For Owner-Builders

In most Australian states, if you intend to manage your own home’s construction (and you’re not a registered builder), you’ll need to apply for an Owner-Builder permit for that project. The requirements vary by state – for instance, NSW requires a short training course; Victoria, QLD, and others have their own processes. We’ll help guide you by providing relevant information and necessary documentation (like proof of kit purchase, engineering certifications) that you might need for the permit. It’s an extra step, but an important one to ensure you’re building legally and safely. Many of our clients have gone through it, and it’s very doable.

Many owner-builders using Panelhome do the majority of the work themselves, especially the assembly of the panels, installation of windows/doors, and even external cladding and internal linings. However, some tasks will require licensed trades by law – for example, electrical wiring must be done by a licensed electrician, plumbing by a plumber, and if you’re doing a new slab or certain structural alterations, you might need a licensed person or engineer sign-off. That said, these trades can be engaged just for those specific parts. You remain the coordinator of the project. If there are parts you don’t feel confident in doing (such as waterproofing a bathroom or installing roofing material), you can always subcontract those and still save by doing the rest yourself. With our system, the core structure is straightforward, so it leaves you flexibility to choose what to DIY and what to outsource.

We’ve got you covered. If at any point you feel you’re in over your head, let us know immediately. We can often arrange additional support. This might be a site visit from a Panelhome representative (if feasible), putting you in touch with an experienced installer, or finding a local carpenter to give you a hand. It’s okay to ask for help; the goal is to get your home built correctly and safely. Many owner-builders bring in a professional for a day or two just to guide them through tricky bits like the first roof panel installation, then continue on their own. We can be very flexible – after all, your success is our success.

In most cases, yes – significant money. By cutting out a lot of labor costs, you typically save 15-30% of the project cost. Our panels themselves are cost-competitive especially considering they replace multiple elements (frame + insulation + sometimes interior/exterior sheathing). There are also less obvious savings: shorter construction time can reduce interest on construction loans or rental costs while you build, and precision-cut materials mean minimal waste (you aren’t over-buying timber or bricks that end up unused). Plus, the long-term energy efficiency saves on bills. We are transparent though: you’ll invest your own time and effort, and that has a value. So it’s a trade-off – sweat equity instead of writing a bigger check to a builder. For most motivated owner-builders, that trade-off is well worth it.

Our system is primarily designed for fixed dwellings (on foundations or slabs), rather than trailer-based tiny homes or shipping container conversions. However, if you’re thinking of an on-site built tiny home or small cabin, absolutely – our panels are great for small structures too, and you can definitely DIY those. For example, building a 30m² studio with our panels would be a quick project an owner-builder could do in a few days. If you were considering using shipping containers or similar for a DIY dwelling, we’d encourage you to look at SIPs as an easier, better insulated alternative. We can help design a compact panel-based structure that suits your needs and likely assemble it much quicker than a container or stick-built tiny house.