In the ACT, owner–builders must be licensed under the Construction Occupations (Licensing) Act 2004 and meet all the eligibility requirements.

An owner–builder in the ACT takes on the same responsibilities as a licensed builder to supervise building work and make sure the building work complies with the Building Act 2004.

Licence classes

There is only one class of owner–builder licence. If granted a licence, the licence will restrict you to only undertaking work on a building approval where the work relates to a class 1, class 2 or class 10a building under the Building Code of Australia. You will not be authorised to undertake specialist building work such as demolition or swimming pool construction.

Eligibility

You need certain qualifications to apply for an owner–builder licence. These are explained in the Construction Occupations (Licensing) (Qualifications) Declaration 2024.

To apply for any owner–builder licence class you will need to:

  • complete an owner–builder course (within the last five years) OR
  • hold an active class A, B or C builder licence in the ACT

Supporting documentation

  • a copy of your owner builder course completion certificate or class A, B, or C builder licence; and
  • a copy of the building approval (BA)

Owner–builder licence courses

You can find approved owner–builder licence courses at:

Owner–builders should also:

Start your application

To start your owner–builder licence application, collect your evidence and review the fees. Then complete and lodge an Application for construction occupation licence - individual owner builder (also available as a PDF).

Note: you can start an online application and save it to return to later. Your application won’t be submitted until the documents are lodged and fee paid.

Timeframe

The assessment of your application will take at least four weeks.

If your application is incomplete, or we need more information or verification, the assessment will take more time. Requests for more information will be sent to you via email.

Assessments of applications will not be fast tracked in any circumstances.

Your responsibilities

If granted an owner–builder licence, you are responsible for the administration and requirements of that licence. This includes:

  • complying with your obligations under the legislative framework
  • undertaking work in a proper and skilful way
  • rectifying issues that may arise with the quality of your work
  • understanding the requirements for insurances, contracts and other obligations