hi aphraell,
We have gone owner builder in vic, adding an extension aswell as reno the existing part of the house.
It was a challenge going through all the paperwork and regulations for the extension as it was our first.  We would do it all again in a heartbeat. Using a private building inspector was a great start (instead of the council version), it cost a couple of hunrded more but so worth it. A private inspector will provide a wealth of info and works longer hours and even weekends, this had its advantages.
As for profit…well worth it…pp. 98K costs 55K sale 265K. It did take us about six months but not bad $$$ i reckon.
Our local council provided the basic info pack to get us started, so give yours a ring and see what they have.
We have never had a problem with any permitted reno under 12k either (we have done several know), everything you do has to meet australian standards, this is where the inspector comes in. Sales have never been a problem either, our longest taking three months. I would recomend paying attention to the finishing of the product, if you do the house will sell itself.  I did laugh at the size of our sale contract when the extension was included as all permits, planes, insurances, builders board permission and so on need to be included.
I hope this helps and good luck with your project

hi juder, we have looked into this a little… we are in vic.  we prefer to use a local company that deals in relocation, it seems the costs are lower this way. if you have one in your area check them out as they will be a wealth of knowledge. Your local council will also be able to help, they should also have booklets with there regulations and planning information. We put our project on hold because we needed to go owner builder to do it and we have already done this recently ( you have to waite 3 years to do it again in vic). good luck with the project, hope this helps.  
let

hi, welcome to the world of renovting…….so rewarding.
We always start with a budget, look at what needs to be done from most important to least important. Keeping it realistic and freindly to all is so important espesially if selling or renting the property. An A-Z of renovating would be great but it would not suite every job as each reno is so different and little suprises always pop up along the way. Im sure you will find this once you get into it. Ask as many guestions as you can, find people nearby who can show you how to do more thinks yourself, most people are really happy to help if they can see that your 'having a go'. I would also try to remember that what works for another may not work for you. Interesting reading the above posts…….. does everyone paint last????. We always do the floors last and find it much easier, but you have to have the right sander to not make dust.  We also always start the reno  before settlement, this is always written into the contract of sale, but we are in vic. I hope someone from SA can help you with this. good luck and enjoy

Hi dave, good on you for having a go. We are into major renos too.  Currently purchasing no.3 which will be ppor. Intend to do current house area prior to extention as cost with owner builder (OB) are reduced by thousands. This wasnt the plan at the start but a little thinking outside of the square can be very profitable. Im in VIC, we have heaps of info about OB at local council… read..read..read..and find the loop holes. Keeping in mind there is a difference from renovating to building, and timing your projects for permits against project cost has worked for us. The rules may be different in your state though. good luck.
 
let. 

Hi ozboy,
I have just fitted some new vinyl wrap cabnets which caused major problems……… The glue batch was faulty, the manufacturers had to pay for all losses. Our tradie (and family friend) believes that bubbling and peeling is rare and that how they are treated has alot to do with it. It does raise the question  of how they are made to start with… Is the glue OK, are the products free from defects and are they water tight.