Home Building Podcast

Home Building Podcast

By Independent Building AdviceEducation
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Home Building Podcast episodes

  • Commercial Property: The Truth About Commercial vs Residential – Jevan Singh | Home Building Podcast

    Think property investment stops at residential? Think again. 

    In this episode, we sit down with commercial real estate specialist Jevan Singh to break down why commercial and residential property are two completely different asset classes and why understanding that distinction could change how you build long-term wealth. 

    Jevan shares how savvy investors manufacture value through yield improvement, why commercial property is more stable than the residential boom-bust cycle, and what most landlords never realise until it's too late about property management. 

    Whether you're a homeowner curious about your next move, or a business owner wondering if you should buy your own premises this one's worth your time. 

    Chapters:  

    • Why commercial and residential property are fundamentally different asset classes 

    • How rental yield directly drives commercial property value (and how to use that to your advantage) 

    • The difference between property management and asset management and why it costs landlords thousands 

    • When it makes sense for a business owner to buy rather than lease their premises 

    • The risks of commercial property that investors rarely talk about 

     

    Timestamps 

    3:05 How Jevan got into property & his academic background  

    4:38 Setting the scene: residential vs commercial investing  

    5:10 Why commercial & residential are different asset classes  

    7:08 The natural investor journey and where commercial fits in  

    8:22 Commercial property cycles vs residential boom-bust  

    9:05 How to manufacture value through rental yield  

    10:17 Who commercial property suits best  

    31:44 Spotting commercial opportunity in industrial areas  

    32:13 How Jevan works with clients end-to-end  

    34:47 The real risks of commercial property  

    36:38 Asset management vs property management the key difference  

    39:39 Why the commercial PM industry is broken  

    40:06 A real example: thousands lost through poor rent reviews  

    42:11 The 10K Questions 

    About Our Guest 

    Jevan Singh is a commercial real estate specialist based in Perth, with academic backgrounds in real estate, law, and commerce. Originally from the UK, Jevan has spent over seven years in the Perth market helping business owners and investors navigate commercial property from acquisition and strategy through to active asset management. 

    About Mortar and Soul 

    Website 

    Main https://www.mortarandsoulcommercial.com.au/ 

    Commercial: https://www.mortarandsoulcommercial.com.au/ 

     

    Socials:  

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

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

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwBGh389bi9xwm_BJ_4a4dQ 

    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. 

    44 min
  • Extensions: The Smarter Way to Approach Extending Your Home | Home Building Podcast

    Thinking about renovating or extending your home in 2026? 
    Most homeowners assume adding space is the answer, but it’s often the most expensive and inefficient option. 

    In this episode, we break down the real difference between renovations and extensions, why extensions blow out budgets, and how smart design thinking can completely transform your home without major structural changes. 

    If you're planning to upgrade your home, this episode could save you tens of thousands. 

    What you’ll learn:  

    • The real difference between a renovation vs extension  

    • Why extensions are far more expensive than people expect  

    • How to maximise your current floorplan before building more  

    • When it actually makes sense to extend  

    • The biggest mistake homeowners make when planning upgrades  

    • How to improve your home without major structural work 

    Chapters:  

    00:45 – Renovation vs Extension explained 
    01:30 – Why structural changes drive costs up 
    02:30 – The hidden inefficiencies of small jobs 
    03:30 – Why adding one room can cost $120K+ 
    05:30 – Why builders prefer bigger jobs 
    06:30 – The smarter alternative: repurposing spaces 
    08:00 – Real client example (no extension needed) 
    10:00 – How to maximise your existing home 
    11:30 – Energy efficiency considerations 
    12:30 – Cost breakdown: kitchens, bathrooms, flooring 
    14:00 – Living in your home during renovations 
    16:00 – When you should just rebuild instead 

    Found the episode useful? 
    Please follow & tell us about your building journey and what you would do differently. Sharing your stories 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. 

    20 min
  • Aircon: How to choose the right air conditioning system for your home -Daniel Nazroo | Home Building Podcast

    Air conditioning is one of the most important systems in any home build, yet many homeowners don’t think about it until it’s too late. 

    In this episode of the Home Building Podcast, we sit down with air-conditioning specialist Daniel Nazroo, director of Advanced Air WA, who has over 15 years of experience in the industry. 

    We break down the most common types of residential air conditioning systems, including ducted reverse cycle, split systems, and evaporative cooling. Daniel explains how to choose the right system for your home, how sizing works, and why things like insulation, ceiling height, and zoning can dramatically affect performance and running costs. 



    What you’ll learn 

    • The most common air conditioning systems used in new homes 

    • The difference between ducted reverse cycle and split systems 

    • Why system sizing (kW capacity) is critical when designing a home 

    • How zoning systems allow you to control airflow in different rooms 

    • How inverter technology reduces energy usage and running costs 

    • The role insulation, ventilation, and ceiling height play in system performance 

    • Whether brand name air conditioners are worth the extra cost 

    • Why regular maintenance is essential for long-term performance 

     

    Chapters 

    00:23 Why Air Conditioning Is Often Overlooked in New Builds 

    01:10 Daniel’s Journey Into the HVAC Industry 

    03:30 The Most Common Air Conditioning Systems in Homes 

    04:30 What Is a Ducted Reverse Cycle System? 
    06:00 Understanding Split Systems 
    07:00 Evaporative Cooling Explained 
    09:00 Why Ventilation and Airflow Matter 
    10:30 Combining Different Air Conditioning Systems 
    12:00 How Modern Systems Are Becoming More Efficient 
    14:30 Smart Controllers and Zoning Systems 
    17:30 How Inverter Technology Saves Energy 
    19:30 How Air Conditioning Systems Are Sized 
    22:00 Ceiling Height and Home Design Considerations 
    23:00 What Actually Drives Air Conditioning Costs 
    25:30 Comparing Air Conditioning Brands 
    27:00 New Air Purification Technology in AC Systems 
    29:00 Insulation, Electrical Setup, and Installation Factors 
    32:00 Maintenance and Servicing Your System 
    33:30 Final Advice for Homeowners 

    About our guest 

    Daniel Nazroo is an experienced HVAC specialist with over 15 years in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry. Starting his career at just 19 as an apprentice refrigeration mechanic, Daniel quickly developed deep expertise in residential heating and cooling systems and went on to launch his own business soon after becoming fully qualified.  

    Daniel is particularly passionate about helping homeowners understand how air-conditioning systems actually work so they can make informed decisions when building or upgrading their homes. His practical, no-nonsense approach focuses on choosing the right system size, understanding airflow and ventilation, and avoiding the common mistakes that often lead to poor performance or unnecessary costs. 

    Advanced Air WA’s website: https://advancedairwa.com/ 
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advanced_air_wa/ 
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/advancedairwa 

     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. 

    36 min
  • Farmhouse Design: What to Know Before Building on Rural Land | Home Building Podcast

    Building a farmhouse or rural home can be one of the most rewarding projects you’ll ever undertake but it also comes with unique challenges most people don’t anticipate. 

    In this episode of the Home Building Podcast, we break down the key considerations when designing a rural property or farmhouse-style home. From zoning regulations and land constraints to bushfire ratings, services, site slope and layout planning there are many factors that can dramatically impact both design and cost. 

    If you're considering building outside the suburbs or on acreage, understanding these factors early can save you tens of thousands of dollars and major headaches during construction. 

    This episode walks through how to plan your home around the land, how to avoid hidden costs, and how to design a farmhouse layout that actually works for rural living. 

    25 min
  • Carpet: How to Choose Carpet – Domenic Condo | Home Building Podcast

    Choosing the right carpet for your home can feel overwhelming but it doesn't have to be. In this episode, we sit down with a flooring expert, Domemic Condo, from a long-standing family flooring business to break down everything you need to know before you buy. From understanding the difference between loop pile and cut pile (plush) carpets, to choosing between nylon and polypropylene fibres, Dom walks us through the key decisions that affect how your carpet looks, feels, and lasts. We also cover the often-overlooked importance of underlay, how to choose the right colour for your space, and which carpet types work best in different rooms of the home. 

    Whether you're building new, renovating, or simply replacing old carpet, this episode will give you the confidence to make the right call. 

    What you’ll learn:  

    • The three main carpet types and which suits your lifestyle 

    • The pros and cons of loop pile vs cut pile (plush) carpet 

    • Why nylon outperforms polypropylene and when it matters 

    • How underlay affects comfort, longevity, and value 

    • Tips for choosing carpet colours that work in your space 

    • Which rooms suit carpet vs hard flooring 

    • How to avoid common carpet-buying mistakes 

    Chapters:  

    00:50 About Dom and the family flooring business 

    02:30 The three main carpet types explained 

    04:00 Pros and cons of loop pile vs plush carpet 

    07:00 Installation: how carpet is laid 

    09:00 Carpet fibres: nylon vs polypropylene 

    13:00 How to choose the right carpet for each room 

    13:30 Why underlay matters more than you think 

    19:30 Choosing carpet colours for your home 

    22:00 Carpet in unusual spaces (laundry, home theatre, walls) 

    26:00 The 10K Question 

     

    About Our Guest: Dom is a flooring specialist from a family-owned flooring business with over 30+ years of industry experience.  

    Need Carpets? Contact Dom 👇🏽 

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

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

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Wall-to-Wall-Carpets-WA-100032362496995/ 

    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
  • Microcement, Wallpaper, Painting: Choosing the right wallpaper – Mark Hunt | Home Building Podcast

    In this episode, we sat down with Mark Hunt, an experienced painter and interior finish specialist, to talk about the overlooked details that completely transform a home. 

    From wallpaper mistakes and feature walls to microcement bathrooms and limewash finishes, Mark shares practical advice homeowners rarely hear before building or renovating. 

    We break down: 

    • How to choose wallpaper properly 

    • Why installation matters more than you think 

    • When feature walls elevate a space (and when they don’t) 

    • The truth about black doors, trendy colours and maintenance 

    • Microcement showers, benchtops and floors 

    • The difference between cheap and premium finishes 

    • And what Mark would do if he built his own home tomorrow 

    If you’re building, renovating, or designing your forever home, this episode will change how you think about interior finishes. 

    Chapters:  

    00:23 – Mark’s Background in Painting & Interiors 
    01:52 – From Basic Paint to Feature Finishes 
    03:58 – How to Properly Sample Paint Colours 
    05:34 – Modern Wallpaper Technology Explained 
    06:35 – Why Laser Measuring Beats Old School Methods 
    08:14 – Custom Murals & Statement Walls 
    09:26 – Wallpaper in Bathrooms & Showers 
    10:27 – Feature Walls: Where They Actually Work 
    11:02 – What Does Wallpaper Really Cost? 
    13:15 – Affordable vs Premium Wallpaper 
    15:25 – Limewash, Rag Rolling & Old-School Techniques 
    16:38 – Renovation Challenges & Surface Prep 
    18:16 – Bold Design vs Playing It Safe 
    20:42 – Cheap Wallpaper Mistakes to Avoid 
    21:18 – Why You Need a Professional Installer 
    23:25 – Panel Walls & Statement Installations 
    24:32 – Display Homes vs Real-World Wear & Tear 
    26:14 – Microcement: What It Is & Why It’s Trending 
    27:54 – Microcement in Showers & Wet Areas 
    29:03 – Maintenance & Resealing Explained 
    30:51 – Faux Stone, Benchtops & Creative Finishes 
    32:27 – Why All-White Homes Can Feel Flat 
    33:59 – Black Doors & High-Maintenance Finishes 
    36:26 – Surface Cracking & Common Issues 
    39:26 – Cost Per Square Metre for Specialty Finishes 
    41:50 – Driveways, Concrete & Exterior Options 
    44:20 – Industrial Finishes & Custom Effects 
    45:53 – Working Inside Clients’ Homes 
    48:10 – Mental Health in the Trades 
    50:16 – 10K Question 
    51:31 – Future-Proofing with Solar & Power Planning 
    52:00 – Final Advice for Homeowners 

    About Our Guest 

    Mark Hunt is an experienced painting and interior finishes specialist with decades of hands-on experience transforming homes across residential and renovation projects. 

    From traditional painting and wallpaper installation to specialty finishes like limewash, panel detailing and modern microcement applications, Mark has worked across everything from family homes to high-end custom builds. His depth of practical knowledge gives homeowners clarity on what works in the real world, not just what looks good in a showroom. 

    Known for his attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship, Mark is passionate about helping clients elevate their homes through thoughtful colour choices, texture, and durable finishes that stand the test of time. 

    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. 

    53 min
  • House Layout: Home Design for When You Don’t Have Kids (Or They’ve Moved Out)

    Not everyone building a home is designing for a growing family. 

    Whether you’re downsizing, living child-free by choice, flying in and out for work, or simply entering a new stage of life, your home should reflect your lifestyle, not someone else’s blueprint. 

    In this episode of the Home Building Podcast, we explore how to design a home specifically for a no-kids or post-kids lifestyle. From avoiding the common downsizing overcorrection, to designing dual-purpose rooms, smarter storage, low-maintenance gardens, and even dual key opportunities this episode is all about creating a home that works the way you actually live. 

    Downsizing doesn’t mean shrinking your lifestyle. It means refining it. 

    If you’re thinking about building or renovating and want to make smarter layout decisions for the long term... this one’s for you. 

    What you’ll learn:  

    • The biggest mistake people make when downsizing 

    • Why shrinking rooms isn’t the answer — and what to do instead 

    • How to design rooms for 50 weeks of the year (not 2) 

    • Smart ways to create dual-purpose spaces 

    • Why storage is still critical (even without kids at home) 

    • How layout positioning can simplify your lifestyle 

    • Low-maintenance design ideas for travellers 

    • Planning space for caravans, boats and lifestyle freedom 

    • How dual key designs create flexibility and rental income 

    • Why downsizing doesn’t mean compromising on quality 

    Chapters:  

    00:41 – The Downsizing Overcorrection Mistake 
    02:07 – Bigger Rooms, Fewer Rooms: A Smarter Approach 
    03:11 – Designing Rooms for 50 Weeks of the Year 
    04:26 – Why You Still Need Proper Storage 
    05:23 – Layout Strategy: Closing Off Spare Rooms 
    06:50 – Low Maintenance Living & Garden Planning 
    08:10 – Planning Space for Caravans & Lifestyle Gear 
    09:03 – Bonus Tip: Semi-Ensuite & Guest Flexibility 
    09:37 – Dual Key Design: Income & Resale Advantages 
    10:42 – Downsizing Without Compromising Your Lifestyle 

    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. 

    12 min
  • Flooring Types: Choosing the right flooring - Robin Wobbe | Home Building Podcast

    Flooring is one of the most misunderstood decisions in home building. In this episode of The Home Building Podcast, we sit down with Robin Wobbe from Trevor’s Carpets to break down the real differences between hybrid flooring, vinyl plank, engineered timber, solid timber, and carpet. 

    We cover common misconceptions pushed by builders, why certain products look great on paper but fail in real homes, how finishes like scotia and trims can make or break a design, and what flooring actually suits families, investors, renovations, and forever homes. 

    If you are building, renovating, or even just planning ahead, this episode will save you from expensive mistakes and disappointing finishes. 

    What you’ll learn:  

    • The real difference between hybrid flooring and vinyl plank 

    • Why floating floors behave differently to glued down floors 

    • When vinyl plank outperforms hybrid flooring visually and practically 

    • The pros and cons of engineered timber vs solid timber floors 

    • Why pattern repeats matter and how installers manage them 

    • How sunlight, heat, and moisture impact every flooring type 

    • Flooring mistakes that instantly cheapen high end homes 

    • What flooring works best for families, pets, rentals, and investors 

    • Why staircases limit your flooring choices more than you think 

    • How to approach flooring when renovating older homes with existing timber floors 

    Chapters:  

    01:30 – Robin’s background and experience in flooring 
    03:40 – Why flooring advice from builders can be misleading 
    05:00 – Floating floors vs glued down floors explained 
    06:30 – Hybrid flooring vs vinyl plank: the real differences 
    09:00 – Why trims, scotia, and transitions matter more than people think 
    11:00 – Vinyl plank finishes and why they look more like timber 
    13:15 – Engineered timber vs solid timber flooring 
    16:40 – Acclimatising timber floors and avoiding failures 
    18:45 – Sunlight, heat, and moisture: what damages floors most 
    21:40 – Flooring timing in new builds and why things go wrong 
    23:00 – Carpet types explained for homes and investments 
    26:00 – Choosing carpet for kids, pets, and allergies 
    28:40 – Colour choices and hiding wear over time 
    31:00 – Flooring advice builders often oversimplify 
    33:40 – Flooring on staircases and why timber is often the only option 
    37:20 – Renovations: old timber floors vs new extensions 
    41:00 – Direction, patterns, and layout decisions 
    44:00 – Scotia, skirting, and finishing details that elevate homes 
    46:20 – Final advice before choosing your flooring 

    About Our Guest 

    Robin Wobbe is the Sales Manager at Trevor’s Carpets and has over a decade of hands on experience across residential, commercial, and multi residential flooring projects. 

    Having worked his way through sales, management, and technical flooring applications, Robin specialises in helping homeowners choose flooring based on lifestyle, longevity, and real world performance rather than trends or marketing buzzwords. 

    Robin and the team at Trevor’s Carpets are known for their practical, honest advice across carpet, vinyl plank, hybrid flooring, and timber floors, making them a trusted resource for both homeowners and industry professionals. 


    Get in touch with Trevors Carpets 

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

    Socials: Facebook | Instagram 

    Robin Wobbe Photography: https://www.instagram.com/bosswobphotography 


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    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 

    51 min
  • Builder Selection: Choosing the Right Builder in 2026 | Home Building Podcast

    Choosing a builder is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when building or renovating a home and it’s also where most people get it wrong. In this episode, we break down how to think about the building industry, the different types of builders, and the real criteria that actually matter when selecting who to trust with your home. 

    We talk through fixed price vs cost plus, small vs medium vs large builders, and why technical capability alone isn’t enough. Most importantly, we unpack the one question that cuts through everything: would you personally trust this builder to build your own home? 

    This episode is designed to help homeowners feel more confident, ask better questions, and avoid common traps when choosing a builder. 

    What you’ll learn: 

    • The different categories of builders and how they impact your project 

    • Fixed price vs cost plus contracts explained simply 

    • Why experience in your specific project type matters more than size 

    • The 7 key criteria to use when assessing builders 

    • Why communication and character matter as much as build quality 

    • The ultimate litmus test to decide if a builder is right for you 

    Chapters 
    00:27 Why choosing the right builder matters 
    02:10 Understanding the building industry landscape 
    05:40 Small, medium, and large builders explained 
    09:20 Fixed price vs cost plus contracts 
    13:05 Why builder experience in your project type is critical 
    16:40 The 7 criteria to assess any builder 
    20:55 Build quality, value, and timeframes 
    24:10 Communication and responsiveness on site 
    27:40 The most important question to ask about a builder 

    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 

    31 min
  • Subdivisions & Planning: Watch This Before You Build or Subdivide - Benedict McCarthy | HBP

    Building or subdividing in Western Australia can feel overwhelming. Planning approvals, building approvals, council policies, R-Codes, neighbour sign-offs, subdivisions, strata titles… it’s a lot. 

    In this episode of The Home Building Podcast, we’re joined by Benedict McCarthy from Planning Horizons, a town planner with over 25 years of experience working across local government, construction, and private consultancy. 

    We break down: 

    • The difference between planning approval and building approval 
    • When you can avoid planning altogether 
    • Why councils say no (even when neighbours were approved) 
    • How performance-based planning actually works 
    • Common mistakes that delay builds by months 
    • Subdivision options: green title, survey strata, strata 
    • What subdivision really costs in WA
    • Why street trees, setbacks, and services can kill projects
    • When SAT (State Administrative Tribunal) makes sense and when it doesn’t

    Chapter

    01:05 – Ben McCarthy’s background in planning & construction 

    02:42 – Planning vs building approval explained simply 

    04:43 – Why every council is different (and why it matters) 

    05:50 – The danger of missing one line in a policy 

    07:06 – Informal council rules nobody tells you about 

    08:49 – Deemed-to-comply vs performance-based planning 

    10:17 – How planners justify variations successfully 

    11:42 – When you can skip planning altogether 

    12:43 – Why planning delays builds by months 

    13:51 – When planning is worth it for your own home 

    15:13 – How far is too far when pushing council rules 

    17:52 – Why neighbours matter more than you think 

    19:42 – How council assesses planning applications 

    21:37 – When applications go to full council 

    22:55 – SAT explained: mediation vs tribunal 

    24:25 – When SAT is worth it (and when it isn’t) 

    26:04 – Real example: boundary walls & policy contradictions 

    28:38 – Why precedent means nothing anymore 

    31:37 – How to avoid planning entirely with smarter design 

    33:16 – Neighbour consent (BA20) explained 

    36:39 – Green title vs survey strata vs strata 

    39:09 – When strata actually makes sense 

    40:54 – Subdivision layout options explained 

    41:26 – First questions to ask before subdividing 

    42:35 – Minimum access widths & driveway rules 

    44:03 – Why surveys are critical before you start 

    45:19 – R-Code densities explained simply 

    47:00 – Subdivision approval process step-by-step 

    50:47 – The real cost of services & infrastructure 

    52:05 – Why subdivisions take 6–12 months 

    54:16 – Retain or demolish? What makes more sense 

    55:21 – Capital gains tax traps to avoid 

    56:46 – Side-by-side vs rear battle-axe lots 

    58:01 – Why verge trees can kill developments 

    01:02:41 – Driveway, drainage & infrastructure pitfalls 

    01:05:16 – Why expert advice saves money long term 

    01:06:01 – Due diligence tips before buying

    01:07:01 – Final question: $10k to spend on your home 

    About Our Guest 

    Benedict McCarthy is the Director of Planning Horizons and a highly experienced town planner with over 25 years in the industry. Having worked in both local government and private consultancy, Ben brings a rare, practical perspective on how councils actually assess planning applications. 

    Find out more about Benedict

    Website: https://www.planninghorizonswa.com.au/ 
    Socials: Facebook | Instagram 

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    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/  

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    1 hr 10 min

About Home Building Podcast

From the publisher's feed

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