Last Updated on January 7, 2026 by teamobn
Let’s start with what’s most important.. The Owner-Builder Network (OBN) was started way back in 2011 by David Wilks, a serial DIY home builder. His knowledge had been transferred to him by his father who also built four homes for his family.
As the oldest son, David was roped in at a young age as the ‘apprentice’. That ‘apprenticeship’ had him measuring (twice), cutting (once) and nailing (often), digging trenches, mixing concrete and loading bricks before he turned 12!
David’s first build started when he was aged 20, a four bedroom, split-level brick-veneer and timber home. That was the first of eight DIY homes he has built and landscaped. One of those homes included a conventional swimming pool and two others, including his current home, have natural swimming ponds.
Now 76, David is still building, landscaping, designing and innovating pretty much every day! And he is still the primary driver of this site 🙂
Our group objective is to make OBN a total resource for Owner-Builders, DIYer’s and anyone interested in home improvement. Whether you’re building a ground up home for you and your children, adding a Bali hut to the poolside or just looking for decorating inspiration, you’ll find friends here. You’ll also find many hundreds of galleries featuring homes of every size and style, all full of great ideas waiting for you to adopt or adapt!
Not enough? How about directories of trades and services in your area, ‘mate’s rates’ on materials, lot’s of instant savings coupons, a Q&A section where where you can ask questions or find answers to DIY challenges.
Oh yeah… we also welcome submissions from people just like you where you can post your own albums of the projects you’ve done or just want to share.
Why Join?
Because we’re ‘been there, done that’ people with bucket loads of inspiring ideas and experiences. We share them all through our DIY blogs, plans and images of beautiful homes and gardens and through our newsletters and ‘What’s New’ articles, we’ll keep you up to date with the latest building innovations.
Membership is totally free but absolutely invaluable! Why not join us right now? It takes way under two minutes!
How to reach us:
Easy as…
Got a question or suggestion? Just click on the “Contact Us” link in the footer or email us at admin [@] theownerbuildernetwork.co
Either way, we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
