An owner builder undertaking any significant project is subject to the same statutory responsibilities as a registered builder. That means when building or renovating your home, it's best to make sure you’ve considered all of the regulations and requirements that apply.
Before you make the choice to build or renovate your home yourself, here are a few tips to put you on the right track.
Know your ABCs of the BCA
There is a minimum energy efficiency level set by the State Governments in the Building Code of Australia which all new houses and extensions need to meet. In Victoria, for example, this requirement is 5 star.
This requirement ensures that there is an acceptable level of insulation in the building, and lays out other energy efficiency requirements, including whether windows are reasonably sized and at a correct orientation. When choosing your insulation levels, remember that BCA requirements are set to ‘minimum acceptable construction’ and an energy efficient home should go beyond the minimum.
There are a number of methods available to verify that your home is BCA compliant.
- DTS
Deemed to Satisfy requirements outline the minimum insulation levels required for your climate zone and window selection size and orientation
- Verification rating tools
Verification rating tools can calculate the energy efficiency of your new home
First Generation ratings tools (FirstRate 4, NatHERS, BERS)
Second Generation rating tools (AccuRate, FristRate 5 BERS Pro)
An energy rater can guide you to determine which method is suitable for your major renovation or new home build.
Plan, Plan, Plan
It may seem obvious, but planning and research is a must to help keep your project costs low and on track. Ensure that you have allowed enough time to complete your project – often unexpected weather conditions can hold up your projects for weeks at a time.
Protect from the unexpected
If your home is covered by a standard home and contents policy, it's good to check whether or not this insurance covers your planned renovations. In some Australian states, it is a requirement that the owner builder provides home warranty insurance for any domestic building where major domestic works over the value of $12,000 have been carried out during the previous 6 years.