Mindful Builder

Have you ever felt like you're burning the candle at both ends and you aren’t sure how long you can keep it up? Trust us, you're not alone.

It’s easy to push ourselves too far with work and neglect our mental health. It might not seem like a huge deal in the moment but it’s a quick path to burnout. 

We recently sat down with, we sat down with Kyle Zanetto, a Tasmanian building business owner, who has experienced it all—burnout, breakdowns, and the balance it takes to keep it all together. This story is raw, real, and packed with insights you'll want to carry with you.

Kyle kicked off by sharing a bit about his professional journey. At just 31, he's already led Zanetto Builders through seven successful years, becoming a well-respected name in Tasmania’s custom home space. But as glamorous as that sounds, the path to getting there was paved with more than just hard work and skill—it was strewn with personal sacrifices and intense mental health struggles.

His lowest point came in 2020, when the juggle of a growing business and competitive bodybuilding pushed him to severe burnout.  "I was building my house, doing a bodybuilding competition, and running the business. I was on steroids, getting five hours of sleep a night, and my personal life was falling apart," Kyle shared. "It all came to a head when I made the huge mistake of cheating on my partner, and that’s when my life spiraled out of control." Things got so bad Kyle contemplated ending his life, but thankfully two close friends reached out to him with support and helped turn things around.

It wasn’t an overnight change though. After his breakdown, Kyle spent weeks rebuilding his life, seeking therapy, and learning to prioritise his mental health. This journey led him to develop a new vision for his business. Now, he focuses on creating a company so robust that it can accommodate the dreams and aspirations of all his employees, making sure they have a stable and supportive environment.

Practical Takeaways

1. Routine and Structure: Kyle emphasised the importance of a structured routine. From blocking out time for specific tasks to maintaining a work-life balance, these steps were crucial in helping him manage his responsibilities more effectively.

2. Know Your Worth: One of Kyle's strategies was to evaluate whether he was spending his time on tasks that matched his value to the business. If a task could be handled by someone else for a lower cost, he delegated it, allowing him to focus on high-value activities.

3. Support Systems Matter: Kyle’s story is a testament to the power of reaching out and surrounding yourself with people who care. His friends didn't just offer emotional support; they helped him navigate through some of the darkest periods of his life.

 We hope Kyle’s story resonates with you as much as it did with us. Burnout is a serious issue, and it’s crucial to recognise the signs early and take steps to address it. Remember, there are always people who care about you, even when you think there aren’t.

Let’s keep this conversation going. Share your experiences, reach out to someone who might be struggling, and never underestimate the power of a supportive community. Here's to rebuilding stronger, together

LINKS:

Connect with our Guest: 

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

Instagram: @ZanettoBuilders

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

We’ve got a bonus episode for you today because it’s R U OK? Day.

If you aren’t familiar with R U OK? Day, it’s a day dedicated to checking in on your mates and yourself.

The construction industry is incredibly demanding and it’s easy for mental health to take a back seat, but days like this remind us how important it is to be there for each other – not just once a year but as an everyday priority.  We’re joined by our good friend, the incredibly knowledgeable Julie to break down how to have these conversations.

We know it can be hard to ask someone if they’re okay, especially if you fear making things worse. Julie reassures us that the worst thing we can do is to avoid asking at all. Simple, genuine questions like, "You don’t seem yourself lately, is everything okay?" can open the door for someone to share their struggles.

One of the barriers in our industry is the cultural expectation to be tough and self-reliant. Many of us shrug off issues by saying, "I’m fine," even when we’re not. If you get this response, persistence is key. Follow-up is crucial. Let them know you're genuinely there for them, and don't hesitate to check in again later. Over time, this persistence can prove to someone that our concern is genuine, making them more likely to open up.

What to Do When Things Get Serious

If someone opens up to you about serious issues, such as suicidal thoughts, it's essential to stay calm and listen. While it’s a heavy topic, Julie reminds us that asking about suicidal thoughts does not increase the risk of someone taking their own life. Instead, it can provide them relief by showing they’re not alone. Express your concern and support, and guide them towards professional help, like their GP or a counsellor.  

To create real change in the building industry, we need to foster a supportive environment.  So, if you’re noticing someone who might be struggling, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed yourself, now is the time to take that first step. Reach out, ask the question, and make a difference. You don't have to be a professional to make a difference. Just being a caring human being who reaches out can have a significant impact.

LINKS:

Learn more about R U OK? Day: http://www.ruok.org.au/

Connect with our Guest: 

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

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Ever been frustrated by how ridiculously expensive it is to access Australian building standards? Yeah, us too. Imagine being hit with a $330 bill just to access ONE building standard—it's maddening!

We recently sat down with Laura Tanova, a building surveyor with nearly two decades of experience, to dig into what’s going on here and how it impacts everyone in the industry. Spoiler alert: things can get pretty complicated and finding the answers you need is not always easy. Trust us; This is one conversation you don’t want to miss!

We kicked off our discussion with a question many of us have wondered about: “Why do some surveyors go through the details meticulously, while others don’t?” Laura explained that it boils down to the individual surveyors' backgrounds and the changing industry standards. Surveyors who began their careers at different times might have differing degrees of adherence to detail, largely influenced by the level of regulation at their entry point into the profession. While ideally, every building surveyor would work to the same high standard, unfortunately, that’s just not the case.

The Cost Barrier

We then circled back to the biggest issue for builders: how expensive it is to access these standards. The necessity of these standards for ensuring quality and safety is undisputed, but their price leaves many builders relying on older out-of-date versions that don’t consider recent advancements or legislation in building practices. It's absurd that in an industry where compliance is critical, accessing the latest standards costs an arm and a leg.

Navigating the Maze of Regulations

The conversation then turned to whether these expensive standards are even worth it for those who can afford them.  Laura pointed out that while the National Construction Code (NCC) is supposed to be nationally mandated, different states can choose to adopt parts of it selectively. This selective adoption causes significant confusion and delay, making an already complex system even harder to navigate. As Laura explained, “We’re about to go into NCC 2025, and some states haven’t even taken up 2022.”

Because of this disparity, the code often doesn’t reflect the latest advancements in building technology. Laura mentioned specific challenges like condensation management and roof space ventilation, which are often poorly addressed in the standards. These issues can create additional burdens for builders who may need to seek performance solutions to meet compliance.

Given these challenges, what’s the way forward? Education and accessibility should be at the forefront. Laura advocates for making standards more accessible, perhaps through a reasonable subscription model that includes online access for registered builders. This approach would align with the industry's needs and support builders to work at their best.

 We know this topic can be frustrating, it frustrates us, but we also hope it helps to hear from professionals like Laura who are committed to pushing the industry forward. Remember to use your voice too and keep advocating for the changes we need.

LINKS:

Connect with our Guest: 

Website: https://deemedtoperform.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deemed-to-perform-consulting/

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Today we’re joined by good friend and psychologist, Julie Mounter to discuss a topic that’s often misunderstood but incredibly powerful: mindfulness. If you’ve ever dismissed mindfulness as "woo woo" nonsense, stick around—this conversation will change your mind.

Julie kicked things off by explaining that mindfulness is essentially cultivating a practice of awareness—becoming aware of your thoughts and feelings from a distance rather than getting entangled in them. Julie also assured us that, despite some common misconceptions, mindfulness is firmly grounded in scientific research.

Numerous studies illustrate its benefits, including increased grey matter in the brain, which is linked to memory, empathy, and stress regulation. It also decreases activity in the amygdala, the brain's stress-response centre.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses have become a popular way to learn and practice mindfulness. Julie highly recommends these structured programs for those looking to dive deeper.

Real-Life Applications of Mindfulness

Mindfulness doesn’t look the same for everyone so we went through some of the different ways it can be practiced. Julie highlighted breathing exercises and mindful eating as simple starting points. By focusing on the taste, texture, and sensation of what we're eating, we can become more grounded and move away from racing thoughts. Whatever you’re doing, the key is to engage fully with the present moment, paying attention to the sensations of the activity.

Hamish shared that gardening and exercise are activities that he finds incredibly grounding, and Julie confirmed that these can be mindful activities if approached correctly.  By focusing on the sensations—be it the bend in your knee while walking or the texture of the soil in your garden—you can shift your attention from racing thoughts to your physical experience.

Julie even took us through a simple mindfulness exercise involving our five senses. It’s something anyone can do, even while driving or working on-site. Here’s a quick rundown:

Sight: Identify five things you can see.

Sound: Listen for four distinct sounds.

Smell: Notice three different smells.

Taste: Recognise two tastes in your mouth.

Touch: Feel the texture of one object nearby as if it’s your first time touching it.

This practice helps ground you in the present moment, making it an excellent tool for quick mental resets during a busy day.

 The Big Question: Does Mindfulness Work for Everyone?

While not everyone may find traditional mindfulness practices easy, Julie believes most people can benefit from some form of mindful activity. The key is to find what works for you and make it a consistent practice. An easy way to do this is to attach your mindfulness to a daily task. For example, practising mindfulness after turning off your alarm in the morning or during your commute to work. Setting reminders can also serve as a helpful nudge.

We hope this episode helps to demystify mindfulness and encourage more people to give it a try. Whether it’s through a structured course or simply appreciating a coffee mug’s warmth, the benefits are there for anyone willing to take that first step.

LINKS:

Connect with our Guest: 

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

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

What if I told you that a home could be energy-efficient, comfortable year-round, and environmentally sound—all without breaking the bank?

Well if you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, you already know the answer is passive houses. We’re both really passionate about passive house building, but we know there is a lot of misinformation out there, so we sat down with building physics expert Dr Cameron Munroe to clear things up. 

First things first, what exactly is a Passive House? Many people think building a Passive House is about slapping on some extra insulation and calling it a day, but there’s way more to it. The fundamentals include five key principles: superior insulation, high-performance windows, airtightness, thermal bridge-free construction, and consistent ventilation with heat recovery.

These aren’t new concepts; they've been around for decades. What makes Passive House unique is its systematic approach to integrating these elements to ensure the building performs exceptionally well.

One major misconception is that Passive Houses are prohibitively expensive. Let's debunk that right now. Building in 2024 is expensive, full stop. But when you compare a custom-built, high-performance Passive House to a traditional custom home, the cost difference can be negligible. The crucial point here is that you're getting more bang for your buck. A better-performing building justifies the higher initial investment through long-term heating, cooling, and maintenance savings.

Another myth is that airtight buildings have poor air quality. This couldn't be further from the truth. Passive Houses employ Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) systems, which ensure a constant supply of fresh, filtered air. So even when outdoor conditions are far from ideal—like during a smoke-filled bushfire season—you’re breathing easy inside.

Some believe that opting for a Passive House means sealing yourself in an airtight box and never opening windows. In reality, Passive Houses give you the freedom of choice. You can open your windows whenever you like, but thanks to the HRV system, you won't need to for ventilation purposes. This way, during those beautiful spring days, you can still let in the fresh air and hear the birds sing without compromising the home's performance.

You might be wondering if all these efforts and investments are worth it without clear certification. According to Dr. Cameron Munroe and the Passive House Institute, certification is essential to ensure that all criteria have been met. Without it, calling your home a Passive House doesn't hold much water. Certification provides a seal of quality, confirming your home’s superior performance and airtight construction.

In our experience working with Passive Houses, we’ve found them to be the easiest and most rewarding projects. The goal is clear, the team is unified, and the end result is a home that offers unparalleled comfort, cost savings, and sustainability. If you’re thinking about building or renovating, consider making it a Passive House—it might just be the best decision you ever make for your home.

LINKS:

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Homes in Australia aren’t being built to a high enough standard.

The building industry prioritises quantity over quality so there’s no time for care or craftsmanship. That’s why we sat down with Brian and Simon from the Sustainable Builders Alliance, an organisation dedicated to promoting high-performing, sustainable construction practices. We discuss the challenges of building a sustainable future for the building industry, and how to overcome them.

Our conversation began with Brian sharing two ideas that are at the core of the SBA’s work. That no one in the industry should see each other as competitors but rather as collaborators, and that sharing knowledge is crucial for building a better industry.

Discussing the poor quality rampant in our industry, Brian pointed the blame at society’s throwaway culture. There are still builders who take pride in their craft, there always will be, but it’s difficult for them to fight against a stagnant system. Thankfully, younger people are more aware of the deficiencies in Australian housing standards and are actively seeking ways to incorporate sustainable practices.

So how do we support this shift? According to Simon and Brian, it's all about education and making resources more accessible. The Sustainable Builders Alliance is doing it by creating courses like the five-step system for carbon-neutral homes, but this is just a starting point. For a big impact we need government funding and improved educational systems. This involves integrating sustainability into trade schools to nurture a new generation of builders who prioritise sustainable practices.

The strength and success of the SBA underscore the power of community within the construction industry. By working together and sharing knowledge, we can accomplish much more than we can alone. If you want to learn more about their initiatives or get involved, visit their website at www.thesba.com.au

Here's to building better, together!

LINKS:

Connect with our Guest: 

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

Instagram:  @sustainablebuildersalliance

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Ever walked into a home and instantly felt as if everything just clicked into place?

Chances are you have an interior designer to thank! This week we sat down with Erin Fairmaid, to talk about the real magic behind well-designed spaces and why interior designers are invaluable.

Because the industry isn’t regulated, the term “interior designer” can be thrown around by people without knowledge and experience. This dilutes the profession's value and leads to the myth that interior designers just pick paint colours and buy furniture. Erin makes it clear that this is just scratching the surface. Her work involves technical skills, spatial planning, and understanding clients' lifestyles down to the tiniest details – pets, family routines, you name it. She also works closely with architects and builders to design a space that isn’t just beautiful but highly functional.

Erin points out that it’s important to get your interior designer involved early in the pre-construction process. Simple tweaks to a floor plan can significantly improve the functionality of a home, and the sooner you make them the less impact they’ll have on the timeline and budget.

During our conversation, Erin tackles some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Interior Designers:

1. Interior designers are only for wealthy people: Erin argues that her work isn’t a luxury, but a necessity. A well-thought-out design can streamline a build, saving money and resources.

2. Anyone can be an interior designer:  While technically true due to the unregulated nature of the industry, great designers have a mix of innate talent and continuous learning. Erin urges homeowners to look for a designer with demonstrated experience.

3. Interior designers just follow trends: Some might, but not Erin. When a client asks for something that’s trending, she challenges this by asking clients about their real preferences—leading to more personalised and timeless designs.

 Interior Designers bring so much value to building projects, but are they appreciated for it? Well, it’s a mixed bag. The lack of regulation in the industry leads to confusion and undervaluation of skilled professionals like Erin. On the other hand, anyone who’s seen her work knows it’s value. Whether it’s ensuring functional layouts or sourcing materials that fit the budget without compromising on style, Erin’s contributions are irreplicable.

So, if you're planning a home renovation or building anew, don’t underestimate the role of a talented interior designer. They bring a lot more to the table than just aesthetic value. They can make your home not just a place to live, but a place to thrive.

LINKS:

Connect with our Guest: 

Website: www.hehedesign.com.au

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Welcome back to another episode of the Mindful Builder podcast! Today we’re joined again by our friend and expert psychologist, Julie Mounter, for a conversation about mental health and depression. Whether you’re struggling right now, or worried about someone else, we want to give you the tools you need to face it head-on.

Julie starts the episode by outlining what exactly depression is. While everyone experiences low moments in their life, clinical depression includes prolonged sadness and lack of joy, lasting for more than two weeks and impacting day-to-day functioning. She then highlights some key symptoms to watch out for in yourself or others:

• Persistent feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• No longer enjoying activities they typically enjoy.
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Withdrawing from family or friends.
• Constant irritability or restlessness
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Significant fatigue and lack of energy
• Fluctuations in weight and appetite

The conversation then shifts to why men, in particular, find it difficult to open up about mental health issues. Stereotypes and societal pressures often equate emotional vulnerability with weakness, so a lot of men end up suppressing negative emotions rather than seeking the help they need. However, acknowledging and addressing mental health challenges is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Julie shares that creating a support network and maintaining social connections can be a significant protective factor against mental health issues. For men, especially, fostering these connections can be life-changing. Hamish backs this up with a recent experience reaching out to his workout group during a low period. With a simple message, he received a flood of support and concern.

The Role of Medication

Medication for mental health carries a stigma with it that prevents a lot of people from getting the help they need. When we bring this up to Julie she explains that medications for mental health should be thought of in the same way as medication for any physical illnesses. It isn’t a “cop-out” or cheating; it is a legitimate and often necessary form of treatment. 

The Influence of Social Media

We also touch on the impact of social media on mental health. Julie explained how the intermittent rewards from likes and comments can make social media addictive, much like gambling. This constant need for validation can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and depression.

Adding a light-hearted note, Hamish shared how accidentally mowing over his phone led to a surprisingly peaceful weekend without the constant ping of notifications. Disconnecting from social media, even for a little while, can be great for your mental health.

One of the most valuable parts of our discussion was about how to talk to someone we're worried about. Julie provided excellent advice– be genuine, be patient, and listen. Avoid giving advice immediately; instead, be a supportive listener. Reassure them that they are not alone, and that help is available. 

We hope this episode provides insight and support to anyone navigating their mental health journey or supporting someone else through theirs.  Remember that it’s okay to feel sad, and it’s okay to seek help. You are not alone in this journey.

LINKS:

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

Welcome back to another episode of The Mindful Builder podcast. We’re back with the second half of our conversation with the incredible Airboss Dan. If you haven’t listened to it yet, make sure you go back to episode 19 where we discuss Dan’s path to becoming a carpenter in Germany and how it differs from what we see in Australia.

We restart the conversation talking about the unique challenges of building in Australia. Dan points out that many of the challenges are caused by Australia’s diverse climate. In Germany, the climate is pretty much the same across the whole country, but in Australia, it varies widely from city to city, especially the humidity levels. Because it can’t be standardised, many builders aren’t taught how to account for this, leading to long-term problems like condensation and mould.

Our conversation then pivots to the need for better training in Australia. Dan shares that building physics, which is an important part of his apprenticeship in Germany, isn’t widely taught or well understood in Australia. It’s a gap that needs to be bridged urgently, and the first step is to address the shortcomings in our education system.

An alarming number of schools aren’t focused on educating capable builders, instead they want to tick boxes to earn their funding. Because of this, many builders are left to learn through trial and error, often jeopardising the integrity of their projects. This isn't a slight on the dedicated teachers within the system—they’re fighting an uphill battle against outdated curricula and an administration resistant to change.

While the current state of construction in Australia can seem disheartening, the future is hopeful! We see a future where all builders are educated and confident about building physics. We see a future where knowledge flows freely and quality work is the standard. And most importantly, we see a future where taking pride in one’s work is the norm, not the exception.

LINKS:

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/

This week, we had an incredible guest on our podcast, Airboss Dan, famous on Instagram for taping houses and currently working with Proclima on the technical side of things. Our chat is pretty long so we’ve split it into two episodes. In this first part, Dan shares his path to become a carpenter in his home country of Germany, and why he cares so deeply about quality craftsmanship.

Hamish and I often discuss the need to change the narrative around trades in Australia. Here They can be seen as a cop-out career, or just for people who can’t go to uni, but this isn’t the case in Germany. There, trades are a well-respected path for skilled, passionate craftsmen who take pride in their work.  

The first year of apprenticeship involves full-time schooling, where apprentices learn the theory and basics of working with timber, mathematics, and building physics. In the second year, apprentices spend around 60 percent of their time working in their companies, gaining real-life experience. By the third year, they're balancing practical and theoretical lessons, further honing their skills.

Now Dan didn't always want to be a carpenter. His first dream was to become a pilot, but educational requirements shifted his career path, and eventually fell into carpentry. Despite his initial lack of enthusiasm, he found a love for the craft in Germany’s rigorous training system and became a passionate perfectionist.

It’s disheartening to realise that many people lack this passion in Australia. We hear so much about the need for more tradespeople, but in our current industry, we’re often sacrificing quality for quantity. Imagine if every tradesperson in Australia went through similar training – the quality of our buildings would be phenomenal!

Dan’s drive, passion, and commitment to excellence are genuinely inspiring. If you enjoyed listening to this conversation as much as we enjoyed recording it, make sure you tune in for the second part!

Until then, happy building!

LINKS:

Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram:  @sanctumhomes

Website:   www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt: 

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/