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Decide owner-builder or contractor

You can manage the build yourself, hire a main contractor, or mix the two. Many places have specific rules for owners who build or supervise their own work.

How

1. Ask your authority whether owner-builders are allowed and what they must do.
2. Australia example (New South Wales): an owner-builder permit is generally needed when work on your own home costs more than 10,000 AUD or you supervise it yourself; conditions include a construction induction (white card), owner-builder education for work of 20,000 AUD or more, and an approved development application or complying development certificate.
3. England example: if you do the work yourself you are responsible for meeting building regulations; if you hire a builder, that responsibility usually passes to them, but confirm it at the start.
4. Be honest about your time and skills. Managing trades is a job in itself.
5. Whatever the route, decide who holds responsibility for compliance and write it down.

Do these first

• legal-2

Sources

1. When you need approval (building regulations). Planning Portal (England), accessed 2026-11
2. When an owner-builder permit is needed. NSW Government, accessed 2026-11

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