Thinking About Going Owner-Builder? Here's What You Need to Know

Building or renovating your home is a huge undertaking—probably one of the biggest projects (and investments) of your life. And while it’s an exciting journey, it also comes with plenty of challenges. No matter how well you plan, there will always be unexpected hurdles along the way. That’s why understanding your options from the start is key to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

When it comes to building, you have two main paths:

• Engage a builder to manage the entire project for you, or
• Go owner-builder and take charge of the process yourself.

But it’s not always a simple either/or decision. There are plenty of grey areas in between, giving you flexibility depending on your budget, experience, and how hands-on you want to be.

Engaging a Builder

Hiring a builder means you have a professional overseeing the entire project, coordinating trades, managing timelines, and ensuring things run as smoothly as possible. This takes a huge weight off your shoulders—but it does come at a cost. Builders add a 15-30% margin on top of contractor fees, materials, and labour. Understandably, some people consider going owner-builder to cut these costs. But managing a build yourself isn’t as simple as it sounds.

Things to Consider When Hiring a Builder:

✅ Less stress – The builder handles scheduling, contractors, and problem-solving.

✅ Easier financing – Banks are much more likely to approve loans when a licensed builder is involved.

✅ Experience matters – A good builder has years of expertise in construction and project management.

❌ Higher costs – You’re paying for the convenience and expertise, which adds to your overall budget.

❌ Less control – While you’ll have input, the builder makes many of the key decisions.

Going Owner-Builder

Taking the owner-builder route means you take full responsibility for managing the build—coordinating trades, sourcing materials, ensuring compliance with building regulations, and keeping everything on schedule. While this can save money, it also requires a massive time commitment, strong organisational skills, and at least some construction knowledge.

Things to Consider When Going Owner-Builder:

✅ Potential cost savings – You’re cutting out the builder’s margin.

✅ More control – You make all the decisions, from materials to timelines.

✅ Flexibility – You can do some of the work yourself or involve friends and family in certain tasks.

❌ More responsibility – You’re accountable for every aspect of the build, including mistakes.

❌ Limited financing options – Many banks will only lend 30-50% of the total construction cost to owner-builders.

❌ Time-consuming – Managing trades, schedules, and materials is a full-time job in itself.

Unless you have extensive construction experience, we don’t recommend going full owner-builder. We’ve all seen those Grand Designs episodes where things spiral out of control—unexpected delays, budget blowouts, and half-finished homes. The good news? There’s a middle ground.

The Middle Ground: A Hybrid Approach

If you like the idea of saving money but don’t want to take on the full stress of managing the build, there are ways to reduce costs while still working with a builder:

1. Supplying Your Own Materials

One easy way to save money is to source fixtures, fittings, and appliances yourself—things like light fittings, tapware, and tiles. Builders often add a margin on materials they supply, so purchasing these directly can cut costs. Plus, if you’re willing to shop around, you might find great deals through clearance sales, Gumtree, or factory outlets.

2. Using Your Own Tradespeople

If you have family or friends in the industry who can offer discounted rates, you can arrange for them to do certain parts of the build—like electrical, plumbing, or cabinetry. Some builders are open to this, but it’s crucial to discuss it with them before signing a contract.

3. Doing Some Work Yourself

Taking on certain tasks—like painting, landscaping, or even kitchen installation—can significantly reduce labour costs. Again, not all builders will allow this, so it’s important to clarify early on what’s possible.

Getting Professional Help as an Owner-Builder

If you’re set on being an owner-builder but don’t want to go it alone, you can hire an experienced project manager or builder to guide you through the process. This way, you remain in control, but you have expert support to keep things on track and avoid costly mistakes.

We work with a number of builders who offer flexible, hands-on support for owner-builders, helping as much or as little as needed. This can be a game-changer in making sure your dream home doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

So, What’s the Best Option for You?

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your budget, experience, and how involved you want to be. If you’re confident in managing a build, owner-building with the right support can save you money. But if you’d rather have peace of mind, working with a trusted builder is worth every cent.

Need Help Deciding?

If you’re weighing up your options and want expert advice, we’d love to chat. Whether you’re looking for a full-service builder or flexible support as an owner-builder, we can connect you with the right people to bring your vision to life.

📩 Get in touch today to explore your best path forward!