 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General | Courses | Insurance | Legislation | Workplace Health & Safety | P.E.T.S Program
GENERAL
Q. Am I responsible for GST?
As for any day to day purchase you are responsible, payable upon receipt of a tax invoice.
As an Owner Builder you may not claim back the GST paid on goods or services provided to you in respect the construction of your project.
Q. Are the courses the same for all states and territories?
No, however the core content of all Owner Building Solutions Australia courses covers those items which are generic and relevant to building in all states.
Each state or territory has it’s own unique set of rules and standards which detail the legal obligations of the Owner Builder.
We tailor each of the course contents to meet the requirements of the individual state or territories.
As we have discussed in previous questions, at this time, there is no mandatory requirement to complete a course in states other than Queensland and New South Wales.
However, our experience is that those people who undertake a formal course such as ours, generally realise greater savings during the construction of their new home
Q. Are there any restrictions on selling an owner built house?
No, there is no restriction on selling an Owner Built property however, in some states and territories you may need to make a declaration on the “Contract of Sale” advising the purchaser of owner building works.
Q. Can anyone be an Owner Builder?
Legally, you must be over the age of 18 and you must be an Owner listed on the Title Deed of the property (although, some special conditions or exemptions can apply)
In respect to capability, Owner Building Solutions Australia believes anyone can be a successful Owner Builder provided you complete the appropriate training and follow the guidelines.
Q. Can I build a duplex?
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Queensland:
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No
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New South Wales:
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Yes
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Victoria:
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Yes
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South Australia:
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Yes
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Western Australia:
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Yes
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Northern Territory:
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Yes
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Australian Capital Territory:
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Yes
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Tasmania:
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Yes
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Q. Can I build a granny flat on my existing property?
Generally yes, provided you meet all the building requirements and that it is for the use of your immediate family and not for rental purposes or commercial use or gain.
Q. Can I build again in another state?
Yes, if you wanted to complete another Owner Builder project in another state or territory, you may, provided you meet all the requirements of that state or territory.
Do keep in mind however that the only way to successfully complete an Owner Builder project is to maintain good administrative control and management over the construction.
This may be difficult to achieve if the projects are remote.
Q. Can I build more than one project at a time?
Generally, the answer to this question is no.
In some states, you may use the same permit to complete various projects on the same property for the life of the permit.
In Queensland, you must state all works to be carried out under the permit and if there is any change to this you must notify the QBSA.
Q. Can I do everything myself?
No, there are certain areas that must be carried out by suitable qualified and or appropriately licensed.
The following are the trades that cannot be carried out by anyone other than qualified persons:
• Design
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Drainage
• Gasfitting
• Waterproofing
• Pest – termite proofing
There are other areas that we strongly recommend that you do not attempt yourself unless you have considerable experience and or relevant qualifications or assistance:
• Roofing
• Bricklaying
• Concreting
• Rendering
As with most things, you need to realistically assess your own capability, sometimes, hiring a mentor to provide guidance and advice can be a cost effective solutions.
When completing any works yourself, always refer to and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for fixing and finishing.
Q. Can I do more than one project?
The short answer is no, although there are certain circumstances in some states which allow additional projects to be undertaken. (refer to the state specific pages on this website)
Most states have restrictions on the number of permits which can be obtained in a given time period and limit the construction to single residential dwellings unless otherwise stated.
Queensland for example restricts the issuance of permits to one in any 6 year period and includes all persons listed on the Title Deed.
New South Wales is one permit in a 5 year period, but does not place a restriction on other persons listed on the titles deed from gaining a permit in respect to another property.
You need to check with your state or territory regulations or contact your Owner Building Solutions consultant for further advice.
Q. Can I do my course on line?
Yes, as part of our move to provide better accessibility and flexibility to our students and clients, we have introduced on line course to all Owner Building Solutions students.
Most of the states and territories now have either a requirement to complete an accredited course or to prove that you are capable and have the qualifications necessary to undertake a project as an Owner Builder.
Our courses are designed to meet these requirements.
We can tailor the delivery to be totally on line or part hard copy correspondence and distance learning presentations, whatever best suits the students needs, please contact an Owner Building Solutions consultant to discuss you requirements.
Q. Can I do the course by correspondence?
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Queensland:
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Yes
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New South Wales:
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Yes
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Victoria:
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Yes
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South Australia:
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Yes
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Western Australia:
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Yes
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Northern Territory:
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Yes
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Australian Capital Territory:
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Yes
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Tasmania:
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Yes
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Q. Can I pay contractors cash?
Yes of course, this is totally up to you however, you are responsible for ensuring all the rules and legislative requirements of contracts, payments and taxation are satisfied in respect to the transaction.
Q. Can I purchase my materials more cheaply?
Yes, this is potentially one of the areas where Owner Builders can achieve real savings through putting in the time to chase deals.
Owner Building Solutions Australia has simplified this process by using our membership base as leverage and gaining access to even greater discounts for our members through our purchasing program.
See the details on this website.
Q. Can I subdivide one property into two and build on each property?
There are different laws pertaining to each state or territory and whilst it is possible for you and your partner or spouse to do this in some circumstances, you need to phone your state authority and put your specific case to them for consideration.
In most states there is an exclusion period for persons being granted a permit, in most states it is between 5 and 6 years. During this exclusion period, you may not obtain another permit.
Careful planning on listed persons on property titles during subdivision can help in this area, but seek legal advice and expert opinion before proceeding or committing any monies.
Q. Can I use the program in other countries?
Yes, whilst some of the information is specific to each individual state or location, basically the building processes are the same throughout the world. (with noteable exceptions of course)
Management principles, documentation, administration, coordination and scheduling systems used and explained in our courses and implemented as integral to our services are to worlds best practise.
Q. Can my family help?
Yes, but be careful of your insurance responsibilities.
Ask your insurance broker for advice relevant to your specific circumstances, each individual may require their own insurance.
Q. Can my partner or spouse do another project?
Within the restricted period:
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Queensland:
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No
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New South Wales:
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Yes
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Victoria:
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Yes
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South Australia:
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Yes
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Western Australia:
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Yes
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Northern Territory:
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Yes
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Australian Capital Territory:
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Yes
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Tasmania:
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Yes
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Q. Can scheduling affect the outcome of my owner builder project?
Most defiantly, poor scheduling will result in conflict between the trades on site which normally means lost time.
Lost time usually translates to cost money.
Imagine you are renting while your owner builder project runs over schedule?
How much more interest will you pay on monies borrowed because your owner builder project is delayed?
During the PETS Program, your Owner Building Solutions consultant will work with you to develop a realistic schedule of works.
This schedule will be specific to your owner builder project based on information provided by you the owner builder and on details sources from your successful contractors & suppliers.
Owner Building Solutions also work with you to develop contingency plans to work through when things go wrong.
Careful re planning and communicating with affected trade contractors and suppliers is the best way we know to get your owner builder project back on track.
The schedule is also based on Owner Building Solutions experience in dealing with contractors and suppliers on owner builder projects.
Q. Can you explain how being a member of your Owner Builders group will help me save money?
In the building industry, purchasing power is everything.
That is why project builders can offer relatively low prices when compared to builders that contract in more unique areas of design and construction.
By harnessing the purchasing power of our students, clients and members, we are able to access deeper discounts than that which would be realised if coming from a smaller base.
We pass those savings on to you.
It is as simple as that.
Courses
Q. Do you hold classes teaching practical skills?
Not at this time.
Being a national training organisation, it is difficult given the geographical diversity of our clients.
What we do offer however is a comprehensive do it yourself program which will be available on disk in the near future.
The disk will provide detailed step by step instruction on a range of projects that can be undertaken by Owner Builders.
At this time we envisage 10 projects to a disk which will be purchased from a selection of 100 or more projects.
Keep an eye on our website or talk to an Owner Building Solutions Australia consultant for more information.
Insurance
Q. Do I need structural warranty insurance?
Structural warranty insurance is a difficult and complex area, and answering this question would take several pages.
In short, when people refer to structural warranty insurance, they are generally talking about the insurance that covers structural defects that become evident in a dwelling for a specified period of time post completion (eg 6 years in Queensland).
This insurance is underwritten by the state regulator or governing body and is in place to protect the consumer in the event the builder goes into liquidation or defaults on the contract.
These schemes normally only cover registered builders and or licensed contractors.
It is not available to Owner Builders.
That is not to say that you cannot source and effect a suitable coverage through consultation with your broker.
Remember, much of the works can be covered through the individual warranties and insurance of licensed or registered contractors you engage to complete your works.
This is why it is so important to use a good filing and recording system which includes a “Register of Insurances”, such as the one included in the Owner Building Solutions Project Management System.
Q. Do I need to consider insurance?
Insurance requirements vary from state to state (see the state specific page on this website) and you need to carefully determine what insurance you will need.
We can offer the following generic advice, but please contact you local insurance broker for complete information relevant to your project location.
You will need, or at the very least should hold the following policies:
Owner Building Service Australia offer our members and students, an insurance advisory and referral service with competitively priced packages that will cover all your project needs.
Q. Do you have any preferred insurers?
It is often difficult for Owner Builders to obtain suitable insurance at realistic premiums.
Over the years we have developed strong relationships with insurance brokers who know and understand the specific requirements of Owner Builders.
Contact our office on 1800 777 996 for further information.
Legislation
Q. Are there any restrictions on selling an owner built house?
No, there is no restriction on selling an Owner Built property however, in some states and territories you may need to make a declaration on the “Contract of Sale” advising the purchaser of owner building works.
Can I build a duplex?
|
Queensland:
|
No
|
|
New South Wales:
|
Yes
|
|
Victoria:
|
Yes
|
|
South Australia:
|
Yes
|
|
Western Australia:
|
Yes
|
|
Northern Territory:
|
Yes
|
|
Australian Capital Territory:
|
Yes
|
|
Tasmania:
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Yes
|
Q. Can I build again in another state?
Yes, if you wanted to complete another Owner Builder project in another state or territory, you may, provided you meet all the requirements of that state or territory.
Do keep in mind however that the only way to successfully complete an Owner Builder project is to maintain good administrative control and management over the construction.
This may be difficult to achieve if the projects are remote.
Q. Can I build more than one project at a time?
Generally, the answer to this question is no.
In some states, you may use the same permit to complete various projects on the same property for the life of the permit.
In Queensland, you must state all works to be carried out under the permit and if there is any change to this you must notify the QBSA.
Q. Can I do the course by correspondence?
|
Queensland:
|
Yes
|
|
New South Wales:
|
Yes
|
|
Victoria:
|
Yes
|
|
South Australia:
|
Yes
|
|
Western Australia:
|
Yes
|
|
Northern Territory:
|
Yes
|
|
Australian Capital Territory:
|
Yes
|
|
Tasmania:
|
Yes
|
Q. Can I subdivide one property into two and build on each property?
There are different laws pertaining to each state or territory and whist it is possible that you and your partner or spouse to do this in some circumstances, you need to phone your state authority and put your specific case to them for consideration.
In most states there is an exclusion period for persons being granted a permit, in most states it is between 5 and 6 years. During this exclusion period, you may not obtain another permit.
Careful planning on listed persons on property titles during subdivision can help in this area, but seek legal advice and expert opinion before proceeding or committing any monies.
Q. How long can I take to build or renovate?
This varies from state to state, however as a guide your local authority would generally like to see commencement within 12 months of taking out a permit.
Construction time should not exceed 12 months, however you may request an extension, (normally for a 6 month period).
You need to check with your council or your private certifier to understand the rules which pertain to your site or project.
Having said that, holding costs and finance generally dictate the maximum time a project can take before they start to eat into the savings realised by being an Owner Builder.
Q. Is there a lower age restriction?
Yes, in all states the applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
Q. Is there any limit on the building cost?
No, not at this time, our clients and students have undertaken works ranging in value from $11,000.00 to $3 million.
Workplace Health & Safety
Q. What is an Owner Builders responsibility in respect to Workplace Health and Safety on their site or project?
An Owner Builder carries the same responsibilities and obligations as a registered builder when it comes to site safety and workplace health and safety regulations.
In most states, you will be deemed to be the principal contractor or the responsible person in respect to you site.
A such, you are responsible for the conduct of all works in accordance with the requirements of any relevant statutes, codes or legislation.
You will be required to keep a register of all site safety inductions, work method statements and produce an acceptable workplace plan.
Owner Building Solutions provides all the relevant information during our General Site Safety Induction Courses which are specific to Queensland law.
For information on other state requirements, contact your local authority.
P.E.T.S Program
Q. Can scheduling affect the outcome of my owner builder project?
Most definately. Poor scheduling will result in conflict between the trades on site which normally means lost time.
Lost time usually translates to cost money.
Imagine you are renting while your owner builder project runs over schedule?
How much more interest will you pay on monies borrowed because your owner builder project is delayed?
During the PETS Program, your Owner Building Solutions consultant will work with you to develop a realistic schedule of works.
This schedule will specific to your owner builder project based on information provided by you the owner builder and on details sources from your successful contractors & suppliers.
Owner Building Solutions also work with you to develop contingency plans to work through when things go wrong.
Careful re planning and communicating with affected trade contractors and suppliers is the best way we know to get your owner builder project back on track.
The schedule is also based on Owner Building Solutions experience in dealing with contractors and suppliers on owner builder project.
Q. Does Owner Building Solutions take a cut or mark up these prices?
Owner Building Solutions does charge an administration fee to cover our costs of running supplier accounts and maintaining our purchasing system.
This charge is included in the final price offered to you so you can truly compare our prices against other suppliers you may have received.
Q. How does the estimating part of the P.E.T.S. Program work for owner builders?
Setting realistic budget estimates is an important early step in any owner builder project.
How much can you spend? How much do you want to spend? Can you really save money or get a better finish?
During the estimating section of the PETS Program you will work with an experienced Owner Building Solutions consultant to develop your budget estimate.
Initially this will be based on known and current square meter building rates, refined to reflect the level of finishes, fitments and prime cost items you as the owner builder specify.
This budget will breakdown and identify expected costs on a per trade or supplier basis and provide an excellent tool for comparing quotations received from your tenders.
During your second session with your Owner Building Solutions consultant a schedule is completed comparing budget versus actual quotations.
This is the opportunity for you to rework you budget and evaluate your expectations in respect to the cost of completing your owner builder project.
Q. How does the Owner Building Solutions Purchasing Program work?
Simply give us your plans and prime cost lists or your schedules for windows and doors and we will chase the best price our suppliers can offer.
Once we have received the offers, we will present them to you, you decide which ones if any you want to accept and advise Owner Building Solutions.
Owner Building Solutions will raise the order upon receipt of your payment and have the materials delivered to your project based on the delivery schedule as required.
Q. How is the included Owner Builder Project Management Kit used in the P.E.T.S. Program?
During the PETS Program, your Owner Building Solutions consultant will work with you to customize the included Project Management System.
This system has been developed to meet the administrative and coordination functions that must be completed by an owner builder during the running of their project.
The Project Management Kit is easy to use, simple to follow and includes all the forms, spreadsheets, letters and recording tools you will need to successfully complete you owner builder project.
Working with your Owner Building Solutions consultant, you will customise each of the forms schedules, registers and spreadsheet and make the specific to your project.
This is completed during the 10 hours allocated to the PETS Program, additionally an experienced Owner Building Solutions Project Administrator will spend a further 10 hours refining and customising the project documentation.
This is an important step in ensuring you get your project off to a good start and keep it on track.
It’s all about building it better for less and keeping your owner builder project on time and on budget.
Q. I am not really computer literate, can Owner Building Solutions build me a paper based project management kit for me?
Yes, the Owner Building Solutions Project Management system which is included in the PETS Program can be provided in either a CD format or is available in hard copy.
If you decide you would prefer a paper based system, Owner Building Solutions will help you develop your project tools based on our hard copy kit.
There will be an additional charge of $115.00 to provide all the printed materials used in the hard copy system.
Q. I really enjoyed my owner builder course with Owner Building Solutions, will purchasing a P.E.T.S. Program give me even greater knowledge of the owner building process?
Everything Owner Building Solutions does is about educating our owner builder clients.
We believe whilst our owner builder course to be the best course available, it is difficult to deliver all the knowledge required to run a domestic construction project in just 14-16 hours. We also have to deliver the course in a ‘generic’ manner to meet the needs of all of our owner builder students.
Undertaking a PETS Program will further build your knowledge and skills based on your own owner builder project.
Working with Owner Building Solutions consultant your awareness of your own project and many of the unique and specific situations you will come across during the tendering and construction process will be identified and discussed.
Implementing the project system we help you develop specific to your owner builder project is the best way we know to become prepared for the role of an owner builder.
Q. If I purchase a P.E.T.S. Program, what do I get for my money?
Firstly you get one of our owner building solutions Project Management Kits which has been developed and refined specifically to meet the requirements of an owner builder.
Secondly you get 10 hours one on one with your Owner Building Solutions Project Administrator who is trained to work directly with you to customize the Project Management Kit specifically to your owner builder project.
By working with you on your owner builder project, the Owner Building Solutions Project Administrator will:
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Establish a realistic project budget
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Identify required trades, professionals & suppliers, providing you with important & sometimes difficult to find contact details
Work with you to:
In consultation with you:
Instruct you in how to use your customized Project Management Kit:
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To prepare contracts between you & your trades people
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To set up cash books
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To set up and maintain project records
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To control payments to contractors
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Approve, issue & record variation to the contract
Q. Tendering appears to be a big part of the P.E.T.S. Program, what will be expected of me during this part?
You are right in thinking tendering plays a big part in being a successful owner builder.
How you run the tendering phase of the project could be the key to contracting good tradespersons and suppliers and securing the best quotes and getting value for money.
Working with your Owner Building Solutions consultant, you will develop and produce a tendering schedule, an important tool which assists you in efficiently managing the tendering process.
Being organised, being consistent and being persistent are often the key to running a good tender process.
The tendering schedule and tendering system included in the Owner Building Solutions Project Management Kit provides a database and spreadsheet solution to managing the issuing of request for tender, recording contact with tenderers and quickly comparing offers received.
The completed tendering schedule is the key to developing your acceptance of offers, and ultimately the final costing of your owner builder project.
Owner Building Solutions also assists you in populating the initial tendering schedule and works with you in developing the tendering documentation specific to your owner builder project.
Q. What does P.E.T.S. stand for?
Owner Building Solutions through working with owner builders for over twenty years, has come to realize there are four very important areas that owner builders need assistance or guidance, particularly during the early stages of their project.
These areas are:
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Project Management
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Estimating
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Tendering and,
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Scheduling
We have taken each of these areas and developed a system of management which gives the owner builder the tools to successfully complete the required tasks.
During the PETS Program, your Owner Building Solutions consultant will teach you how to use these tools and work with you to set up the project system specifically for your owner builder project.
Our complete CD based owner builder project management kit is the heart of the project. This system is easy to use and includes all the tools required to run your project.
Estimating is explained and a preliminary budget will be established.
This is reviewed after the tendering process is complete and all quotations are received. Following this important step, you work with your Owner Building Solutions consultant to develop a realistic Project Construction Schedule.
Q. What goods and services can be purchased through the Owner Building Solutions Purchasing Program?
Anything you need to complete your project. We have established great trading terms and prices with suppliers of:
Q. What if I have a problem after my 10 hours with the Owner Building Solutions consultant?
All of our clients have continued access to the knowledge and expertise of the Owner Building Solutions team.
We are always just a phone call or email away.
This has been the way we have operated and provided service to owner builders since we started the business over 20 years ago.
Q. What is P.E.T.S.?
PETS is a great way to get your project underway and gives the owner builder a defined path and realistic schedule.
This schedule and project management plan will set you on your way providing expert direction and using the included owner builder project management kit gives you all the tools to best manage and coordinate your project.
Q. What is the Owner Building Solutions Purchasing Program?
Owner Building Solutions has been working with owner builders for over 20 years. During this time we have established our company as the premier provider of education and support services to owner builders.
Recognized and reliable trades people, suppliers and consultants have worked with our owner builders throughout this time and have come to realize the value of working with Owner Building Solutions.
This means, though our purchasing power and volume of trade, Owner Building Solutions are able to access all the materials, supplies, prime cost items and fittings used in an owner builder project at drastically reduced prices when compared to retail outlets.
This leads to enormous potential savings for our owner builders.
Savings that you benefit from because of Owner Building Solutions reputation and the saving realized as a result of not paying tradesman and contractors a ‘marked up’ price for your goods and materials.
Q. Will I save money if I purchase a PETS PRogram from Owner Building Solutions?
There are no guarantees in life, but what we do know is that the most successful owner builders are those that prepare well, use the appropriate tools and use the services of an owner builder professional such as Owner Building Solutions can provide.
Your investment in purchasing a PETS Program will give you access to tools, knowledge and advice from your Owner Building Solutions consultant.Owner Building Solutions is committed to assisting our owner builder clients in completing their projects on time & on budget.
Our experience is that those owner builders who use our systems and remain disciplined in dealing with their subbies, contractors and suppliers, achieve the best results and save the most money.
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