Avoiding Mistakes
Avoiding MistakesThis page is really a collection of random things we thought might be useful for others to think about when embarking on or being in the middle of the…
Demolition
DemolitionMust projects involve some sort of demolition whether it be inside and/or outside, unless of course it is an entire new build. Our house required some sort of demotion both…
The Annoying Parts of being an OB
The Annoying Parts of being and OBHere we share our most annoying and daunting parts of being an owner builder. The list is...:Experts getting it wrong InsurancesLining up jobs (scheduling)Weather impactsRelying…
Building Industry Collapsing
Building Industry Collapsing Here we have listed examples of Australian building companies collapsing, it's sad to see an industry that was once highly regarded going down the gurgler. Being an…
Termite Protection
Termite ProtectionThere are termites everywhere in Australia. The need to protect your new home goes without saying. The best protection is to have the ability to visually inspect possible access…
Waterproofing
WaterproofingThis is also something that needs to be done by a licenced contractor unless its cheap which it will never be. For a project like this the value will be…
Electricals & Solar
ElectricalsOn Tuesday 11/2/25 Energex arrived at the house to drop the power cable. This was a crucial moment in preparation for the house lift & shift. Thank you Energex for…
Engineering & Soil Tests
Engineering & Soil TestingSome might think that engineering plans are very straightforward from an owner builder's perspective. We don't have much (if any) input other than during the draft review…
Surrender of Easement
Surrender of EasementIn this post we discuss the process of surrendering (or extinguishing) an easement (for those who have a registered easement ).First thing to do is to get a copy of…
House Raising, Sliding and Restumping
Raising and Sliding and RestumpingSome (if not most) people find this phase scary and daunting and it sure can be exactly that. But there are ways to minimise the stress…
Development Approval (DA)
Development ApprovalWith a project this nature, getting Development Approval (DA) through town planning is part of our puzzle as we are changing more than just the inside of the house.…
Architectural (Detailed) Designs
Architectural (Detailed) DesignsEvery project starts with designs. Ours started with scribbles on recycled pieces of paper. We don't call these concept designs, we call them ideas. It visualises how we…
Certification
Certification In 1997 Queensland introduced the option to either choose a private certifier or your local council. Nowadays, all certification is done by private certifiers only. The roles and responsibilities…
How it all began
How it all began... Living in the city has its ups and downs. Being super close to the neighbours and not being able to find a car spot anywhere near…
Plumbing
Plan Ahead Check early whether a Form 1 is required to be lodged by you as the builder with Brisbane City Council (BCC) , before a Form 7 will be…