What is an Owner-Builder?

    This section defines what an owner-builder is and the laws surrounding the practice.

    • An owner-builder is what the term indicates: a person owns the property and acts as their own general contractor on the job, and either does the work themselves or has employees (or subcontractors) working on the project.
    • The work site must be their principal place of residence that they have occupied for 12 months prior to completion of the work.
    • The homeowner cannot construct and then sell more than two structures during any three-year period.

    Law symbol LAWS AND REGULATIONS Business & Professions Code section 7044 has more information about owner-builders.