The Building Sciology Poddie

Jess Kismet

My mission is to educate builders, architects and home owners so you can create the most comfortable, healthiest buildings possible. When you know better, you can do better.

  1. #27 - Waterproofing Fails, Compliance Gaps & the Accountability Problem with Jake Turner

    3D AGO

    #27 - Waterproofing Fails, Compliance Gaps & the Accountability Problem with Jake Turner

    In this conversation, I speak with Jake Turner, a tradie turned building surveyor and founder of JT Certification Services. We discuss Jake's journey in the construction industry, the importance of quality control, and the challenges faced in building compliance and regulations. Jake emphasises the need for better education and communication within the industry, as well as the significance of energy efficiency in building performance. The conversation highlights the role of private certifiers in streamlining processes and the necessity for collaboration among builders and certifiers to improve outcomes. Useful links JT Certification Services - Mount Gambier - website Robe Passive House- Instagram Sean Maxwell - ATTMA Aus and NZ Scheme Manager - W: https://www.bcta.group/attma/attma-anz/  E: sean.maxwell@attma.org What does a building surveyor do? - “The report found building surveyors were more than seven times more likely to have their registrations cancelled than any other class of building practitioner.” Mouldy frames in Adelaide - Instagram post Australian College of Environmental Studies - do you want to become a building biologist? What is NatHERS SA’s building code paused for 10 years National Building Code Pause until 2029 The TikTok Inspector - TikTok account Shine Hub - smart affordable solar and battery solutions Social Media Links Building Sciology Cimasure (sponsor) Enduro Builders (sponsor)

    1h 12m
  2. #24 - Is This Australia’s Leaky Building Crisis? What Victoria’s Failures Reveal with Chris Crewther MP and Kerry Ould

    11/23/2025

    #24 - Is This Australia’s Leaky Building Crisis? What Victoria’s Failures Reveal with Chris Crewther MP and Kerry Ould

    In this episode of The Building Sciology Poddie, I, Jess Kismet, discuss the ongoing building crisis in Victoria with guests Kerry Auld and Chris Crewther MP. They explore the failures of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA), the impact of combustible cladding, and the struggles faced by homeowners. The conversation delves into the need for accountability in the building industry, recent legislative changes, and the establishment of the new Building and Plumbing Commission. The episode emphasises the importance of consumer protection and learning from past mistakes to prevent future crises. Useful Links Article read in the introduction - Horror $9m early Christmas present for 33 apartment owners What is the Leaky Building Crisis - NZ? Rottenomics - The Story of New Zealand’s Leaky Buildings Disaster - buy on Amazon Articles relevant to this interview The Age - 20th February 20199 News - 20th February, 2019The Project - 12th March, 2019The Age - 15th October, 2019Chris Crewther MP - statement to Parliament 10th December 2024Frankston Cladding - 9 News FacebookSix-year-old apartment block full of leaks, cracks, mould Builders to blame for bad cladding will now be chased through courtsCombustible cladding removal costs and uncertainties causing anxiety in building owners - ABC News'We can’t afford this': Home owners bear brunt of cladding crisisApartment owners fear for 'suicidal' neighbours as combustible cladding crisis takes its toll$500 bill final nail in the coffin for struggling homeownerCladding Crisis - The ProjectDay two and still no answer from the Minister for Planning.Fed up Frankston South home owners are pleading for help to fix their apartment building wrapped in dangerous combustible cladding.Chris Crewther MP - Again in Parliament I urged the Labor Government’s Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny to support the desperate residentsHome owners left high and dry while their building crumbles around themSocial Media Links Building Sciology - Better Buildings to Live and Breathe In Climasure - Better Buildings and Peace of Mind Enduro Builders - We build award winning high performing, energy efficient and Passivhaus homesVisit the website for a full transcript

    46 min
  3. #22 - Building Forensics 101: The Science of Healthy Homes with Dr. Tim Law

    10/26/2025

    #22 - Building Forensics 101: The Science of Healthy Homes with Dr. Tim Law

    In this episode of the Building Sciology Poddie, I am joined by Dr. Tim Law, a building scientist and architectural forensic investigator. We discuss the challenges of building science, focusing on issues like condensation, mould, and the impact of building codes on health and safety. Dr. Law shares insights from his career, emphasising the importance of understanding the technical aspects of building design and the need for collaboration across disciplines. Useful Links Introduction to Architectural Science - The basis of sustainable design - Steven V Szokolay What is Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome CSIRO House Energy Efficiency Inspections Project 2015 CSIRO Air Infiltration of New Dwellings 2024 ASHRAE 241 - Control of Infectious Aerosols IICRC - Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification ANSI/IICRC S500 - Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration ANSI/IICRC S520 - Standard for Professional Mold Remediation ABCB and UTAS Scoping Study of Condensation in Residential Buildings What is CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Breaking Bad - series about cooking Meth! Haha highly recommended AS3740 2021 Waterproofing BPC - Building and Plumbing Commission ABCB Building Confidence Report The Defect Evasion Playbook - Dr Tim Law The Screwtape Letters AS4654 External Waterproofing Episode #12 - Condensation, Roof Ventilation and Building Science with Clarence Macalister AS3500 - Plumbing and Drainage Social Media Links https://www.instagram.com/building.sciology/ https://www.instagram.com/climasuresa/ https://www.instagram.com/endurobuilders/ Websites www.climasure.com.au www.endurobuilders.com.au

    1h 28m
  4. #21 - Building for Durability: Lessons from Matt Risinger

    10/13/2025

    #21 - Building for Durability: Lessons from Matt Risinger

    In this conversation, I discuss the principles of high performance building at length with Matt Risinger, focusing on the importance of durability, water management, building science education, and the cultural differences in building practices between Australia and the US. Matt shares insights from his experiences in Australia, emphasising the need for transparency and learning from mistakes in the building industry. We also explore the concept of the 'Perfect Wall' and the upcoming "Build HD" standard aimed at improving building durability and health. Click follow on your favourite podcast app to make sure you don't miss an episode and you help the show grow! Thanks so much - Jess Useful links That video - Matt has concerns Australia! Level Up conference Build Show Building Science 101, 201 and 301 Risinger Build Who is Dr Joe Lstiburek? Steel frame done properly - page 13 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to High Performance Building 02:37 Lessons from Australia: Building Communication and Practices 05:16 The Importance of Water Management in Building 08:03 Design Principles: Overhangs and Eaves in Modern Construction 10:42 Learning from Mistakes: Building Science and Durability 13:11 The Perfect Wall: A Concept for Longevity 15:42 Durability vs. Energy Efficiency in Building Practices 18:32 Identifying Common Building Mistakes 21:13 The European Influence on Building Standards 23:28 Mindset Shift: Building for Longevity 26:15 Innovations in Building Materials and Techniques 28:39 Exploring Flat Roofs and Durability 30:13 Mindset of Durability in Construction 31:44 Introducing the HD Standard 33:42 Build Show Live Conference Insights 36:00 Networking and Collaboration in the Building Industry 37:49 Building Science Education and Resources 43:57 Advice for Australian Builders 47:12 Condensation Concerns in Building 52:31 Lessons Learned in the Building Industry

    1h 3m

Trailer

About

My mission is to educate builders, architects and home owners so you can create the most comfortable, healthiest buildings possible. When you know better, you can do better.

You Might Also Like