The MTDC Lounge

Matt Turner

MTDC Lounge is a weekly podcast where we chat with designers, builders, and problem-solvers about the messy, honest side of getting things built. No fluff. Just real talk, dry laughs, and lessons from the jobsite and studio.

  1. 1 FEB

    “Just Add a Kitchen”… Famous Last Words - Client Consultation

    In this episode, Matt sits down with Jaynell, who’s trying to create a second liveable area at home (and future-proof the space), but keeps running into the kinds of “gotchas” that can blow out cost, compliance, and resale value. Liveable space isn’t just “looks good” — ceiling heights and what percentage of the room meets minimum height can determine whether a space is considered liveable (and valuable). The under-eaves problem: if you’re planning to enclose now or later, your eave height vs internal ceiling height can become the make-or-break detail. The “rent it out” slippery slope: once you start treating space like a separate rentable area, you can trigger dual occupancy implications and council contribution fees (Matt calls out ballpark figures that can sting). Kitchenette vs kitchen: the episode digs into the line between a “kitchenette” and what can escalate compliance requirements (including why adding an oven can change the classification of the dwelling). Approvals + plan changes: if you decide to stage the build (eg, do the roof later), you may be looking at construction certificate modifications and potentially further sign-offs depending on what changes and where the structure sits. If you’re trying to add a second liveable zone—especially anything that could become a rentable space—sort the compliance pathway early (heights, labels on plans, and what you’re actually building), or you risk turning a “simple add-on” into a costly rework. Book a free consult with us here: https://mtdesign.com.au/consultation

    49 min

About

MTDC Lounge is a weekly podcast where we chat with designers, builders, and problem-solvers about the messy, honest side of getting things built. No fluff. Just real talk, dry laughs, and lessons from the jobsite and studio.