Building or renovating a home

Information on building or renovating your home, including what you need to know before you start your project, becoming an owner-builder, your obligations as a pool owner, and tips for during and after the build.

Before you begin

Preparing to build or renovate

Find important information before you begin, including advice on approvals, quotes, contracts and checking insurance and licence details.

Becoming an owner-builder

From permits and insurance to contracts and managing disputes, learn what you need to know if you want to be an owner-builder in NSW.

Home building delays in NSW

Find out what to do about delays, price increases, insolvent builders and disputes.

Pools and pool safety

Owning a pool, spa or portable pool comes with a lot of responsibility and potential risk. Learn what you must do under NSW law.

Strata renovation rules

Understand what changes need approval, otherwise you might be forced to change it back.

MyHome Planner

Use this interactive building guide to help you research, plan and design your new home.

When your build is underway

During the building process

Key information about how to manage your build, including dealing with hazardous materials, emergency repairs and more.

Resolving building disputes

Find out what you can do to resolve disputes with contractors when you're building or renovating, and how and when Building Commission NSW can help.

Protecting yourself in case of builder insolvency

Learn about how to limit your exposure to potential losses, and what protections there are for you if your builder does become insolvent.

After you build or renovate

Everything you need to know about maintaining your home after you build or renovate.
 

Building and renovating resources

Find resources, videos, guides and tools to help you navigate the construction process and make informed decisions when building or renovating a home.

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Two customers checks the work of a contractor building a house for them

More home building information

Asbestos Finder

Did you know asbestos was used in more than 3000 common building materials before it was banned? 

If you’re renovating or working on a home or building built prior to 1990, you need to be especially careful. 

Asbestos Finder can help you find out what products might contain asbestos, where they were commonly located and how to find licensed asbestos assessors and removalists.

Asbestos Finder
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