WA Guide Back to where I was

Owner-Builder Terminology (Western Australia)

Plain-English explanations of the terms you’ll encounter as a WA owner-builder — written to match how they’re used throughout this site.

Owner-builder approval (WA)

In Western Australia, owner-builder approval is the authorisation from the Building Services Board that allows you to carry out building work as an owner-builder on your own property, subject to the value and type of work. It is a prerequisite before a building permit can be issued for owner-builder work.

Used on: WA steps, Consent, Owner-builder approval (WA)

Planning approval (WA)

Planning approval in WA deals with how a development fits within the planning framework — zoning, local planning schemes, and development standards. It is separate from building approval and is typically assessed by the local government or the Western Australian Planning Commission where applicable.

Used on: WA Step 3, Planning approvals, Process documents

Building permit (WA)

A building permit in WA authorises the building work to proceed and confirms that the design and construction comply with the Building Code and relevant standards. It is issued by a registered building surveyor (or the local government in some cases). An owner-builder must hold the required owner-builder approval before a building permit for owner-builder work can be issued.

Used on: WA Step 4, Building permit, Construction documents, Building surveyor

Construction insurance (WA)

Construction insurance for an owner-builder in WA typically includes Contract Works (works and materials on site), Public Liability, and (for renovations) consideration of Existing Structures.

Many owner-builder permit or approval processes require evidence of insurance (e.g. Certificate of Currency). It is separate from home insurance and from any selling-related warranty or disclosure obligations.

Used on: WA Step 5, Essential protections

Building Services Board (WA)

The Building Services Board is the WA body that regulates building practitioners, issues owner-builder approvals, and oversees the building permit and compliance framework in Western Australia. Applications for owner-builder approval are made through the Board (or its delegated channels).

Used on: Owner-builder approval (WA)

Selling as an owner-builder (WA)

When you sell a property you have owner-built in WA, disclosure and warranty obligations may apply depending on when the work was completed and the type of work. These are separate from construction-phase responsibilities and from completion certification.

Always confirm current requirements with the Building Services Board or your legal adviser when selling.

Used on: WA Step 8, After completion & selling
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Owner-builder approval (WA) Planning approval (WA) Building permit (WA) Construction insurance (WA) Building Services Board (WA) Selling as an owner-builder (WA)