It's easy to design whatever you want - as long as you’ve got no budget! While some homeowners have the luxury of seeing every detail of their vision come to life, most of us will need to make compromises to align with our financial parameters.

Today, I’m joined by Shah de Saxe, an incredible interior designer who has extensive experience in residential design. She’s currently halfway through her own renovation project in Peregian Beach in Queensland, and we’re lucky to have her join us to share her insights on designing a beautiful home on a budget.

Balancing Quality and Cost

Designing to a client’s budget is always a challenge, but you’re never as intensely aware of the constraints as when you’re designing your own project. Shah shares her own process for managing the budgeting side of things while not compromising on quality. Confident in her ability to design in a way that connects with people, she also keeps the bottom line of the sales price front of mind, knowing she’ll eventually get the price she’s looking for. This helps her to make decisions that keep costs in mind, while still prioritising the look and feel of her designs.

The Value of a Good Layout

Designers often face the challenge of working with existing floor plans and finding ways to optimise the use of space. Shah is an expert in reworking floor plans to maximise the value of a home, and she shares an example of how a poorly designed layout can affect a sale if it doesn’t meet the needs of potential buyers. So, it might be time to ditch the idea of a double shower or oversized ensuite and opt for something with a little more livability!

Combining Beauty and Functionality 

Making a couple of significant moves and investing in them can be the difference between a house that looks pretty, but really doesn't function well, and one that functions amazingly and has that feeling of a beautiful home. Shah talks about creating a flow throughout a home with both beauty and functionality, and shares her background that inspired her design style.

This conversation with Shah is a helpful guide for anyone looking to design a beautiful - and cost effective - home renovation. So, tune in and enjoy!

LINKS:

Connect with Shah:

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

Instagram: @shah_de_saxe

Connect with us:

• Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating

• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 understand the numbers. This means knowing what your build will actually cost, what you can afford and then whether it's actually a good investment or not.

I take you through the fundamentals of feasibilities: understanding what the numbers are telling us, working out how the scope of work will come together, comparing sales and checking it all against our vision and value proposition.

Determining the Final Cost of the Build

Feasibility studies are more than just plugging numbers into a spreadsheet - they require a meticulous breakdown of the project scope so that every detail, from the materials used to the construction methods employed, is factored in.

It might mean you have to make adjustments to your initial vision or design, but trust me - running your numbers upfront can seriously help mitigate the risk of any unwanted surprises!

Financing Your Project

There are a lot of financing options available out there, and they all depend on the nature of your project. Home builds or renovations might leverage traditional construction loans, while a commercial build may explore options like joint ventures or private investments. A feasibility study can play a crucial role in securing financing, where you’re able to provide lenders with a clear picture of the project's projected costs and potential returns.

If you’re like me, it’s possible you’ve made mistakes before when running numbers or working out the scope of your project. But in the end, it doesn't really matter - it’s all about getting back on your horse and becoming better each time.

So, join me today and get the rundown on how to assess the financial viability of your project, which will help turn your building process into a well-oiled machine!

LINKS:

Resources mentioned:

Fast Feasibility Mini Course

DevelopHers Inner Circle

Connect with us:

• Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating

• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, it’s important to be armed with the knowledge on how you can best finance your project. Not only will you be able to understand how much you can actually spend, it will give you the confidence for things like sourcing builders and engaging architects. We talk about the importance of seeking advice early on so you can make an action plan to tackle the many different aspects of your build.

While speaking to a broker might be the obvious first step, we discuss the value of involving your accountant and real estate agent to help you understand the whole picture. Ensuring there’s a good relationship and transfer of information between all parties will help you get properly set up from the get go.

Fundamentals of Construction Finance

To give us an idea of what to consider when securing funding, Leah takes us through some scenarios Entourage Finance’s clients face and the process of assessing the build contracts. She runs us through structural changes vs non-structural improvements, and what it means to utilise the equity in your property to access the cash you need.

We discuss borrowing capacity and break down the numbers in detail, so you have an idea of how much a bank may be willing to lend - as well as the money you may need to contribute!

Preparing for Additional Costs

While a build contract may include significant costs, it’s crucial to have an idea of the total cost of what isn’t included. How much cash do you have aside for the pool, the landscaping or even your tapware? If you’re going to be doing anything in addition to what’s inside the contract, figure out how much you need to borrow, as well as what your savings position is. This will help you greatly in structuring and utilising your funds in the best way. 

While financing your project might seem like an overwhelming process, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the stress. Reaching out to the experts is your best bet to kick start your project with confidence, knowing that you’re equipped with the information you need for a successful build.

So, join us as we dispel the confusion and get you up to speed on how to best finance the home build of your dreams!

LINKS:

Connect with Leah:

• Website: https://entourage.com.au/ 

• Instagram: @entourage_au

Connect with us:

• Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating

• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 knows the ropes, can spot potential issues before they become expensive headaches, and help you stay on budget. Matthew highlights the builder's unique perspective, as they are intimately familiar with the practical aspects of construction and can provide valuable insights into cost-effective solutions

Cost Engineering and Material Selection:
One key aspect of value management is cost engineering, which involves analysing the project's requirements, existing parameters, and budget to find the most efficient way forward. With things in the industry changing so rapidly, it’s hard for designers to keep up with it. Builders, who are directly involved with the work as things change, are much more familiar with the actual costs.

If you’ve got a builder on board from the beginning they’ll be able to help by weighing design options, structural considerations, and material choices against each other to optimise cost without compromising quality. Rebeka shares examples of how seemingly minor decisions, such as roofing systems or gutter designs, can have significant cost implications, underscoring the importance of careful planning and consideration at every stage of a project.

Collaboration and Communication:
One of the keys to success in any building project? Communication, communication, communication. Rebeka and Matthew emphasise the importance of everyone working together as a team. By keeping those lines of communication open and listening to each other's expertise, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure the project stays on track.

And there you have it, folks! Value management might sound like a fancy term, but at its core, it's all about making smart decisions to get the most out of your building project. By bringing your builder into the fold early, thinking carefully about costs and materials, and fostering a spirit of collaboration, you'll be well on your way to a successful—and budget-friendly—build. Thanks for tuning in, and happy building!

LINKS:

Connect with Matt

• Website: https://elevatebuilding.com.au/
• Instagram: @matthew.menichelli
  

Connect with us:

• Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating

• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

• Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 a homeowner and a builder.

The Role of Communication:
Nothing is more important in building strong relationships than communication. If we can talk openly and honestly, we can foster mutual understanding between homeowners and builders. Bek shares her tips for maintaining open dialogue so you can prevent issues from escalating or even stop them from occurring in the first place.

Building Trust:
Construction is a challenging task. There are so many things that can go wrong, and so many factors to consider. It’s crucial you can build trust with your client from the outset of the project, otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for trouble. Remember that it’s a collaborative process, and even if you are a professional you need to maintain an openness to all ideas.  

Finding Understanding
Proactively building your relationship is important, but it can’t fix a situation where everyone’s expectations are in conflict. Homeowners should work with builders whose approach aligns with their preferences and communication style. By making sure you’re a good fit from the start, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience for all parties. Despite the work it takes, building strong relationships with homeowners is incredibly rewarding. Putting in the effort to form a connection doesn’t just improve the building experience. It also fosters strong relationships that can last for years.

Navigating Challenges in Building Works:
We also talk about the unique challenges that can arise when you take over a building project already in process. We’ve both experienced this and know how important it is to set clear boundaries and document expectations. It can be a stressful job to take over from another builder but with proper communication, you can ensure a successful outcome.

We hope this episode will leave you more confident in navigating relationships in the construction industry. Enjoy!

LINKS:

• Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating
• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/
• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

• Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, we’re building bigger homes per square metre than anywhere in the world, in what appears to be an attempt to keep up with the Joneses - whoever they may be!

This all means that the cost to build a home will likely exceed most homeowner’s budgets. So what does it really cost to build? Matthew takes us through his approach to cost analysis, the overlooked aspects of building costs and the best method to understand what we’ll really pay when building our dream home.

Cost Misconceptions and Reality

Confusing the costs of a volume build with what a quote for a custom home build might look like is where a lot of homeowners go wrong. This often leaves people shocked at the disparity in price and will have them rethinking what they can expect to achieve on their budget. On top of this, there’s often a misconception that builders can provide actual numbers right off the bat as to how much a build will cost. 

According to Matthew, when it comes to building a custom or high performance home, there can be numerous hours spent on unravelling a design to understand how it’s going to be built - and what that’s going to cost. He breaks down the different factors a builder has to understand in order to provide clients with a rough figure, and we discuss the importance of matching your building designs to your budget.

Building Healthy Spaces

Focusing solely on the dollar amount often misses the broader implications of building choices. Matthew is passionate about educating people on the long-term health benefits of living in a well-built home, and believes that initial investments in building with health in mind can mean substantial savings in healthcare costs over time. We discuss a hope for the future where better standards and practices could lead to both healthier living environments and more cost-effective building solutions.

The Role of the Builder in Educating and Guiding Clients

There’s a lot of misinformation that gets around in the building industry, and Matthew believes it’s unfair for builders to expect clients to know the ins and outs of the process when they walk through the door. He talks about his approach in really breaking things down so his clients understand the many intricacies, as well as the costs associated with them: think options for building materials, design and even energy efficiency choices.

A Call for a Shift in Perspective

While people on the outside might see their builders as expendable, or even unprofessional, Matthew is on a mission to change that perception. His aim is to encourage other builders to raise their own standard of practice, in hopes that those in the broader industry will be inspired to do the same.

At the end of the day, everyone wants the same result. The client wants a well built house. The designer wants to see their design get to site. And for Matthew, he wants to see a house that is built properly, sustainably and works in the way it’s meant to.

So join us today as we discuss the exciting possibilities of creating healthier, more efficient living spaces without breaking the bank.

LINKS:

Connect with Matthew:

• Instagram: @carlandconstructions
• Website: https://www.carlandconstructions.com/ 

• Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating

• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 in the Australian market, can completely transform someone's financial fate.

What’s the right time to invest?
One roadblock many people face in property investment is the perceived time and financial constraints. On the one hand, you might think you don’t have the money or time and should wait until a later date when you do. On the other hand, you may see the missed opportunities of yesterday and think “What’s the point?” but we can’t afford to get trapped in this mindset.

Yes, the best time to start investing was yesterday, but the second-best time is right now. Tom highlights the importance of starting investing even with limited resources so you can take full advantage of compound growth over time. If it sounds impossible, it’s not. Tom shares practical strategies for how to start building your asset base, even with limited initial capital.

The Importance of Professional Advice
Tom also encourages people to reach out to financial professionals for advice. They’ll be able to guide you through the process and help make the most of your current assets. Keep in mind that financial advisors can vary greatly, and working with one who’s a poor fit for you can make things worse. Look for someone who presents a strategy that aligns with your financial aspirations, and make sure they practice what they preach. This way you can be confident their advice is reliable and applicable for you.

The Role of Education and Community
Investors also have a responsibility to educate themselves. No one is born knowing how to manage investments, or plan for the future – it’s a learned skill and one we should all strive to build, even when working with a professional.  Thankfully there is a wealth of information available for us to learn from, whether that’s books, podcasts, videos, or something else!

It's also important to connect with people who are working to achieve similar goals. This work isn’t easy and there will be times when you struggle, but having a supportive community will help keep you motivated and on track!

The big message from our conversation? Taking informed action is key. Whether you're renovating a property, investing in shares, or planning for retirement, the first step is always the hardest. Yet, it's the most rewarding. I hope this episode can give you the confidence to break out of the fear trap and start taking steps to build your financial future.

Enjoy!

LINKS:

• Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating

• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 build, James believes that clear communication from start to finish is the most crucial aspect in ensuring a successful project. We discuss Loxton Built’s objective to include clients in every step of the process, educate them so they’re equipped for their next project and foster a collaborative partnership. And judging by the raving reviews we hear from our BuildHer community, it’s an approach that leads to excellent results and very happy clients!

With a full owner build being a complex undertaking, James reminds us that it’s key for their clients to have sound knowledge and experience in the building process. This allows Loxton Built to collaborate with clients efficiently on aspects such as designs, materials and finishes and procurement plans. However, he believes the blended build method can still work for those with less experience looking to take on smaller renovations on their homes. 

For Loxton Built, they’ve built a circle of trusted trades over the years that they prefer to work with on all their projects. While this ensures quality control, there’s a common scenario of owner builders wanting to bring in their own trades. We talk about the liability homeowners should take into consideration when taking the risk on an external trade.

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With their focus on transparency and a desire to arm clients with the knowledge they need to excel, it’s no wonder Loxton Built are becoming the go-to team for our BuildHers. If you’re looking to explore the idea of a blended build, this episode is packed with some really useful insights you can take away as you begin your own home build journey.

Enjoy! 

LINKS:

Connect with Loxton Built: https://www.loxtonbuilt.com.au/ 

• Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating

• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 is a method that focuses on repeating house plans to optimise efficiency and streamline the construction process. By leveraging pre-designed floor plans, volume builders like Carlisle Homes can offer a wide range of options to customers while maintaining a structured and efficient building process. Janine walks us through Carlisle Homes' approach, which involves meticulous planning, fixed site costs and a clear end-to-end process for customers.

Despite the predefined floor plans, volume building offers a surprising level of customisation and flexibility. This is perfect for those looking for multi-generational living or have the kids staying at home well into the 20s! Janine shares all about Carlisle Homes' Spectra showroom, which boasts a vast array of products and options for customers to choose from, allowing them to tailor their homes to their liking.

Building your home can be an arduous and emotionally taxing journey. One of the standout features of volume building with Carlisle Homes is the emphasis on customer care and support throughout the entire building journey. From dedicated customer liaison teams to site supervisors, Janine discusses their partnership approach with customers, who feel supported and guided at every stage of the construction process. Having that communication and transparency is a huge win for homeowners who are possibly making one of the biggest investments of their lives!

As the industry evolves, volume building continues to adapt to changing trends and innovations. And despite what you might think, it offers a flexibility that caters to home builders’ unique needs and set ups. So if you’re interested in learning more about volume building, tune in and find out how Carlisle Homes could be the perfect team to help you create your dream home. 

LINKS:

Connect with Samone: https://www.samoneshepherdson.com/

•  Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating

• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 over other options.

So, what were the biggest benefits that influenced Samone to choose volume building?

1. A Simplified Process: Unlike the custom home building process, volume builders provide a range of pre-designed floor plans to choose from. This streamlined approach eliminates the guesswork and offers clear pricing structures.
2. The Power of Visualisation:  The ability to walk through display homes and visualise the end result was a huge benefit.  Samone and her family had a clear idea of what they wanted from their new home and found their dream design among the many floor plans available.
3. Clarity in Pricing: Cost was another significant factor. Samone highlighted that volume builders like Carlisle Homes provide detailed information about what is included in the base price and the additional cost of any upgrades. This transparency allowed Samone and her family to make informed decisions within their budget.
4. Pricing Lock In: Additionally, by selecting a volume builder, they were able to lock in the starting price. This protected them from any price increases that might occur during the construction process. This proved a huge advantage when the market shifted and those building with independent builders were hit with a considerable price increase.

Customising The House:
After locking in a floorplan, the next step is to choose finishes and fixtures. Volume builders typically have a showroom where homeowners can explore different options for color schemes, tiles, countertops, and other design elements. When she visited, Samone was paired with an interior stylist who helped ensure her choices were cohesive and matched her vision. 

The Construction Process:
Once all selections were made, the building process began. In Samone’s case, Carlisle Homes committed to finishing the build within 252 days. Although some delays occurred due to external factors, the builder maintained clear and transparent communication with regular updates. Samone also appreciated the customer portal, which provided detailed information about the build's progress, payment status, and allowed her to log any questions or concerns.

Samone's experience with volume building demonstrates the benefits and efficiency of this method. The ability to walk through display homes, the cost savings through price locking, and the reliability provided by a reputable builder were all factors that made volume building the ideal choice for Samone and her family. So if you're looking to build your dream home, exploring the options offered by volume builders is a step worth taking.

LINKS:

• Connect with Samone: https://www.samoneshepherdson.com/
•  Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating
• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

• Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 home is crucial, and the successful outcome of Barbara’s build is a testament to just that. Not only did she begin working with a design team before the purchase of the property settled, she completed an extensive brief prior to having a builder lined up. We go through the nitty gritty details of what’s included in such a brief, and how it formed part of the tender documentation pack that eventually went out to builders.

Embarking on your own home build can be daunting, and the idea of hashing out every detail - big or small - from the very beginning even more so. However, Barbara explains how doing the work up front and documenting everything is an invaluable asset when comparing and reviewing builders’ quotes. Providing crystal clear information to potential contractors is the best way to avoid conflict or surprises further down the track.

Barbara takes us through the process of selecting her design and building teams, including how she evaluated the different quotes - for both time and money - to make her decision.

The meticulous planning and preparation Barbara undertook truly helped fast track her home build, and her insights are an amazing guide for anyone looking to tackle their own. Follow her lead, and you’ll give yourself the best chance at achieving a successful and efficient build for your dream home.

If you want to learn even more about building your own home, check out Build Like a BuildHer, our comprehensive course that provides in-depth guidance on every aspect of the building process.

LINKS:

Check out Barbara’s renovation here: https://www.buildhercollective.com.au/running-your-home-renovation-like-a-commercial-build/ 

•  Buy our book: BuildHer, A practical guide to building and renovating

• BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/

• BuildHer Instagram: @buildhercollective

• BuildHer Facebook: Women who Design, Decorate, Renovate & Build

Register for a call: https://go.oncehub.com/BuildHer

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.