Frequently Asked Questions

 

  
Q. The first question that we are always asked is "Is building in steel more costly than building in timber"?   A. When you compare steel framing which comes complete with Bracing panels, Tie downs, Pre-punched service holes and lintels over windows, with the equivalent in timber, steel wins every time. Add to that the advantages of steel framing - No shrinkage, No warping, Lighter to handle, Non combustible and impervious to white ants and the choice is clear.
     
Q. Do we need a builder or can we owner build?   A. We can offer a frame erection service to both builders who are unfamiliar with steel construction, and to the owner builder. We can also recommend builders to undertake the entire building project.
     
Q. How do I become an Owner Builder?   A. Please refer to the section on this web page "Owner Builder"
     
Q. What about sub trades?   A. Even in most timber framed houses, Builders prefer to use steel battens to fix their ceilings - so there's no difference there. Plaster to walls is by glue & screw for steel instead of glue and nail for timber.
     
Q. Is steel more dangerous in the event of an electrical fault?   A. Steel frames are earthed and carry any electrical current quickly to earth. Thus reducing the risk that is present in a timber house.
     
Q. What about noise?   A. In the early days of steel framed homes some people did report "Creaking noises". Technology has changed and this no longer occurs. In fact it seems to be a story generated by timber builders to protect their industry, rather than comments made by people living in steel houses.
     
Q. What about fire dangers?   A. Few things burn as well as timber. In a steel house there is little to burn. Bricks, Hardieplank™, Steel frames & trusses, Gyprock, Iron or Tile roofs are all non combustible.
     
Q. Is a steel frame house cheaper to insure?   A. Due to the fact steel cannot burn and cannot be attacked by termites borers or fungal decay, insurance companies acknowledge a steel framed house is a lower risk to insure. So as a result insurance premiums are lower.
(not all insurance companies share this view but many do).
     
Q. Does a steel frame house look different to a timber house?   A. No. It is impossible to tell the difference between a steel and timber house once completed.
     
Q. What about Termite Protection?   A. Steel qualifies as a "Termite resistant material" Under the building code of Australia. Your steel structure is safe for life. The BSA provides that building in steel is sufficient to meet the requirements of the code. Avoid expensive and repetitive poisonous sprays around you home.
     
Q. Can you get help with Engineers, Drafting of plans and other information?   A. We are more than happy to assist you with advice if needed, and supply answers to all your questions or solutions to any problems you may encounter.
 

Owner Builder

Being an Owner Builder does not mean that you must build with your own two hands. Even registered builders contract out a lot of tasks to Sub Contractors as the builder himself may not always be working on your site. In fact, most registered builders would not be licensed to carry out electrical work or plumbing and drainage work. Roofing and guttering too tend to have specialty tradesmen, as does painting etc.

Your Registered Builder may make use of some or all of these tradesmen, and there is no reason you cannot do the same. Remember though, the builder is ultimately responsible for all subcontractors and may be held accountable if anything goes wrong, That's is why the builder will charge a percentage on top of the sub trades, to cover his liability.

As an owner builder, you must choose your sub trades carefully as you will be responsible for the work they do.

 

How to become an Owner Builder
Based on the law in Queensland Australia
Step 1 Doing a Course.

The course provides prospective Owner Builders wishing to build their own home, with the necessary education, co-ordination and control for building projects as required and set down by the Building Services Authority (BSA).

The aim of the Owner Builder course are:

  1. To prepare them for building their own projects.
  2. To make them aware of obligation and legal requirements.
  3. To create an awareness in selection and control of sub-contractors and how to sign suitable contracts with them.
  4. To gain an understanding of the procedures and co-ordination of trades.
  5. To handle payments to suppliers and sub-contractors.

Contact one of the approved course holders and get the necessary enrolment information sent to you. There is normally two options in the way you complete your course, Part Time (approx. 15 hours in the class room) or External (the course gets sent to your home and it can be done at your own pace). The cost of the course varies depending on where you do it. TAFE external learning course is approx. AUD $107.00.

Please note: The Owner Builder course does not discuss the knowledge of trades expected to build a home.

Once the course is completed you will receive a Statement of Attainment. You will need this to progress to the next step.
Step 2 Obtaining an Owner Builder Permit.

Contact the BSA and get the necessary application forms sent to you.

The following information is required to be posted back to the BSA.

  1. Completed Owner Builder application form. (both the original and duplicate copies)
  2. Current Title Search. This is obtained from the Lands Department, Division of the Titles Office. It must be dated not more than 30 days prior to lodgement to BSA.
  3. Certificate of Attainment from an Owner Builder Course recognised by the BSA.
  4. Payment. Check with BSA for current prices. (approx AUD $236.00)

The BSA aims to have Owner Builder applications processed within 4 working days if all information is provided and there are no requests for exemptions.
Step 3 Submitting plans to the local council.

Contact your local council to find out what needs to be submitted. Normally the following is sufficient.

  1. Owner Builder's Approval
  2. Set of house plans.
  3. Soil test of the proposed building site.
  4. Slab and footing design from an engineer.
  5. Engineer approval for the structure (All frames and trusses by Frametek are supplied with Engineers Specifications).
  6. Payment. (Varies between councils)

Please note: Requirements may vary depending on the local council so it is best to check first!
Step 4 Start Building.

Once you have building approval from your local council it is time to start building. Any information or help that is needed is gladly supplied from organising sub-contractors to onsite frame erection.

The process of becoming an Owner Builder is simple. Be sure you are aware of all the advantages and disadvantages before deciding. Becoming an owner builder will save you money and give you greater control over the construction of your home, but it is not for everybody.

 

More Information

Books (Available at all good book stores).
How to be a successful Owner builder & Renovator
Author Allen Staines
ISBN 0 959302 43 3

The Australian House Builders Manual
Author Allen Staines
ISBN 1 875217 18 5

 

Related Links
Australian Owner Builder Pty Ltd.
Building Services Authority (B.S.A.)
Thinking of Owner building
Applying for permit
Approved courses
 
     

 

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