Dealing with NSW Council Legislation for Building

Dealing with NSW Council Legislation for Building

Dealing with NSW Council Legislation for Building
by
Ciara
 23/02/2017

Planning on building your own new home? How exciting! Finally, you get to have a home that’s entirely yours, top to bottom, made with all the style and fixings that you’ve always wanted. What can possibly get in the way of your plans and turn your dreams into a headache?

The answer is paperwork and Council legislation.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be a challenge. Here’s what you have to do as an owner-builder according to NSW legislation:

Be the Project Manager and Builder

If you are taking on the role of owner-builder, then it’s your job to manage the building project and coordinate contracts with electrical, plumbing and gas fitting. Other than those industries, you can do all the work yourself or engage sub-contractors.

You must obtain an owner-builder permit if:

  • You intend to undertake or supervise and coordinate your own residential building work
  • The market value of labour and materials is greater than $5,000
  • The work requires development approval or is a complying development

Some other red tape that you’ll have to cross is that you must:

  • Have a share of ownership in the land in which you intend to build
  • Live or intend to live in the completed home
  • Have completed an approved owner-builder course or training

Role as an Owner-Builder

The role of an owner-builder is extensive and we won’t list all of your duties here. However, so you can get an idea, according to NSW building legislation, as an owner-builder, you must:

  • Organise plans, specifications, and engineering drawings (if applicable).
  • Lodge plans with local council.
  • Call for tenders and quotes, obtain finance.
  • Obtain water and sewerage diagrams and all other approvals from appropriate authorities.
  • Organise workers’ compensation, public liability and builder’s all-risk insurance.
  • Ensure occupational health and safety awareness for all workers.
  • Oversee the building process.
  • Hire foreman or supervisor if necessary.
  • Organise and set out site, including things like water and electric.
  • Clean up after tradespeople.
  • Pay tradespeople.
  • Keep records.
  • Settle disputes.
  • Control costs.
  • Inspect all tradespersons’ insurance policies (i.e. home warranty, public liability, workers’ compensation and builder’s all-risk).
  • You must also be on the site every morning to answer questions and organise the day’s work.

Drawbacks for Owner-Builder

One of the biggest drawbacks of being an owner-builder is the stress involved. You have to devote nearly all of your time, which is difficult if you have a career or relationships. This role puts stress on family and friends.

In addition, many owner-builders have a hard time obtaining finance, as many lending authorities will not lend to owner-builders at all.

Is There an Easier Way?

Of course, the easiest way to get your newly built home without having to build it yourself is to hire a building company that you trust. McDonald Jones Homes offers a range of modern, new home designs in New South Wales, as well as hassle-free house and land packages.

Our team provides an excellent service because we allow you to have as much of a hand in the building process as you want. We can give you the home design that you’ve always wanted, and the best part is that we’ll take care of all of the council legislation. All you have to do is tell us what you want and accept the keys to your new home when it’s done!

Build a New Home in New South Wales Today!

Call McDonald Jones Homes on 1300 555 382 for more information or contact us online!