Home Building Hub

Home Building Hub

By Colin Bischof & Darren BrennanEducation
Download on the App Store

Home Building Hub episodes

  • Ep. 100 | Why Irregular Shaped Blocks Can Be a Great Buy

    Irregular shaped blocks can offer serious value - if you know what to look for. In this episode, we break down the key benefits and the common traps to avoid when buying one. Perfect for buyers chasing more space or a unique design.

    Topic timestamps

    3:06 - What is an irregular shaped block? 

    4:30 - Benefit 1: Price - usually more bang for buck. 

    6:23 - Benefit 2: Yard space - open up great side and rear yard opportunities.

    7:22 - Benefit 3: Unique home designs

    9:18 - Mistake 1: buying without a design being confirmed

    11:49 - Mistake 2: assuming all builders can help

    12:47 - Mistake 3: Ignoring crossover location, orientation and living area locations

    17:43 - Mistake 4: Not getting a concept plan


    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? 
    Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

    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]





    23 min
  • Ep. 99 | Another Interest Rate Cut Confirmed... So should you build now?

    In this episode, we unpack the latest interest rate cut announced in May 2025 and what it really means for homebuyers. Should you rush to build now, or is the real opportunity something deeper than just lower rates?


    Topic timestamps

    1:15 - The rut cate announcement May 2025

    2:15 - Does this mean it’s ok to now build a home?

    5:49 - What does history say about property prices after rate cuts? 

    9:40 - The truth… What is the real state of play?



    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? 
    Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

    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]





    22 min
  • Ep. 98 | How Can Builder Advocates & Brokers Save You Time, Money & Mistakes?

    Thinking of building but not sure where to start? In this episode, we chat with George Giannakakis from BuildPilot about how builder advocates and brokers can save you time, money, and stress. Learn what to look for in a good broker - and the key steps if you're going it alone.


    Topic timestamps

    3:50 - Welcome to George Giannakakis and introducing BuildPilot

    6:55 - Why should home buyers consider a company such as BuildPilot - or any advocacy or builder broker instead of going directly to a builder themselves?

    14:28 - How does a homebuyer determine if they are dealing with a reputable advocate or broker such as BuildPilot? 

    24:18 - What would be the top 3 areas or items that BuildPilot (or any reputable advocate/broker) would assist a homebuyer in?

    27:45 - For those going directly to a builder, what are the top 3 things you would advise them to do in their initial steps (pre-contract)? 

    33:33 - Where can buyers find BuildPilot? 

    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? 
    Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

    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]





    36 min
  • Ep. 97 | ChatGPT’s Most Asked Building Questions

    We asked ChatGPT to give us the most common questions (and answers) new home buyers ask. Then we reviewed each answer to see just how accurate - or inaccurate - they really are.


    Topic timestamps

    00:38 - Did ChatGPT provide reliable answers for home buyers?

    3:26 - How much deposit do I need to build a house?

    4:56 - What government grants or schemes can I access?

    7:59 - Can I include site costs and upgrades in my home loan?

    8:56 - Should I buy land first or go with a house and land package?

    10:37 - What is site fall and why does it cost me money?

    11:27 - Can I build on a sloping block?

    12:36 - How do I choose the right builder?

    14:00 - What is a fixed price contract?

    15:52 - Can I make changes after signing the contract?

    17:26 - Can I customise the floor plan?

    20:05 - What’s included in the base price?

    21:08 - What’s the difference between a display home and what I get?

    23:01 - How long does it take to build?

    24:17 - What are the stages of construction?

    25:10 - Can I visit the site during construction?

    26:46 - Do I need council or developer approval?

    29:18 - What’s a BAL rating?

    30:44 - What does the builder’s warranty cover?

    32:14 - Is landscaping or fencing included?

    32:30 - Is my new home NBN-ready?



    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? 
    Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

    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]





    36 min
  • Ep. 96 | The Easy Investor Checklist: What to Include in Your Building Quote

    In this episode, Colin and Darren break down the ultimate building quote checklist for property investors. From essential turnkey inclusions to clever upgrades and common mistakes, this is your go-to guide for smart, stress-free investing.


    Topic timestamps

    2:15 - Biggest mistake investors make

    4:06 - Design and facade

    7:12 - Turnkey inclusion essentials

    10:18 - Standard inclusions essentials

    13:15 - Premium upgrade options 

    15:33 - Electrical items 

    18:45 - Other important items to check

    21:58 - Colour selections

    24:26 - Contingencies for site cleaning, etc.

    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? 
    Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

    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]





    28 min
  • Ep. 95 | The First Home Buyers Grant is ending… What other grants are there?

    With the First Home Buyers Grant winding down, what help is still available? We break down the key grants and schemes you can still access, including shared equity options, stamp duty concessions, and home guarantee programs across Australia.

    Topic timestamps

    3:00 - Summary of the First Home Buyer Grants by state

    5:51 - Victorian Homebuyer Fund (Shared Equity Scheme)

    7:22 - Help to Buy Scheme (Shared Equity)

    9:13 - Home Guarantee Scheme

    11:49 - Stamp Duty Exemptions & Concessions

    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? 
    Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

    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]





    17 min
  • Ep. 94 | Buying a block under 300sqm? Here's what you need to know.

    Buying a block under 300sqm? Colin and Darren cover the key things you need to know — from setbacks and lot types to orientation and boundary walls. Don’t buy small without getting the full picture first.

    Topic timestamps

    2:11 - Quick intro into small lots

    6:41 - Lot types and setbacks

    13:16 - Orientation can severely impact the size of home you can build.

    18:55 - Building walls on boundaries

    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? 
    Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

    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]





    26 min
  • Ep. 93 | 5 Things You Didn't Know About Builders (But Should!)

    In this episode, we reveal 5 truths about builders that every homebuyer should know. From sales tactics to build zones, colour selections, and confusing promotions, we break down what to watch out for - and what questions to ask.



    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? 
    Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

    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]





    26 min
  • Ep. 92 | Buying Land? These 3 Overlooked Details Could Cost You Thousands

    In this episode, we reveal three critical but often-overlooked details that could blow your budget or delay your build. From missing survey pegs to poor orientation choices, these tips will help you buy smarter and build better.

    Topic timestamps

    2:21 - 3 x people you need on your team

    3:13 - Survey Pegs to be in place at settlement

    5:28 - Block to be clear of debris, rubbish and contamination

    9:20 - Make sure you consider orientation before purchasing

    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? 
    Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

    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]





    16 min
  • Ep. 91 | How Trees Can Impact Your Build and Cost You Thousands!

    We dive into how trees - yours, your neighbour’s, or even developer-planted street trees - can affect your slab design and blow out your budget. Don't miss these costly insights!

    Topic timestamps

    1:31 - How do trees have an impact on your house slab?

    3:50 - Can previously removed trees have an impact on your slab? 

    7:30 - What about a “street tree” planted by your developer? 

    12:01 - How about trees on my neighbours lot?

    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? 
    Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subscribing too.

    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]





    18 min

About Home Building Hub

From the publisher's feed

Home Building Hub is an independent podcast designed to provide education and value to anyone looking to build a new home with a volume home builder in Australia. Hosted by industry experts Colin…

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