand bookings in early, sourcing salvaged windows and doors and doing the unskilled labour ourselves. The 33% figure on this site is what was achieved, not a guaranteed market rate.
Owner-building in Queensland: FAQ
Based on real experience managing a Queenslander raise and build-under in Coorparoo, Brisbane.
What does being an owner-builder in Queensland actually mean?
You take on the legal role of the builder for your own project: managing licensed trades, coordinating inspections, signing off on compliance and taking responsibility if something goes wrong. You are the responsible person on the site. You need a QBCC owner-builder permit to do this legally in Queensland.
Do I need a QBCC permit to owner-build in Queensland?
Yes. You must obtain an owner-builder permit from the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) before commencing work. The permit requires you to complete an approved education course and meet eligibility requirements including property ownership and an intention to occupy the completed dwelling.
Can an owner-builder do their own electrical and plumbing work?
No. The owner-builder permit covers the project management role: coordinating licensed contractors, attending inspections and taking legal responsibility for the build. Electrical, plumbing, gas fitting and other licensed trade work must still be carried out by licensed contractors.
What is the hardest part of owner-building a Queenslander raise and build-under?
In our experience: trade sequencing (the order work must happen in is unforgiving), managing inspection hold points so work doesn't get buried before it's signed off and the sheer volume of administration. Budget time as well as money: managing an owner-builder project is a part-time job at minimum, full-time during active stages.
How do I find good trades for an owner-builder project in Brisbane?
Personal referrals from your structural engineer and certifier are the most reliable source. Tradies who regularly work with owner-builders understand the process and the documentation requirements. Be cautious of those unfamiliar with hold point sign-offs: it creates problems at inspection time.
Need a raiser or engineer? Get matched with vetted Brisbane trades.
Get matchedOwner-Builder Project Control Pack
The full owner-builder pack: $149
The trade sequencing, hold points, contract templates, payment trackers and decision log structure used on the Coorparoo build. Methodology and templates for your own project.
- 8-stage inspection checklists
- Trade contract template (Queensland-suitable)
- Payment schedule and progress-payment tracker
- Defects and rectification log
- Decision log structure
One-time purchase. Instant download. 30-day refund.
Next step
Get the QBCC owner-builder permit
The first formal step. Understand eligibility, the education course and the application process: based on our real experience in Queensland.