Becoming an owner builder in WA? Find out when you need a White Card, whether an older WA Blue Card is accepted, and how construction induction evidence fits into your Form 75 application.

Owner Builder Institute has been officially nominated for the Career College Small Business Award in the 2026 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards for Queensland. We’re proud to celebrate this exciting milestone and the journey of our growing Queensland business.

Wondering what asbestos testing actually costs before you renovate? Lab analysis of a single sample typically runs $40–$140, but the total can climb once you factor in professional sampling, inspection scope and turnaround time. Here's what drives the price — and why testing before you start is always cheaper than finding out the hard way.

Discover 10 common home building and renovation tasks that can create dangerous silica dust, from cutting concrete and drilling masonry to tile removal and demolition. Learn where the risks occur and practical ways to reduce exposure.

Learn what silica dust is, where it's found, why it's dangerous, and how owner-builders and renovators can reduce exposure during building projects.

Learn the ACT owner-builder rules for decks, pergolas and carports, including licence requirements, planning approvals, building approvals and safety obligations.

Written by Stephanie [surname], Founder of Owner Builder Institute. Stephanie has fifteen years of experience in property development and investment, holds a Certificate IV in Residential Drafting and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and is currently completing her own owner builder project.

What does asbestos look like? Learn where asbestos is commonly found in Australian homes, why you can't identify it by appearance alone, and what steps to take if you suspect asbestos before renovating or building.

Asbestos awareness training helps workers, tradies and owner-builders recognise asbestos hazards, work safely around asbestos-containing materials, and understand their legal responsibilities. Learn what the course covers, who needs it, how long it takes, and how to complete asbestos awareness training online in Australia.

Asbestos and silica dust are two of the most serious hazards on any residential build. ACT owner-builders have strict legal obligations around both — here's what the regulations require and the controls you need on site.

Can you actually tell the difference between asbestos and asbestos-free materials just by looking? Many owner-builders search for a quick visual trick to spot hazards, but the truth is that old asbestos and modern alternatives often look identical. Age, paint, and wear make guessing a massive gamble. Discover why visual checks are never enough, when lab testing matters most, and how a conservative approach can save your budget and your health.

Bathrooms, kitchens, and sheds are the big three of DIY renovations and the highest-risk asbestos hotspots. If your home was built or altered before 1990, these zones routinely hide asbestos behind tiles, under old vinyl, or in weathered wall cladding. Because these projects heavily involve demolition, a simple strip-out can rapidly turn into a major contamination hazard. Learn exactly where asbestos hides in these common spaces before you swing a hammer.

If you're renovating a pre-1990 home, you may be able to handle small amounts of asbestos yourself — but only under specific legal conditions. This article explains exactly what non-licensed asbestos work is, who can do it, the 10 square metre rule, and why asbestos awareness training is a mandatory requirement before you touch anything.

Is asbestos training an extra box to tick, or a lifesaver for your project? If you are an owner-builder renovating a pre-1990 home, managing site safety falls on you. While it may not be a rigid legal requirement for minor tasks, knowing how to spot hidden hazards before you drill, cut, or demolish is vital. Use our quick decision tree to see if asbestos awareness training is the right move to protect your health and your home before you start.

Before you pick up a hammer or start demolishing that old bathroom, do you know what’s hiding behind the tiles? If your home was built or renovated before 1990, there is a high chance asbestos is present. Far from just being in old fibro walls, this silent hazard routinely hides under vinyl floors, behind kitchen splashbacks, and inside ceiling cavities. Discover the highest-risk DIY renovation jobs and the essential safety steps you must take to protect your family before s

Renovating a pre-1990 Australian home? Discover the hidden danger zones where asbestos hides—from bathrooms to backyard sheds—before you start demolishing.

An owner builder wearing a P2 safety respirator mask while renovating an Australian home.