Building a house is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, effective communication, and collaboration with many professionals. If you start your journey with an understanding of the step-by-step process and gaining insight from industry experts, you can ensure a successful and rewarding home-building experience. 

In this episode, we’ll go through everything from planning your own unique elements of the house to working out your budget. Maybe you want a massive kitchen or a downstairs bedroom for your parents or a walk-in closet. Whatever you decide on, you have to start planning for it from the beginning to ensure your build goes smoothly. 

There is so much to think about when you’re planning a build. The parameters are also ever-changing and it can become incredibly tricky. This is exactly why we began BuildHer. People were finding it really hard to navigate the complex planning, system, costs, finances, designers and so much more that are involved when building and developing and we knew we could help. 

Tune in to hear each phase involved when building a house, from initial planning to the final construction and you’ll feel empowered, prepared and confident to jump in. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or looking to gain insights into the construction process, this episode will provide valuable information and tips for a successful and memorable home-building experience.

LINKS:

• 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.

Though the housing market has begun to stabilise after the craziness of the Covid period, there’s still a lot of uncertainty around where things are headed. Today I sit down with our general manager Rachel Bickerton, who joined me last week at Jellis Craig’s inaugural property event. We chat about what we learnt about the future of property, and run you through our key takeaways. 

The event featured a panel of industry experts, who gave us the rundown on not only what we can anticipate for the future, but what’s happening in the market right now. The insight we gained was exciting and confirmed for us that things are once again moving in the right direction. 

Over recent years, we’ve seen some interesting changes on a real estate level. We talk about how spikes in interest rates and construction costs have affected today’s trends, and how buyer sentiment drives what people are willing to pay. Turnkey properties are now more in demand than unrenovated homes, and families are prioritising adventure over undertaking builds.

We discuss the influx we’re seeing as our international borders reopen, and how in cities such as Melbourne, high earning is putting pressure on different suburbs. This has resulted in the pushing up of prices and demand across the board, and has driven a lot of fear around the prospect of buying. 

It was encouraging to hear that as we begin to grow and change as a nation post-pandemic, we can expect to see some positive shifts on the horizon. Building costs are stabilising, and we’re seeing a softening of demand in unrenovated - and sometimes substandard - properties. This means the building industry has a huge opportunity to get in there and take on some amazing new projects.

We talk about what was discussed around sustainability, and how looking at both the present and the future can help draw a line from where we are to where we need to be. 

There was so much insight shared by the event’s amazing speakers, and we walked away feeling extremely motivated hearing the promising predictions for what’s to come in our industry. We’re more excited than ever to get out there and start looking for the next project. And after listening to today’s conversation, we bet you will too! 

LINKS:

• 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 a homeowner, one of the most exciting experiences is renovating your house to make it truly feel like your dream home. My sister, Caitlin Byrnes, recently embarked on a renovation journey using a blended building model which involves working with a builder in a non-traditional way to the method where you have a fixed price contract and an architect will do all of the specification out front. 

In this episode, we’ll explore Caitlin’s journey of how she transformed her house, handled conversations with the builder, built a trusting and respectful working relationship and completed her house without any complaints along the way!

Caitlin knew that choosing the right builder would be crucial to the success of her renovation project. She wanted a builder who had experience with blended building models and was willing to work closely with her to bring her vision to life. After receiving recommendations from the BuildHer community, she found a builder who was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about her project. 

Caitlin was able to work closely with the builder and make decisions about materials, finishes, and other design elements. Caitlin found the process of selecting and customising elements of her home to be incredibly rewarding and fun. She was able to create a space that truly reflected her personal style and preferences, and it brought her great joy to see her vision come to life.

If you're considering a home renovation, Caitlin's story is a must-listen. Her experience with a blended building model showcases the benefits of customization, transparency in pricing, effective collaboration, and enjoyable renovation process. You won't want to miss this inspiring episode!

LINKS:

• 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.

-- Thanks to our sponsor Ettitude for sponsoring this episode. You can grab $25 off your first order using our code BUILDHER at checkout.--

Today we’re joined by Petra Hammond, who is not only a good friend of BuildHer but someone we’ve had the pleasure of working with on a number of developments. Having previously worked in HR, Petra decided to switch it up completely, undertaking studies in building design and is currently working towards being in the industry full-time. Knowing what it takes to make the leap, Petra talks about the importance of backing yourself with confidence when it comes to your renovation decision-making.

There are a million different choices you could make when designing a build or renovation. It can be overwhelming at times, especially when it seems like everyone else has better ideas, their projects are going better, they have more money to invest… But often this is completely made up in our own heads.

In this episode, Petra talks us through how to move forward in a confident way, whether you’re taking on the risk of a bigger project or making small detailed decisions on a design. We talk about the importance of staying with your vision and shutting out the noise of everyone else’s opinions. 

A key ingredient to having the confidence to stick to your guns is making sure you have a network of good people to call on. We talk about why it’s crucial to surround yourself with trusted people who will bring perspective to your project and encourage your ideas.

Petra also talks about how getting excited for each part of the process - attending open homes for research, getting pumped about tiles or celebrating slab day - can put you in the positive mindset you need to keep you moving forward.

Whether it’s in your design decisions or saying yes to a project, there will always be a reason to say no to a risk. But if you don’t start, you can’t win. The more you let go and back yourself, the more trust you’ll create in yourself and the process. 

LINKS:

• 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.

-- Thanks to our sponsor Ettitude for sponsoring this episode. You can grab $25 off your first order using our code BUILDHER at checkout.--

The time has come for me to pack up my beloved office and say my final goodbyes to James Street. It’s a brand new season for us as a family and to celebrate moving on from James Street, I’m sharing today what I love most about this beautiful home. 

I talk about the elements and design details that I’ll miss most and the things that really added to the way we lived and functioned as a family on a day to day basis. Often it’s the small things that make the biggest impact, and I talk about the intention behind some of the design aspects and why they worked so well for us.  

You really can’t go past great lighting design, and I share some of the specific aspects that made the home feel so elevated. I also talk about how joinery has come a long way and what I appreciated about the joinery at James Street, particularly in the family room. A specific mention also goes to my inbuilt furniture, including my amazing U-shaped couch. I will miss that couch!

Another aspect of James Street that really set the tone for the entire design is the terrazzo tile. It was expensive, but boy was it worth it. I talk about why a good flooring choice is such an important investment and why I’ll miss those tiles so much. 

Good design incorporates aesthetic details but it’s also about functionality. I share how the James Street laundry and butlers pantry made our every day life with six kids so much easier and why I’ll be missing those elements of the home. 

One of the biggest elements of the James Street concept was the garden. I talk about the inspiration behind the garden and why I’m sure the next owner will love it just as much as I do. 

We don’t always know where the next step in the journey will lead us, but as far as I’m concerned, home is where my family is. We bid James Street farewell, but it will always hold a special place in our hearts. 

LINKS:

• 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.

-- Thanks to our sponsor Ettitude for sponsoring this episode. You can grab $25 off your first order using our code BUILDHER at checkout.--

We have a special guest on the show today who you might recognise from The Block - your favourite builder, Matt from Elevate Building Group. Matt joins us to talk about the difference between cosmetic and structural renovations and what each of these might require from a builder’s perspective. 

Renovations come in all different shapes and sizes. Some projects can be done as a DIY, whereas other projects might require you to engage an engineer, draftsperson, building designer or all of the above. So how do you know what to do and who to call?

In this episode, Matt shares his advice as an experienced builder on the best way to approach a renovation. He talks about identifying the key factors in your project, including your budget, and why he advocates for getting in touch with a builder from the get go. 

No two builders are the same, and Matt shares his tips on how to best prepare for a consultation with a building professional about your project. We talk about being clear on what you want and also being open to new ideas. Get those Pinterest boards ready!

At the end of the day, you are the only one who will drive your project forward and that might involve you having to make some awkward phone calls and ask a bunch of questions. It's really about doing your research and your due diligence to make sure you're going in the right direction. 

The best thing you can do is get the right industry professionals involved from the very beginning. Engaging with a builder is a great place to start to help get you on the right track. 

LINKS:

Elevate Building Group: https://elevatebuilding.com.au/

• 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.

-- Thanks to our sponsor Ettitude for sponsoring this episode. You can grab $25 off your first order using our code BUILDHER at checkout.--

Are you looking at starting a renovation project but are unsure how much it will end up costing? Nobody wants to live in a half finished project so we have to make sure we have enough funds to cover everything as there may be things you haven’t thought about yet. 

I’m very excited to share today’s episode with you. It’s so important and dictates everything you’re able to accomplish on a build, so let's dive in and discuss how to understand your numbers on a build. This can be such a complex topic so I'm just going to give you an overview of how to do the budgeting from the outset so you start to really understand how to make it work for you. 

We’re going to go through five different areas. 

1. Know how you will run your build or renovation. Are you going to hire a builder? What type of builder? Blended buildher model? Are you going to be an owner builder? Most importantly, how will the decision you make impact the end result? 
2. Understand the scope and size of the project. Download our feasibility template here! 
3. Consider the implications of the site and structure. 
4. Know where the money is going on the build. 
5. Always compare the tender and the quoting. No two builders are the same!

By going through all of these five areas in the beginning, you can make sure you manage your build/renovation properly and have a fun and enjoyable experience and not a super stressful one where you feel like you have to make compromises or sacrifices because of the budget. 

LINKS:

• 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.

-- Thanks to our sponsor Ettitude for sponsoring this episode. You can grab $25 off your first order using our code BUILDHER at checkout.--

My special guest today is Elise Weavers, a developer working in the construction industry who loves the process of building.  Elise has just come to the end of her build, which is a project her and her husband started right at the beginning of covid. 

In this episode, we explore what it’s been like to build in this current industry and how she managed to bring her project in under budget with price increases left, right and centre. 

Elise takes us through the journey of her build from beginning to end, from financing, sourcing quotes, pricing materials and the balancing act of managing the budget during uncertain times in the industry. 

We talk about how Elise organised her build as an owner builder, starting with cosmetic renovations which they funded through savings for the first 18 months. While this was happening, Elise was working through the design process with design consultants and organising building permits in the background. She shares how this took an unexpected turn, requiring extra approvals and a lot more time. 

Elise talks about her favourite moments throughout the building process and how she dealt with aspects of the build that were stressful and uncertain. We also talk about the difference between a construction loan and refinancing through an equity release, which is the path Elise took. 

All in all, to bring a project in under budget during a particularly expensive time in the industry is an extraordinary feat. We can’t wait to see how Elise’s home comes to life as the finishing touches are complete.

LINKS:

• 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.

-- Thanks to our sponsor Ettitude for sponsoring this episode. You can grab $25 off your first order using our code BUILDHER at checkout.--

Today on the show I’m chatting with another amazing member of the BuildHer collective, Rachel Bikerton. Rachel has an extensive career from arts and drama through to real estate and since moving back to Australia, after working in New York, she has had incredible success with a number of seller JVs. 

But, what in the world is a seller JV? 

A seller JV is a joint venture with the owner of the property. They can be structured in many different ways depending on your style and skill and the owner’s wishes and are a creative way of renovating for profit.  

Let's explore the first seller JV Rachel did in Brisbane to understand the strategy. The owner’s had the original property valued and Rachel then came in and spent $50,000 on a renovation, made the property look spectacular and used her real estate agent skills to market the property. The property then ended up selling for an extra $500,000! Rachel took back what she spent on the renovation and then her and the owners split the profit.

The owners didn’t have to invest any of their own money upfront or lift any fingers and they ended up walking away with an extra six figures in their bank. 

Rachel shares her experience of seller JVs and how she structures them with the owners to make incredible profits. But, remember, you don’t always know what you’re walking into with older buildings so you have to be careful. Rachel shares her journey working in an older apartment building where there wasn’t much room for profit and ended up having an expensive gas leak that needed to be repaired immediately. 

Rachel is here to explain all of the ins and outs of seller JVs, how the market trends impact on the projects you choose, the importance of contracts and building trust with the owners and how it can be super profitable for both the owner and you. 

LINKS:

• 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.

-- Thanks to our sponsor Ettitude for sponsoring this episode. You can grab $25 off your first order using our code BUILDHER at checkout.--

If you’re juggling a career, family, kids, the usual busyness of life AND you’ve got a building or renovation project on the go, there’s no substitute for being organised. Today I’m chatting to my personal coach, Alex Andrews, who shares her hot tips on how to create a massive action plan so you can feel in control, even when spanners get thrown into the works.

We talk about using the Wheel of Life to rate how we feel about each aspect of our lives. Whether you want to create more time for projects, your romantic relationship, your career, or time with the kids, we all need to find a healthy balance. Using this strategy will help you discover where you might need to make adjustments and put practical plans in place to create the life you want to live!

Some people are naturally more organised than others. So if you’re someone who really needs help in that department, Alex shares today how to map out everything you’ve got going on for the next three months in a massive action plan. We talk about the importance of putting a timeline on every task, delegating to other people and how Alex uses her diary to unwind for the weekend and feel ready to go on Monday morning. 

It’s great to have a long term plan, but that can sometimes be overwhelming. Alex encourages us to break down those big goals into bite size chunks, with actionable steps and tangible outcomes. This way, you can keep moving forward on those bigger projects a little at a time, knowing that you’re on the right track and living a balanced life. 

LINKS:

Connect with Alex Andrews:

Website: https://mypersonalcoach.com.au/

• 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.