If you've been thinking about becoming an Owner Builder in Australia, you might wonder about the first steps you need to take.
In some states in Australia (yes, not all), one of the important prerequisites is to complete a state government required Owner Builder course in order to get an Owner Builder Permit.
This non-negotiable course (again, in some states) will help you gain necessary knowledge to manage your owner built home effectively.
In this article, we'll delve into the details of how long a state government required Owner Builder course typically takes and a whole lot more about what the course.
WHAT IS AN OWNER BUILDER COURSE?
Before we talk about the time it takes to do an Owner Builder course, let's first get clear what it's about.
An Owner Builder course is required to get an Owner Builder Permit and is a mandatory requirement by statement government.
It's designed to provide Owner Builders with comprehensive information about building regulations, safety practices, project management, and other essential aspects of residential building.
By undertaking the course, you'll gain insights into legal responsibilities, budget management, contractor hiring, and more.
WHICH STATES IN AUSTRALIA IS IT MANDATORY TO DO A COURSE?
It's mandatory to undertake an Owner Builder course in – Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, ACT, Tasmania.
It's NOT mandatory in – South Australia, Northern Territory.
And, in Victoria, you MUST complete the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) e-learning tool and not through a registered training organisation (RTO).
WHO OFFERS OWNER BUILDER COURSES?
Way back in 2018, we did a stringent review of 12 Owner Builder course providers in Australia. We're pretty particular and at the end of the review, we happily partnered with Absolute Education.
Absolute Education is a recognised and approved national Registered Training Organisation with years of experience delivering Owner Builder courses. Not to mention Peter's background in the building industry that gives that little extra confidence and credibility.
SO HOW LONG DOES THE COURSE TAKE?
The duration of an Owner Builder course varies depending on the state in which you intend to build.
Generally, the course comprises a certain number of units or modules that need to be completed to attain the qualification. On average, an Owner Builder course can take anywhere from 3 to 40 hours of study.
The course structure is super flexible allowing you to study at your own pace and convenience. On the other hand, there are also in-person or blended courses that may include practical workshops or assessments.
WHAT DOES THE COURSE COVER?
An Owner Builder course is designed to cover a range of topics essential for effectively managing a residential construction project. The course content typically includes learning how to create a construction plan, manage budgets, and timelines, statutory requirements, monitoring and controlling the project.
HOW MUCH DOES A COURSE COST?
This is another factor influenced by the state your building in but the cost of doing an online Owner Builder course is between $99.00 to $185.00.
To Summarise:
Becoming an Owner Builder can be an exciting and rewarding journey. As this article outlines, you need to know if the completion of an Owner Builder course is a mandatory requirement in the state you're building in.
The course will equip you with essential knowledge and skills to successfully manage your residential construction project. While the duration of the course can vary, dedicating the time to learn about building regulations and project management is vital for a smooth and successful building experience.
Before enrolling in an Owner Builder course, make sure to check the requirements in your state and choose a reputable course provider. By investing in your education as an Owner Builder, you'll be better prepared to embark on your dream construction project and turn your vision into a reality.
The next article talks about the requirements of obtaining a White Card – click here to read.