Home Building Podcast

Choose the right stone benchtop with confidence. In this episode we sit down with Ty Pyror from Asetica, to beak down one of the most confusing decisions in modern home design, choosing your kitchen benchtops. 

From the rise of porcelain and sintered stone to the truth about engineered stone bans, maintenance, pricing, and durability, Ty shares insider insights every homeowner should know before locking in materials with their builder. 

Chapters: 

01:00 – The truth about modern stone choices 
03:00 – Engineered stone vs porcelain vs natural stone 
07:00 – Why so much confusion exists in the industry 
12:00 – What to do when your builder says “we don’t use that product” 
17:00 – Understanding fabricators, stonemasons, and quotes 
22:00 – How to save money on benchtops 
26:00 – Splashbacks: the most underrated kitchen feature 
33:00 – Ty’s tips for finding a trusted supplier 
37:00 – The $10k question  
38:30 – Closing thoughts and where to find Asetica Stone 

About Our Guest 

Ty's is the Head of Growth & Brand at Asetica, a supplier of sintered and porcelain surfaces that combine European craftsmanship with everyday practicality. 

With over a decade in the stone and interiors industry, Ty has seen the evolution of Australia’s benchtop market firsthand from the early days of engineered stone to the new wave of durable, low-maintenance materials. 

His mission is simple: to help builders, designers, and homeowners make smarter choices that look beautiful, perform better, and last longer. 

Asetica’s website: https://asetica.com.au/ 

Socials: Facebook | Instagram  

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Need 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 

In this episode of The Home Building Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Santich, an architectural designer with over 20 years of experience, to unpack what really makes a home feel amazing to live in. 

From ceiling heights to skylights, contrast, and clever design tricks, Andy shares how thoughtful decisions can completely transform a home’s comfort, light, and flow without blowing your budget. 

We also talk about what drives great design, how to balance creativity with cost, and what truly motivates designers to keep creating homes that make people happy. 

If you’re thinking about designing your dream home or just want to understand how to make your space feel bigger, brighter, and better, this episode is a must-listen. 

Chapters: 

00:17 – Why good design matters 
01:00 – What makes a home feel “cozy” vs “open” 
03:45 – Ceiling heights, contrast, and flow 
07:30 – Skylights and the power of natural light 
10:50 – Designing for comfort and proportion 
14:30 – Balancing budget and creativity 
18:20 – Andy’s 20 years in design: what’s changed 
22:45 – The joy of problem solving in home design 
26:00 – Rapid-fire question: “What would you spend $10k on?” 
28:30 – Final thoughts and closing 

About the guest 

Andy is one of our Client Advocates at Independent Building Advice, with over 20 years in building industry. Known for his calm approach and deep understanding of client needs, Andy specialises in creating homes that feel spacious, functional, and full of natural light no matter the budget. 

At IBA he guides clients from their first design meeting through to builder selection and construction, ensuring every plan balance creativity, practicality, and cost transparency. His passion lies in solving design challenges and helping homeowners feel confident about every decision they make. 

Found the episode useful? 
If you enjoyed the episode, please share & leave a review. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need 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 

Ben Black, owner of Total Homes Inspections, dives into the world of building inspections and covers what’s important & what he’s seeing in the construction industry right now. From good; to bad; to ugly, Ben has seen it all and wants to help homeowners & builders alike to produce quality work.

Getting an independent building inspection might feel awkward like you’re checking up on your builder. But in reality, it’s one of the smartest decisions you can make when building or renovating your home.

Chapters:

00:23 Why Building Inspections Matter 
01:00 Ben’s Background 
03:27 The Key Stages for Inspections 
06:04 What Happens at Practical Completion 
07:09 When Things Go Wrong Without Inspections 
09:48 Do Inspections Upset Builders? 
11:38 The Problem with Unqualified Inspectors 
13:46 Over-Reporting vs. Real Issues 
15:39 The Maintenance Period Debate (6 vs 12 Months) 
17:41 Why Early Inspections Save You Later 
20:14 Pre-Purchase Inspections & Common Non-Compliance Issues 
23:24 The Wild Side of Inspections 
24:40 Why Inspections Protect You if Builders Collapse 
26:09 On-Site Shockers & Industry Standards 
29:06 Quality Builders vs. Cowboys 
31:13 Do Builders Lift Their Game When Inspected? 
32:35 When Builders Ignore Defects 
35:27 Inspectors as Mediators, Not Enemies 
37:04 The $10,000 Question

About the Guest 

Ben Black is a registered builder and building inspector with 30+ years of experience in the WA construction industry. As the founder of Total Homes Inspections, he’s completed over 6,000 inspections helping homeowners build with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.

Contact Total Home Inspection  

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

Socials: Facebook | LinkedIn  

Found the episode useful? 
If you enjoyed the episode, please share & leave a review. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need 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 

Behan sits down with Josie Martin, owner of Decor Avenue, kitchen designer and cabinetmaker with over 20 years of hands-on experience. They dive into what really makes a kitchen functional, beautiful, and built to last. From how wide your island bench should be to whether pot drawers are worth it, Josie shares expert advice on layout, budgeting, and materials that will save you time, money, and stress. They also dive into the latest design trends, like fluted paneling, curved benchtops, and porcelain splash backs plus the common kitchen mistakes that look great on paper but fail in real life. 

Chapters:  

01:10 – Meet Josie from Décor Avenue 
02:20 – How she got started in kitchen design 
04:00 – What makes a kitchen actually functional 
06:35 – Island bench sizing & walkways 
09:10 – The problem with “too many drawers” 
11:45 – Storage design that fits your lifestyle 
14:20 – Hidden costs people forget when designing a kitchen 
16:55 – Latest kitchen trends: fluted panels, curves & porcelain 
20:25 – Stone benchtops vs engineered options 
23:05 – Why lighting can make or break your kitchen 
25:30 – The most common design mistakes homeowners make 
28:15 – Josie's advice for anyone about to start designing 
30:10 – The $10K home improvement question 
 
About Our Guest:  Josie Martin

With over 20 years of experience in the interior design industry, Josie is the creative force behind Decor Avenue an Australian design studio known for not being afraid of colour. Specialising in unforgettable Airbnb fitouts and home renovations, Josie blends practical building knowledge, good listening skills and a passion for everything interior design to create the best spaces possible for her clients. Whether it’s a cozy sanctuary or a chef-worthy kitchen, her work is all about transforming spaces into unique, feel-good homes that clients are proud of. At Decor Avenue, Josie empowers clients to make selections they would not normally chose themselves, always focusing on colour, practicality, comfort, and a five-star experience. 

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

Socials: Instagram | Facebook 
 
Found the episode useful? 
If you enjoyed the episode, please share & leave a review. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need 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 

In this episode of The Home Building Podcast, Behan sits down with David Bergen from DB2 Pest Control to uncover one of the most expensive risks facing Aussie homeowners: termites. 

Termites cause over $1 billion worth of damage to 650,000 homes every year and none of it is covered by insurance. David explains why these pests are so dangerous, how to spot the hidden signs before it’s too late, and the biggest mistakes homeowners make that invite termites straight into their homes. 

Whether you’re building new, renovating, or maintaining your current home, this episode will give you practical tips to protect your most important investment. 

⏱️ Chapters 

00:00 – Intro & welcome 
01:05 – Meet David Bergen, DB2 Pest Control 
02:40 – Why termites aren’t covered by insurance 
05:14 – How termites get into your home 
08:30 – The “clicking in the walls” story 
12:47 – Common homeowner mistakes (like wood piles) 
16:25 – Why spraying termites makes it worse 
20:33 – What an inspection really involves 
25:12 – Prevention vs treatment costs 
29:45 – Termite stats: $1 billion a year in damage 
32:18 – David’s $10K home improvement answer 

About Our Guest:  

David Bergen is the owner of DB2 Pest Control, a trusted Perth-based company specialising in termite management and home protection. With years of hands-on experience, David has seen firsthand the devastating impact termites can have on Australian homes causing billions in damage each year, none of which is covered by insurance. 

Reach out to David via https://dbtwo.com.au/  

Follow their socials https://www.facebook.com/db2pestcontrolandbuildinginspections/ 

Found the episode useful? 
If you enjoyed the episode, please share & leave a review. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need 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 

One of the biggest challenges homeowners face is: debt. Behan sits down with financial expert & owner of Financial Management 101, Karen Adams, to explore what it takes to become financially in control for homeowners balancing life.  

Karen discloses several strategies & tactics she teaches to help people to live a life free of money stress. If you’ve ever felt stressed about your mortgage, struggled to pay off credit cards, or wondered how to build financial security while still enjoying life, this episode will give you a clear, practical roadmap. 

**Disclaimer** – The information discussed on the podcast is general information only. You should consult with a qualified financial professional to assess your individual circumstance. 

Chapters:  

00:23 – Why finance matters as much as design in building a home 
01:05 – Introducing Karen Adams (Financial Coach, Financial Management 101) 
02:04 – Interest rates then vs now: what’s changed 
03:31 – The difference between good debt and bad debt 
05:01 – The trap of “small payments” thinking 
07:08 – How banks profit off credit card debt 
08:24 – Credit cards vs debit cards: what’s safer? 
09:56 – Debt reduction strategies: snowball vs avalanche 
13:31 – The importance of accountability and financial coaching 
17:34 – Why mindset is 80% of the money battle 
19:13 – How to make budgeting less painful 
21:17 – Celebrating wins while paying off debt 
22:47 – Why couples must align on money goals 
24:16 – Using visual budgeting tools to stay on track 
26:26 – Should you roll credit card debt into your mortgage? 
30:20 – Why “band-aid” fixes don’t solve financial habits 
34:13 – How offset accounts really work 
40:14 – Getting in front: savings buffers & emergency funds 
42:00 – The power of 3–6 months of expenses in savings 
44:09 – Starting your investment journey after debt 
45:47 – Karen’s $10K home improvement answer 

About Our Guest 

Karen Adams is a financial coach and educator who helps everyday Australians take control of their money and break free from the stress of debt. With years of experience guiding clients through budgeting, debt repayment, and financial goal-setting, Karen specialises in teaching practical, easy-to-implement strategies like the snowball and avalanche methods to eliminate debt faster. 

Get in touch with Karen 👇🏽 

https://financialmanagement101.com.au/ 

Follow Karen on socials 📱 

Linkedin | YouTube | Instagram 

Found the episode useful? 
If you enjoyed the episode, please share & leave a review. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need 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 

Buying the right home for you can be a very challenging and stressful time. But it doesn't have to be with the right help. In this episode of Home Building Podcast, Behan sits with buyer’s agent David Keay to unpack the role of a buyer’s agent and why they’re becoming a powerful tool in today’s competitive market. From off-market deals to navigating negotiations, David explains how he helps clients cut through the noise, avoid emotional mistakes, and secure the right property at the right price. Whether you’re building, renovating, investing, or looking for your forever home, this conversation will show you how a buyer’s agent can give you the edge.  

Chapters:

00:23 – Why it’s hard to find the right property  

01:13 – Introducing David Kaye, Buyer’s Agent  

02:00 – What does a buyer’s agent actually do?  

04:41 – High growth vs high yield property strategies  

05:59 – Off-market and pre-market opportunities explained  

07:35 – Why some sellers choose pre-market sales  

09:14 – Helping clients see past “ugly” properties  

11:17 – Taking emotion out of buying decisions  

13:13 – Negotiation tactics & levelling the playing field  

15:01 – The “bridesmaid effect” in suburbs  

17:06 – Beating the crowds: inspecting before home opens  

19:09 – Structuring deals beyond price  

19:42 – How buyer’s agents charge fees  

22:13 – Setting client expectations in a fast-moving market  

23:32 – Speed & due diligence in property buying  

25:01 – Case study: Avoiding hidden pitfalls  

26:26 – Where David operates (Perth, Bunbury, Geraldton)  

27:06 – Why his background gives clients an edge  

28:24 – The 10K Question  

About our Guest:  

David Kaye is a Perth-based buyer’s agent who specialises in helping clients secure the right property at the right price. With years of experience working across Perth, Bunbury, and Geraldton, David guides homebuyers and investors through the entire process.  

Found the episode useful? 
If you enjoyed the episode, please share & leave a review. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

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

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

Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

In this episode of The Home Building Podcast, Behan is joined by Peter Wiedermann, a pool industry veteran with 30+ years of experience as a builder, technician, and consultant.  

They dive into everything you need to know if you’re planning a pool for your new build or renovation, including: 

What they talk about: 
✅ Concrete vs fibreglass pools - which is right for your block? 
✅ The hidden risks of “natural” pools (and why they don’t work in WA) 
✅ Approvals, fencing rules & common council headaches 
✅ Pool safety essentials every parent must know 
✅ Heating, maintenance, and how to avoid costly mistakes 

Whether you’re dreaming of a plunge pool, building a backyard oasis, or simply maintaining an existing pool, this episode is packed with expert insights to save you stress, money, and risk. 

Chapters 

00:23 – Why pools should be part of the home design, not an afterthought 
01:05 – Meet Peter: 30+ years in the pool industry 
02:32 – A pool that looked perfect but wasn’t safe 
04:02 – Consulting for new pool builds & purchases 
04:44 – First question to ask: what’s the pool’s purpose? 
05:08 – Plunge pools & ice bath trend 
06:20 – Concrete vs fibreglass pools 
08:40 – The truth about “natural” pools 
10:49 – How close can a pool be to the house? 
13:13 – Approvals, councils & fencing headaches 
16:02 – Aboveground pools: pros & cons 
18:12 – Teaching kids to swim & supervision rules 
20:16 – Designing visibility into your pool area 
23:14 – Pool fencing mistakes (planter beds, trench fences) 
25:14 – Pool colours, safety & temperature differences 
29:03 – Heating options: solar, gas, heat pumps 
33:22 – Infinity pools: pros, cons & hidden issues 
39:04 – Ponds vs pools & council rules 
41:08 – Existing pool maintenance mistakes 
44:13 – Chlorine vs chloramines (why smell ≠ safe) 
45:53 – Saltwater vs chlorine pools (myths busted) 
47:07 – Alternative sanitation (ionisers & copper/silver systems) 
48:36 – Easements & why you can’t build pools over them 
52:01 – Pool access challenges & cranes over houses 
55:07 – Tips for maintaining your pool year-round 
59:16 – The $10k question: Peter’s surprising answer 

About Our Guest:  

Peter Weirdermann brings over 30 years' experience as a pool builder & technician and Australian host of “Monday’s Down Under” on the Talking Pools Podcast, rated in the top 1.5% podcast globally, for all pool professionals around the world. 

Enjoyed the episode? 
If you enjoyed the episode, please share & leave a review. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you. 

Need 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 

Your electrical planning can either future proof your home or annoy you every single time you reach for the light switch. When it comes to building or renovating, it’s often the small details that create the biggest frustrations down the track so in this episode of The Home Building Podcast, Behan sits down with very experienced electrician Tim Learbuch, owner of Learings Electrical to share practical tips on electrical layout, power point location, switches, lighting, and futureproofing that can save you money and headaches later. 

From avoiding the “bed locked to one wall forever” mistake, to why a $20 decision during construction can cost you $500 later, this episode covers the real-world advice every homeowner should hear before building. 

Chapters:  

00:03 – Why electrical planning is critical when building 
00:04 – Guest intro: Tim Lee from Living Electrical 
00:07 – The $20 PowerPoint mistake that costs $500 later 
00:13 – Planning for future lighting with junction boxes 
00:16 – Why “I’ll do it later” never happens 
00:19 – Smarter switch layouts & dimmers 
00:23 – Drawing furniture into your plans to avoid mistakes 
00:27 – Lifestyle scenarios & security lighting 
00:31 – Outdoor electrics: pools, landscaping & Christmas lights 
00:44 – Future-proofing for solar, EVs & batteries 
00:49 – Subdivision headaches & temporary power 
00:52 – Overhead vs underground power & three-phase 

About the Guest: 

Tim Learbuch, owner of Learings Electrical, with over 24 years of experiences is dedicated to helping home owners understand what they need out of there electrical system. Not just what a builder or lighting designer throws onto a plan for them to sign off. 

Get in touch with Tim: 

Learings Electrical 

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

Socials: Facebook 

Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au  

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

Follow us on socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

In this episode of The Home Building Podcast, Behan sits down with Premici, General Manager of Home Base Design & Build Centre in Subiaco, Perth. Australia’s largest home design and build centre.

They dive into:

✅ Why Home Base has become WA’s go-to hub for builders, renovators, and designers.

✅ How thousands of products, showrooms, and courses under one roof can save you time, money, and stress.

✅ Tips on getting the most out of your visit — from free design consults to hidden gems you won’t find online.

Whether you’re building, renovating, or just looking for inspiration, Home Base is a one-stop destination to kickstart your ideas and connect with experts.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

02:35 – Where do I start with ideas & inspiration?

03:18 – Welcome to Home Base

04:54 – The history of Home Base (30+ years in Perth)

05:56 – What makes Home Base unique (200+ brands under one roof)

08:05 – Discovering products you didn’t know existed

09:24 – Finding hidden gems & new inspiration11:01 – Why Home Base works better than display villages

13:10 – Who uses Home Base (first home buyers → downsizers)

15:18 – Free services & affordable design courses

19:00 – Why seeing and touching products beats online browsing

21:17 – Kitchens, bathrooms & 25+ showrooms in one place

22:49 – How brands showcase products to inspire clients

25:10 – Best way to navigate your visit (maps, QR codes, consultants)

27:29 – Making building fun & less overwhelming

28:05 – $10,000 question: where would you spend it?

31:20 – Wrap-up & why professional design advice pays off

About our guest:

Gino Premici has been with Home Base for over 12 years. Gino's has an experienced background in Marketing and Brand Management. His love for built design comes from his father, a proud Bricklayer/Builder for over 60 years. In between his time managing Home Base in Subiaco, Gino is very visual, driven by the ability drive change through creative vision, taking inspiration from travelling experiences in retail & hospitality.

Home Base Design & Build Centre: https://www.homebaseperth.com.au

Follow them on socials:  ⁨@HomeBasePerth⁩ 

Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au

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

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @independentbuildingadvice