Passionate About Property, Building and Education
About Us:Â
With experience across residential construction, renovations, duplex developments, land projects, and owner-builder construction, Kris and Steph are passionate about helping everyday Australians build with confidence.
Kris - Training Manager
Steph - CEOÂ
The 5th Residential build - 2016
Since then, Kris and Steph have built an impressive portfolio across residential construction, renovation, and property development, including:
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• 7 single dwelling builds
• 3 duplex builds
• 6 property renovations
• Multiple land subdivision and land flip projects
• A rural farm development project
• An ongoing relocatable home project
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They have spent their entire adult lives around construction sites, gaining hands-on experience in every stage of the building process—from planning and approvals through to construction, project management, and completion.
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This diverse experience provides a practical, real-world perspective that they now share with aspiring owner-builders through Owner Builder Institute.
The Journey
The third Duplex project - Completed 2021
Kris is a licensed Plumbing and Drainage Contractor with extensive residential, commercial, and mining industry experience.
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Steph holds a Certificate IV in Residential Drafting and has spent more than 15 years actively involved in property development, construction projects, and project management.
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Together, they also hold Certificates IV in Training and Assessment and White Cards, combining practical building experience with professional adult education qualifications.
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They are currently designing and preparing to build their forever home as owner-builders—a project they are immensely proud of.
Our Expertise
How it all began
Kris and Steph's passion for property and construction began early.
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Steph grew up watching her father build family homes across Victoria and Queensland, while Kris was introduced to the world of design and construction through his father's work as a residential and civil draftsman.
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Those early influences sparked a lifelong interest in property, construction, and development that would eventually lead them to create Owner Builder Institute.
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One of the impressive family homes Steph's Dad built
At 19, Kris began his plumbing apprenticeship, diving headfirst into the trade he would come to master.Â
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Steph began her career working part-time in administration for QLD Health. Just one year in, she took on her very first property project—a 2-bedroom terrace home build in the first release of Aura, Caloundra.
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That first build was a dream come true—but her love for property soon had her selling it herself and simultaneously building two more homes.
Early On
Kris on site as Lead Plumber on a Commercial High rise in Maroochydore, QLD (2020)
The very first lots at AURA, Caloundra where Steph's first Terrace home was built (2011)
Why We Do - What We Do
Building isn't just a career for Kris and Steph—it's a way to empower others.
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Having experienced the owner-builder journey firsthand, they understand both the opportunities and challenges that come with taking control of a building project. They believe every homeowner should have access to the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make informed decisions and successfully manage their own project.
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Through Owner Builder Institute, their mission is to help aspiring owner-builders navigate the process with greater confidence, avoid costly mistakes, and create homes they can be truly proud of.
Our Mission
Beyond building homes, Kris and Steph are passionate about helping others achieve their building goals. Both hold a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and White Cards, combining formal training expertise with real-world owner-builder experience.
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Driven by a commitment to education and a belief that knowledge builds confidence, they founded Owner Builder Institute to provide aspiring owner-builders with practical guidance, industry insights, and the skills needed to take control of their projects and build with confidence.