Have you considered becoming an Owner Builder?

Renovating your own home as an Owner Builder might sound daunting, but that’s where we come in – we manage the process on your behalf.

Why owner-build?  For most people, the significant cost advantages make it a compelling way to improve your home.  Registering as an owner builder is a regulated process – so there’s some bureaucracy to navigate – but we guide you through that as well.  Once you’re registered, we take over, consulting with you as required to keep the project moving and on budget. You don’t have to learn about building and design management, prepare a construction timeline, manage the budget and cross-check invoices, negotiate cost variations, book in building inspections, source and manage subcontractors and suppliers…

Significant dollar savings
As an owner builder you save the builder’s margin on all your costs – often as much as 30% on the base cost of fixtures, fittings, labour, materials and site management.  The past two years have seen building material prices significantly grow and builders need to pass on these costs (plus their 30%!) – it can mean that renovating with a builder is cost prohibitive for many people.  Doing your project as an owner builder with Farside can make your vision a reality.

Cost Transparency
One of the first things we do together is clearly define your total project budget. From there we create a line-by-line budget estimate making sure that every aspect of the project is accounted for. While there can be surprises that increase costs during a building project, our approach minimises the impact – we help you identify where you can save to keep things manageable. During the build we manage the day-to-day project financials, checking invoices to track spend and to ensure the work you’re paying for has been completed - and done well!

FAQs

  • A Budget Estimate is a detailed trade by trade costing based on market rates and our knowledge of the industry. This is conducted at the concept stage and any subsequent stages prior to completeing Working Drawings

    A Quote has costs which have been provided by each individual trade based on your Working Drawings. Most trades will not quote until they have detailed Working Drawings.

  • Once we hand the project back to you, there will always be things that need attention; a loose door handle or towel rail, a downlight that fails, a switch that doesn’t switch, a kitchen door needing adjusting…

    Your ongoing relationship with the suppliers and trades who helped build your home, is your relationship. When the build is finished, we’ll give you a handover pack with contact details for all suppliers and trades. (In many case you’ll have dealt with them during the build as well.) We work with suppliers with whom we have an ongoing working relationship. We trust them to do a good job in the first place and to be there if something doesn’t work out as planned. And of course, we’re not far away if you need advice. For larger issues that arise – say, a roof leak – we’re very happy to be your first port-of-call. We assess the issue, establish responsibility and get things resolved quickly.

  • OH&S is vital on construction sites. As an owner builder you are required to provide a safe and compliant site.

    We prepare and maintain the necessary site safety documentation, check insurances and ensure trades follow safe work methods.

  • There are many different types of construction insurance that may be required, depending on the nature of your build and your intent to remain in the home. For clients who remain in their renovated home for more than 6.5 years, insurance may not be required at all. We can give you more information about this on request.

  • We are proud to have guided many people through the owner builder journey and can always connect you to them to hear about the experience and get an honest appraisal of our process.