Hi Aallii,

We are talking about who can actually obtain a builiding permit to construct a multi-unit development.

When I built my own house, I applied to the council for a building permit in my own name as an "owner builder", and not a registered builder.

What jazz77 is saying, is that you can no longer submit an application for a building permit for mulit unit development as an owner builder. I.e. more than one dwelling. You mujst be registered

From jazz77's post, I assume you can still do owner builder for a single development. I.e. construct one house.

They have just put a stop to owner builders developing multi unit sites.

Which I guess is fair enough, as you are not really an owner builder any more. you are a builder / developer. You are basically no longer just trying to build your own house – which the name "owner builder" suggests.

Hi all,

Thx for the gr8 feedback.

A couple of comments:
– In terms of doing things myself, I would either do ALL or NONE. However, I just want to clarify that have actually already project managed 2 housing constructions. one was over 40 square on a sloping block with 5 different floor levels, and 3 different flooring systems (posi-struts, suspended slab and stumps). And I do know that there is a lot of work involved. And yes, you do earn every cent. I also sat a 6 month builders course, but never actually sat the test to become a registered builder. So for me personally, I feel I am quite capable of managing a duplex townhouse development.
– I liked the fact that Tyron Hyde from Washington Brown suggested that the figures quoted from Washington Brown were correct. Thx Tyron. Brought a little smile to my face.
– Thanks to Christian B for your comments. A lot of good stuff in there. Really good. Especially about a good design:
I.e. On the final point, if good design will yield 3 compact 3br town-houses, and a poor design yields 2 large 3br town-houses this has a "double double" effect: You will spend more to make less

I also just want to clarify that by construction costs, I am not talking about any costs associated up to and including the building permit. E.g. architects fees, engineering drawings, etc. I am talking purely construction costs.

I guess what I am hearing, is that if you want a reasonable job done, and you are not qualified to do it yourself, or you do have not have the time, then you are going to have to employ the services of a builder. And if this is the case, then you are realistically looking at approx $1,500 per m2 inc GST. And that any talk of getting a builder to build it for $1,100 or $1,200 per m2 is just not going to happen – or, you are asking for trouble

I do agree with Aallii's comment:
It also seems so expensive when you consider a 21.5 square unit (200sqm) to cost approx 300k to build. I would have thought it would be low 200k.

It does seem very high to me as well, but I guess it is what it is.

One more question for Christian B
Given that these types of constructions are one-offs, you mentioned that a builder may typically allow a little more fat for contingency. So would you expect them to add a margin more like 25-30% rather than 20%?

Thx again everyone for the good feedback