Do you want to manage a building or renovation project on your property?
Follow this step-by-step guide to see what permits and documentation you need before you begin.
About owner-builder laws
Victoria’s owner-builder laws give property owners, genuine owner-builders, and registered building practitioners much greater protection. It is unlawful for unregistered builders to operate as a surrogate owner, or to persuade owners to be the 'builder' so they can avoid registration or insurance costs.
Following more changes in 2016, an owner-builder can only obtain building permits for one single dwelling and associated work on a single property in any 5-year period (previously it was 3 years). Owner-builders must live and continue (or intend) to live in the dwelling.
Step 1: Check if you need a Building Permit for your project
If you are considering being an owner-builder on your project, you will need to meet certain requirements for any project that requires a Building Permit.
We have prepared a series of guides to help you understand what permits you require on our Do I need a permit? page. If the works you want to do are not listed, please contact Building Services to check whether you need a Building Permit.
Does your project require a Building Permit
If yes, continue to Step 2 below.
If no, you do not need to follow this owner-builder process.
Step 2: Confirm the value of the work you are doing
If the work you want to do is valued at more than $16,000, you will need to become an owner-builder and obtain a Certificate of Consent from the Victorian Building Authority.
If the value is below $16,000 you do not need any documentation to proceed.
Is the work you want to do valued at more than $16,000
If yes, continue to Step 3 below.
If no, you do not need to follow this owner-builder process.
Step 3: Become familiar with the duties and responsibilities of being an owner-builder
Becoming an owner-builder involves a number of steps. To check whether you are prepared to do this and are likely to have the necessary skills, view the Victorian Building Authority’s outline of the process and requirements.
We recommend you download the VBA's Owner-builder information and study guide, which provides the key information you will need, including owner-builder duties and responsibilities.
If you decide that you do want to become an owner-builder, continue to Step 4.
Step 4: Get a Certificate of Consent
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) manages this process, not Council.
To apply for a Certificate of Consent to become an owner-builder, you will need to:
- complete the VBA application form
- attach evidence of land ownership with a Certificate of Title from Landata
- attach evidence that you have successfully completed the owner-builder eLearning assessment
- attach evidence of the White Card issued by WorkSafe Victoria
- pay the VBA non-refundable application fee.
Once you have provided all the documents, the application takes about 28 days to process.
The VBA manages this process. Please contact the VBA for queries about your Certificate of Consent.
More information
For Certificate of Consent inquiries, contact the VBA.
For more information contact Building Services at [email protected] or call (03) 9278 4999.