Discover how to obtain an Owner Builder Permit to build your shed or carport in Queensland
If you are a Queensland resident planning to build a shed or carport under an owner-builder’s license, there are several steps that need to be taken before you can begin the construction. First, you must obtain an owner-builder license. You can contact your local council for more information about how to apply. Additionally, completing a training course is necessary in order to meet the requirements of State legislation and acquire the skills needed for successful building practices. Ultimately, it is important to ensure that these steps have been completed properly before beginning any construction work as an owner builder.
If you live in Queensland and are planning on purchasing a shed or carport kit from Modern Steel Buildings and building it yourself, then read the following article to find out if you need any specific licences.
What is an Owner-Builder?
An Owner-Builder is responsible for a residential building project on their land without hiring a licensed builder to supervise the build. If you plan on undertaking building works on your property, you may need to apply for an owner builder permit before work commences. Owner builders are not able to access the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme (https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/your-property/queensland-home-warranty-scheme).
You will need an owner builder permit if you want to supervise of undertake building works that are worth over $11,000 (including GST). This will allow you to perform the building work and take on the role of head contractor.
*Note: if Queensland, if the works are for a farm building, an owner builder permit is needed when works are worth over $27,500. This means you can build or renovate farm buildings up to $27,500 without an owner builder permit. A farm building must be built on farm land and intended to be used for farm work.
Who can apply for an Owner-Builder permit?
If you want to apply for an Owner-Builder Permit, you must be either:
- The owner of the property,
- A company director, if the company owns the property, or
- A lease occupier and have permission from the owner to carry out the work.
Works worth less than $11,000 (including GST)
No permits are required; however, QBCC will be your first point of contact before purchasing a shed, garage or carport kit from Modern Steel Buildings because all applications must be submitted and requested through this department.
Works worth over $11,000 (including GST) or over $27,500 for farm buildings
If the value of the work is greater than $11,000 (or $27,500 for farm buildings) you will also need to complete the Owner Builder course or have an equivalent qualification and experience.
How to apply for an owner builder permit
- Check if you need a permit and what works an owner build can complete:
As outlined above, an owner builder permit is needed for works over $11,000 (or $27,500 for farm buildings).
An owner builder can:
- Build a new home
- Renovate or extend an existing home
- Build a garage, carport, or residential shed
- Build a pergola for residential use
- Build a swimming pool
- Complete a new home that was not finished by a contacted QBCC-licenced builder.
*Note: if you have held a permit within the last 6 years, or have already finished the work, you will follow a different process (see link https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/your-property/owner-build/apply-owner-builder-permit)
- Estimate the value of the work
To estimate the value of the work, add up the cost of all materials and labour needed to complete the job. These values must include GST and be based on the rate a QBCC-licenced contactor would charge.
- Complete required courses
QLD Owner builder course
The course must have been complete in the last 5 years. You will need to find a Registered Training Organisation that offers the owner builder course. See link for owner build course providers (https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/guide-owner-builder-course-providers-0922.pdf)
For a list of those exempt from the owner builder course see here (qbcc.qld.gov.au/your-property/owner-build/required-courses-owner-builders)
Asbestos awareness training course
If there is any change you will be working with asbestos, you will need to complete an asbestos training course through a Registered Training Organisation. If your house was build before 1990, or you are working on a house where asbestos may be present, you will need to complete this training.
- Collect supporting documents
In your application, you will need to attach the following:
– proof of ownership of land
– certificate showing completion or owner builder course or exemption approval
– proof of identity
If you are applying as a company, a lease holder or finishing work from a certain building stage you will require additional documentation (see link https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/your-property/owner-build/apply-owner-builder-permit).
- Provide plan of the work
A detailed description of the work to be performed under your owner builder permit must be included in the application.
- Complete owner builder application form
All owners, lessees or company directors must complete and sign the owner builder permit application. If more than one person is on the form, the person that completed the owner builder permit course must be listed first. Download and access the form here (https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/resources/form/owner-builder-permit-application-form)
- Pay fees and submit the application
You can lodge the application and pay the application fees in person at a QBCC service centre or by mail. See the link for QBCC contact details (https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/contact-us).
What next?
The application process will usually take about 4 weeks. Visit https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/your-property/owner-build/apply-owner-builder-permit for more detailed information about the application process.
Questions
If you have any questions about the process, contact Modern Steel Buildings and we will help you in any way we can.
