Owner Builder Guide Tasmania (TAS): Course & Permit Rules
Navigating the owner‑builder process in Tasmania can feel complex, but it’s a valuable option if you want hands‑on control over your residential build or renovation. This guide gives a clear overview of what an owner builder is in Tasmania, the typical approval and licensing requirements, and the role of training in helping you prepare.
What is an Owner Builder?
In Tasmania, an owner builder is a person who takes on the role a licensed builder would normally play for a residential construction project on their own property. You plan, coordinate and supervise the building work, rather than engaging a builder to manage the entire project. To qualify, you generally need to own the land (or hold a recognised legal interest in it) and genuinely intend to live in, or otherwise genuinely occupy, the completed dwelling rather than using the arrangement to run a building business.
Do I need an Owner Builder Permit?
For larger projects in Tasmania, you may need an Owner Builder Permit.
This applies to:
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Non‑prefabricated sheds larger than 18 m² or garages larger than 36 m²
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Class 8 farm sheds
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Class 10 retaining walls or swimming pools
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New homes or additions to existing homes (Class 1a)
Note: Class 10 structures (such as sheds, garages, farm buildings and retaining walls) are not counted towards your two‑project limit and do not require completion of the Owner Builder course.
Eligibility and Qualifications
To apply for an Owner Builder permit in Tasmania, you must:
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Be a natural person (companies, trusts and partnerships cannot apply)
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Own the land or have contracted to purchase it
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Hold public liability insurance of at least $5 million
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Have completed a White Card course
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Have completed an approved Owner Builder course for Class 1a residential buildings (completed within the 12 months prior to application)
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Be within your two-project limit for Class 1a work (maximum two projects in any ten-year period)
Legal Requirements
As an owner builder in Tasmania, you must meet specific legal requirements before starting building work, based on the type and scale of your project.
Owner builder permit – when it applies
An Owner Builder Permit is generally required for larger residential projects such as new homes or additions (Class 1a), certain larger sheds and garages, Class 8 farm sheds, and Class 10 work like retaining walls or swimming pools. Only individuals (natural persons) can apply, and you must own the land or have a contract to buy it.
Training and project limits
If you are building or extending a residence (Class 1a), at least one owner must complete an approved Tasmanian owner builder course within 12 months before applying, and hold a current Construction Induction “White Card”. Owner builders are usually limited to two Class 1a projects in any ten‑year period, so the system cannot be used as a substitute for running a building business.
Always check for updates
Tasmanian owner builder rules, categories of work and permit processes can change over time. Before you apply or start work, always confirm the latest requirements and thresholds with Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) or via the official Service Tasmania website.
Planning Approvals and Compliance
As an owner builder in Tasmania, you must ensure your project has the correct planning and building approvals and is independently inspected so that it is safe, compliant and lawful.
Planning and building approvals
Before work starts, you may need planning approval from your local council and must engage a licensed building surveyor to assess your project. The building surveyor determines the category of work and issues the necessary certificates and permits so your project complies with the Building Act 2016, Building Regulations and the National Construction Code.
Inspections and completion
Your building surveyor or other appointed certifier must inspect the work at key stages to confirm it is being built in accordance with the approved plans and relevant standards. You must not treat the project as complete until the surveyor is satisfied and issues the required completion documentation (such as a Certificate of Completion), so it is important to follow their directions and keep all records of approvals and inspections.
Insurance- What you need
As a Tasmanian owner builder, you are responsible for the safety and risks on your site, and certain insurances are a condition of getting and keeping your permit.
Public liability insurance (minimum 5 million dollars)
You must hold public liability insurance for at least 5 million dollars before your Owner Builder Permit will be issued, and it must remain current until the work is completed. This insurance helps protect you if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your building project, by covering legal defence costs and compensation up to the policy limits.
Contract works / construction insurance
Owner builder policies often also include construction or contract works cover, which can insure the building works and materials against events such as fire, storm, impact, vandalism or theft. Together, public liability and contract works insurance help ensure that one unexpected incident does not wipe out your investment or put your family home and personal assets at risk.
Owner Builder Permit – Tasmania Approval Process
1. Design Your Plans – Work with a licensed Tasmanian Building Designer or Architect to create your building plans.
2. Engage a Building Surveyor – Your surveyor will certify the plans and provide a copy to your local Tasmanian council.
3. Complete Required Courses – If you are building a Class 1a home, you must complete an approved TAS owner builder course online or via a registered provider, alongside a Construction Induction (White Card) course.
4. Arrange Insurance – Ensure you have public and construction liability insurance of at least $5 million.
5. Prepare Your Application – Complete the application form and include all necessary supporting documents.
6. Submit Application – Lodge your application at any Service Tasmania shop and pay the applicable fee.
7. Receive Confirmation – If approved, CBOS will issue a letter of confirmation with your permit number.
8. Apply for Building Permit – Submit your building permit application to your local Tasmanian council.
9. Start Construction – Only begin work once you have received building, plumbing, and planning permits from your council. You must also provide your Building Surveyor with a Form 39 Start Work Notification and Authorisation – Building Work, and wait for their approval to start.
Stay informed with Owner Builder Institute resources and upcoming TAS training announcements. Join our list to receive expert guidance as it becomes available.
Helpful websites:
• CBOS Tasmania: Owner builder registration guides (cbos.tas.gov.au)
• Dept of Justice: Building and construction standards (justice.tas.gov.au)
• Local Council: Search '[Local Council Name] + owner builder' online
• WorkSafe Tasmania: Safety compliance (worksafe.tas.gov.au)