Home Building Podcast

Home Building Podcast

By Independent Building AdviceEducation
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Home Building Podcast episodes

  • Building a Home When You’re Busy – Fast way to build or renovate a home | Home Building Podcast

    DOWNLOAD IBA BUILDING WHILE BUSY CHECKLIST 👇🏽 
    https://info.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/building-when-youre-busy-checklist-page?utm-hbp 


    Building a home is stressful. Building a home when life is already full makes it even harder. But there are ways to move the process along quicker than most people think. In this episode Behan breaks down exactly how to approach a build, renovation or extension when you've got a job, kids, and a full life without losing your mind in the process. 

    What you’ll learn:  

    • Why you don't need to have it all figured out before you start  

    • The two questions to ask your partner before you speak to anyone else 

    • What "building creep" is and how it silently blows your budget 

    • Why designing your dream home first is the worst thing you can do  

    • How to keep your design phase to 2-6 weeks so you stop second-guessing yourself 

    • Why a stop-start build costs you more time, money and stress than a slow and steady one 

     

    Chapters: 

    00:00 - Building when life is already full 
    00:33 - Start with some sort of plan - even a rough one 
    01:49 - What are the 1-2 things driving you to build or change? 
    02:38 - Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves - write them down 
    03:15 - Get on the same page as your partner first 
    04:04 - Write down what you do know - not just what you don't 
    05:10 - Finance - sort this before anything else 
    07:30 - How to choose a path - buy, build, extend or knock down 
    09:00 - Display homes - use them for inspiration, not decisions 
    12:00 - The design phase - how to keep it moving 
    16:00 - Don't design everything at once - do it in stages 
    21:21 - The biggest design mistake - including everything upfront 
    22:10 - Start lean and add up - not the other way around 
    23:12 - Make sure your builder's process is actually good 
    24:09 - The full recap - step by step 
    26:02 - Keep the design timeframe to 2-6 weeks 
    26:41 - Most people enjoy it looking back 


    FREE Homeowner Decision Checklist 👇🏽
    Not sure where to start? Download our free checklist to help you plan your build, renovation or extension before you speak to anyone. 

    info.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/decision-checklist-page?utm-homebuildingpodcast 

    Found the episode useful? 
    Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

    Need design & building advice? 
    Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

    Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

    Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

    Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance. 

    28 min
  • Tax, Investment Property & Knowing Your Numbers – Scott Greer

    In May 2026, the Federal Government announced changes to the rules around rental losses and capital gains tax for investment properties. This podcast was recorded prior to the changes; however, the general information discussed still applies. Scott is well across the new rules. Reach out to MKG Partners or similar professionals for advice on how these changes may affect your situation. 

    • Why flipping a property puts you in a completely different tax category to investing 

    • The CGT 50% discount when it applies and when it doesn't 

    • What negative gearing actually is and how it works in practice 

    • Land tax explained what triggers it and how it's calculated 

    • GST and when it applies to property development 

    • Stamp duty costs 

    • Depreciation, construction costs, useful life and how to claim it correctly 

    • Why getting tax advice before you buy is always better than after 

    • The May 2026 budget changes to rental losses and capital gains tax and what grandfathering means for assets held before budget night 

     

    Chapters:  

    00:50 - Why people pay more tax than they need to 
    01:49 - The tax system is complex barbecue advice is dangerous 
    03:08 - General disclaimer please see your own professional 
    03:18 - Different tax types for investment property 
    04:13 - Flipping vs. Investing why the tax rules are completely different 
    05:30 - Stamp duty the cost people forget 
    06:00 - The CGT 50% discount when it applies and when it doesn't 
    09:00 - Negative gearing explained simply 
    15:00 - Land tax - what triggers it and how it works 
    20:00 - GST and property development - when it applies 
    25:00 - Depreciation - construction costs and useful life 
    33:40 - Will negative gearing ever be abolished? 
    36:14 - The $10K question  

    About Our Guest  

    Scott Greer is a CPA and part owner of MKG Partners, a Perth-based accounting firm specialising in property investment and tax advice. With 21 years of experience working with property investors, Scott is one of Perth's most knowledgeable advisers on investment tax strategy - including the May 2026 budget changes to rental losses and capital gains tax. 

    Contact Scott:  
    Website: https://www.mkgpartners.com.au/ 

    Found the episode useful? 
    Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

    Need design & building advice? 
    Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

    Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

    Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

    General Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance. 

    40 min
  • How to Subdivide a Block in Perth - Home Building Podcast

    Subdividing is one of the most popular property strategies in Perth and one of the most misunderstood. Behan walks through everything from R Codes and zoning to battle axe vs. side by side, build strata, feasibility and why more blocks doesn't always mean more money. 

    Chapters: 

    00:23 - What is subdividing and where do you start 
    01:18 - R Codes explained 
    02:39 - How to find your zoning online or through council 
    03:20 - Special council rules and precinct overlays 
    03:59 - Battle axe blocks explained  
    04:36 - Side by side subdivision 
    05:56 - The 4 metre driveway rule for battle axe blocks 
    07:00 - Green title vs. survey strata vs. build strata 
    09:30 - The subdivision process with a surveyor, WAPC, council and titles 
    12:00 - How long does subdivision take and what does it cost 
    16:30 - Running your subdivision and build at the same time 
    17:02 - Build strata & how to build before the title is split 
    18:38 - More blocks isn't always more money  
    19:48 - Build and hold vs. subdivide and sell  
    20:17 - Why vacant blocks are hard to sell and what to do instead 
    21:09 - Real client example 

    What you’ll learn:  

    • What subdividing actually means and how R Codes determine what you can do 

    • Battle axe blocks vs. side by side  

    • Why 4 metres down the side is the magic number for a battle axe driveway 

    • Green title vs. survey strata vs. build strata  

    • How to run your subdivision and build at the same time to avoid delays and price rises 

    • Why more blocks doesn't always give you the best return  

    • Why selling a vacant block is harder than most people think 

    • The strategy that lets you pay off your front home using the back block 

     

    Found the episode useful? 
    Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 
     
    🏡 DOWNLOAD STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO SUBDIVIDE 
    https://info.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/subdivisions-guide-page 

    ✅ Not sure whether to buy, build, extend or knock down and rebuild? 

    Download our free Homeowner Decision Checklist here: 
    https://info.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/decision-checklist-page?utm-homebuildingpodcast 

    Need design & building advice? 
    Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

    Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

    Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

    Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance. 

    23 min
  • 7 Star Energy Ratings Explained - What It Means, What It Costs & How to Get It Right | Nina Kelly

    Energy efficiency is now mandatory for every new home in Australia but most people have no idea how the assessment actually works or what it costs. Nina Kelly from ESD Studio joins Behan to break it all down, from NatHERS ratings and climate zones to solar orientation, insulation, glazing and the whole-of-home assessment most people have never heard of. 

    What you’ll learn:  

    • What a 7 star NatHERS rating actually means and how it's assessed 

    • How climate zones affect your rating and why Perth has two distinct zones 

    • Why solar orientation is the single most important design decision you can make 

    • The west sun problem and when to ignore orientation for the view 

    • How windows, insulation and wall construction affect your star rating 

    • The renovation trap why changing a window to a door can increase your required star rating 

    • What the whole-of-home assessment is and why gas hot water almost always triggers solar panels 

    • Allow $8,500 to $10,000 for energy efficiency upgrades here's why 

    • What existing homeowners can do to improve their rating without a full renovation 

    • Why old homes with good orientation often outperform new ones 

     

    Chapters:  

    00:24 - What is energy efficiency and why does it matter 
    03:46 - How NatHERS assessments work  
    05:40 - Climate zones explained 
    06:46 - How Nina models your home and what she looks for first 
    09:25 - Solar orientation  
    10:30 - Why living areas facing south is a major problem 
    11:34 - When to ignore orientation for the view 
    14:00 - Windows (glazing ratios, types and how they affect performance) 
    17:20 – Insulation - what to include and where it makes the most difference 
    22:00 - Wall construction - brick vs. brick veneer vs. Framed 
    28:00 - The renovation star rating trap 
    33:00 - Eaves and shading  
    38:00 - Existing homes 
    48:00 - Whole-of-home assessment explained 
    59:39 - Gas hot water and solar panels 
    1:00:37 – When the budget doesn't fit for energy efficiency  
    1:02:37 – $10K Question  

    About Our Guest  

    Nina Kelly is the founder of ESD Studio, a Perth-based energy efficiency consultancy specialising in NatHERS assessments for residential builders, architects, designers and owner builders. With nearly a decade of experience across new homes, renovations and extensions, Nina helps homeowners understand and meet their energy requirements without blowing the budget. 
     
    Get in touch with Nina:  
    Website: https://esdstudio.com.au/ 

    Socials: https://www.instagram.com/esdstudio_energy/ 

    Thinking about building or renovating, but not sure? 🏡 
    Download our Homeowners Decision Checklist to get started 👈🏽 
     

    Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

    Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

    Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance. 

    1 hr 5 min
  • Do's and Don'ts When Building or Extending Your Home - My 10 Cent’s

    25 years of building experience distilled into one episode. Behan runs through his personal do's and don'ts across bathrooms, kitchens, doors, windows, outdoor living, lighting and energy efficiency. Some of it is controversial. All of it is honest. 

    What you’ll learn:  

    • Why the bath in your ensuite is probably a waste of money and space 

    • The vanity vs. bench space debate and why bench space wins every time 

    • Why a single front door is better for security than a double door 

    • The $600 upgrade that makes your whole home feel bigger and grander 

    • Why the kitchen needs to be connected to your outdoor living area 

    • Hotplates in the island bench why Behan's not a fan 

    • Outdoor lighting, garden switches and why a hardwired doorbell is non-negotiable 

    • The 6 star vs. 7 star energy efficiency debate honest take 


    03:33 - Welcome and what we're covering today 
    05:07 - Do's and don'ts for your ensuite and bathroom 
    09:30 - Shower tap placement  
    10:27 - Powder room location and the guest toilet rule 
    13:08 - Front doors  
    14:38 - Feature doors vs. flush panels (how to save money here) 
    15:31 - Raising your door height a $600 upgrade worth doing 
    22:00 - Kitchen layout (sculleries, sinks and the island bench) 
    27:37 - Hotplates in the island  
    31:02 - Kitchen placement and indoor /outdoor connection 
    32:00 - Alfresco fans 
    34:20 - Outdoor lighting switches  
    35:55 - Energy efficiency 6 star vs. 7 star  


    FREE Homeowner Decision Checklist 
    Not sure whether to buy, build, extend or knock down and rebuild? 

    Download our free Homeowner Decision Checklist here: 
    https://info.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/decision-checklist-page?utm-homebuildingpodcast 

     

    Need design & building advice? 
    Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  


    Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  


    Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 


    Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance. 

    36 min
  • Concrete Floors, Benchtops & Aggregate - Everything You Need to Know with Tyron Scott

    Concrete is one of the most asked-about topics in home building and one of the most misunderstood. Tyron Scott from Firm Concrete joins Behan to cover everything from slabs and hardstands through to polished floors, exposed aggregate and in-situ benchtops. 

    What you'll learn: 

    • The difference between a concrete slab and a hardstand and why 100mm is the bare minimum 

    • Exposed aggregate types, finishes and what actually affects the price 

    • Why the sealer matters as much as the concrete itself 

    • Polished concrete floors what's involved and what to expect long term 

    • In-situ concrete benchtops how they're made and what they cost 

    • Why cheap concrete jobs always cost more in the long run 

    • The architectural grey trend dominating Perth right now 

    Chapters: 
    05:03 - Concrete slabs vs. hardstands and why 100mm is the minimum 
    07:12 - Exposed aggregate explained - types, sizes and colours 
    11:45 - What affects the price of aggregate 
    15:10 - Why the sealer is as important as the concrete 
    22:40 - Polished concrete floors - the process and what to expect 
    30:12 - In-situ concrete benchtops - formwork, pouring and finishing 
    35:22 - Architectural grey and white benchtops - the honest truth 
    39:15 - Concrete vs. stone benchtops 
    42:30 - What goes wrong with cheap concrete jobs 
    1:05:39 - How to engage Firm Concrete for your project 
    1:07:57 - The $10K question 

    About Our Guest: 
    Tyron Scott is the founder of Firm Concrete, a Perth-based decorative concrete specialist with 17 years of experience across exposed aggregate, polished floors, in-situ benchtops and large-scale commercial work. Firm Concrete completed the reception area at IBA's Home Base office.  

    Found the episode useful? 
    Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

    Need design & building advice? 
    Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

    Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

    Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

    Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finances. 

    1 hr 12 min
  • New Way to Build a Home - What is Independent Building Advice

    Building, renovating or extending a home takes a lot of research and trial and error, and when you're spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, you can't afford to get it wrong.  

    In this episode, IBA's director, Behan Flaherty, walks through the common ways people go about building a home and where each one can catch you out: going straight to a builder, using an architect or designer, or owner-building. Then he explains what Independent Building Advice actually does, and how working independently of builders changes the outcome for you. You'll hear how the design process works from a free consultation through to 3D renders, how selections and hidden costs are handled so there are no surprises, and the 7 criteria used to choose the right builder for you (plus an 8th for renovations and extensions). He also covers the full range of services, so no matter what stage you're at, there's a way to help. 
     
    A chat costs nothing. Reach out through the website or drop us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can. 


    Chapters:  

    0:00 Why building goes wrong for most people  
    0:27 Option 1: Going straight to a builder  
    1:08 Option 2: Using an architect or designer  
    1:57 Option 3: Owner-building  
    2:23 What Independent Building Advice actually does  
    3:04 Comparing builders and quotes fairly  
    4:16 Why we tell you what you need to hear  
    5:01 Our design process, step by step  
    6:37 Selections, hidden costs and the electrical allowance  
    8:00 Staying by your side through the build  
    9:00 The 7 criteria we use to choose a builder  
    10:30 Our full range of services  
    11:24 How to get started with IBA 
     

    Found the episode useful? 
    Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

    Need design & building advice? 
    Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

    Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

    Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

    Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance. 

    13 min
  • R Codes, Planning Approvals & the Real Cost of Building Regulations - Aaron Sice HIA Assistant Director

    Most homeowners have no idea what R Codes are, what triggers a planning approval, or why energy efficiency requirements are quietly adding tens of thousands to the cost of their build. In this episode Behan sits down with Aaron Sice - Assistant Director at the Housing Industry Association - for one of the most information-dense conversations the podcast has had. From planning vs. building approvals and the SAT appeals process, through to mold, condensation, glazing ratios and the affordability crisis facing Perth builders and homeowners right now, this one is essential listening. 

    What you'll learn: 

    • What the HIA actually is and who it represents - it's not just big builders 

    • R Codes explained simply - what they are, how they work and why they matter to your build 

    • What "deemed to comply" means and why staying within it can save you months 

    • Certified vs. uncertified building permit pathway - why one takes 10 days and the other takes 5 weeks 

    • State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) is and when to use it 

    • Why mold is becoming a bigger issue

    • BAL ratings & costs

    • Glazing ratios explained - the 15 to 20% rule for an economical, energy-efficient home 

    • Why double brick still performs well - and why getting rid of it isn't the answer 

    • The condensation problem that unresolved energy efficiency details are causing in walls 

    Chapters: 

    01:48 - What is the HIA and who does it actually represent 

    03:08 - Aaron's role as Assistant Director - planning, building, environment and safety 

    04:10 - From TAFE graduate to industry leader - Aaron's career story 

    09:29 - The R Codes as the first sieve and local policy as the second

    13:06 - Deemed to comply - how to avoid planning altogether 

    14:32 - Single houses no longer go to full council

    15:12 - Real example - boundary walls and the 3 month planning process 

    19:05 - Certified vs. uncertified building permit pathway - 10 days vs. 5 weeks 

    20:10 - How planning delays trigger builder price rises 

    31:02 - Minor variation provisions and where the R Codes are heading 

    35:55 - Mold and energy efficiency - why tighter homes create bigger problems 

    36:43 - BAL ratings and the escalating costs of BAL 12.5, 19, 29 and beyond 

    37:41 - Noise attenuation adding to the affordability problem 

    38:21 - Death by a thousand cuts - 48% of a subdivision's land cost is tax 

    39:32 - WA's energy efficiency heavy lifting - going from 6 to 7 star 

    49:17 - How IBA rationalizes designs to save $70K to $100K

    51:33 - Condensation provisions - the unresolved detail causing mold in walls 

    54:18 - Where all the costs add up before you've even started building 


    About Our Guest: 
    Aaron Sice is the Assistant Director of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) in Western Australia, covering building policy, planning, environment and health and safety. With over two decades of industry experience spanning project building, private consultancy, property development and policy advocacy, Aaron is one of Perth's most knowledgeable voices on residential construction, planning codes and the National Construction Code. He also ran REIWA's planning education program for real estate sales consultants for over five years. 

    Found the episode useful? 
    Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

    Need design & building advice? 
    Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

    Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

    Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

    Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance. 

    59 min
  • Lighting & Electrical in Your New Home - What to Plan, What to Avoid & What Builders Leave Out

    Lighting is one of the most overlooked parts of building a new home and one of the most expensive to fix after the fact. In this episode Behan walks through everything you need to think about before your lighting appointment, from switch placement and sensor lights to doorbells, feature lighting and where to save money on fittings. 

    FREE ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING PLAN REVIEW - Until 30 August 2026 
    We're offering free electrical and lighting plan feedback until 30 August 2026. 

    Submit your plan online: info.independentbuildingadvice.au/free-electrical-plan-review 

    Or email your plan directly to: [email protected] 

    Mention you came from the Home Building Podcast. One of IBA's designers will review your plan and provide constructive feedback. Conditions apply. 

    What you'll learn: 

    • Why builders include the bare minimum for electrical and how much extra to allow in your budget 

    • Why you should always hardwire your doorbell 

    • How to read a lighting plan what the circles and dotted lines actually mean 

    • The "wear different hats" exercise how to walk through your home as every family member before you finalise your plan 

    • Where to place light switches so they're actually convenient not just compliant 

    • Two-way switches explained when and where you need them 

    • Why alfresco and outdoor lighting is worth investing in 

    • Sensor lights where they work brilliantly and where to avoid them 

    • How to save money on feature lighting buy on sale, supply to builder 

     

    Chapters: 
    00:00 - Why lighting gets rushed and how to fix that 

    01:03 - What builders include as standard and why it's never enough 

    02:34 - Always allow $5,000 to $10,000 extra for electrical 

    03:37 - Hardwiring your doorbell 

    04:17 - How to read a lighting plan 

    04:48 - Think about how you move through your home 

    05:20 - Two-way switches explained 

    06:17 - The "wear different hats" exercise 

    07:30 - Light switch placement at night 

    09:14 - Bedroom lighting pendants and bedside switches 

    11:02 - Bathroom lighting vanity placement and avoiding shadows 

    12:30 - Kitchen lighting benchtop illumination and balance 

    14:15 - Living and dining dimmers, zones and mood vs task lighting 

    16:00 - Alfresco and outdoor lighting 

    18:22 - Sensor lights outside security and street appeal 

    22:19 - Sensor lights inside sculleries, linen and storage 

    23:24 - How to save money on feature lighting 

    Found the episode useful? 
    Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

    Need design & building advice? 
    Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

    Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/  

    Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

    Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance. 

    27 min
  • How to Design a Home You'll Never Want to Leave - Layouts, Facades & Wow Factors - Luke Tufilli | Home Building Podcast

    Most people get one shot at designing their home. Get it wrong and you'll feel it every single day. In this episode Behan sits down with Luke Tufilli from Aria Home Designs - one of Perth's leading custom home designers - to talk about what separates a great home from a good one. From facade trends and street appeal to floor plan logic, wow factor features and how to get the absolute best out of your designer, this episode is essential listening before you draw a single line. 

    Chapters: 
    01:06 - Luke's background - from project home drafting to Aria Home Designs 
    03:11 - Why designers get neutered inside project home builder systems 
    04:33 - The education gap - why first home buyers are the least informed on design 
    08:07 - Building costs have doubled - what built $350K 7 years ago costs $700K now 
    10:32 - When to go custom vs. sticking with a project builder catalog 
    11:25 - Design trends - curves, arches and free form walls 
    13:04 - Street appeal - why your facade is worth investing in 
    14:36 - Where to put your design budget - high function, high reward zones 
    17:08 - How front yard living became backyard living and what that means for design 
    18:28 - The three element rule for a great facade 
    21:42 - Materiality, colours and getting proportions right 
    25:19 - Developer estate design controls - where they go wrong 
    29:15 - Why Perth homes grew in size but lost character along the way 
    30:04 - Do you really need a theatre room - and a fourth bedroom 
    31:21 - Purpose design rooms vs. multi-use spaces 
    34:11 - Wow factor features - concealed doors, sculleries and hidden spaces 
    36:13 - Mudrooms, dump zones
    39:25 - Entry sequence - laundry, drop zone, scullery, kitchen 
    42:16 - Life stages and how your home needs to adapt
    43:02 - Vaulted ceilings, raking ceilings and glazing explained 
    44:15 - Where to invest - kids wing vs. core living area 
    47:06 - Ensuites, steam rooms and designing for your personal retreat 
    50:12 - Solar orientation and why your block's position changes everything 
    54:20 - How to brief a designer - the questions that unlock a great outcome 
    57:33 - Understanding your client - lifestyle, hobbies, how you actually live 
    59:35 - The doctor analogy - diagnose first, prescribe second 
    01:01:46 - Understanding your builder before you start the design 
    01:06:06 -10K Question

    Find Our Guest:  

    Luke Tufilli | ARIA Home Designs 

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

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ariahomedesigns/ 

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ariahomedesigns 


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    Need design & building advice? 
    Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

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    Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance. 

    1 hr 9 min

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The Home Building Podcast is Perth's go-to resource for anyone designing, building, or renovating a home.