An owner builder project manager is a big task, but don’t let that intimidate you. With the right mindset and skills, anyone can be an effective owner builder project manager. We will explore what it takes to succeed in this challenging yet rewarding role. Grab a cuppa and settle in as we dive into the owner builder project management world.
An Owner Builder Project Manager is either a professional or the owner builder who oversees the construction management of a home, renovation, or extension. For this article, we will talk about the owner builder being the project manager. The project manager manages the project’s budget, schedule, and scope. They must also ensure that the quality of work meets Australian Standards and that Health and Safety are enforced.
The role of an Owner Builder Project Manager is to create a realistic budget and schedule for the project and monitor the work’s progress to ensure that it is on track. They will also liaise with tradespeople and suppliers, resolving any issues arising during construction.
An effective Owner Builder Project Manager must be organised and detail-oriented, with excellent communication skills. They must have a good understanding of construction processes and experience in project management.
As an owner builder project manager, there are several key responsibilities that you will need to take on to ensure the success of your project. First and foremost, you must be the point person for all communication between the various contractors and suppliers working on your project. You must be available to answer questions and address concerns as they arise. You will need to be able to maintain a schedule and budget for the project and coordinate all of the aspects of the build itself. In addition, you will also be liable for dealing with any permits or inspections that are required by your local jurisdiction.
To become an owner builder project manager, you may need to do either an owner builder course and/or a white card course. These are different from state to state and the value of work. Below is a basic outline:
Australia Capital Territory – If the value of work exceeds $5,000 (labour and materials), you must complete a white card and an owner builder course.
New South Wales – If the value of work exceeds $20,000 (labour and materials), you must complete a white card and owner builder course. If the value of work is between $10,000 – $20,000, you only need to complete the white card course.
Victoria – If the value of work exceeds $16,000 (labour and materials), you must complete a white card and the VBA e-learning tool. Check out our blog Owner Builder Course Melbourne – Is It Required?
Queensland – If the value of work exceeds $11,000 (labour and materials), you must complete a white card and owner builder course.
Northern Territory- No course is required, but if the value of work exceeds $12,000 (labour and materials), you must get an owner builder certificate from the Building Practitioners Board.
Western Australia – If the value of work exceeds $20,000 (labour and materials), you must complete a white card and owner builder course.
South Australia – No course is required, but all building work classed as ‘development’ requires Development Approval.
Tasmania – You must complete a white card and owner builder course if not classed as low-risk work.
As an owner builder project manager, you will need a few essential tools and equipment to help you complete your build. Here is a list of must-haves:
You must set up an office – as your home base during the build. It needs to be stocked with supplies, have a comfortable workspace, and be close to the job site if possible for easy access.
There are many benefits to being an owner builder project manager. An important benefit is that you will better understand the construction process. This will allow you to manage your project better and avoid potential problems. In addition, being an owner builder project manager may save you money on your construction project. You can avoid paying expensive contractors’ fees by managing the construction yourself. Take a look at our blog Is Owner Building Easy?
As the title of this section suggests, one of the critical things you can do to be an effective owner builder project manager is to prevent mistakes. And while many potential pitfalls can occur during a construction project, some mistakes are more common than others. Here are four of the most common mistakes made in owner builder projects and how you can avoid them:
An owner builder project manager is responsible for managing all aspects of the construction project, from start to finish, including managing the budget, scheduling and coordinating workers, ordering materials and keeping the construction site safe and organised.
To be an effective owner builder project manager, you must have excellent organisational skills and be able to think on your feet. You must also be able to communicate clearly with both your workers and your clients.
Most importantly, you must manage resources effectively to keep the construction project on track and within budget. Here are some tips for managing resources for maximum efficiency:
As an owner builder project manager, one of your primary goals is to save money. To do this, you need to schedule your time and resources carefully.
Here are some tips for scheduling your time to save money:
Following these tips, you can use your time wisely to save money!
Being an effective owner builder project manager takes a lot of hard work and dedication. However, the rewards of having complete control over your project are well worth the effort.
If you are thinking about owner building anywhere in Australia, reach out to us, we can support, guide, and coach you to make your owner builder dreams a reality.
