Home Building Podcast

Independent Building Advice
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The Home Building Podcast is your guide to building smarter, avoiding costly mistakes, and creating a home that truly fits your lifestyle. Hosted by Independent Building Advice, this podcast brings you expert insights, builder interviews, and real homeowner experiences to help you navigate the complex world of home building with confidence. Whether you’re planning your dream home, already in the process, or just curious about the industry, The Home Building Podcast has the advice you need. Subscribe now and build with confidence! For more information visit IndependentBuildingAdvice.com.au

  1. 1D AGO

    5 stages in life you'll build or buy a home - Growing Families & Downsizing (PART 2) - Dom C | HBP

    In life there a particular stage in life that you’ll be ready or need to build or buy a home. It’s important that you know when you might need to so you can best prepare yourself for what comes next.     Some people buy. Some people build. It’s up truly to your situation. Our job is to best educate you, so you know how to have a better home building experience.    We catch up with Domenic, one of our Client Advocates to discuss these 5 stages when eople build a home over a 2-part series.    If you’re building, renovating, or even just thinking about it… this is one of the most practical conversations you’ll hear.  What you’ll learn:   Why more adult kids are staying home and how to design for it without losing your privacy  Granny flats vs. dual-key designs vs. home extensions - what works best and when  The #1 mistake people make when they downsize (and how to avoid it)  Why "fewer rooms but bigger" is the golden rule for empty nesters  How to future-proof your home for accessibility - wider doors, lift shafts, step-free entries  Why your powder room should be off-limits to everyone who lives there  Smart multi-use room strategies so every space earns its keep  Caravan access, double garages, and storage planning for the grey nomad phase  How to think about resale at every stage so your home works for the next buyer too    Chapters:   00:49 - Stage 4: Adult kids still at home: the new reality  02:35 - Granny flats vs. Extensions: costs, council rules & smart design  06:14 - Dual-key homes explained: two houses under one roof  08:10 - Privacy, house rules & honest conversations before you build  10:19 - Designing for re-use once the kids eventually leave  13:25 - Building new in this stage — layout tips for your "core living zone"  16:10 - Stage 5: Downsizing & empty nesters  17:10 - The biggest downsizing mistake: going too small  18:48 - How to design a low-maintenance garden you'll actually love  20:16 - Fewer rooms, bigger spaces — the empty nester design rule  22:21 - Wider doors, lift shafts & wheelchair-ready design  25:07 - Garages, storage & caravan access for the grey nomad lifestyle  28:41 - Making your home a destination for grandkids & family  30:20 - Two-storey downsizing: master downstairs, lift shaft prep  32:18 - The powder room rule that keeps your home guest-ready always  33:33 -  Recap of all 5 life stages  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.

    35 min

  2. APR 28

    5 stages in life you’ll build or buy a home – Dom Cheilini | Home Building Podcast

    In life there a particular stages in life that you’ll be ready or need to build or buy a home. It’s important that you know when you might need to so you can best prepare yourself for what comes next.     Some people buy. Some people build. It’s really up to yours situation. Our job is to best educate you, so you know how to have a better home building experience.    We catch up with Domenic, one of our Client Advocates to discuss these 5 stages people building a home over a 2-part series.   If you’re building, renovating, or even just thinking about it… this is one of the most practical conversations you’ll hear.  What you’ll learn:   Why most first home buyers design the wrong type of home   How starting a family should completely change your layout decisions   The biggest design mistakes parents make (and only realise later)   How to position bedrooms for safety, comfort, and practicality   Why kitchen placement is more important than you think   How to design living spaces so you can actually supervise kids   The smart way to plan for teenagers before they get there   How to create separation in your home without losing connection   The concept of designing for your current stage + next stage   Simple design decisions that will save you years of frustration    Chapters:   00:25 – Why life stage should drive your home design  01:30 – Dom’s background in design, sales & real estate  03:00 – Consulting vs “selling” in the building industry  04:35 – The 5 key life stages in home design  05:10 – First home buyers: just getting into the market  07:45 – Why first home buyers are changing (and getting older)  10:40 – Starting a family: what actually matters in your layout  11:50 – Bedroom positioning (master vs kids rooms)  13:30 – Open living, visibility & supervising kids  15:00 – Kitchen placement and why it’s the centre of the home  16:40 – Designing spaces for toys, mess & real life  18:00 – Planning for your next stage (not just now)  19:00 – Double storey homes: what most people get wrong  22:30 – Laundry placement debate (kitchen vs mudroom)  25:00 – Thinking through real-life scenarios before you build  28:30 – Growing families: when kids become teenagers  29:30 – Why separation becomes important  30:15 – Creating spaces your kids actually want to use  32:00 – Two-storey design ideas for older kids  34:00 – Backyard design, pools & entertaining  36:00 – Indoor-outdoor flow that actually works  38:00 – Study spaces vs bedrooms for kids  40:00 – Designing for long-term flexibility  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.

    44 min

  3. APR 20

    How Does The War Impact Building In Australia - What Can You Do | Home Building Podcast

    In this episode, Behan from Independent Building Advice tackles one of the most common questions in the current Perth building market: should you build now, or wait? With global uncertainty rising interest rates, inflation, supply chain pressures, and an upcoming election many people are sitting on the fence. Behan cuts through the noise, sharing how to stress-test your budget, understand hidden building costs, navigate fixed-price versus provisional sum contracts, and why Perth’s property and building prices are unlikely to reverse. If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to build, this episode will help you make a clearer, more confident decision.  What you’ll learn:   How global uncertainty, war, inflation, and interest rate changes, affects your decision to build in Perth right now  Why stress-testing your budget against higher interest rate scenarios is essential before you commit to any build  The real cost of waiting: why Perth building prices are rising approximately 1.5% per month and how that compounds fast  What hidden costs to watch out for in your building contract, including provisional allowances for flooring, painting, and finishes  How global supply chain disruptions are pushing up material costs and putting pressure on both builders and buyers  The difference between fixed-price contract items and provisional sums and what your builder owes you in transparency  Why Perth property prices are unlikely to drop, and what the market’s strong growth trajectory tells us about timing  Behan’s three-number budget planning framework: what you’d love to spend, what you’re comfortable with, and your absolute maximum    Chapters:   00:25 – Current Market Concerns: War, Inflation & Uncertainty  00:42 – Why Independent Building Advice Matters Now  01:21 – Should You Wait for the Market to Settle?  01:48 – Buffering for Interest Rate Changes  02:13 – Stress-Testing Your Budget  02:40 – Staying Within Your Means  03:07 – Creating a Game Plan Before You Buy  03:29 – Mortgage Comfort & Life Planning  03:57 – Can You Predict the Property Market?  04:30 – Perth’s Property Market Revival  04:59 – The Long-Term Property Mindset  05:31 – Planning for the Long Term, Not the Short Term  06:33 – Hidden Costs in Building  07:29 – Global Supply Chains & Building Material Costs  09:03 – How Supply Pressures Affect Your Build Price  09:44 – Are Perth Builders Still Profitable?  10:14 – The Risk of Taking on Too Many Projects  11:01 – Pricing Strategy: Allowing for Cost Increases  11:35 – Fixed Price vs Provisional Sum Contracts  12:32 – What Builders Owe You in Transparency  13:04 – Will Building Prices Ever Come Down?  14:15 – Why Now Is the Right Time to Build  14:44 – Perth Price Increases: What to Expect Month by Month  15:25 – The Real Cost of Waiting  16:12 – What Happens If You Keep Delaying?  16:37 – What to Consider With Your Budget  17:14 – How Delays Affect Your Borrowing Capacity  18:13 – The Three-Number Budget Planning Framework  19:22 – Should you get into the market?  19:33 – Final Takeaway    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.

    20 min

  4. APR 13

    WA Charity Direct: Building Community Through Charity – Sandra Ursino | Home Building Podcast

    In this special episode, Behan sits down with Sandra Ursino, a passionate community volunteer and key member of WA Charity Direct - a remarkable organisation that has distributed over $4.3 million to those in need across 20 years, run entirely by volunteers with zero paid staff. Sandra shares how the charity identifies individuals and small organisations that fall through the cracks of mainstream support, ensuring every single dollar donated reaches people who truly need it. From funding wheelchairs for isolated residents to supporting cancer survivors, grieving children, and young people managing diabetes, this conversation is a powerful reminder of what community-driven giving can achieve.  What you’ll learn:   How WA Charity Direct operates with zero paid staff and 100% of donations going directly to people in need  Why individual stories matter and how a single electric wheelchair transformed one woman's isolated life  How the charity identifies and vets individuals and organisations through a rigorous pitch and review process  The surprising ways charities are helping people from books and reading glasses for the homeless to breakfast programs that fight isolation  How a three-time cancer survivor founded a charity to support families with the hidden financial costs of illness  Why a youth diabetes mentoring program funded by Charity Direct became self-sustaining within just one year  How 32 charities have been supported in just 5.5 years and how those charities now help each other   How to get involved with Charity Direct as a donor, volunteer, or charity seeking support  Chapters:   01:29 – About Charity Direct and Its Origins 02:02 – How the Charity Works: Individual and Group Members 03:03 – Financial Transparency: $4.3 Million Over 20 Years 03:35 – Real Impact: The Electric Wheelchair Story 05:24 – Finding People Who Need Help 07:07 – 100% of Donations Go to Those in Need 08:00 – Supporting Cancer Survivors and Their Families 10:20 – Brave Children: Supporting Grieving Young People 11:37 – Homeless Breakfast Programs and Fighting Isolation 13:24 – The Ripple Effect of Giving 14:26 – Diabetes Mentoring: A Youth Program That Grew Its Own Wings 17:04 – The Charity Vetting and Selection Process 18:35 – Books and Reading Glasses for the Homeless 22:14 – 32 Charities Supported in 5.5 Years 26:00 – Community Events and Charity Connections 26:40 – How to Donate or Get Involved  About Our Guest   WA Charity Direct: https://wacharitydirect.com.au/  How to become a member: https://wacharitydirect.com.au/become-a-member/  WA Charity Direct Socials:   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WACharityDirect/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wacharitydirect/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wacd/  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.

    31 min

  5. APR 6

    Upside Down Home: Living Areas Up, Bedrooms Down | Home Building Podcast

    Thinking about building an upside-down home with living areas upstairs? You'll discover the key design considerations for making this layout work, from maximising ocean or river views to solving accessibility challenges. Learn practical tips on stairs, lift shafts, outdoor spaces, and creating a home that works for you now and into the future. When upside-down home designs make sense and how to maximise views from your living areasHow to plan for future accessibility with lift shafts and multi-level livingSmart staircase options including external spiral staircases for compact designsCreative solutions for outdoor spaces including terraces and rooftop areas without height restrictionsDesign features that enhance upside-down homes like high ceilings, skylights, and striking windowsWhat You'll Learn What an upside down home is and why it works best on view-oriented blocks  The practical frustrations of carrying shopping and everyday items up stairs — and when it's worth it  Why you should think carefully about resale value and accessibility for future buyers  How to future-proof your upside down home by incorporating a lift shaft during construction  Design tips for maximising your view from kitchens, living rooms, and as many rooms as possible  The pros and cons of internal versus external spiral staircases as a design feature  How skylights, high ceilings, and open voids can bring light down to lower-floor bedrooms  How to take advantage of rooftop terrace areas where height restrictions apply  Chapters 0:00Introduction to Upside-Down Home Design 1:15When Upside-Down Layouts Make Sense 2:16The Challenge of Stairs and Daily Living 3:45Planning for Future Accessibility and Resale 5:19Balancing Upstairs and Downstairs Living Zones 6:20Creative Design Solutions for Sloping Blocks 7:20External Spiral Staircases and Compact Designs 8:31Rooftop Terraces and Height Restriction Workarounds 9:23High Ceilings, Skylights, and Statement Windows 10:13Pool Placement and Viewing from Above 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.

    11 min

  6. MAR 30

    Commercial Property: The Truth About Commercial vs Residential – Jevan Singh | Home Building Podcast

    Think property investment stops at residential? Think again.  In this episode, we sit down with commercial real estate specialist Jevan Singh to break down why commercial and residential property are two completely different asset classes and why understanding that distinction could change how you build long-term wealth.  Jevan shares how savvy investors manufacture value through yield improvement, why commercial property is more stable than the residential boom-bust cycle, and what most landlords never realise until it's too late about property management.  Whether you're a homeowner curious about your next move, or a business owner wondering if you should buy your own premises this one's worth your time.  Chapters:   Why commercial and residential property are fundamentally different asset classes  How rental yield directly drives commercial property value (and how to use that to your advantage)  The difference between property management and asset management and why it costs landlords thousands  When it makes sense for a business owner to buy rather than lease their premises  The risks of commercial property that investors rarely talk about    Timestamps  3:05 How Jevan got into property & his academic background   4:38 Setting the scene: residential vs commercial investing   5:10 Why commercial & residential are different asset classes   7:08 The natural investor journey and where commercial fits in   8:22 Commercial property cycles vs residential boom-bust   9:05 How to manufacture value through rental yield   10:17 Who commercial property suits best   31:44 Spotting commercial opportunity in industrial areas   32:13 How Jevan works with clients end-to-end   34:47 The real risks of commercial property   36:38 Asset management vs property management the key difference   39:39 Why the commercial PM industry is broken   40:06 A real example: thousands lost through poor rent reviews   42:11 The 10K Questions  About Our Guest  Jevan Singh is a commercial real estate specialist based in Perth, with academic backgrounds in real estate, law, and commerce. Originally from the UK, Jevan has spent over seven years in the Perth market helping business owners and investors navigate commercial property from acquisition and strategy through to active asset management.  About Mortar and Soul  Website  Main https://www.mortarandsoulcommercial.com.au/  Commercial: https://www.mortarandsoulcommercial.com.au/    Socials:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mortarandsoul/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MortarandSoul  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwBGh389bi9xwm_BJ_4a4dQ  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.

    44 min

  7. MAR 23

    Extensions: The Smarter Way to Approach Extending Your Home | Home Building Podcast

    Thinking about renovating or extending your home in 2026?  Most homeowners assume adding space is the answer, but it’s often the most expensive and inefficient option.  In this episode, we break down the real difference between renovations and extensions, why extensions blow out budgets, and how smart design thinking can completely transform your home without major structural changes.  If you're planning to upgrade your home, this episode could save you tens of thousands.  What you’ll learn:   The real difference between a renovation vs extension   Why extensions are far more expensive than people expect   How to maximise your current floorplan before building more   When it actually makes sense to extend   The biggest mistake homeowners make when planning upgrades   How to improve your home without major structural work  Chapters:   00:45 – Renovation vs Extension explained  01:30 – Why structural changes drive costs up  02:30 – The hidden inefficiencies of small jobs  03:30 – Why adding one room can cost $120K+  05:30 – Why builders prefer bigger jobs  06:30 – The smarter alternative: repurposing spaces  08:00 – Real client example (no extension needed)  10:00 – How to maximise your existing home  11:30 – Energy efficiency considerations  12:30 – Cost breakdown: kitchens, bathrooms, flooring  14:00 – Living in your home during renovations  16:00 – When you should just rebuild instead  Found the episode useful?  Please follow & tell us about your building journey and what you would do differently. Sharing your stories 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.

    20 min

  8. MAR 16

    Aircon: How to choose the right air conditioning system for your home -Daniel Nazroo | Home Building Podcast

    Air conditioning is one of the most important systems in any home build, yet many homeowners don’t think about it until it’s too late.  In this episode of the Home Building Podcast, we sit down with air-conditioning specialist Daniel Nazroo, director of Advanced Air WA, who has over 15 years of experience in the industry.  We break down the most common types of residential air conditioning systems, including ducted reverse cycle, split systems, and evaporative cooling. Daniel explains how to choose the right system for your home, how sizing works, and why things like insulation, ceiling height, and zoning can dramatically affect performance and running costs.  What you’ll learn  The most common air conditioning systems used in new homes  The difference between ducted reverse cycle and split systems  Why system sizing (kW capacity) is critical when designing a home  How zoning systems allow you to control airflow in different rooms  How inverter technology reduces energy usage and running costs  The role insulation, ventilation, and ceiling height play in system performance  Whether brand name air conditioners are worth the extra cost  Why regular maintenance is essential for long-term performance    Chapters  00:23 Why Air Conditioning Is Often Overlooked in New Builds  01:10 Daniel’s Journey Into the HVAC Industry  03:30 The Most Common Air Conditioning Systems in Homes  04:30 What Is a Ducted Reverse Cycle System? 06:00 Understanding Split Systems 07:00 Evaporative Cooling Explained 09:00 Why Ventilation and Airflow Matter 10:30 Combining Different Air Conditioning Systems 12:00 How Modern Systems Are Becoming More Efficient 14:30 Smart Controllers and Zoning Systems 17:30 How Inverter Technology Saves Energy 19:30 How Air Conditioning Systems Are Sized 22:00 Ceiling Height and Home Design Considerations 23:00 What Actually Drives Air Conditioning Costs 25:30 Comparing Air Conditioning Brands 27:00 New Air Purification Technology in AC Systems 29:00 Insulation, Electrical Setup, and Installation Factors 32:00 Maintenance and Servicing Your System 33:30 Final Advice for Homeowners  About our guest  Daniel Nazroo is an experienced HVAC specialist with over 15 years in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry. Starting his career at just 19 as an apprentice refrigeration mechanic, Daniel quickly developed deep expertise in residential heating and cooling systems and went on to launch his own business soon after becoming fully qualified.   Daniel is particularly passionate about helping homeowners understand how air-conditioning systems actually work so they can make informed decisions when building or upgrading their homes. His practical, no-nonsense approach focuses on choosing the right system size, understanding airflow and ventilation, and avoiding the common mistakes that often lead to poor performance or unnecessary costs.  Advanced Air WA’s website: https://advancedairwa.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advanced_air_wa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advancedairwa   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.

    36 min
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About

The Home Building Podcast is your guide to building smarter, avoiding costly mistakes, and creating a home that truly fits your lifestyle. Hosted by Independent Building Advice, this podcast brings you expert insights, builder interviews, and real homeowner experiences to help you navigate the complex world of home building with confidence. Whether you’re planning your dream home, already in the process, or just curious about the industry, The Home Building Podcast has the advice you need. Subscribe now and build with confidence! For more information visit IndependentBuildingAdvice.com.au

Information

  • Creator
    Independent Building Advice
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Independent Building Advice
  • Show Website
    Home Building Podcast

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