TESTIMONIALS

Just wanted to let you know how great the Owner Builder Course was.  I had considered doing it online, but Brian's experience, valued advice and the community of owner builders attending the course was immensely enjoyable and will prove to be invaluable.

Brian's approach and tutoring was very easy to take, and as clear as a bell.

Anyone considering owner builder courses would do well to attend your course!

Col Dyer

When I did the course I did not know I was going to have so much fun building my own home!

I learnt a couple of things that I would like to pass on to others who do your course.

1. Don't always take the cheapest quote.  Select the personality, not the price.  I chose people I feel I could trust.

2. When you make a mistake, take a deep breath and just fix it.  I allowed myself $10,000 for stuff ups.  Never had to use it.

3. Make sure you know how much you are going to pay each contractor for extras when you feel like making them, because you most likely will change your mind at some stage.  For example, hourly rate or a fixed price on the change you wish to make.

4. Don't be afraid to ask questions when you are not sure.  This way you get what you want and not what the trades person has in mind.

5. And last but not least, enjoy the project, they can be great fun.

I cannot calculate how much I saved on the job because the place grew as I went.  I do know that if I had built with a builder it would have cost me over $100,000 more with what I created.  Another thing worth mentioning, by dealing with good trade persons we were able to discuss the changes and do them on the spot, this does not happen with a builder and if so, you pay through the nose for the privilege.

I must thank you for your support when I needed it; it was good to have the back up.  The house is nearly finished, I am going to miss the banter with the trades people, it has been so much fun.  I do not understand why people say that building a home can be a nightmare, it has been the best thing I ever did.  I fully endorse your course!

Don Chisholm

I was so pleased I had chosen this course as I could do it at my own time and at anytime of day or night.  I gained alot of knowledge from the information sheets, it was rather satisfying.  I'll be recommending this course to anyone that may be considering becoming and owner builder.

Rozalia

Over the past 12 months, our dream of designing and building our own home is now becoming a reality thanks to the guidance and support provided by Brian Heaton and his team at Owner Building Solutions.

Brian gave us practical advice on many issues relating to project management practises as well as helping us save lots of money in sourcing trade work and materials.

Brian has shown us that planning well, project managing closely and spending wisely you can obtain some significant financial savings in home construction.

As owner builder, we have also had the opportunity of saving more money by undertaking some of the trade work ourselves.  Furthermore we are able to move into our new home sooner, even though not finished, thereby saving ourselves more money.

We are happy to recommend Brian Heaton and Owner Building Solutions to assist anyone who is interested in becoming an owner builder.

Graham & Leanne, Forestdale QLD

I thoroughly enjoyed all the activities and tasks that were involved and your staff were most helpful and friendly on the occasions that I needed advice.   I am looking forward to the challenge of putting it into practice.

Narelle, Coffs Harbour NSW

I really enjoyed all the issues discussed in the course and feel I've gained a lot of insights and a huge respect for all the trades people, builders engineers and designers.  The two workbooks will be great resources for information in future projects.

In the end - the whole plan reading exercises were very exciting!

Rita, New Lambton Heights NSW

I found this an excellent course to undertake.  It has helped me to well prepare for the task ahead.  My husband and I have partly built two houses in the past from roof and frame stage to completion, one being 25 years ago and the other 40 years ago.  In those days an owner builder course was not needed but I have learnt so much from completing this course.

Many thanks for all your help.

Pam, Gladstone QLD

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However, we do agree that we have a lovely new home and a few people who have been around to visit, have commented on how well it has been built, which is good to hear from other sources.

I know I have been a difficult client at times, I have found it hard to fit in everything, particularly when I went back to work 5 days a week.  However your assistance has been greatly appreciated and the discounts we were able to source through you on a number of items were really great.  It has also taught me quite a few things about trades people, making sure I get a number of quotes and constantly seeking discounts.

Martine, Bardon QLD

Just wanted to thank you for the weekend course.  It was very informative and easy listening.  The only regret I have is that I wish I had attended the class months ago (I bet you've heard that before).  Anyway, not to worry I am on the right track now.  Thank you again Brian.