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How many hours have you wasted quoting jobs that never go ahead?

In this episode of The Sustainable Builders Yak, we’re joined by Richard Armstrong, a former Melbourne renovation builder who turned over a decade of hard-earned experience — and frustration — into innovation. After 15 years working on extensions and renovations across inner-city Melbourne, Richard saw firsthand how vague budgets, mismatched expectations, and time-wasting quotes were burning out good builders.

So, he built a solution: Procalc — a powerful feasibility tool that helps builders qualify clients early, set realistic budgets, and stop wasting time on projects that were never going to stack up.

Procalc now draws on data from over 35,000 real builder projects, delivering 93% cost accuracy even without plans. It’s changing the way builders have that all-important first conversation with clients — bringing more clarity, confidence, and credibility to the table.

Whether you’re a builder, designer, or consultant, this episode is packed with real-world insight on how to work smarter, quote less, and win more of the right kind of jobs.

📌 This episode covers:

• The real cost of vague briefs and unqualified leads
• How Procalc helps builders quote less and win more
• Using data (not guesswork) to manage client expectations
• Why feasibility studies should happen before design
• Building trust with clients, architects, and designers
• A new approach to sustainable, profitable building

🧭 Episode Highlights:

• Richard’s journey from builder to software creator
• The lessons (and pain) that inspired Procalc
• The surprising accuracy of 35,000+ real project data points
• Qualifying clients without needing full plans
• Using Procalc’s carbon calculator to guide sustainable choices
• Builder burnout, value management, and better conversations
• Quick-fire fun: Geelong Cats, R&B playlists & Anzac biscuits

 Brought to you by:

• McCormacks Australia
• JP Sustainable Homes
• Valley Windows

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In this episode, we’re joined by Jesse Raeburn, a former Block contestant, and real estate agent turned builder, who is now creating high-performance, sustainable homes in Melbourne.

Jesse shares his journey from starting as a tiler in Queensland to transitioning into real estate, and eventually following his passion for building. He reflects on the valuable lessons he learned along the way — including the importance of building strong relationships with agents, and how choosing the right clients can help avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smoother build process.

We explore key principles of sustainable construction such as airtightness, insulation, and long-term cost savings, and dive into how public perception around energy-efficient homes is slowly changing. Jesse also explains how his background in real estate shaped his understanding of the market, and why education plays a crucial role in shifting both client expectations and industry standards.

This conversation offers great insight for builders, designers, and industry professionals looking to better understand the intersection of sustainability, construction, and client engagement.

🎙️ This podcast is proudly sponsored by:

 Ultimate Windows & Futurebuilder– Platinum Sponsors
 Rylock Windows & Doors– Gold Sponsor

Stay sharp and stay sustainable.

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The Australian construction industry is recognizing the importance of weather resistant and vapour permeable building wraps. A correctly applied building wrap goes a long way to creating a resilient home protecting the building structure from water penetrating into the structure.

In this conversation with Jesse Clarke, ProClima's Innovation and Research & Development Manager we dive deep into the science involved for a highly resilient and high-performing building envelope.

This podcast is sponsored by Performance Membranes, Eco Homes Group &
Efficiency Matrix

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Jeremy McLeod a ground-breaking Architect the entire built environment community can learn from.

We talk all things sustainable architect and sustainable construction.

This episode is brough to you by Holcim, Valley Windows & Crafted Hardwood

If you're looking for a renewable energy provider try Momentum Energy

The Sustainable Builders Yak has no affiliation with Momentum Energy, though we'd love to get in touch.

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A conversation with Nathan Mawby, Property Journalist from the Herald Sun and Realestate.com where we discuss consumer trends with property sustainability.

This episode is brought to you by Weathertex, Wunderbuild & Vapourseal

Builders, Designers & Architects; Sign up to be an Sustainable Builders Alliance member via https://www.thesba.com.au/signup

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Meet Dave Hurley - a sharp, detail-driven carpenter who’s raising the bar on what it means to build better. 

In this episode, we unpack what separates true high-performance construction from the rest. 

We explore the build details most people miss - and why once you see them, you can’t unsee them. 

This episode is sponsored by HazardCo, Proclima, Recycle All

Rethink Builders Summit - Grab your ticket today at https://events.humanitix.com/rethink-building-summit-by-sba-x-bowens

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Hydrowood is pioneering one of the world’s first underwater forestry operations, salvaging beautiful Australian hardwoods—like Tasmanian Myrtle, Oak, Blackwood, and Celery Top Pine—from the depths of Lake Pieman.

Submerged for decades after the 1980s hydroelectric flooding in Tasmania, these timbers are being recovered and given a new life. Join us as we explore Hydrowood’s innovative journey, the stories hidden beneath the water, and how these beautiful ancient forests are shaping sustainable construction today.

This episode is sponsored by Stiebel Eltron, EXIT Strategy Group and Evitat.

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We’re joined by Bec Kempster, Chief Operating Officer of the Sustainable Builders Alliance, to mark the official launch of the SBA new membership program.

With a rich background in operations, marketing, and business leadership, Bec has played a pivotal role in aligning the Alliance around its core mission: to give you the confidence to build high-performing, sustainable homes.

We unpack the “why” behind the membership, the benefits for builders and industry professionals, and how this growing movement is set to transform the future of residential construction in Australia and beyond.

This episode is sponsored by JP Sustainable Homes, Hydrowood as our gold sponsors and Thermobuild as our silver sponsor.

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Challenges of sustainability at scale as Australia's biggest home builder & 7 star NatHERS compliance across 6 climate zones & 100's of designs!

Adrian Popple is Metricon's National Design Director and has been working with the company since 1988. Adrian has an incredible vantage point being a national leader and having seen the ups downs of the construction industry over nearly 40 years.

He explains;

• What homeowners are looking for in terms of sustainability & wellness in a home?
• The challenges of custom homes and scaling a building company.
• We're the industry is at today & what we should expect the next few years.
• Building single story homes in 60 days!
• Requirement for sustainability action plans.
• How an over-stimulated economy nearly ruined the industry.
• How Australian banks influence the size of Australian homes.

This episode is sponsored by Thermotek, Viva Living Homes & WesBeam

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Running a carpentry or building company isn't just about swinging a hammer and managing job sites — it's a complex balancing act of business acumen, leadership, and industry know-how. 

In this episode, we sit down with Jake McArthur, CEO of Carpentry Australia, to unpack what it really takes to thrive in the building industry. From the challenges faced by tradies-turned-business-owners to the systems that separate the good from the great.

Jake shares invaluable insights every builder or carpenter needs to hear. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your business, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. 

This episode is bought to you by Future Builder, Rylock Windows & Timber link.

Rethink Builders Summit - Grab your ticket today at https://events.humanitix.com/rethink-building-summit-by-sba-x-bowens