Building and renovating a home

This page has information about when you must use a registered builder for residential building work in the Northern Territory (NT).

When you must use a registered builder

You must use a registered builder for prescribed residential building work. Find out what is prescribed building work. 

New builds

When you construct a new home you must:

• use a registered building contractor - either a building contractor residential (restricted), or a building contractor (unrestricted) 
• or become registered as an owner builder.

For buildings of three storeys or more, you must employ a building contractor residential (unrestricted).

Extensions and renovations

You may need to use a registered building contractor for your renovation or extension. 

Check the table of residential building work that requires permits to see if you need a registered building contractor.

Finding a builder

Read about choosing a builder or contractor.

Becoming an owner builder

You may choose to become a registered owner builder. Find out how to get an owner builder certificate.

Owner-builders can't construct, extend or renovate duplexes, townhouses, flats or units.