It's true that you're going to derive a great deal of satisfaction from building your own carport instead of hiring a building contractor for this job. Not to mention that you'll have saved on the cost of hiring the contractor, which can be a significant sum.
However, you need to take an objective look at both sides of the coin before you apply for an owner-builder permit in Queensland. Here are a few things you might want to consider.
Expertise And Training
Despite the fact that a carport is a relatively simple structure, a lot of expertise goes into erecting one of these structures successfully. Unless you're in the construction business, you're not likely to have the expertise and skill required for this activity.
That's why the Queensland building and construction commission won't grant an owner-builder license unless you've completed an owner-builder training course. This course is taught by several Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) approved by the commission and the Queensland government. You can find a list of some of these RTOs here.
You'll have to pay for this course and you'll have to pay for your owner-builder permit once you complete the course. If you sum up the cost of training and the cost of permit, you might realize that you won't save as much as you thought by choosing to go the DIY way. The cost of training and that of the permit might be equivalent to that of hiring a licensed tradesman.
The Implications
A major disadvantage of choosing the DIY route for your carport is that you will be responsible for everything. There won't be anyone to blame should anything go wrong.
More importantly, you will be responsible for hiring all sub-contractors and for ensuring that they deliver according to their contractual obligations. If one of your sub-contractors fails to deliver or if there's a contractual dispute between you and him, you can't seek intervention from the Queensland building and construction commission.
If you hire a licensed contractor and a contractual dispute arises, you can seek arbitration from the building and construction commission.
In addition to this, you'll be forced to forfeit your home warranty insurance if you choose to build your own carport. Home warranty insurance offers protection against the possibility of defective work or that fails to be completed.
Take time to evaluate whether the perceived cost savings of a DIY carport justify the various risks involved. Contact a builder who does custom built carports for more information about what to expect from the process.
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