Permit Amendments
Where you may have forgotten to include work in the original permit or if there are changes to the plan (before or during construction) you can submit a request for BSA to amend the description of work or the value of work for the permit provided it is within six months from the date of issue of the permit. You will be required to complete and return an Application to Amend an Existing Owner Builder Permit form. BSA will issue a letter which serves as a notice of the amendments.
Suspension or Cancellation of a Permit
BSA may suspend or cancel a permit under certain circumstances. You must provide correct information with the application and abide by the conditions of the permit.
FAQS
Are there any exemptions from this six year rule?
In exceptional circumstances, BSA may be able to grant a second permit within a six year timeframe. Exceptional circumstances could be if either you, or a person you are living with, is suffering from a serious medical condition or severe financial hardship and the work to be carried out would help.
If you are applying for another building permit within six years of obtaining the first permit you are required to apply for exemption from the six-year ruling. You will need to complete and lodge an Application for Exemption from the Six-year Ruling form.
What if I have already started the work before finding out I needed a permit?
You will need to complete and return the Owner Builder Permit Application form and provide copies of all requested documents (including proof of completion of the Owner Builder Course ). You will also have to provide a written description of the work underway.
What if the work is completed and I find out I was supposed to hold a permit?
You will need to complete and return an Application for Notification of Owner Builder Work Already Completed form and supply the following:
Current Title Search (no older that 30 days)
Payment of $38.10 to cover costs involved for placing notification on Title
Where the applicant is a company - current ASIC report
A permit cannot be issued once the building work is complete. On receipt of the required documentation BSA will issue a letter that enables you to apply for development approval for the completed construction. The letter also serves as notice to the Development Assessment Manager that no insurance premium is payable on the work and development assessment can proceed. You will also receive a fine for breaching s42 of the Queensland Building Services Authority Act 1991.
Can I take out BSA Home Warranty insurance?
No - By becoming an owner builder you forfeit your right to BSA insurance on the building work performed. As an owner builder you will be personally responsible for dealing with individual contractors if problems in workmanship occur. You will also be personally responsible for payment to rectify any defects in the building work or to complete any work left incomplete by an individual contractor.
Any licensed contractor engaged to perform work as detailed in the permit must NOT pay a premium to BSA as this work would be owner builder work and would be uninsurable.
A licensed contractor engaged to perform work as detailed on the permit MUST NOT pay a premium to BSA as this would be owner builder work and would not be covered by the Statutory Insurance Scheme. If a licensed contractor paid a premium to BSA for the owner builder work, in error, the work would remain uninsurable owner builder work.
A licensed contractor engaged to perform work that is not included under the permit IS required to pay a premium to BSA where it falls under the definition of insurable work - click here for more information.
Can a permit be transferred to another person or property?
No - Permits cannot be transferred. The original permit must be surrendered (if not used) and a new permit applied for.
Can I obtain another copy of my permit if the original is lost?
Yes - Complete and return the Owner Builder Replacement Permit form with the required fee.
