Building With BuildHer

In this episode we welcome Climate Scientist and DevelopHer, Dr Heather Stevens!

Heather takes us into how climate change is shaping property investment and development, with a focus on fire and flood risks. She points out how crucial it is to factor in these risks when purchasing or developing properties, as they can heavily influence building requirements, insurance premiums, and even interest rates.

She also stresses the growing need for climate-adapted housing designs, especially when it comes to managing extreme heat and its impact on tenants. Heather encourages landlords to offer affordable energy solutions, like solar panels, to help reduce energy poverty.

The discussion highlights how climate change is affecting housing and the importance of creating homes that are both sustainable and resilient. While transitioning to greener practices, such as moving away from gas and embracing renewable energy, comes with challenges, it’s essential. From solar panels, to batteries and water tanks, Heather covers the big role these play in cutting energy costs.

We also chat about the potential for investing in areas that are less vulnerable to climate change impacts.

We can't hide from these issues - they affect us all in one way or another - so this is a great listen to get across some risks that currently exist, as well as future considerations you should keep in mind.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Rebeka and Josh Arkey of JALA Studio dive into the world of landscape architecture, focusing on how important it is for designers and clients to build strong relationships.

They break down the differences between landscape architects and designers, talk about why it’s so crucial to collaborate early on in a project, and highlight the beauty of creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. They also touch on key details like working with budgets, choosing the right plants, keeping soil healthy, and setting up good irrigation systems.

On top of that, they explore how thoughtful plant placement and changing seasons can shape a garden, all while emphasizing the value of staying connected with clients throughout the whole design journey.

You can get in touch with Josh via his website below:
www.jala-studio.com.au

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we speak with Kerri-Ann Hooper from Carnelian Projects, a builder in the Hunter Valley, who shares her insights on the journey of volume building and the considerations required for knockdown-rebuilds.

She talks about how crucial it is to really understand the full cost of a new build, making sure you’re aware of all the inclusions and requirements. Kerri-Ann also gives practical advice on assessing your site, considering factors like services, slope, and access.

With her experience, she helps clients make informed decisions, ensuring the process goes smoothly and leads to a successful build.

You can learn more about Carnelian Projects below:

https://www.carnelianprojects.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Rebeka highlights the importance of doing your homework when it comes to building and renovating and how understanding the process can help you make smart, cost-effective decisions.

She encourages listeners to push past their fears and take advantage of the current market in Melbourne, which she sees as full of opportunities for buyers and investors.

Overall, it's all about putting in the effort to get the results you want in the property market.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we chat with DevelopHer Taeler Jordan of FTLO Design about her latest project, an Eltham renovation and extension named Napoleon House.

We cover the importance of considering the orientation and site implications when choosing a property. She also explains how she dealt with the challenges of a sloping block and incorporated height changes in the design.

Taeler emphasises the use of flooring and lighting as key features in the home and discusses the intentional design choices she made to create a cohesive and calming space. She also shares the suppliers and products she used in the project.

The conversation concludes with a discussion about the upcoming sale of the house and we wish Taeler the very best!

Members can register to attend the house tour here: https://buildhercollective.com.au/event/housetour-taeler-august24

Key suppliers:

James Hardie - Oblique Cladding
DIY Blinds
Royal Oak Flooring
Signorino - Silver Travertine
Koala - Couch in Snug
Globe West - Couch in Main Living
Plungie - Pool
Wall Shelves in Study - Plank Shelves

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we chat with Kelly Thompson - a multi-disciplinary artist, designer and stylist about her approach to interior styling and curating spaces. She covers her niche of mixing old and new, and handcrafted pieces to create a unique and personalised aesthetic.

Kelly shares her process of working with clients, starting with understanding their vision and then curating a collection of furniture and decor items that reflect their personality, as well as gradually adding layers over time as people grow and evolve.

She also highlights the value of storytelling and connecting clients with the artists and makers behind the products. Kelly believes that a well-designed space should be a reflection of the individual's personality and should evoke emotion and joy. 

You can get in touch with Kelly by visiting:

https://kellythompsoncreative.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kellythompsoncreative/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Rebeka discusses the Jessie Street project, a joint venture for building a large family home. She explains how they have streamlined the construction process to maximize efficiency and minimize costs. Rebeka highlights examples such as using a waffle slab instead of a raft slab and designing the roof structure with trusses. She emphasizes the importance of investing in quality finishes and materials that enhance the livability of the home. Rebeka also mentions the launch of their Quarters magazine, which provides valuable information on different building methods and processes.

Takeaways

• Streamlining the construction process can maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
• Investing in quality finishes and materials enhances the livability of the home.
• Different building methods, such as using a waffle slab or trusses, can save time and money.
• Understanding the building process and costs helps make informed decisions.
• The Quarters magazine provides valuable information on building fundamentals and different building methods.

Connect with us:

• Quarters: Issue 1 Building Fundamentals: https://buildhercollective.com.au/quarters-magazine/
• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/
• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective
• BuildHer Free Facebook Group: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's easy to design whatever you want - as long as you’ve got no budget! While some homeowners have the luxury of seeing every detail of their vision come to life, most of us will need to make compromises to align with our financial parameters.

Today, I’m joined by Shah de Saxe, an incredible interior designer who has extensive experience in residential design. She’s currently halfway through her own renovation project in Peregian Beach in Queensland, and we’re lucky to have her join us to share her insights on designing a beautiful home on a budget.

Balancing Quality and Cost

Designing to a client’s budget is always a challenge, but you’re never as intensely aware of the constraints as when you’re designing your own project. Shah shares her own process for managing the budgeting side of things while not compromising on quality. Confident in her ability to design in a way that connects with people, she also keeps the bottom line of the sales price front of mind, knowing she’ll eventually get the price she’s looking for. This helps her to make decisions that keep costs in mind, while still prioritising the look and feel of her designs.

The Value of a Good Layout

Designers often face the challenge of working with existing floor plans and finding ways to optimise the use of space. Shah is an expert in reworking floor plans to maximise the value of a home, and she shares an example of how a poorly designed layout can affect a sale if it doesn’t meet the needs of potential buyers. So, it might be time to ditch the idea of a double shower or oversized ensuite and opt for something with a little more livability!

Combining Beauty and Functionality 

Making a couple of significant moves and investing in them can be the difference between a house that looks pretty, but really doesn't function well, and one that functions amazingly and has that feeling of a beautiful home. Shah talks about creating a flow throughout a home with both beauty and functionality, and shares her background that inspired her design style.

This conversation with Shah is a helpful guide for anyone looking to design a beautiful - and cost effective - home renovation. So, tune in and enjoy!

LINKS:

Connect with Shah:

Website: https://www.shahdesaxe.com.au/ 

Instagram: @shah_de_saxe

Connect with us:

• Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating

• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m super excited to get into today's topic, because it's one that I've been talking about a lot with our community. It also seems to be something that we as whole are struggling with.

In this episode, I’m giving you an overview of feasibilities and the best method to accurately assess your building costs and profitability.

Why Feasibility Studies Matter

So, why do we need a feasibility study? Whether it's your own home or you’re working on a for-profit project, you need to understand the numbers. This means knowing what your build will actually cost, what you can afford and then whether it's actually a good investment or not.

I take you through the fundamentals of feasibilities: understanding what the numbers are telling us, working out how the scope of work will come together, comparing sales and checking it all against our vision and value proposition.

Determining the Final Cost of the Build

Feasibility studies are more than just plugging numbers into a spreadsheet - they require a meticulous breakdown of the project scope so that every detail, from the materials used to the construction methods employed, is factored in.

It might mean you have to make adjustments to your initial vision or design, but trust me - running your numbers upfront can seriously help mitigate the risk of any unwanted surprises!

Financing Your Project

There are a lot of financing options available out there, and they all depend on the nature of your project. Home builds or renovations might leverage traditional construction loans, while a commercial build may explore options like joint ventures or private investments. A feasibility study can play a crucial role in securing financing, where you’re able to provide lenders with a clear picture of the project's projected costs and potential returns.

If you’re like me, it’s possible you’ve made mistakes before when running numbers or working out the scope of your project. But in the end, it doesn't really matter - it’s all about getting back on your horse and becoming better each time.

So, join me today and get the rundown on how to assess the financial viability of your project, which will help turn your building process into a well-oiled machine!

LINKS:

Resources mentioned:

Fast Feasibility Mini Course

DevelopHers Inner Circle

Connect with us:

• Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating

• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As women, we often won’t talk about finance or loans and how to navigate them when looking to start a build - it even seems a little taboo!

However, understanding how it all works is crucial in completing a successful renovation or home build. Today, Leah Ziskos from Entourage Finance is back to chat all about understanding construction finance and where to begin when looking at the different options available.

Seeking Advice Early On

From equity withdrawals to construction loans, it’s important to be armed with the knowledge on how you can best finance your project. Not only will you be able to understand how much you can actually spend, it will give you the confidence for things like sourcing builders and engaging architects. We talk about the importance of seeking advice early on so you can make an action plan to tackle the many different aspects of your build.

While speaking to a broker might be the obvious first step, we discuss the value of involving your accountant and real estate agent to help you understand the whole picture. Ensuring there’s a good relationship and transfer of information between all parties will help you get properly set up from the get go.

Fundamentals of Construction Finance

To give us an idea of what to consider when securing funding, Leah takes us through some scenarios Entourage Finance’s clients face and the process of assessing the build contracts. She runs us through structural changes vs non-structural improvements, and what it means to utilise the equity in your property to access the cash you need.

We discuss borrowing capacity and break down the numbers in detail, so you have an idea of how much a bank may be willing to lend - as well as the money you may need to contribute!

Preparing for Additional Costs

While a build contract may include significant costs, it’s crucial to have an idea of the total cost of what isn’t included. How much cash do you have aside for the pool, the landscaping or even your tapware? If you’re going to be doing anything in addition to what’s inside the contract, figure out how much you need to borrow, as well as what your savings position is. This will help you greatly in structuring and utilising your funds in the best way. 

While financing your project might seem like an overwhelming process, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the stress. Reaching out to the experts is your best bet to kick start your project with confidence, knowing that you’re equipped with the information you need for a successful build.

So, join us as we dispel the confusion and get you up to speed on how to best finance the home build of your dreams!

LINKS:

Connect with Leah:

• Website: https://entourage.com.au/ 

• Instagram: @entourage_au

Connect with us:

• Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating

• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.