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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 podcast page 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.
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