An Owner Builder Journey And Lessons

We have discussed the roles and responsibilities as an owner builder in earlier blogs. Not every project that we design at Architeria Architects gets built by a traditional builder. Depending on the project, budgets and time, some of our clients undertake projects as owner-builders, and we have established a great relationship with many of them, where we guide, manage or assist our owner builders. One of our clients chose this method for his extension and renovation project that we designed, and is sharing his journey in the notes below.

OMRO’S OWNER BUILDER JOURNEY AND LESSONS

How it started

My journey started when the COVID19 Pandemic was in full swing. I had purchased a property with a view to renovating it. I knew I needed design drawings, construction documentation, a planning permit and a building permit – but much more than that, I needed inspiration and expertise.

Through referrals from my network, I was introduced to Mel Gawi, founder and architect at Architeria Architects.

From my first conversation with Mel, I felt like he was a supporter not just a service provider. But his advice was soon to be even more profound.

I provided a difficult and specific brief, which Mel and his team quickly and easily understood and executed, using meetings and live 3D showcases.

Soon, Mel and his team had the design drawings ready for submission to local government for planning approval. But planning rules require much more than that, to maintain character, vegetation and water management, Mel already had consultants ready to support me to obtain other necessary documents for this process.

We obtained the planning permit relatively easily. The building permit was next, which again Mel expertly pivoted and assisted me to engage other professionals like the all important structural engineer.

Before the build started

Once we obtained the building permit, Mel’s services didn’t stop there. We had the all important “budget conversation”. Mel, who has personally built his own projects, knew industry rates and prices. Therefore he knew, my budget could not reconcile with the design and finishes I wanted.

Therefore, Mel made a suggestion which probably changed my life for the better.

As a construction and OHS lawyer, with ambition and energy, he proposed I manage the project, as an owner builder.

An owner builder is responsible for the building scope, safety, insurance, arranging inspections, supervision, commercial arrangements and project management.

I thought about this decision long and hard. I importantly consulted family as this was an important decision.

I then successfully completed the legislative requirements including passing a VBA test and obtaining a Construction White Card to receive my certificate of consent to be an owner builder.

With Mel’s help, I took the leap.

During the build

The build scope was complex:

• Alterations to an existing two storey dwelling

• Extension to an existing two storey dwelling

• Converting a garage (class 10a) into a residential building (class 1a)

• Construction of a garage

• Construction of block retaining walls (class 10b)

  
  

I developed a pretty clear methodology to execute my new found responsibilities.

• To the extent I wasn’t already, I became intimately familiar with the site, all the drawings and other relevant documents. Mel helped translate some of these for me into words I could understand.

• I had to make and keep the site safe and clean and like any other workplace.

• With the world at our fingertips, I did online research on the proper stages and steps of construction. I had a long meeting with Mel, at one of his sites, to understand these processes better too.

• Before the first or next step I would study the relevant Australian Standard or provision of the National Construction Code, I would also examine any extra requirements in the drawings, specifications, bushfire or termite requirements. Mel’s drawings often had precisely relevant notes to these points.

• If I could perform the work, I did, but usually this is when I felt I had a sound enough understanding to start commercial procurement.

• Using mostly referrals but also online hiring platforms, I would meet with the relevant trades or send them the drawings, go through the scope, go through any additional requirements then have important financial and commercial conversations. Most of the best tradies I engaged, were referrals from Mel.

• Stage by stage, literally brick by brick, inspection by inspection, from services below the soil to flashing caps on the roof, I successfully completed the build.

  
  

I executed this methodology for civil earth works and services, drainage, concreting, bricklaying, carpentry, glazing, cladding, rendering, plumbing, electrical, plastering, tiling, waterproofing, painting and cabinets.

What can you learn and take away from this

1. If there is an opportunity in the property market or in relation to your property, seriously consider it, it has changed my life.

2. Having the right architect onboard is crucial for the success of the project. Having the support during not only the design and documentation process, but during the construction will make the biggest difference.

3. Nothing amazing can occur without amazing support. Make sure you have a great team around you and the support and buy in of family, who ultimately do pay a price for your stress.

4. Be organised and follow methods for this that work for you, whether that is software, handwritten notes or otherwise.

5. There will be problems and changes. Allow for significant contingencies.

Views expressed here are my own.

Omro Alansari September 2023

As our client states, “nothing amazing can happen without support”. At Architeria, Mel Gawi has dedicated his career not only to designing beautiful homes, but by making the dream from a home on paper becoming a reality. With strategies, customised to suit the individual, Mel Gawi and his team are tirelessly supporting clients. Some require more help where individually tailored project/construction management services can come in handy. Mel has extensive experience in building homes, and managing large scale  developments, and often lends his expertise to his clients, making the journey stress free and enjoyable.

Are you interested in building your own home? Not sure how? Let us guide you through the process, from design to turning the key – we at Architeria Architects are here to help.

Call us on 03 9894 5805.