A Checklist to Building or Renovating Your WA Home

If you’ve been tossing around the idea of building or renovating a home in WA but haven’t quite taken the plunge, I get it—starting can feel overwhelming. But with demand surging across Perth and the best trades getting booked out months in advance, now’s a smart time to start planning and get your approvals in order.

I recently completed a full renovation of one of my investment properties—everything from new flooring and tiles to a complete kitchen and bathroom overhaul. What caught me off guard wasn’t the renovation itself, but the paperwork and approvals I didn’t realise I needed just to get started. Between getting an owner-builder approval from DMIRS, sorting out a White Card, and making sure the building permit application ticked every box, I realised how important it is to know what you’re in for before work begins.

If you’re ready to turn ideas into action, this checklist will walk you through exactly what needs to be done—step-by-step. Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading your current home, this guide is tailored to the rules, requirements, and realities of building or renovating right here in WA.

1. Start with a Clear Plan

Before you pick up a hammer or call a tradie, you’ve got to get your plan sorted.

Building or renovating a home in WA isn’t something you want to approach on the fly.  There are so many top priorities for home renovations that missing one can really put a spanner in the works down the road. Without a clear layout, budget, and scope, it’s all too easy to blow your timeline—and your wallet.

Start by jotting down three simple lists:

• Must-haves – the non-negotiables (e.g. a second bathroom, more kitchen storage, open-plan living).
• Nice-to-haves – like that freestanding bath you’ve always dreamed of.
• Deal breakers – things you want to avoid based on past experience or common frustrations (tiny laundries, anyone?).

If your project includes a kitchen or bathroom upgrade, check out our in-depth guides to help you plan smarter from the start:

• 2025 Guide to Kitchen Renovations in Perth
• How to Coordinate a Bathroom Renovation

Once you’ve got your vision mapped out, look at product availability. Some big-ticket items like tiles, flooring, vanities or kitchen cabinets can cause major delays if they’re out of stock. One thing I always recommend—because I’ve made the mistake myself—is checking lead times before you book your trades. The good news? Everything listed as stocked on Ross’s website is ready for immediate pickup or delivery, so you don’t have to put your job on hold waiting weeks for materials to arrive.

A bit of upfront planning now can save you a mountain of headaches down the track—and keep your build moving smoothly once you’re underway.

2. Decide: Hire a Registered Builder or Become an Owner-Builder

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when building or renovating a home in WA is who’s doing the work. You’ve got two options:

• Hire a registered builder
• Take it on yourself as an owner-builder

Let’s break down both.

Option 1: Hire a Registered Builder

This is the easiest and most common choice. The builder takes care of the heavy lifting—literally and legally.

Here’s what to look for in a builder:

• Is their builder’s registration valid? (You can check on the WA Building Commission website)
• Do they have recent experience with the kind of work you’re planning?
• Can they provide references from other Perth homeowners?
• Is their quote detailed—materials, labour, timelines?
• Do they have home indemnity insurance (required for jobs over $20,000)?
• Are you comfortable with how they communicate and handle changes?

A good builder should be happy to answer questions and walk you through their process. Don’t rush this step. It’s worth doing your homework.

Check out our article, How to Get a Quote for Your New Home or Renovation for some expert tips on getting a quote.

Option 2: Become an Owner-Builder

If you’re confident managing the project yourself, you can become an owner-builder. This means you take legal responsibility for the job, instead of hiring a registered builder.

But there are strict rules in WA.

You must:

• Own the property.
• Be doing work valued at $20,000 or more.
• Apply for owner-builder approval from DMIRS (Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety) before you apply for a building permit.
• Complete an owner-builder course (unless you’re a qualified builder or tradie).
• Hold a White Card (construction safety certificate).
• Take full responsibility for the quality and safety of the work.
• Only do one owner-builder project every six years.

If that sounds like a lot—it is. I went through it myself during a reno on one of my properties. It wasn’t hard, but it was paperwork-heavy. And you don’t want to find out you’ve missed something when you’re ready to pour the slab.

Owner-Builder Approval Checklist (WA)

Here’s what you need to get approval from DMIRS:

1. Own the land or have a legal interest in it.
2. Complete an owner-builder course (unless exempt).
3. Get your White Card (if you don’t already have one).
4. Fill out the DMIRS Owner-Builder Application (Form 75).
5. Provide proof of land ownership and project details.
6. Pay the application fee.
7. Wait for approval from the Building Services Board.
8. Once approved, apply for your building permit through your local council using your owner-builder approval number.

If you’re unsure which path to take, think about how hands-on you want to be. If you’re comfortable chasing quotes, managing tradies, and staying on top of paperwork, owner-builder can save money. But it’s more than just the admin side of things, you really do need to know how to renovate like a pro. if you’d rather leave it to the experts, a good builder is worth every cent.

Either way, make sure you’re covered and legal—WA doesn’t muck around with building rules.

3. Apply for the Right Permits

This is where a lot of WA homeowners get caught out—thinking they can just start building once they’ve made their plans. But in Western Australia, you can’t legally begin major work without first getting a building permit from your local council. And depending on whether you’re using a builder or going owner-builder, the paperwork looks a bit different.

If you’re using a registered builder:

• Good news—your builder usually handles the permit application for you.
• Still, it’s your job to make sure it’s been submitted and approved before work starts.
• Always ask for a copy of the permit for your records.

Pro tip from experience: Even with a builder, don’t assume everything’s handled. Double check dates and approval numbers—you’re still the property owner and council will contact you if anything’s missing.

If you’re an owner-builder:

This is where things get more involved.

You must have your owner-builder approval from DMIRS before you apply for a building permit. The council won’t even consider your permit application without it.

To apply for owner-builder approval, you’ll need to complete and submit:

➡️ Owner-Builder Application – Form 75
➡️ Full details and process on the WA.gov.au Owner-Builder page

What you’ll need for your building permit application (owner-builder):

Once you’ve got your approval from DMIRS, you’ll need to submit the following to your local council:

• Your Owner-Builder Approval Certificate.
• Full set of building plans, drawn to scale.
• Structural engineer’s certification (for structural work).
• Any required planning approval (if building close to boundaries, etc.).
• Completed Form BA2 – Building Permit Application (Uncertified)
  (Use this if you haven’t engaged a private building surveyor. Most owner-builders and residential projects will use this form.)
• Proof of identity and land ownership.
• Payment of local council permit fees.
• Other documentation (like energy efficiency or bushfire risk assessments) if required.

Every local council in WA may have slightly different requirements, so it’s a good idea to check their website for a building checklist or give their building services team a call.

How long does it take?

WA councils have up to 10 business days to assess a building permit application once all documents are received. If something is missing, the clock stops until you provide what’s needed.

So don’t rush the paperwork. Double check it before submission—it’ll save you time and stress down the track.

Getting your permits in order may not be the most exciting part of the job, but it’s a crucial one. Without them, your insurance could be void, your trades could get fined, and the council might force you to tear down illegal work.

Sort it early and you’ll have the green light to move ahead with confidence.

4. Understand Contracts and Insurance

This is the part no one loves—but trust me, it matters. There are so many hidden costs of renovating, that you want to know everything upfront. Whether you’re hiring a builder or taking the owner-builder route, sorting your contracts and insurance upfront will save you a ton of grief later.

Hiring a Registered Builder? Read the Fine Print

A proper building contract isn’t just a formality—it’s your safety net. Make sure everything is written down before work begins. That includes a breakdown of costs, when payments are due, and exactly what’s included in the scope of work.

You’ll also want to confirm:

• Estimated start and finish dates
• How changes (variations) will be handled
• What happens if there are delays or disputes
• What penalties apply if things go wrong

Ask for a copy of their home indemnity insurance certificate—it’s legally required for all residential jobs over $20,000 in WA. This protects you if the builder disappears, dies, or becomes insolvent before finishing the job.

They should also have:

• Public liability insurance
• Worker’s comp (if they employ subcontractors)

And don’t worry—asking for proof doesn’t make you difficult. It makes you smart.

Going Owner-Builder? You’re the Boss Now

Taking the owner-builder path puts you in charge—not just of the project, but of everything that comes with it. That means you’re responsible for:

• Site safety
• The quality of the work
• All legal and financial obligations

You’ll need:

• Public liability insurance – in case someone’s injured or property is damaged during the build
• Construction insurance – to protect the structure and materials on site

You don’t need home indemnity insurance unless you plan to sell within 7 years of completing the work. If you do sell, then you’re legally required to take it out for the benefit of the buyer.

Learn more about home indemnity insurance

If you’re hoping to renovate without moving out to save some money, this is doable! I did it myself, and you can learn about my experience and takeaways from the process in my article, How to Renovate Without Moving Out.

Tradie Agreements – Even the Small Jobs Count

When you’re hiring trades as an owner-builder, it’s tempting to keep things casual. Don’t.

Even if it’s a mate helping out, put something in writing that covers:

• What work they’re doing
• Who’s supplying the materials
• How much you’re paying
• When it’s due
• What happens if things run late

This protects both of you. And whatever you do—don’t pay in full upfront. Stage your payments based on progress.

It might not be the most exciting part of the build, but getting your contracts and insurance sorted early means less stress and fewer surprises down the track. That’s a win in my book.

5. Lock in Your Products Early

One of the biggest causes of building delays isn’t the weather or the tradies—it’s product availability. I’ve seen it happen plenty of times: everything’s ready to go, but the tiler’s standing around waiting because the tiles are still two weeks away.

That’s why I always recommend choosing and locking in your major items as early as possible.

Plan Ahead for Lead Times

Some products—like stone benchtops, made-to-order cabinets, or custom shower screens—can take weeks to arrive. If you wait until your trades are booked, you might find yourself pushing the whole job back.

Start by listing everything you’ll need, room by room:

• Kitchen cabinets and benchtops
• Tiles for floors and walls
• Tapware, vanities, toilets, and shower screens
• Flooring—hybrid, laminate, or tiles
• Lighting, fittings, and fixtures

Once you’ve got your list, check if the items are in stock or need to be ordered. For high-turnover items like tiles and hybrid flooring, make sure the stock levels are good and that batch numbers match. You don’t want half your bathroom arriving in a different tone.

Use Suppliers That Keep Stock On Hand

This is one area where I know Ross’s Discount Home Centre makes life easier. All stocked products listed on our website are available for immediate pickup or delivery. No long lead times. No chasing suppliers.

It’s only custom items like laminate and stone kitchen benchtops or doors and windows that are not in our stock Siver Lustre frame that require special orders and lead time.

I’ve had customers come in mid-project, completely stuck because the tiles or tapware they ordered elsewhere were delayed. One bloke couldn’t get his bathroom finished for three weeks—all because his supplier ran out of the basin mixer he needed. That kind of holdup doesn’t just stall one trade, it holds up the whole job.

That’s why at Ross’s, we keep a huge range in stock and ready to go. If it says it’s available on our website, it’s available now—for immediate pickup or delivery.

Confirm Delivery Dates

Once you’ve chosen your products, book delivery as close to your installation date as possible—especially for bulky or fragile items. You don’t want your new bath sitting out in the weather or taking up space on-site longer than it has to.

6. Get Your Site Ready

You’ve got your plans, your permits, and your products—now it’s time to get your site ready for action. This is one of those steps that’s often overlooked until the last minute, but trust me, getting your site prepped properly makes a huge difference once the build starts.

Clear the Area

Whether you’re starting fresh or working within an existing space, make sure the area is clear, safe, and accessible. That means:

• Removing debris, garden beds, or old structures
• Setting up temporary fencing if needed
• Making space for material deliveries and tradie parking

If you’re renovating, clear out furniture, appliances, and anything else that could get in the way—or get damaged. I’ve seen more than one fridge scratched because it was “out of the way” in a hallway.

Arrange Site Access

Your tradies will need easy access to the site and a safe, dry space to work. If you’re in a tight driveway or have limited street access, plan ahead for:

• Delivery vehicles and unloading areas
• Storage space for materials
• Temporary protection for driveways, flooring, or gardens

You might also need to provide things like a skip bin or portable toilet, depending on how long the work will take and how many people will be on site.

Check for Services

Before any digging or trenching happens, make sure your plumber or electrician checks for underground services. You can request a free Dial Before You Dig report at www.byda.com.au. It’s a simple step, but one that can prevent serious (and costly) accidents.

Also check whether temporary power or water is needed on site. If you’ve just subdivided or demolished a property, you may need to organise this ahead of time.

Talk to Your Neighbours

It’s not essential—but it’s a good idea. If you’re working near boundaries, using shared driveways, or expecting noise or dust, let your neighbours know. A quick heads-up can go a long way in keeping things friendly and avoiding complaints.

7. Keep Track of Everything

With so many moving parts in a renovation or new build, it’s easy to lose track of what’s been done, what’s been paid for, and what’s still outstanding. The key to staying in control is simple—write everything down.

Start a Build Folder (Digital or Physical)

Set up a dedicated folder—on your computer, in the cloud, or the old-school way—with everything related to your project. That includes:

• Contracts and quotes
• Permits and approvals
• Invoices and receipts
• Product selections and warranties
• A copy of your plans and timelines

I always suggest having backups of everything. If something goes wrong, having your paperwork sorted makes things a whole lot easier to resolve.

Track Your Timeline

Even the best-planned projects can hit delays. That’s why I recommend setting up a simple project timeline—whether it’s a spreadsheet or even a calendar app—to track:

• When each trade is booked
• When materials are arriving
• When inspections are scheduled
• Any changes to delivery dates

Having this visibility helps you coordinate everything smoothly.  Our Step-by-Step Guide to Renovating Your House will also help in this respect. If offers a detailed overview of sequence of works so, you’ll know the correct order of operation.

Keep a Photo Log

Take regular photos of progress—even behind-the-wall work like plumbing or electrical. This gives you a record in case you need to reference something later, especially if issues pop up after completion.

It’s also useful if you ever want to sell, renovate further, or make warranty claims. Trust me—future-you will thank you for the extra effort.

8. Final Pre-Build Checklist

You’ve made it this far—plans drawn, approvals sorted, and products lined up. Before work kicks off, run through this quick checklist to make sure you’re truly ready to build or renovate without setbacks.

Final Checks Before You Start

• Have you finalised your layout and design decisions?
• Have you secured all the required approvals (including DMIRS owner-builder approval if applicable)?
• Is your building permit issued and valid?
• Have you locked in all trades and confirmed start dates?
• Have you selected and secured all major products—tiles, tapware, vanities, flooring, kitchen cabinetry?
• Are delivery dates and storage sorted?
• Are your insurances in place?
• Do you have a clear timeline, budget, and communication plan?
• Is your site clean, accessible, and ready for work to begin?

Even if everything’s been ticked off, take a final walk-through of your plans and paperwork. Ask yourself: If work started tomorrow, would you be ready?

If there’s any hesitation, go back and check. It’s far easier to sort things now than during the middle of a build.

Conclusion

Building or renovating a home in WA doesn’t have to be stressful—especially when you’ve got a clear plan and the right team behind you.

From personal experience and years of working with Perth homeowners, I know the smoother jobs are always the ones where everything is organised up front. That’s what this checklist is all about—giving you the confidence to move forward knowing you’ve covered your bases.

And when it comes to choosing products that are high-quality, affordable, and actually in stock, Ross’s Discount Home Centre is ready to help. If you’re unsure where to start, come in and chat with us. We’re here to make your project easier.