Coorparoo, Brisbane · Owner-Builder Project
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Queenslander Built documents a completed owner-builder raise and build-under in Coorparoo, Brisbane - costs, approvals, trade sequencing, photos and lessons from a project that ran from 2018 to 2020.
Pick the question closest to where you are right now.
I'm researching costs
The real $331,510 Coorparoo build-under breakdown: every category, every line item, with notes on where things came in over initial estimates and where we saved.
I'm considering going owner-builder
Understand what the owner-builder role actually involves: QBCC permit, trade sequencing, inspections and the admin nobody tells you about.
I need to understand council, QBCC and certification
Navigate the approvals pathway: DA, building permit, private certifier, owner-builder permit and the inspection hold points in between.
I'm planning the sequence of trades
Understand the order work must happen in: and the hold points that stop you if something isn't signed off.
I want to see before and after photos
The original 1920s Queenslander through to the completed raise and build-under: 6 stages documented in photos.
I want the build-under budget tracker
Every line item from the $331,510 Coorparoo project as a working spreadsheet: free for subscribers.
About this project
A real project, documented honestly.
We documented a completed Coorparoo Queenslander raise and build-under from an owner-builder perspective: costs, approvals, sequencing, mistakes and practical lessons.
The site is not generic renovation inspiration. It's a specific project on a specific block with real figures, real approvals and real trade decisions: the kind of information that's genuinely hard to find when you're planning a project like this.
Disclaimer: Everything here is one owner-builder's experience from one project in one location. It is general information only: not building, legal, financial or certification advice. Always confirm requirements with QBCC, Brisbane City Council, your certifier and relevant professionals.
Project facts
- Location
- Coorparoo, Brisbane
- House
- 1920s Queenslander
- Raise height
- 3.35 m / 11 feet
- Enclosed build-under
- 112.5 m²
- Procurement
- Owner-builder
- Project timeframe
- 2018-2020
- Build-under total
- $331,510
Free for subscribers
Get the Build-Under Budget Tracker
The Coorparoo line items as a read-only reference spreadsheet. All 8 categories, every line item, the actual figures paid.