Owner Builder in Puna (for sale, lease, how much)

[meeho]

I have a lot in Puna and am starting the process of building a home. I am thinking 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1500-1800 sq. ft. Does anyone have any experience with going owner builder, what are the requirements to get owner builder status? How much cost is saved by going this route or would it be even better to try and permit "as-is"? I've also looked at home kits, but wasn't quite sure on the pros/cons from a cost savings standpoint. A lot of variables involved, but I know the threads always have some great insight.

[whtviper1]

Chapter 444 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes is the place to start

[hotzcatz]

Do NOT go the 'as is' route. That's a seriously bad idea. The codes and their interpretation change so frequently that even if it were built to the absolute letter of the code today, it pretty much would not be to whatever the code becomes a year from now. Then to get an 'as built' permit, you'd have to rebuild it to match the current code somehow. "As built" doesn't mean you can get it permitted the way it was built, it just means you make it pass code after it was built and if it doesn't match code the way it's built you get to tear it apart and rebuild it until it does.

Also, a lot of tradespeople (architects, engineers, draftsmen) won't touch an 'as built' job anymore because they've become a severe PITA. Just leave that can of worms on the shelf and don't even consider an 'as built'. I don't care that your neighbors and half of Puna have done it, it's still a bad idea. At the moment, they're enforcing illegal structures on the more expensive parts of the island since those folks can afford bigger fines but they'll get around to the whole island eventually.

The structural differences between 'owner builder' and 'contractor' as far as how it is built is zero. Both have to use licensed electricians and plumbers. Both have to follow the same codes. The contractor is building for money, you're building for yourself, so guess who's gonna pay more attention to details? However, the contractor usually has loads more experience, so that makes up for it.

The basic difference is that if it's contractor built, it can be sold as soon as it's finished. If it's owner-builder, then it can't be sold for a year or so after the construction is finished and the permit is final.

[MikeyMike11]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

Chapter 444 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes is the place to start

According to Chapter 444, an owner builder, with an exemption, cannot put their structure up for sale or lease, for 1 year? What about after that? Would it be ok to rent or sell it then?

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by MikeyMike11

According to Chapter 444, an owner builder, with an exemption, cannot put their structure up for sale or lease, for 1 year? What about after that? Would it be ok to rent or sell it then?

As mentioned it’s a seriously bad idea. But as long as you met the owner occupied conditions you are free to do what you want.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Originally Posted by MikeyMike11

According to Chapter 444, an owner builder, with an exemption, cannot put their structure up for sale or lease, for 1 year? What about after that? Would it be ok to rent or sell it then?

Look at the last sentence in hotzcatz's post. "The basic difference is that if it's contractor built, it can be sold as soon as it's finished. If it's owner-builder, then it can't be sold for a year or so after the construction is finished and the permit is final."

If you need a more specific answer, I suggest you call the Building Department.