Building a cabin as an owner-builder

There’s nothing more rewarding than building a backyard cabin yourself from the ground up – and with the Do It Yourself option you can do exactly that. You will be classified as an owner-builder and will be responsible for all of the building work completed on site, in the same way a licensed builder is. This includes overseeing tradespeople, obtaining the required council approvals, providing a safe work environment and ensuring the building is fit for purpose and can be occupied. As an owner-builder you will first need to apply for an owner-builder permit from the relevant authority in your state, which can be done online or in person.

With your permit obtained, you’re ready to start the build. Your Scandi Cabin arrives flat-packed on pallets, with an online instruction guide, drawings and tips to help the installation go smoothly. Each board is numbered for ease of use on site, so if you have some building skills, tools, and know-how around regulations and requirements, this may be a good choice.

You can build a backyard cabin yourself in 8 simple steps. To help you decide if the Do It Yourself option is the best choice for you, here’s a breakdown of how it works.

You can browse the backyard cabins range online or arrange to visit one of our backyard cabins displays to see them in person. Another great way to find the ideal design is to browse our gallery of completed projects, which gives you a sneak peak into the finished product, where you’re sure to source plenty of design ideas and inspiration. If you wish to custom design your cabin, see the process here.

Contact your nearest backyard cabins builder for a quote on the prefab cabin kit supply. The builder will complement your kit with locally sourced materials, alongside the prefab Scandi cabin components made in Europe. Consider the size of the decking area you want, your roofing color, and any additional features like railings and steps if you’re building on a raised subfloor. The builder can also assist you in determining whether council approval is needed for your cabin.

If you’re building a cabin under exempt development, you can skip this step. However, if you’re building a detached studio, your plans will need to be prepared for approval, either by a private certifier or through a Development Application (DA) with the council. Our experienced design team can help you get all the necessary documentation ready to streamline the approval process.

Once the plans and details are finalized, it’s time to place your order. Your builder will manage the process of ordering the cabin kit, ensuring all components and materials are ready for construction. This step sets everything in motion for your new backyard cabin to be delivered and built.

Once you’ve ordered materials for your backyard cabin, begin preparing the foundation, as well as organizing service connections like electricity and plumbing. Getting the foundation right is crucial, and since it can be challenging, many owner-builders choose to outsource this part to our builders and then manage the rest of the build themselves. Make sure you have the necessary equipment and expertise in place to complete the installation once your cabin arrives.

With the foundation and connections in place, you are now ready to construct your cabin! It will arrive pre-cut, with all components delivered to you ready to install, and you can follow the drawings and online instructions to install the cabin. Installing the roofing is another challenging task, but keep in mind that even though you are doing it yourself, you can still access support, advice and onsite training from our builders to help you complete each step (speak to your builder about any additional costs that may apply for this service).

With construction complete, it’s now time to add the finishing touches, like fittings, cabinetry, paint, flooring and furnishings. Have fun decorating the interior to suit your style!

With the construction complete and finishing touches in place, it’s time to relax and enjoy your new backyard cabin. Whether it’s a cozy retreat, home office, or guest space, your new cabin is ready to be enjoyed for years to come!

Skills and Knowledge Required

Building a backyard cabin as an owner-builder can be a fulfilling project, but it requires a good understanding of construction techniques, Australian building standards, and local council regulations. If you’re new to construction or unsure about any part of the process, seeking professional assistance is strongly recommended to avoid potential issues and ensure a successful outcome.

To achieve the best result:

Engage skilled tradespeople or carpenters to assist with the build, ideally under the guidance of an experienced licensed builder.
Carefully review all instructional materials and videos before beginning the installation process to ensure everything runs smoothly.

By taking these steps, you’ll create a high-quality backyard cabin while avoiding unnecessary setbacks.

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