Home Building Hub

In this episode, Colin and Darren break down everything you need to know about your soil test - from what it is and how it’s classified, to why your soil class matters for your build. They also explore the key factors that can impact your results and what to do once you have them.

Topic timestamps

1:13 - What is a soil test?

3:15 - How is the soil classified?

8:44 - Why your soil class matters 

12:32 - What affects the soil test results? 

15:07 - Recap & call to action 

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In this episode, we explain the role of a building surveyor in your new home build, when they get involved, and whether they truly operate independently. We also discuss if you can appoint your own surveyor, why most buyers don’t, and the potential benefits of making your own choice.

Topic timestamps

1:44 - What is a Building Surveyor?

3:35 - When Do They Get Involved?

5:04 - Are They Independent?

8:13 - Can You Choose Your Own Surveyor?

9:14 - Do many buyers appoint their own surveyor? 

13:08 - The impact of choosing your own surveyor  

15:41 - Final thoughts 

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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]

In this episode, we unpack Developer Approval - what it is, why it matters, and how the process works. From design guidelines to who actually conducts the approval, we share practical tips to help homebuyers navigate this often misunderstood step in building a new home.

Topic timestamps

2:40 - What are design guidelines / covenants? 

5:14 - What is Developer Approval?

9:35 - Who Conducts It? As in who actually reviews and approves? 

16:10 - How Does It Work?

18:01 - Tips for Homebuyers

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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
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In this exclusive episode, HIA Victoria boss Keith Ryan joins us to unpack the new Building & Plumbing Commission (BPC) and what it means for builders and homebuyers. From rectification powers to insurance reforms and upcoming legislation - this is essential listening for anyone in the industry.

Topic timestamps

2:57 - What exactly is the Building & Plumbing Commission, and what are the benefits to the BPC being introduced in Victoria?

11:12 - How will the new powers of rectification orders work and how will this be fairly managed? 

26:24 - With insurance and dispute resolution also moving under the BPC, what are the key benefits for homebuyers and is there any benefit for builders in this change as well?

31:44 - What are the upcoming changes to the Buyer Protections Bill around issuing building insurance?

39:20 - When is the BPC officially coming into play? And what should HIA members and other builders be doing right now to prepare for these changes?

44:08 - Builder confidence. How are builders going at the moment and has consumer confidence improved at all? 

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
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In this episode, we unpack the real value behind upgraded facades - are they worth the extra spend or just a visual splurge? We break down what a facade actually is, how many options you’ll get, and the key tips to help you picture the final look before you commit.

Topic timestamps

1:40 - What is a facade?

3:18 - How many facade options are available to choose from?

6:53 - Is it worth spending the money on an upgraded facade?

16:25 - Tips to help understand how a facade will look

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
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In this episode, we sit down with a leading sales trainer who’s coached building company sales teams across Australia. Learn how to be the kind of buyer builders go the extra mile for, how to brief your sales consultant for the best result, and how to separate price from real value when choosing your builder.

Topic timestamps

9:07 - Being the buyer type the builder is trying harder for?

16:01 - How to select an experienced sales person?

21:45 - Letting an experienced sales person advise you?

27:12 - How to brief a sales person to get you the best outcome.

31:41 - What is the true value of dealing with and building with a builder?

39:28 - Price vs Value…….How can you tell the difference?

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
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In this punchy episode, Colin and Darren break down the five biggest barriers slowing down new home supply - and what the government needs to do to fix them. From planning delays to broken supply chains, it’s a no-nonsense look at the urgent actions needed to unlock housing affordability.

Topic timestamps

4:12 - Fast-Track Planning and Approval Processes

7:48 - Incentivise Land Release and Infrastructure Investment

9:05 - Reform Labor and Materials Supply Chains

12:38 - Rethink Housing Targets with Realistic Timelines

15:4 - Fix Land Tax and Developer Charges That Disincentivize Supply

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
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Your builder’s base price isn’t locked in forever. In this episode, we explain what a base price actually includes, how long it’s protected, and the key differences between price lock and contingency periods - plus a real-world example to bring it all together.

Topic timestamps

2:08 - What is a base price?

4:24 - What is a “price lock” period?

7:22 - What is a contingency period - and how does it work?

12:16 - A practical example

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]

Many buyers get caught out by surprises during the build process. In this episode, we break down three key things most people overlook - unexpected costs, unclear exclusions, and design oversights - that can make or break your new home experience.

Topic timestamps

2:45 - Budgeting for unknown or unforeseen costs

6:26 - Understanding your exclusions just as much and your inclusions. 

13:40 - Neglecting important design and floorplan items

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]

Buying untitled or unregistered land can be risky if you don’t know what to look out for. In this episode, we unpack the pros and cons, key timing risks, and the critical steps you must take before committing. Don’t buy blind - tune in first.

Topic timestamps

2:13 - What is untitled or unregistered land? And what are the pros and cons of it?

6:05 - Understand the impact of untitled land

10:00 - Get a REAL estimate of the forecasted title/registration

16:06 - Choose a reliable conveyancer with direct experience in construction lending

17:20 - Get a building quote before signing up.

Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community 

• Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists
• Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827

Liking the show? 
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Got a question, topic idea or feedback?
Head to our website and leave your comments there > homebuildinghub.com.au or send an email to [email protected]