Owner Building

Ideally 'house' is only one part of the jigsaw puzzle of the Home environment (see the Anastasia Plan). Sadly most houses are planned simply as an asset and not the family home base for generations to come; for families to live healthily and happily, supported by fruit trees, vege gardens and shade trees which also give many other benefits (see Trees for tomorrow).

While the owner builder journey is stressful as management and coordination of the build are roles we take on, it can help save costs and give more control. Essential in this time of exploding material costs and financial crisis; so we can stop the build if needed. Banks will not loan to owner builders (unless you're building a shed), so although it can be tough to save to get going, it also avoids being squeezed by bank interests to create a home. You don't need to have a lot of building knowledge personally, as good contractors will bring this. In Australia owner builders can be anyone who has a blue card (owner build course qualification) and white card (safety training course qualification). Most are done on-line. Here is a link to the company I used: https://www.ownerbuildercentre.com.au

Plan

This is the most crucial part, one that needs much reflection and thought as it underpins how your build will operate, heat and cool for generations to come. Put simply it's about holding the vision and energy of your home which can start with family chats and dreams about what you want your home to look like, feel like; as well as the necessary number of rooms, ceiling heights etc. I lost count of the drafts and lists I made with my kids! When you're ready for an actual plan, if you don't see one you like, find a draftsman or architect who sees and understands your needs to make a plan for you. Local draftsman Lyn Whitney is also a farmer who understood my vision, scaled down a plan I liked and was a fantastic support on the journey in getting plans to Shire and ready to build. Plan ahead too, if using salvaged items as not all Shires will accept this. In my case, Lyn came out to measure my salvaged windows and doors and built the plan around them. Please take into account heating and cooling costs. By designing solar passive houses we use the sun to best advantage and using insulating materials such as hempcrete or hemp blocks, effectively cut down on running costs. The vision of my house and homestead is something I've carried around in my mind since I was a kid, so there's a lot of life in finally achieving this dream.

Prepare

Save! By cutting down on some things (what can you really do without for a while? The weekly magazine, less daily coffees?); and putting away what you can afford each week in a different account; you gradually see traction for your funds. If you can house sit for a time this is a huge saving on rent!

If using salvaged items, even bathroom tiles, this can also be a big saving too and can be fun searching through garage sales, tip shops, salvage yards and secondhand shops.

One of your greatest assets will be the people you're working with. Seek out possible contractors, have a chat and see if they fit your brief and timeline for the build. Although I don't have many building skills, I've spent a lot of time being 'fetch and carry person' in life, and being heavily invested in my house, needed to work with the builder. Patience and a sense of humor was near top of my list for the contractor I was looking for (and thanks Lance for your perseverance :)). This pic is with Lance supervising the salvaged bay window instal - with many thanks to Cousin Phil and Di for tractor help! Window donated thanks to Mum and Pop.

Begin

Paperwork for building often takes a long time to process by Shire and other relevant bodies. It took me a year. In between it's time to gather your materials and to notify your contractors of timelines. Think ahead of where materials are accessible but stored clear of the building site, so you don't have to move things again. Especially if you don't have access to machinery! Timbers and roofing sheets need to store off the ground, so 'gluts' of hard wood timber placed underneath for elevation and airing, near either end and the middle to keep items straight, need setting up before materials arrive. If you don't have a shed, cover with builders' plastic; but be aware that the green coloured pine is treated for insect damage, not weather proofing and can rot if exposed to water for a long time. You'll need to plan a warm dry space for cuppas and lunch times. We started the build in summer under a shady tree but I ended up buying a reinforced pergola for winter. If you're working on the build full time, back up food prep help would be really handy, especially in the intense stages. At times you might need extra machinery assist, so listen to builders advice. In getting the roof trusses up on top of the frames, I was hoping to avoid hire of a crane. Roofer Darren realised a scissor lift would be the go for what we couldn't manhandle, and luckily the local hire company of 'Fontys Hire' had one available that day. Yep, Darren was right. It saved a lot of muscle!

Persist

This journey is huge. To make things attainable personally, I broke the project down in my mind and with many lists, treated everything as a mini exercise, so after the paperwork phase; it was organise, prep and complete slab (and termite proofing); then onto the frames ect.

But if I can do this anyone can; is what I tell people. I'm not a builder, am a single, medium-framed not young woman, but with an unshakeable vision of home. We're always stronger than we think we are and sometimes life's challenges show you what you're made of. I strongly feel with more people taking on the challenge of an owner builder journey, rolling up the shirt sleeves and saving costs, more people will own their own homes. We can change things. Best of wishes with your build and enjoy the journey because each day building is one more day towards your goal

Contact Sharon