Home Building Podcast

LOOKING TO CUSTOM DESIGN & BUILD YOUR NEXT HOME? VISIT US ON INDEPENDENTBUILDINGADVICE.COM.AU 🏡

Most people get stung by hidden costs when building not because builders are dishonest, but because nobody told them what to look for upfront. Behan walks through every major hidden cost category you need to know before you sign anything. 

What you'll learn: 

• How builder quotes are structured - base price, itemised costs and site works 

• Why site works are provisional sums, not fixed quotes 

• How soil type affects your slab, footings and trenching 

• Wind ratings and when your home needs structural upgrades 

• BAL ratings Low, 12.5, 19, 29, 40 and Fire Zone and what each costs 

• When noise attenuation kicks in and what happens when it clashes with your BAL rating 

• The 7 Star NatHERS energy rating and what builders do to comply 

• Flooring, painting, blinds, air conditioning, landscaping and fencing with rough pricing 

• How price rises happen between your preliminary agreement and building contract 

• Why cost-plus contracts put all the risk on you 

Chapters:  

2:00 - Site works explained - provisional sums vs fixed quote  
3:15 - Connecting power, water and sewer - run-ins and trenching  
04:14 - Soil types - sand vs clay vs limestone  
05:09 - Wind ratings and structural upgrades  
07:33 - Soakwells  
09:10 - Retaining walls - brickwork, panel and post, limestone blocks  
12:24 - Why some builders underquote site works to win your business  
13:52 - Driveways, crossovers and verge responsibilities  
15:13 - Shire fees, building approval vs planning approval  
16:19 - Concrete pumps and scaffolding  
18:00 - BAL ratings and bushfire costs  
22:11 - Noise attenuation and when it clashes with BAL  
23:19 - 7 Star NatHERS energy rating  
25:33 - Fencing - costs  
27:38 - Flooring costs  
29:37 - Internal wall painting  
31:05 - Blinds and curtains  
32:37 - Air conditioning - kilowatts matter  
33:47 - Landscaping  
35:44 - Demolition  
36:09 - Kitchen appliances and specification  
37:35 - Price rises - preliminary agreements and building contracts  
40:26 - Cost-plus contracts - why all the risk sits with you 

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 don't think about home automation until it's too late when the walls are already closed and the wiring is done. In this episode, Behan sits down with Andy Moore lighting & home automations expert to break down what home automation actually is, how to use it to genuinely improve your everyday life, and the one critical decision you need to make during your build that will save you thousands down the track. From human centric lighting and sleep science to security, entertainment, and resale value this one covers it all. 

What you'll learn: 

• What human centric lighting is and how it affects your sleep, energy, and wellbeing 

• Why blue light at night is stopping you from sleeping well and how smart lighting fixes it 

• The difference between a system integrator and an electrician and why you need both 

• What "wall acne" is and how good automation design eliminates it 

• Practical examples of home automation that actually improve your daily life 

• Why cheap consumer automation products end up as electronic waste and what to use instead 

• The one thing to specify in a new build that future-proofs your automation for the life of the home 

• The best time to engage an integrator during your build process 

Chapters:  

01:30 - What is human centric lighting?  

02:04 - Circadian rhythm explained - how light regulates your sleep  
04:09 - Light and dark as a biological signal the simple version  
05:29 - Blue light, melatonin and why your evenings matter  
07:45 - Kelvin explained warm vs. cool light and what it means for your home  
10:24 - Why small automations have a big impact on how you feel at home  
12:04 - Back to the Future and the pitfalls of over-automation  
12:41 - What is a system integrator and why you need one  
14:08 - Everything that can be automated in a home  
15:55 - Wall acne explained the problem with too many control surfaces  
17:26 - How to control your automation apps, voice, wall panels and more  
19:09 - Practical examples: dinner parties, lighting scenes, music and ambience  
23:24 - Security automation alarms, sensor lights and peace of mind  
26:17 - Future-proofing your home: what to specify in a new build  
26:53 - The open protocol advantage why Connex/KNX keeps your systems compatible 28:20 - Does home automation add resale value?  
30:29 - LED strip lighting as a starting point for any home  
32:00 - Wired vs. wireless why infrastructure matters  
34:00 - One-button automation: guests arriving, pool clean, music, lights all at once  
35:08 - Behan's tip: wait a month after moving in before commissioning your system  
37:24 - What does the future of home automation look like with AI?  
 

About Our Guest: Andy Moore is a lighting and home automation specialist with over 20 years of industry experience. Based in Melbourne, Andy works has a deep background in lighting control, human centric lighting, and building automation systems. He works with the Index Association and specialises in open protocol systems including KNX helping homeowners and builders future-proof their homes with automation that lasts the life of the building. 

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. 

One of the most common and costly mistakes people make is going too far down one path before realising it was the wrong one. In this solo episode, Behan breaks down the four main options available to Perth homeowners: buying established, renovating, extending, and knockdown rebuild. He cuts through the noise with real costs, honest advice, and a simple rule of thumb that could save you tens of thousands before you spend a cent on a designer. 

What you'll learn: 

• The difference between renovating, extending, and a knockdown rebuild clearly defined 

• When buying established is actually the smartest move (and when it isn't) 

• Real renovation costs: kitchens, bathrooms, painting, wall removals what to budget 

• Why the thing that frustrates you about a house today will frustrate you a lot more in five years 

• When extending makes sense and when it's throwing good money after bad 

• Why extending costs more per square metre than building new, and how to get better value if you do extend 

• The 50–60% rule: the tipping point where demolishing and rebuilding wins 

• The Mr. Squiggle analogy why working around an existing structure is so much harder than a blank canvas 

• Why a builder who only does new homes will tell you to knock down, and a renovator will tell you to extend and why you need independent advice instead 

• How IBA's free quiz helps you figure out the right path in about 10 minutes 

• Why demolition costs roughly $23,000 and why that's often cheaper than you think 

 What you’ll learn:  

01:20 - Who this episode is for: owner occupiers, not investors 

01:48 - The dream scenario: buying established and doing nothing 

02:41 - Buying established with minor work: real renovation costs 

03:49 - Kitchen & bathroom costs: what to realistically budget 

04:29 - When buying established is the right move 

05:11 - The lifestyle triggers that push people to move: kids, teenagers, downsizing 

05:51 - When should you extend instead of buy? 

07:14 - Extending: when it makes financial sense 

07:48 - Preserving older homes - California bungalows and good bones 

08:34 - Why extending costs more per square metre than building new 

09:17 - Living in the home during an extension - tips to manage it 

10:10 - The 50–60% rule: when to stop extending and start again 

10:51 - Block position, house placement & what to look out for 

11:14 - Don't spend $20K on design before getting independent advice 

11:38 - Why biased advice from builders and renovators costs you 

12:07 - Knockdown & rebuild: demolition costs and what you gain 

14:02 - Sloping blocks: when extending wins over knockdown 

14:15 - IBA's free obligation-free advice come out and chat 

14:32 - Final thoughts: get a feel for the market first, then decide 

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  

ACCESS HOMEOWNER DECISION CHECKLIST HERE (FREE SELF-ASSESSMENT) 👇🏽 

https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/build-decision-checklist/ 

Get a clear understanding of what your best path forward is with our 4-min self assessment quiz. You’re building something extremely expensive that you want to love, why not get it right? Download our Homeowner Decision Checklist today 🏡 

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 have no idea what modular construction actually is or how good it's gotten. In this episode, Behan sits down with Natalie Lawrence and Dan Thake from MIRA Residential to bust the myths around modular building, explain how the whole process works from factory to front door, and help you figure out whether it could be the smartest way to build your next home especially if you're building in regional or rural WA. 

Chapters:

• What you’ll learn: What modular construction actually is and how it differs from traditional building 

• How a home is built in a factory, split into modules, and reassembled on your block 

• Why modular can be a no-brainer for regional and rural builds and what the real cost comparison looks like 

• The two delivery methods jacking vs. crane and when each is used 

• How site access, block slope, and soil conditions are assessed before a single thing is built 

• Why modular build times (average 12 weeks manufacture + 2 weeks on site) are changing the game 

• The truth about steel frame vs. brick quality, energy efficiency, sound, and cyclone ratings 

• What's included as standard in a MIRA home and why stone benchtops come standard 

• The difference between choosing a standard design and going fully custom 

• Why raking ceilings and skylights are actually cheaper to achieve in modular 

• The full pre-construction to handover process, step by step. 

Chapters:  

01:36 The McNally Group who's behind MIRA? 

02:30 How a modular home is built: factory to site 

03:28 Real client example: 12 weeks build, 2 week install 

05:19 Sloping blocks & steel frame chassis explained 

06:22 Site visits, local trades & due diligence before contracts 

10:36 Does modular work in metro Perth? Budget & access considerations 

11:29 Regional builds: why modular wins on cost, time & trade availability 

14:32 Guaranteed timelines and why MIRA has to hit them 

15:14 The step-by-step process: from enquiry to key handover 

18:27 Total build timeline: 9–12 months all up 

19:38 Granny flats & ancillary dwellings in modular 

20:33 What "quality" really means craftsmanship AND stone benchtops as standard 

21:13 Steel frame vs. brick: the Japan earthquake test, energy ratings & sound 

24:22 Why Perth is one of the last places still obsessed with brick 

25:26 Standard designs vs. custom over 20 base models to choose from 

27:07 How to approach a custom modular design 

27:41 Designing for modular: max sizes, module widths & transport constraints 

30:40 Ducted air con, raking ceilings & skylights in modular 

31:18 Ceiling height, skylights & the wow factor 

About Our Guest  

Natalie Lawrence is the General Manager of MIRA Residential, backed by the McNally Group a major WA contracting and infrastructure company with over 20 years of industry experience. Dan is MIRA Design Manager, bringing 15–16 years of residential and commercial design expertise. MIRA Residential specialises in high-quality modular homes delivered across WA, with a display home in Osborne Park. 

Get in touch with MIRA

Website: https://miraresidential.com.au/

Socials: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

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. 

Building costs are rising fast, and most people don't realise where the money is actually going or how much they could save with a bit of upfront planning. In this episode, Behan walks through the key strategies IBA uses with clients every day to keep builds on budget without cutting corners on the things that matter. From setting a two-number budget before you do anything else, to the hidden design decisions that can cost you tens of thousands, this is essential listening before you sign anything. 

What you’ll learn: What you'll learn: 

• Why you need two budget numbers before you start 

• What "price creep" is and how to stop it before it blows out your build 

• Why designing for your next life stage now saves a fortune in extensions later 

• The difference between fixed-price and cost-plus contracts  

• How your block's slope, location, and site conditions can quietly add $25,000–$70,000+ to your build 

• Why timing delays (planning approval, demolition, title issues) can trigger price increases... and how to protect yourself 

• The simple design rule that can save tens of thousands: keep your footprint square 

• Why standard window sizes save serious money, and when custom sizing is actually worth it 

• How wall construction choices affect your budget more than most people realise 

• Why energy-efficient design pays for itself and what happens when you get it wrong 

• How to avoid over-specifying branded fixtures early in the process 

• How IBA negotiates supplier discounts on appliances and fittings on your behalf 

Chapters:  

01:23 - Why saving money doesn't mean compromising your home 

02:52 - Part 1: The overview: how to approach your build process 

03:37 - Set two budget numbers before you do anything else 

06:58 - Price creep: what it is and how to stop it 

08:07 - Design for your current life stage AND the next one 

09:19 - Get your finance sorted first 

10:22 - Timing matters: building costs rise roughly 1% per month 

10:42 - Three ways to approach finding a builder 

12:03 - Why the cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest build 

13:50 - The risks of going through an architect without a budget guardrail 

16:10 - Why owner-builder sounds great but rarely works out 

18:21 - Fixed-price vs. cost-plus contracts: what you need to know 

20:34 - How IBA's builder comparison process works 

22:26 - Match the builder to your project type 

24:27 - Site costs: the hidden budget killers (slope, retaining, bushfire zones) 

26:10 - How delays during the build process cost you money 

29:43 - Part 2: Design & specification strategies 

30:18 - Keep your home's footprint simple and square 

31:40 - Windows: stick to standard sizes and save a fortune 

33:38 - Wall construction choices and what they really cost 

35:27 - Slab and footing differences: how site conditions affect this 

36:12 - Energy efficiency: design it right and save every year 

37:38 - Don't brand-specify fixtures early in the process 

39:44 - How builder supplier agreements work: and how IBA gets discounts fot clients 

42:06 - Flooring: supply it yourself and save 

47:43 - Kitchens and bathrooms: where to trim and where to spend 

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 life there a particular stage in life that you’ll be ready or need to build or buy a home. It’s important that you know when you might need to so you can best prepare yourself for what comes next.   
  
Some people buy. Some people build. It’s up truly to your situation. Our job is to best educate you, so you know how to have a better home building experience.  
  
We catch up with Domenic, one of our Client Advocates to discuss these 5 stages when eople build a home over a 2-part series.   

If you’re building, renovating, or even just thinking about it… this is one of the most practical conversations you’ll hear. 

What you’ll learn:  

• Why more adult kids are staying home and how to design for it without losing your privacy 

• Granny flats vs. dual-key designs vs. home extensions - what works best and when 

• The #1 mistake people make when they downsize (and how to avoid it) 

• Why "fewer rooms but bigger" is the golden rule for empty nesters 

• How to future-proof your home for accessibility - wider doors, lift shafts, step-free entries 

• Why your powder room should be off-limits to everyone who lives there 

• Smart multi-use room strategies so every space earns its keep 

• Caravan access, double garages, and storage planning for the grey nomad phase 

• How to think about resale at every stage so your home works for the next buyer too 

Chapters:  

00:49 - Stage 4: Adult kids still at home: the new reality 

02:35 - Granny flats vs. Extensions: costs, council rules & smart design 

06:14 - Dual-key homes explained: two houses under one roof 

08:10 - Privacy, house rules & honest conversations before you build 

10:19 - Designing for re-use once the kids eventually leave 

13:25 - Building new in this stage — layout tips for your "core living zone" 

16:10 - Stage 5: Downsizing & empty nesters 

17:10 - The biggest downsizing mistake: going too small 

18:48 - How to design a low-maintenance garden you'll actually love 

20:16 - Fewer rooms, bigger spaces — the empty nester design rule 

22:21 - Wider doors, lift shafts & wheelchair-ready design 

25:07 - Garages, storage & caravan access for the grey nomad lifestyle 

28:41 - Making your home a destination for grandkids & family 

30:20 - Two-storey downsizing: master downstairs, lift shaft prep 

32:18 - The powder room rule that keeps your home guest-ready always 

33:33 -  Recap of all 5 life stages 

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 life there a particular stages in life that you’ll be ready or need to build or buy a home. It’s important that you know when you might need to so you can best prepare yourself for what comes next.  
 
Some people buy. Some people build. It’s really up to yours situation. Our job is to best educate you, so you know how to have a better home building experience. 
 
We catch up with Domenic, one of our Client Advocates to discuss these 5 stages people building a home over a 2-part series.  

If you’re building, renovating, or even just thinking about it… this is one of the most practical conversations you’ll hear. 

What you’ll learn:  

• Why most first home buyers design the wrong type of home  

• How starting a family should completely change your layout decisions  

• The biggest design mistakes parents make (and only realise later)  

• How to position bedrooms for safety, comfort, and practicality  

• Why kitchen placement is more important than you think  

• How to design living spaces so you can actually supervise kids  

• The smart way to plan for teenagers before they get there  

• How to create separation in your home without losing connection  

• The concept of designing for your current stage + next stage  

• Simple design decisions that will save you years of frustration 

Chapters:  

00:25 – Why life stage should drive your home design 
01:30 – Dom’s background in design, sales & real estate 
03:00 – Consulting vs “selling” in the building industry 
04:35 – The 5 key life stages in home design 
05:10 – First home buyers: just getting into the market 
07:45 – Why first home buyers are changing (and getting older) 
10:40 – Starting a family: what actually matters in your layout 
11:50 – Bedroom positioning (master vs kids rooms) 
13:30 – Open living, visibility & supervising kids 
15:00 – Kitchen placement and why it’s the centre of the home 
16:40 – Designing spaces for toys, mess & real life 
18:00 – Planning for your next stage (not just now) 
19:00 – Double storey homes: what most people get wrong 
22:30 – Laundry placement debate (kitchen vs mudroom) 
25:00 – Thinking through real-life scenarios before you build 
28:30 – Growing families: when kids become teenagers 
29:30 – Why separation becomes important 
30:15 – Creating spaces your kids actually want to use 
32:00 – Two-storey design ideas for older kids 
34:00 – Backyard design, pools & entertaining 
36:00 – Indoor-outdoor flow that actually works 
38:00 – Study spaces vs bedrooms for kids 
40:00 – Designing for long-term flexibility 

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 this episode, Behan from Independent Building Advice tackles one of the most common questions in the current Perth building market: should you build now, or wait? With global uncertainty rising interest rates, inflation, supply chain pressures, and an upcoming election many people are sitting on the fence. Behan cuts through the noise, sharing how to stress-test your budget, understand hidden building costs, navigate fixed-price versus provisional sum contracts, and why Perth’s property and building prices are unlikely to reverse. If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to build, this episode will help you make a clearer, more confident decision. 

What you’ll learn:  

• How global uncertainty, war, inflation, and interest rate changes, affects your decision to build in Perth right now 

• Why stress-testing your budget against higher interest rate scenarios is essential before you commit to any build 

• The real cost of waiting: why Perth building prices are rising approximately 1.5% per month and how that compounds fast 

• What hidden costs to watch out for in your building contract, including provisional allowances for flooring, painting, and finishes 

• How global supply chain disruptions are pushing up material costs and putting pressure on both builders and buyers 

• The difference between fixed-price contract items and provisional sums and what your builder owes you in transparency 

• Why Perth property prices are unlikely to drop, and what the market’s strong growth trajectory tells us about timing 

• Behan’s three-number budget planning framework: what you’d love to spend, what you’re comfortable with, and your absolute maximum 

Chapters:  

00:25 – Current Market Concerns: War, Inflation & Uncertainty 

00:42 – Why Independent Building Advice Matters Now 

01:21 – Should You Wait for the Market to Settle? 

01:48 – Buffering for Interest Rate Changes 

02:13 – Stress-Testing Your Budget 

02:40 – Staying Within Your Means 

03:07 – Creating a Game Plan Before You Buy 

03:29 – Mortgage Comfort & Life Planning 

03:57 – Can You Predict the Property Market? 

04:30 – Perth’s Property Market Revival 

04:59 – The Long-Term Property Mindset 

05:31 – Planning for the Long Term, Not the Short Term 

06:33 – Hidden Costs in Building 

07:29 – Global Supply Chains & Building Material Costs 

09:03 – How Supply Pressures Affect Your Build Price 

09:44 – Are Perth Builders Still Profitable? 

10:14 – The Risk of Taking on Too Many Projects 

11:01 – Pricing Strategy: Allowing for Cost Increases 

11:35 – Fixed Price vs Provisional Sum Contracts 

12:32 – What Builders Owe You in Transparency 

13:04 – Will Building Prices Ever Come Down? 

14:15 – Why Now Is the Right Time to Build 

14:44 – Perth Price Increases: What to Expect Month by Month 

15:25 – The Real Cost of Waiting 

16:12 – What Happens If You Keep Delaying? 

16:37 – What to Consider With Your Budget 

17:14 – How Delays Affect Your Borrowing Capacity 

18:13 – The Three-Number Budget Planning Framework 

19:22 – Should you get into the market? 

19:33 – Final Takeaway 

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 this special episode, Behan sits down with Sandra Ursino, a passionate community volunteer and key member of WA Charity Direct - a remarkable organisation that has distributed over $4.3 million to those in need across 20 years, run entirely by volunteers with zero paid staff. Sandra shares how the charity identifies individuals and small organisations that fall through the cracks of mainstream support, ensuring every single dollar donated reaches people who truly need it. From funding wheelchairs for isolated residents to supporting cancer survivors, grieving children, and young people managing diabetes, this conversation is a powerful reminder of what community-driven giving can achieve. 

What you’ll learn:  

• How WA Charity Direct operates with zero paid staff and 100% of donations going directly to people in need 

• Why individual stories matter and how a single electric wheelchair transformed one woman's isolated life 

• How the charity identifies and vets individuals and organisations through a rigorous pitch and review process 

• The surprising ways charities are helping people from books and reading glasses for the homeless to breakfast programs that fight isolation 

• How a three-time cancer survivor founded a charity to support families with the hidden financial costs of illness 

• Why a youth diabetes mentoring program funded by Charity Direct became self-sustaining within just one year 

• How 32 charities have been supported in just 5.5 years and how those charities now help each other  

• How to get involved with Charity Direct as a donor, volunteer, or charity seeking support 

Chapters:  

01:29 – About Charity Direct and Its Origins 
02:02 – How the Charity Works: Individual and Group Members 
03:03 – Financial Transparency: $4.3 Million Over 20 Years 
03:35 – Real Impact: The Electric Wheelchair Story 
05:24 – Finding People Who Need Help 
07:07 – 100% of Donations Go to Those in Need 
08:00 – Supporting Cancer Survivors and Their Families 
10:20 – Brave Children: Supporting Grieving Young People 
11:37 – Homeless Breakfast Programs and Fighting Isolation 
13:24 – The Ripple Effect of Giving 
14:26 – Diabetes Mentoring: A Youth Program That Grew Its Own Wings 
17:04 – The Charity Vetting and Selection Process 
18:35 – Books and Reading Glasses for the Homeless 
22:14 – 32 Charities Supported in 5.5 Years 
26:00 – Community Events and Charity Connections 
26:40 – How to Donate or Get Involved 

About Our Guest  

WA Charity Direct: https://wacharitydirect.com.au/ 

How to become a member: https://wacharitydirect.com.au/become-a-member/ 

WA Charity Direct Socials:  

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

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wacd/ 

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. 

Thinking about building an upside-down home with living areas upstairs? You'll discover the key design considerations for making this layout work, from maximising ocean or river views to solving accessibility challenges. Learn practical tips on stairs, lift shafts, outdoor spaces, and creating a home that works for you now and into the future.

• When upside-down home designs make sense and how to maximise views from your living areas
• How to plan for future accessibility with lift shafts and multi-level living
• Smart staircase options including external spiral staircases for compact designs
• Creative solutions for outdoor spaces including terraces and rooftop areas without height restrictions
• Design features that enhance upside-down homes like high ceilings, skylights, and striking windows

What You'll Learn

• What an upside down home is and why it works best on view-oriented blocks 

• The practical frustrations of carrying shopping and everyday items up stairs — and when it's worth it 

• Why you should think carefully about resale value and accessibility for future buyers 

• How to future-proof your upside down home by incorporating a lift shaft during construction 

• Design tips for maximising your view from kitchens, living rooms, and as many rooms as possible 

• The pros and cons of internal versus external spiral staircases as a design feature 

• How skylights, high ceilings, and open voids can bring light down to lower-floor bedrooms 

• How to take advantage of rooftop terrace areas where height restrictions apply 

Chapters

0:00Introduction to Upside-Down Home Design

1:15When Upside-Down Layouts Make Sense

2:16The Challenge of Stairs and Daily Living

3:45Planning for Future Accessibility and Resale

5:19Balancing Upstairs and Downstairs Living Zones

6:20Creative Design Solutions for Sloping Blocks

7:20External Spiral Staircases and Compact Designs

8:31Rooftop Terraces and Height Restriction Workarounds

9:23High Ceilings, Skylights, and Statement Windows

10:13Pool Placement and Viewing from Above

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.