Home Building Hub

We’ve packed 3 years of podcasts, 120+ episodes into one practical, no-fluff resource - the Ultimate Home Building Guide. In this episode, Colin and Darren unpack some of the most valuable lessons inside, from budgeting for hidden costs to choosing the right land and comparing quotes like a pro. Plus, they share free tools and templates you can download to plan smarter and build with confidence.

Topic timestamps

2:57 - Finance a...

If your land sits near a highway or train line, it may fall under an Acoustic Overlay - and that can add thousands to your build. In this episode, we unpack what these requirements mean, how they affect your design, and what to check in your contract before you sign.

Topic timestamps

3:55 - What Is an Acoustic Overlay?

6:55 - What It Means for Your Home Design 

11:21 - The Customer’s Role

14:25 - Myth Busting &a...

Before you dive into display villages for inspiration, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the styles, trends, and sales pitches. In this episode, we share four simple but powerful tips - from setting your intention to avoiding “zombie mode”- so you can make the most of your visit and start shaping your new home vision.

Topic timestamps

1:16 Visiting Display Homes

1:28 Industry experience shapes how display homes are viewed

2...

Thinking about moving a wall or changing your floorplan? In this episode, we share the top 5 things you must check before making any structural changes - from pre-designed options to avoiding costly mistakes with wet areas and double-storey layouts.

Topic timestamps

2:11 - Use design options already prepared by your builder

5:10 - Make sure room sizes actually work 

7:57 - Be careful with wet areas 

11:40 - Double storey mistakes y...

In this episode, we down the concept of overshadowing - how it affects your home design, when it applies, and how builders identify it. They share practical tips to spot potential issues early, especially on titled land, and explain the key rules and design solutions to help you stay compliant and avoid costly setbacks.

Topic timestamps

2:45 - What is overshadowing? 

6:20 - When does overshadowing apply?

6:49 - How does a builder ...

Getting your budget right is the first real step in the building journey - but most people don’t know where to start. In this episode, we break down the full process of setting your game plan, from confirming your finance capacity to comparing quotes, and share a free Google Sheets budgeting template to help you stay on track from day one.

Topic timestamps

2:30 - The process. 7 Steps explained.

15:08 - 7 Steps summarised 

16:16 - Budge...

Building contracts can be full of hidden traps and confusing jargon. In this episode, we break down the five clauses that trip up most homeowners - covering prime costs, provisional sums, payment schedules, special conditions, build time frames and utility connections.

Topic timestamps
 02:28 Prime Costs (PCs): allowances for items not yet selected (e.g., taps, tiles)
 03:41 Provisional Sums (PSs): estimated costs for work n...

We unpack what “all-electric” means for new homes - from heating and cooling to cooking and hot water. Learn when the rules came in, why they matter, and the key inclusions and upgrades you’ll need to budget for.

Topic timestamps

2:55 - Why all-electric?

7:53 - Heating and Cooling changes

11:15 - Cooking inclusions

13:15 - Hot water service

13:59 - Power supply upgrades

15:35 - How are builders including these items into quotes, inclusion...

In this episode, we break down the government’s First Home Buyer Deposit Scheme updates kicking off in October 2025. We cover who qualifies, the property price caps, and how the scheme impacts loans, eligibility, and the wider housing market - plus one major cost the government hasn’t addressed.

Topic timestamps

1:28 - The announcement 

1:55 - The snapshot

5:31 - The caps

9:55 - Who can use the scheme? 

10:55 - What property does it...

Slash years off your home loan with five proven strategies you can start today. We unpack easy ways to pay extra without feeling it, offset vs redraw (and when to use each), refinance traps that add interest, and why comparing lenders through a broker beats going direct. Plus, the #1 mistake slowing borrowers down - and how to avoid it.

Topic timestamps

1:57 - What is the easiest way to pay more than the minimum off your loan wi...

Join us as Scott Baker from Toast Finance busts open the common misconceptions around getting finance if you’re self employed. Tune in to learn about simple, actionable guidance that covers options if you’ve just started out, what to do after a loss year, and the pros and cons of buying in a trust.

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Industry advisor Ryan Gazzard joins us to cut through the noise: what’s genuinely working in home building right now - and where projects keep falling short. We unpack clear briefs and realistic budgets, expectation management, and the systems great builders use. Walk away with practical steps to de-risk your build before you sign.

Topic timestamps

1:55 - Ryan’s background. 

3:00 - The relationship between a customer and their bu...

We sit down with Fabian Pisano from Phase Consulting who reveals the top mistakes home buyers make when starting their building journey. From tackling overwhelming contracts to avoiding costly paperwork errors and managing variations, you’ll hear practical advice that could save you time, stress, and money.

Topic timestamps

4:02 - If you could give one piece of advice to anyone about to embark on the journey of building a new ho...

In this episode, Colin and Darren break down everything you need to know about your soil test - from what it is and how it’s classified, to why your soil class matters for your build. They also explore the key factors that can impact your results and what to do once you have them.

Topic timestamps

1:13 - What is a soil test?

3:15 - How is the soil classified?

8:44 - Why your soil class matters 

12:32 - What affects the soil test re...

In this episode, we explain the role of a building surveyor in your new home build, when they get involved, and whether they truly operate independently. We also discuss if you can appoint your own surveyor, why most buyers don’t, and the potential benefits of making your own choice.

Topic timestamps

1:44 - What is a Building Surveyor?

3:35 - When Do They Get Involved?

5:04 - Are They Independent?

8:13 - Can You Choose Your Own Surveyor...

In this episode, we unpack Developer Approval - what it is, why it matters, and how the process works. From design guidelines to who actually conducts the approval, we share practical tips to help homebuyers navigate this often misunderstood step in building a new home.

Topic timestamps

2:40 - What are design guidelines / covenants? 

5:14 - What is Developer Approval?

9:35 - Who Conducts It? As in who actually reviews and approves...

In this exclusive episode, HIA Victoria boss Keith Ryan joins us to unpack the new Building & Plumbing Commission (BPC) and what it means for builders and homebuyers. From rectification powers to insurance reforms and upcoming legislation - this is essential listening for anyone in the industry.

Topic timestamps

2:57 - What exactly is the Building & Plumbing Commission, and what are the benefits to the BPC being introduc...

In this episode, we unpack the real value behind upgraded facades - are they worth the extra spend or just a visual splurge? We break down what a facade actually is, how many options you’ll get, and the key tips to help you picture the final look before you commit.

Topic timestamps

1:40 - What is a facade?

3:18 - How many facade options are available to choose from?

6:53 - Is it worth spending the money on an upgraded facade?

16:25 - Ti...

In this episode, we sit down with a leading sales trainer who’s coached building company sales teams across Australia. Learn how to be the kind of buyer builders go the extra mile for, how to brief your sales consultant for the best result, and how to separate price from real value when choosing your builder.

Topic timestamps

9:07 - Being the buyer type the builder is trying harder for?

16:01 - How to select an experienced sales perso...