Finding your tribe: Navigating the owner-builder journey

Building your own home can be rewarding, but can also be a very daunting project to contemplate. Experienced owner-builder Megan Waru from Home Base explains how to get started, and the importance of like-minded support networks.

There are numerous reasons why people embark on the owner-builder journey. Sometimes it is born out of the frustration of having your dream home rejected by builders as ‘it can’t be done’ or ‘you have deviated from mainstream construction methods, so it will be expensive’. Sometimes it’s more about wanting to be in control and be able to make changes without incurring hefty variation costs. Regardless of your motivation, building your own home or mastering a renovation is a deeply personal adventure, and a significant investment of both your time and your money.

The importance of your ‘tribe’

One of the most important things to remember is that you are not alone. There are many other owner-builders out there doing all kinds of projects, so find out how you can connect with them. Being part of a network of owner-builders removes the isolation factor and offers the opportunity to learn from one another’s journeys. The sharing of experiences, advice and words of encouragement between like-minded people – your ‘tribe’ – is an important part of the process. It provides a way forward from mistakes, and words of wisdom are always welcomed for preventative action.

In Western Australia we have the Home Base Owner-Builder Support Network (OBSN) which offers a broad range of services including building inspections, project scheduling consultations and access to a recommended trades and services list. Like any network, the benefits are in the shared experience: what we fondly refer to as ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’ of owner-building.

Along with your time and money, owner-building is also an investment of your passion – owner-builders are an enthusiastic group of people from all walks of life. Generally, they are a gregarious bunch who do not just accept comments like ‘it can’t be done’. On the contrary they find a way, defy the odds and test every relationship they have!

Starting your journey

Take a course: When considering the idea of becoming an owner-builder, the first step is to enrol in an owner-builder course. This will provide a summary of the process, and also give you all the necessary information regarding your legal obligations. There are plenty of courses and seminars to choose from, including online options. The distinct advantage in attending such a course is that you begin your journey by meeting other potential owner-builders – there’s always healthy discussion during these courses that offers up additional knowledge and insight.

Site safety: Health and safety forms a large component of the responsibility of an owner-builder, so another important step is to do construction induction training and obtain a White Card or similar. Such certification is usually mandatory prior to an owner-builder approval being issued. For many people, this is their first exposure to the importance of safety on site. Once completed, you’ll never view your construction site the same again as your safety senses and responsibility as an owner-builder are heightened. This certainly serves you well for running your own construction site in a safe and compliant manner.

Love thy council: Your local government will be the next important relationship you establish – the mantra of ‘love thy council’ will keep you in good stead. I suggest you communicate with them, ask questions, confirm in writing and then communicate some more. It is also important to understand how your state operates and to familiarise yourself with other relevant authorities and how they fit into your owner-builder quest. In Western Australia, the Building Commission is the governing organisation, now overseen by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. The Building Commission manages the regulation of building, painting, building surveying and plumbing services throughout the state. They also issue owner-builder approvals and are the point of contact for dispute resolution – a one-stop shop for the owner-builder.

Research: Your journey as an owner-builder will see you acquiring a lot of information. From the outset when you start dreaming, then attending an owner-builder course, right through each step of the process, information is king. Make sure you forge a friendship with your search engine – research is your friend! Whether it’s product research, technical specifications, installation instructions or plain and simple inspiration – make the most of the tools available to you online. Understanding your project and the process thoroughly will assist you in creating a home that is compliant with the National Construction Code (NCC) and any variations in your state or territory.

And finally… go for it!

One of the greatest mantras of the owner-builder is ‘it can be done, and I will find a way’. Generally, a builder is a problem solver, whereas an owner-builder dares to dream big – the flip side of not having years of construction experience is that they see the journey through different eyes. An owner-builder’s enthusiasm is infectious and their passion for the project has a flow-on effect for the trades and services who also invest their time and expertise in that dream.

Owner-builders love to share, and it is in that sharing that you will find your tribe, a tribe that instils a tremendous sense of belonging, where strong friendships are formed and dreams become a reality. The owner-builder journey is always a mix of highlights and lowlights, but rest assured the experience is like no other and will provide you with a valuable skillset that you can overlay on both your professional and personal life.