Home Building Podcast

Independent Building Advice
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The Home Building Podcast is Perth's go-to resource for anyone designing, building, or renovating a home. Hosted by Behan Flaherty founder of Independent Building Advice and 25-year building industry insider each episode gives you the kind of honest, practical advice the building industry usually keeps to itself. From choosing the right builder to design decisions, contracts, hidden costs, and everything in between. Independent. No builder bias. Just eal advice from someone who's been on the inside. Building in Perth? Book a free call with our team at independendentbuildingadvice.com.au

  1. 1d ago

    Solar orientation explained in 11 minutes | Home Building Podcast

    A fundamental design principal missed by many “designers” or “consultants” in the industry.   Solar orientation is extremely important to achieve an energy efficient and comfortable home.   Behan breaks down solar orientation in the most practical way possible what it is, why bad orientation costs you money, and a simple six-point scorecard you can use to test any floor plan yourself. He also covers the exceptions most designers get wrong: when a good backyard view beats perfect north-facing, why east always wins over west, and the one scenario where western sun is worth the trade-off.  What you'll learn:  Why solar orientation is one of the first things IBA checks on every design review and often one of the biggest problems they find  How the sun moves differently in winter versus summer in Perth (southern hemisphere)  Why bad solar orientation costs you money before you've even poured the slab  Why your main living areas should face north and why north-east is even better  The six-point scorecard Behan uses to rate any floor plan's solar performance in minutes  Which rooms matter most for orientation and which ones you can trade off  When your backyard view or outlook should override the solar orientation rules  Why east always beats west if you can't face north  The one exception where western sun is worth the pain (ocean views and how to manage it)  What a western-facing living area actually feels like in a Perth summer afternoon  The white aggregate mistake that makes your alfresco unusable when the sun hits it  Chapters:   01:40 - How the sun moves in winter vs summer (Perth / southern hemisphere)  02:53 - Why bad solar orientation costs you money  03:58 - Which rooms matter most and which ones you can trade off  04:35 - Main living areas should face north  05:15 - Why north-east is even better than due north  05:44 - The six-point scorecard: how to rate your own floor plan  06:48 - When your block shape forces a compromise  07:22 - When your backyard view beats orientation  08:00 - If you can't go north: always choose east over west  08:45 - The ocean view exception (and how to manage the western sun)  09:24 - What a western-facing living area actually feels like in summer  10:14 - Bonus tip: avoid white aggregate in your alfresco  11:09 - Final takeaway: north-east is the rule, but know the exceptions  FREE Homeowner Decision Checklist 👇🏽🏡 Not sure where to start? Download our free checklist to help you plan your build, renovation or extension before you speak to anyone.  info.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/decision-checklist-page?utm-homebuildingpodcast  Found the episode useful? Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you.  Need design & building advice? Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au   Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/   Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.

  2. Oct 19

    Landscaping Tips for Your New Build | Stuart Cattanach

    Landscaping is one of the most important parts of a home and the thing most often left until the budget is gone. Behan sits down with Perth landscaper Stuart Cattanach of Greener Scapes to talk lawn choices, paving vs exposed aggregate, artificial turf, realistic budgets, design tricks that make a backyard pop, and what to plan during your build so you only have to do it once. What you'll learn: - Why landscaping should be budgeted early, and how plans to sell change your choices - How to pick a lawn for shade, kids, pets and the time you actually have to maintain it - Why paving and exposed aggregate are closer in price than they used to be - When artificial lawn makes sense, and the common concerns about it - How one hero feature, fence colour and contrast can lift a backyard - Where to place fire pits, pools and wellness areas so you don't lose usable space - What to sort during design and build: irrigation lines, outdoor lighting switches and outdoor power - How to get a decent backyard on a tight budget Chapters:  00:58 - Stuart's background and Greener Scapes 
 05:31 - Do it once, do it right  07:03 - Choosing the right lawn 
 11:39 - Paving vs exposed aggregate 
 13:17 - Artificial lawn  16:17 - How much to budget for a backyard 
 18:50 - Making a backyard pop 
 26:25 - One hero feature, fire pits and pool placement 
 31:53 - Honed aggregate, limestone and decking 
 37:00 - Landscaping on a tight budget 
 44:24 - Lessons from Stuart's own build 
 47:07 - What to plan before you landscape 
 49:46 - The $10,000 question  About Our Guest: Stuart Cattanach is the owner of Greener Scapes, a Perth landscaping business focused on corporate-level customer service and doing landscaping properly once. Before landscaping he spent years in the police force, then ran a garden maintenance business in the UK before returning to Perth. Stu's contact details: Website: greenerscapes.com.au Instagram: www.instagram.com/greenerscapeswa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559010826022  FREE Homeowner Decision Checklist 👇🏽🏡 Not sure where to start? Download our free checklist to help you plan your build, renovation or extension before you speak to anyone. info.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/decision-checklist-page?utm-homebuildingpodcast Found the episode useful? Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. Need design & building advice? Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/ Follow us on socials: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/independentbuildingadvice/ | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/IBABehan | YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@independentbuildingadvic Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.

  3. Oct 12

    WA Brick Shortage: Alternative Ways to Build Your Home | Home Building Podcast

    There's a brick shortage in WA, and it could affect your build. Behan explains why Midland Brick is prioritising its biggest and most reliable builders, then gives a high level run through the alternative build methods, including brick veneer, full timber and steel frame, reverse brick veneer, SIPs and modular construction, with the myths and trade-offs of each.     What you'll learn:  - How Midland Brick is allocating limited supply, and why smaller builders and new clients are most exposed  - Why brick veneer uses fewer bricks and what it means for the "hollow wall" knock  - How timber frame with insulation compares with brick on sound, according to Behan's past testing  - Why termites aren't a good reason to rule out a timber frame  - Why reverse brick veneer is often recommended for WA's hot summers and cool winters  - Why Perth has a roof carpenter shortage, and how COVID grants pushed up brick and timber prices  - How SIP and modular construction work, and where they suit best (especially acreage and country builds)  - What to ask your builder if the shortage is affecting your build     Chapters:  00:26 - The WA brick shortage and what you can do about it 02:33 - How Midland Brick is allocating bricks 03:35 - Brick veneer and the hollow wall myth 06:12 - Fully framed timber homes 07:48 - Termites and timber framing 08:54 - Steel framing 09:49 - Thermal mass and reverse brick veneer 11:58 - Perth's roof carpenter shortage 13:25 - Where the brick shortage is heading 14:08 - SIP construction 15:24 - Modular construction 17:08 - Talking to your builder and next steps 18:00 - Share your feedback and request a deep dive     FREE Homeowner Decision Checklist 👇🏽🏡  Not sure where to start? Download our free checklist to help you plan your build, renovation or extension before you speak to anyone.  info.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/decision-checklist-page?utm-homebuildingpodcast     Found the episode useful? Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you.   Need design & building advice? Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au   Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/   Follow us on socials: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/independentbuildingadvice/) | Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/IBABehan) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@independentbuildingadvice)   Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.

  4. Oct 5

    Negative Gearing and Capital Gains Tax Changes Explained - Robert Tawil | Home Building Podcast

    The government has changed the rules on negative gearing and capital gains tax, and a lot of Perth homeowners and investors are unsure what it means for them. Financial adviser Robert Tawil of Vantage Wealth returns to re-record our earlier chat and breaks the changes down in plain English. We cover selling, subdividing and building, and when it's worth getting an expert in your corner.  What you'll learn:  Why the market matters less than your personal situation if you're staying in your home long term  How capital gains tax works when you sell your main residence versus an investment property  What changes on 1 July 2027 and how gains are split between the old and new methods  How negative gearing now works on existing properties, and why new builds keep the concession  Why reduced borrowing power is cooling the market, not just investor sentiment  What happens to your tax when you subdivide your own block, or build on it  Why you shouldn't demolish your home before your approvals are locked in  The difference between a financial adviser and an accountant, and when to speak to each  Chapters:  00:24 - Why we re-recorded after the new laws  02:09 - Market uncertainty and days on market  04:01 - Does the market matter if you're staying put?  10:25 - Why get advice before big decisions  15:44 - Selling a home you've lived in for 20 years  16:35 - Capital gains tax changes on investment property  19:41 - Negative gearing: how the rules changed  28:01 - New builds versus existing homes  28:42 - Granny flats and subdividing  30:36 - Why you shouldn't demolish too early  33:24 - Subdividing your own block and capital gains tax  34:46 - Financial adviser versus accountant  38:14 - When to start talking to an adviser  43:38 - The $10,000 question  FREE Homeowner Decision Checklist 👇🏽🏡 Not sure where to start? Download our free checklist to help you plan your build, renovation or extension before you speak to anyone.  info.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/decision-checklist-page?utm-homebuildingpodcast  About Our Guest: Robert Tawil is a licensed financial adviser at Vantage Wealth in Perth. He helps clients plan for retirement and manage investments, insurance and structures, working alongside their accountants. He is also currently building with IBA.   Found the episode useful? Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you.  Need design & building advice? Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au   Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/   Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.

  5. Sep 28

    Boring Numbers in Building (But Extremely Important to Know) | Home Building Podcast

    Reading your plans and understanding your build 101  How many of these did you know? Comment them below  We break down the "boring" details builders assume you already know - coursing heights, FFL, slab thickness, door and window codes - the stuff that quietly makes or breaks your build. Miss these and you can end up with a garage that won't fit your 4WD, a kitchen benchtop that costs thousands more than it should, or a home that floods every time it rains.  What we cover:  Brick coursing - why 86mm is the number to know, and how to read course heights on your elevations  Reading a survey - how to check if your land slopes, and why it matters more than you think  Finished floor level (FFL) - what it tells you about flooding risk and street presence  Stone benchtops - the slab sizes that keep costs down, and the difference between 20, 40 and 60mm edges  Provisional sums vs fixed price vs cost plus - and why one of these puts all the risk on you  Room sizes - what actually makes a "good" bedroom, garage or hallway  Slab thickness options and why the upstairs slab matters more than people think  Door and window codes - what those little letters (A, FX, OBS) actually mean on your plan  Bi-fold and stacker doors - the one detail almost everyone gets wrong    Chapters:   00:51 - Brick coursing and the 86mm number  01:43 - Finished floor level (FFL) and reading a survey  04:36 - Why you should order a survey early  05:32 - Stone benchtop slab sizes  06:49 - Stone thickness options  07:44 - Ideal bench-to-island distance  08:21 - Naked flame vs induction cooktops  08:59 - Why 1:100 plans make sizing easier  11:09 - It's normal to struggle reading a plan  12:01 - Provisional sums explained  12:24 - Fixed price vs cost plus  16:05 - Hallway widths  16:57 - Double bedroom sizes  19:10 - Slab thickness options  21:37 - Garage heights and courses  22:37 - Garage sizes  23:09 - Step-downs for outdoor areas  24:23 - Door widths  26:35 - Front door sizing  27:26 - Window codes (A, FX, OBS, S)  28:54 - How to read window height numbers  30:17 - Gas lift and bi-fold doors  31:39 - Stacker doors and which one opens first  32:11 - Lighting plan legends  Found the episode useful? Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you.  Need design & building advice? Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au   Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/   Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.

  6. Sep 21

    Stone Benchtops Explained: How Stone Ambassador Survived the Ban – Brad D’Lima

    Brad D'Lima, WA State Manager at Stone Ambassador, joins the podcast to unpack everything homeowners need to know about stone benchtops. From the engineered stone ban and how Stone Ambassador got ahead of it, to the real differences between Zenith, Vasari and Kaya surfaces, this episode covers pricing, slab sizing, maintenance and the mistakes that quietly add thousands to your build.  What you’ll learn:   What caused the engineered stone ban and how Stone Ambassador developed a compliant product ahead of it  The real differences between Zenith (engineered stone alternative), Vasari (porcelain) and Kaya (hybrid) surfaces  Why standard 3.2m x 1.6m slab sizing affects your benchtop cost, and how an oversized island can cost you an extra slab  How chips, cracks and stains are repaired, and the everyday cleaning routine that keeps stone looking new  Why gas cooktops need extra clearance for a stone splashback, and when to consider electric or induction instead  Why viewing a full slab in the gallery matters more than judging a small sample  How builder standard ranges vs upgrade selections affect your final stone cost    Chapters:   00:23 - Introducing Brad D'Lima and Stone Ambassador 01:03 - Brad's background in architectural drafting and buildin 04:08 - What the engineered stone ban is and why it happened 06:07 - How Stone Ambassador developed Zenith ahead of the ban 08:29 - Zenith, Vasari and Kaya surfaces explained 11:25 - Pricing differences between engineered stone and porcelain 14:35 - Edge details, thickness and design options 16:28 - Why viewing a full slab beats a small sample 23:15 - Chips, cracks and repairs 28:51 - Cleaning and maintenance across stone types 36:00 - Slab sizing and avoiding an unnecessary join 41:05 - Dos and don'ts when choosing your stone 46:10 - Gas cooktops and splashback clearance rules 53:00 - How Stone Ambassador became WA's market leader  About Our Guest: Brad D’Lima & Stone Ambassador  Brad D'Lima is the Western Australian State Manager at Stone Ambassador, bringing over 20 years of building industry experience spanning architectural drafting, new home sales and custom home design. He's spent the last three and a half years at Stone Ambassador as it grew from challenger brand to national market leader.  FREE Homeowner Decision Checklist 👇🏽 Not sure where to start? Download our free checklist to help you plan your build, renovation or extension before you speak to anyone.  DOWNLOAD HERE:  info.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/decision-checklist-page?utm-homebuildingpodcast  Found the episode useful? Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you.  Need design & building advice? Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au   Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/   Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.

  7. Sep 14

    The Uncle Effect: Who to Trust During Your Home Build | Home Building Podcast

    Behan breaks down why so many people make bad building decisions after asking the wrong people for advice. From well meaning family members to anonymous forums and salespeople with a vested interest, he explains exactly who to trust, who to ignore, and how to protect your build from other people's opinions.     What you'll learn:  - Why advice from family and friends can quietly derail your build  - The "Uncle effect" and why one opinion can undo months of good design work  - Why you should pick one trusted advisor instead of asking everybody  - The hidden risk of posting your plans on building forums and social media  - How to spot fake reviews and competitors posing as buyers online  - Why a salesperson's advice is rarely neutral, and a real example of inflated pricing  - How to ask for advice in sections instead of on your whole home at once  - Why AI answers about building should always be double checked     Chapters:  00:00 - Why bad advice derails builds at every stage  01:08 - Family advice and why well meaning isn't the same as well informed  02:39 - Don't share your plans with everybody  03:44 - Choose one trusted advisor and stick with them  04:17 - The Uncle effect: how one opinion creates fear and confusion  05:51 - The danger of asking for advice in online forums  07:04 - Fake reviews and competitors posing as unhappy buyers  09:12 - Why salespeople are rarely neutral (the Ford vs Toyota example)  11:13 - Real example: a $300,000 markup from a builder with a vested interest  12:30 - Ask for advice in sections, not on the whole home  13:21 - Being careful with AI advice  13:41 - Final takeaway: get advice from experts, not everybody  FREE Homeowner Decision Checklist 👇🏽🏡  Not sure where to start? Download our free checklist to help you plan your build, renovation or extension before you speak to anyone.  info.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/decision-checklist-page?utm-homebuildingpodcast  Found the episode useful?  Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you.    About Independent Building Advice  Building a home shouldn't mean stress, costly mistakes, and constant overwhelm but for most people, it does, so that’s why we exists. We help homeowners navigate every step of the home building journey, from first concept to move-in day. We know what things actually cost, we work across 21 vetted builders so you can compare properly, and we're in your corner the whole way through... not the builder's. Think of us as your building advantage.  Building or renovating a home soon?  Find out more about what we do: www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au   Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/   Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.

  8. Sep 6

    Homelessness in Perth: What It Really Looks Like | Home Building Podcast

    BONUS CHARITY EPISODE: ST BARTS Homelessness in Perth is more common - and far more hidden - than most people realise. Vanessa Baxter from St Bart's joins the podcast to explain what homelessness actually looks like, how Perth's services work together to help people off the street and into stable housing, and why she believes most of us are only 2-3 steps away from finding ourselves in the same situation.  What you'll learn:  - What homelessness in Perth actually looks like beyond people sleeping rough  - Why hidden homelessness among women is a growing and often overlooked issue  - How Perth's "no wrong door" network connects people to the right support  - What a transitional housing pathway looks like, from a shared room to your own apartment  - Why bricks and mortar alone doesn't solve homelessness  - The health toll of homelessness, including a dramatically shorter life expectancy  - What St Bart's is building next in East Perth  - How to help through donating or volunteering  Chapters:  00:23 - Homelessness in Perth 00:57 - What St Bart's does 01:17 - Redefining what homelessness actually looks like 01:42 - Hidden homelessness among women 02:08 - Perth's 22,000-person social housing waitlist 02:45 - The "no wrong door" referral network 04:20 - Inside transitional housing 04:59 - Case study: four months living at Perth Airport 07:23 - Relearning trust and social norms 14:04 - Why housing alone doesn't solve homelessness 20:43 - Building two new sites: aged care and social housing 27:01 - Why we're all "2-3 steps away" from homelessness 28:04 - The impact on life expectancy 37:45 - $10K Questions  About Vanessa Baxter from St Barts Vanessa Baxter leads Strategic Partnerships and Engagement at St Bart's, a Perth housing and homelessness charity operating for almost 65 years. Her background spans hospitality, education, and not-for profit, spanning multiple countries, including corporate partnerships to support homelessness services at Auckland City Mission in New Zealand before returning home to Perth. Visit St Barts website: http://stbarts.org.au/ Get in touch with St Barts: enquiries@stbarts.org.au Follow on socials: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn Found the episode useful? Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you.  Need design & building advice? Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au   Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/   Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube  Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.

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About

The Home Building Podcast is Perth's go-to resource for anyone designing, building, or renovating a home. Hosted by Behan Flaherty founder of Independent Building Advice and 25-year building industry insider each episode gives you the kind of honest, practical advice the building industry usually keeps to itself. From choosing the right builder to design decisions, contracts, hidden costs, and everything in between. Independent. No builder bias. Just eal advice from someone who's been on the inside. Building in Perth? Book a free call with our team at independendentbuildingadvice.com.au

Information

  • Creator
    Independent Building Advice
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Independent Building Advice
  • Show Website
    Home Building Podcast

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