Free Owner Builder Project Timeline (Australia)

FAQ 1
Question: Is the OBI Project Timeline really free?
Answer: Yes. The Project Timeline is completely free to use, with no account, sign-up or email address required. It's part of the free tools we provide to help Australian owner-builders run safer, better-organised projects. Your project data is saved locally on your own device, not on our servers.
 

FAQ 2
Question: How long does an owner builder project take in Australia?
Answer: Most new home builds take somewhere between 9 and 18 months from site start to handover, though this varies widely with build size, weather, trade availability and how quickly decisions are made. Renovations and extensions can be shorter but are often less predictable. The Project Timeline calculates an estimated completion date from your stage durations and automatically includes a contingency buffer for wet weather and delays — because almost every build needs one.
 

FAQ 3
Question: What are the stages of building a house?
Answer: A typical Australian residential build moves through eight stages: planning and pre-construction, site preparation, foundations and slab, framing, roof and external shell, services rough-in, internal fit-out, and completion and handover. The Project Timeline comes pre-loaded with all eight, including the key tasks and inspection points within each stage, and you can edit, add or remove tasks to suit your project.
 

FAQ 4
Question: What are progress payment stages, and why does the tool show them?
Answer: If you're building with a construction loan, your lender releases funds at set milestones — typically deposit, base/slab, frame, lock-up, fixing and practical completion. The Project Timeline tags each build stage with its matching milestone, so you know when to contact your lender to arrange inspections and drawdowns before you need the money, not after.
 

FAQ 5
Question: How does the tool know if my build is running behind?
Answer: You don't have to work it out yourself. The Timeline compares today's date against each stage's expected finish date and automatically flags any stage that's running behind. It then shows the knock-on effect on your remaining stages and completion date, so you can contact upcoming trades early and adjust bookings before you lose your slot.
 

FAQ 6
Question: Does the timeline cover inspections and approvals?
Answer: Each stage includes a checklist of common inspection points, such as the pre-pour slab inspection and the waterproofing certificate before tiling. However, mandatory inspection requirements differ between states and certifiers, so always confirm your specific requirements with your building certifier or local authority. The tool is general guidance, not a substitute for your certifier's advice.
 

FAQ 7
Question: Is my project data saved? Can I back it up?
Answer: Your timeline saves automatically to your device as you work, so you can close the page and pick up where you left off. You can also export your full project as a file for backup — or to move it to another device — and import it again at any time. You can print a professional project timeline report to share with lenders, trades or family.
 

FAQ 8
Question: Does it work on mobile?
Answer: Yes. The Project Timeline is fully mobile responsive, with a vertical timeline view designed for phones — handy for checking what's next while you're standing on site.
 

FAQ 9
Question: I'm new to owner building. Is a timeline enough?
Answer: A timeline keeps you organised, but it can't teach you how to manage trades, contracts, budgets, insurances and site safety. That's what the OBI Owner Builder Course is for. If you're planning a build, the course walks you through everything the timeline assumes you already know — and course enrolment includes the full OBI Professional Toolkit.