I’m super excited to get into today's topic, because it's one that I've been talking about a lot with our community. It also seems to be something that we as whole are struggling with.   In this episode, I’m giving you an overview of feasibilities and the best method to accurately assess your building costs and profitability.   Why Feasibility Studies Matter So, why do we need a feasibility study? Whether it's your own home or you’re working on a for-profit project, you need to...

As women, we often won’t talk about finance or loans and how to navigate them when looking to start a build - it even seems a little taboo!   However, understanding how it all works is crucial in completing a successful renovation or home build. Today, Leah Ziskos from Entourage Finance is back to chat all about understanding construction finance and where to begin when looking at the different options available.   Seeking Advice Early On From equity withdrawals to construction loans,...

In this episode, I’m joined by Matthew from Elevate Building Group to talk about value management in building projects. His top tip? To engage with a builder early on in your project. Through the conversation, we discuss how a builder can save you time and money while ensuring the end result aligns with your vision. Engaging a Builder Early: First things first: why should you bring a builder on board early in the game? Having a builder involved from the start means you've got someone who...

Communication is so important in construction. I know we’ve said it before, but it can’t be overstated. Communication is absolutely vital. Today I’m joined by Bek Bishop, a construction powerhouse, to discuss our experiences navigating relationships in the building process. We talk about the ways your relationship with a client will affect the project at every step from start to finish. Most importantly we want to emphasise the importance of communication, trust, and understanding between...

In today’s episode, I’m in conversation with Matthew Carland, the founder of Carland Constructions. Known for his expertise in the domain of passive houses, Matthew brings to the table a wealth of knowledge that’s not just about construction, but about uncovering the true costs of building sustainably.   Let’s face it - the cost of building has been on a constant rise. And to make the building process even more complex, homeowners’ expectations seemed to have followed suit. In Australia,...

Almost everyone would say that financial freedom is a goal for them, and in recent years property has emerged as a key path to achieving it. Today I sit down with Tom Haigh, an Australian property expert and host of The Australian Property Show, to share the power of property in building your financial future. Contrary to traditional financial planning that veers towards shares and managed funds, Tom advocates for the power of property as an investment. He believes that property, especially...

Many of our talented BuildHers have successfully completed owner builds using the blended builder method. And some have done so in collaboration with Loxton Built, a team of builders exceptional at creating collaborative experiences for those taking on home builds.   Today, I’m chatting with one of Loxton Built’s directors, James Ind, who gives us some valuable insights on the blended builder model from the perspective of a builder.    While there are a lot of intricacies within a blended...

The world of home building is an intricate one, with various methods available that cater to the different needs of homeowners. Last week, we spoke with one of our amazing DevelopHers Samone, who took us through her successful experience with volume building. Today, we’re chatting with Janine Armstrong, the General Manager of Marketing at Carlisle Homes, to explore the efficiency, customisation options and care factor that define the volume building experience at Carlisle Homes. Volume...

Building a new home is an exciting yet daunting process. With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide on the right path to take. One option is to take the path of volume building, and if you’re considering this for your new home you’re in luck!  In today’s episode, we chat with DevelopHer Samone Shepherdson about her experience with volume building. She shares valuable insights into the process, the decision-making factors, and the advantages of choosing volume building...

Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with Barbara Ramsey, one of our exceptional developers, who has completed an incredible home build for her and her family. Working in commercial construction, Barbara drew on her professional experience to engage a design team and utilise the tender method to build her own home. In this episode, we learn all about what’s involved in engaging interior designers and tendering to find the right builder. Having a clear vision in mind when renovating your...

Owner building is an exciting venture - yet oftentimes an onerous one! From uplifts in contractor rates to navigating permits and site management, there may be more challenges that come with an owner build than you think.  Today, I sit down with the gorgeous Elise Weavers, one of our developers who has successfully completed her own home as an owner builder. While the project turned out beautifully, there were several twists and turns she and her partner Sam faced during the build.  While...

Hello and welcome back to Building with BuildHer for 2024.  In the time we were away, we've been busy renovating a new space to hold events for our developers, members, and suppliers. We've also been doing a lot of planning to ensure we provide you with the best information and resources to make the most out of your building projects.  We've noticed that many people struggle with building and renovating due to a lack of understanding of the basics. Therefore, we have decided to go back to...

As we approach the end of 2023, it's time to reflect on the significant changes and growth we have experienced. This year has been filled with challenges, opportunities, and valuable lessons. Join me as we take a journey through the highs and lows of 2023 and discuss the impact they have had on the housing market, our lives, and our aspirations. 2023 has been dominated by discussions around interest rates, affordability, and inflation. These factors have greatly influenced the housing market...

If you’re like many in the BuildHer community, you’re probably asking this common question: How much money do I really need to renovate for profit? It’s a great question, but one that doesn't have a simple answer. The first thing to note is - it depends. The amount of money you need to renovate for a profit depends on a number of things, and in this episode I walk you through four examples of different project scenarios and the financial strategies employed to carry out each one.  First up,...

The world of architecture and design has seen a notable shift in recent years. The rigid principles of modernism have given way to a new era of experimentation, boldness, and individuality in design. In this podcast episode, we explored this exciting shift with Rebecca Gross, an architectural and design writer and the author of the book "Ornament is Not a Crime."  Rebecca’s journey into the world of design began with a master's degree in the history of decorative arts and design. She then...

In today’s podcast episode, we sit down with the passionate and dedicated developer, Jen Sinclair. Currently immersed in a thrilling build project on the Gold Coast, Jen takes us on a journey through her experiences, trials, and triumphs in the world of duplex development. With 18 months of intense planning and design work behind her, Jen candidly shares the emotional rollercoaster and grueling workload that accompanies this marathon-like venture. Developing property can demand all of our...

I have the pleasure of welcoming Leah from Entourage Finance today and we've teamed up with Entourage to bring you a series on all things borrowing.  This episode is all about finance and lending 101. Leah shares her expertise on the fundamentals of borrowing as we discuss the ins and outs of deposits, mortgage costs, borrowing capacity, and more.  Leah and I talk about the advantages of working alongside a broker and how access to multiple lenders will ensure that you find the best fit for...

Today we're thrilled to welcome Barbara Ramsey, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in commercial construction. She’s also one of our BuildHers and has created a beautiful home for her and her family. She learned a lot in the process and is here to share these valuable insights that can benefit anyone considering a renovation. Barbara kicks off the discussion by diving into the early stages of her renovation journey. She explains her decision to purchase the property and how...

There’s a lot more to designing a renovation than making aesthetic choices. While that’s the fun part, there are the more practical elements to consider as well, such as budget and architectural constraints. So, with a host of different decisions to be made, how do you know where to start?  Today on the podcast, I’m joined by the incredible Kate Lawrence, an interior designer and developer who specialises in residential design. Kate shares with us the process she followed for her recent...

Pools are a huge investment and there are lots of things to consider when deciding to build one. We want you to have all the knowledge you need to make the right choice, which is why I’m joined by expert Darin from Mint Design to dive deep into the world of pool design.  In over a decade of designing pools and landscapes, Darin has been awarded multiple industry awards including a Best in Show Trophy and Gold Medal at the Melbourne Garden Show. He’s passionate about creating outdoor spaces...

Today we welcome landscape architect Tylah from The Sunday Garden to share her expertise in garden design, landscaping, and creating outdoor spaces that enhance the beauty and value of your home. During the conversation, we dive into smart strategies for garden planning and planting. Tylah unveils the advantages of planting trees and shrubs that have already matured, instantly transforming your garden. She delves into the art of selecting the right plants tailored to your local climate and...

When it comes to designing your home, it’s tempting to make choices that emulate the highly curated pages of a magazine. However, your home is a haven that should be a reflection of you, your values and the way you live your day-to-day life. Today on the podcast, we’re joined by the lovely Lauren Li, interior designer and author of The New French Look.  Lauren’s love affair with the French style began during a stint of living abroad in her twenties, where she wrote an article for The Design...

Investing can be an incredibly powerful weapon, but only if you know how to wield it On today’s podcast episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Owen Raszkiewicz, the Founder of Rask Finance, a prominent financial education platform in Australia. He’s super passionate about providing people with the tools they need to take control of their financial future, and shares a lot of wisdom about this today.  Owen emphasises the importance of commencing your investment journey early in...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of the property market?  In this episode, we sat down with expert property advocate Amy Lunardi to gain valuable insights into the ever-changing landscape of real estate. Throughout our conversation, we delved into topics such as property pricing, market trends, and strategic buying decisions. Amy, a seasoned property advocate, shared her wisdom on how to thrive in a dynamic market and make informed choices that align with your goals. Amy...