Owner-Builder School · Victoria · 2026
The 47-step owner-builder checklist
Every stage of an owner-build in Victoria, from feasibility to handover, in the order it happens. Tick them off as you go.
1. Feasibility and structure Steps 01–06
01Confirm how you own the land: sole, joint or trustThe owner-builder applying for the certificate of consent needs to be an owner of the land.
02Title search: covenants, easements and encumbrancesCheck the title and the section 32 from your purchase.
03Check zoning and planning overlays with council
04Engage an architect or building designer, and lock the scope
05Get town-planning advice: do you need a planning permit?
06Set up a project bank account and a cash-flow forecast
2. Design and consultants Steps 07–13
07Lodge the planning application, if one is needed
08Soil test and site classification (AS 2870)
09Engineering: structural, civil and drainage
10Energy rating report (NatHERS) for the building permit
11Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment, if your site needs one
12Appoint a registered building surveyor
13Asset protection permit from council, before any works
3. Owner-builder and permits Steps 14–20
14Complete the owner-builder online assessmentRun by the Building and Plumbing Commission.
15Apply for your certificate of consent
16Receive your certificate of consent
17Apply for the building permit through your surveyor
18Pay the permit levies your surveyor lists
19Receive the building permit
20Arrange insurance for the build: contract works and public liability
4. Trades and procurement Steps 21–28
21Check your WorkSafe obligations if you employ anyone directly
22Plan the site setup: fencing, signage, toilet, power and water
23Open trade accounts: concrete, steel, timber and hardware
24Send tender packs to at least three trades for each package
25Compare quotes on scope, programme and references
26Sign trade contracts with scope, payment stages and a variations clause
27Check each trade's licence, insurance and safety paperwork
28Build your programme: milestones, lead times and the critical path
5. Construction and inspections Steps 29–37
29Footings inspection before concreteMandatory, by your building surveyor.
30Slab and steel inspection before the pourMandatory.
31Frame inspection before liningMandatory.
32Waterproofing: wet areas, decks and planters
33Lock-up: roof, windows, doors and cladding finished
34Services rough-in: plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling
35Pre-plaster checks: rough-ins tested and insulation in
36Fix stage: joinery, tiling, stone and paint
37Keep a variations register: written, priced, signed and dated
6. Commissioning and compliance Steps 38–43
38Electrical: Certificate of Electrical Safety
39Plumbing: compliance certificates from each plumber
40Heating and cooling commissioning
41Glazing and energy compliance documents
42Pool or spa barrier compliance, if you have one
43Bushfire (BAL) compliance documents, if applicable
7. Occupancy and handover Steps 44–47
44Final inspectionMandatory, by your building surveyor.
45Occupancy permit, or certificate of final inspection
46Defects walkthrough: a written, dated list
47Collect warranties, as-built drawings and manuals from every trade
These 47 steps are the milestones. A real build has more than 100 actions between them. The full 100-step version comes with every level of the crash course: ownerbuilderschool.com.au/course.html
General information only, not legal advice. Check the current rules with the Building and Plumbing Commission and your building surveyor.