Home Building Podcast

Modular Homes Explained Build Times, Quality & Whether It's Right for You – MIRA | Home Building Podcast

Most people have no idea what modular construction actually is or how good it's gotten. In this episode, Behan sits down with Natalie Lawrence and Dan Thake from MIRA Residential to bust the myths around modular building, explain how the whole process works from factory to front door, and help you figure out whether it could be the smartest way to build your next home especially if you're building in regional or rural WA.  Chapters: * What you’ll learn: What modular construction actually is and how it differs from traditional building  * How a home is built in a factory, split into modules, and reassembled on your block  * Why modular can be a no-brainer for regional and rural builds and what the real cost comparison looks like  * The two delivery methods jacking vs. crane and when each is used  * How site access, block slope, and soil conditions are assessed before a single thing is built  * Why modular build times (average 12 weeks manufacture + 2 weeks on site) are changing the game  * The truth about steel frame vs. brick quality, energy efficiency, sound, and cyclone ratings  * What's included as standard in a MIRA home and why stone benchtops come standard  * The difference between choosing a standard design and going fully custom  * Why raking ceilings and skylights are actually cheaper to achieve in modular  * The full pre-construction to handover process, step by step.    Chapters:   01:36 The McNally Group who's behind MIRA?  02:30 How a modular home is built: factory to site  03:28 Real client example: 12 weeks build, 2 week install  05:19 Sloping blocks & steel frame chassis explained  06:22 Site visits, local trades & due diligence before contracts  10:36 Does modular work in metro Perth? Budget & access considerations  11:29 Regional builds: why modular wins on cost, time & trade availability  14:32 Guaranteed timelines and why MIRA has to hit them  15:14 The step-by-step process: from enquiry to key handover  18:27 Total build timeline: 9–12 months all up  19:38 Granny flats & ancillary dwellings in modular  20:33 What "quality" really means craftsmanship AND stone benchtops as standard  21:13 Steel frame vs. brick: the Japan earthquake test, energy ratings & sound  24:22 Why Perth is one of the last places still obsessed with brick  25:26 Standard designs vs. custom over 20 base models to choose from  27:07 How to approach a custom modular design  27:41 Designing for modular: max sizes, module widths & transport constraints  30:40 Ducted air con, raking ceilings & skylights in modular  31:18 Ceiling height, skylights & the wow factor    About Our Guest   Natalie Lawrence is the General Manager of MIRA Residential, backed by the McNally Group a major WA contracting and infrastructure company with over 20 years of industry experience. Dan is MIRA Design Manager, bringing 15–16 years of residential and commercial design expertise. MIRA Residential specialises in high-quality modular homes delivered across WA, with a display home in Osborne Park.  Get in touch with MIRA Website: https://miraresidential.com.au/ [https://miraresidential.com.au/] Socials: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mira.residential] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mira_residential/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@MIRA_Residential] Found the episode useful?  Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you.  Need design & building advice?  Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au [https://www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/]   Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/ [https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/]   Follow us on socials: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/independentbuildingadvice/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IBABehan] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@independentbuildingadvice]  Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.

How to Save Money When Building or Renovating Without Sacrificing the Home You Want | Home Building Podcast

Building costs are rising fast, and most people don't realise where the money is actually going or how much they could save with a bit of upfront planning. In this episode, Behan walks through the key strategies IBA uses with clients every day to keep builds on budget without cutting corners on the things that matter. From setting a two-number budget before you do anything else, to the hidden design decisions that can cost you tens of thousands, this is essential listening before you sign anything.  What you’ll learn: What you'll learn:  * Why you need two budget numbers before you start  * What "price creep" is and how to stop it before it blows out your build  * Why designing for your next life stage now saves a fortune in extensions later  * The difference between fixed-price and cost-plus contracts   * How your block's slope, location, and site conditions can quietly add $25,000–$70,000+ to your build  * Why timing delays (planning approval, demolition, title issues) can trigger price increases... and how to protect yourself  * The simple design rule that can save tens of thousands: keep your footprint square  * Why standard window sizes save serious money, and when custom sizing is actually worth it  * How wall construction choices affect your budget more than most people realise  * Why energy-efficient design pays for itself and what happens when you get it wrong  * How to avoid over-specifying branded fixtures early in the process  * How IBA negotiates supplier discounts on appliances and fittings on your behalf  Chapters:   01:23 - Why saving money doesn't mean compromising your home  02:52 - Part 1: The overview: how to approach your build process  03:37 - Set two budget numbers before you do anything else  06:58 - Price creep: what it is and how to stop it  08:07 - Design for your current life stage AND the next one  09:19 - Get your finance sorted first  10:22 - Timing matters: building costs rise roughly 1% per month  10:42 - Three ways to approach finding a builder  12:03 - Why the cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest build  13:50 - The risks of going through an architect without a budget guardrail  16:10 - Why owner-builder sounds great but rarely works out  18:21 - Fixed-price vs. cost-plus contracts: what you need to know  20:34 - How IBA's builder comparison process works  22:26 - Match the builder to your project type  24:27 - Site costs: the hidden budget killers (slope, retaining, bushfire zones)  26:10 - How delays during the build process cost you money  29:43 - Part 2: Design & specification strategies  30:18 - Keep your home's footprint simple and square  31:40 - Windows: stick to standard sizes and save a fortune  33:38 - Wall construction choices and what they really cost  35:27 - Slab and footing differences: how site conditions affect this  36:12 - Energy efficiency: design it right and save every year  37:38 - Don't brand-specify fixtures early in the process  39:44 - How builder supplier agreements work: and how IBA gets discounts fot clients  42:06 - Flooring: supply it yourself and save  47:43 - Kitchens and bathrooms: where to trim and where to spend  Found the episode useful?  Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you.  Need design & building advice?  Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au [https://www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/]   Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/ [https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/]   Follow us on socials: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/independentbuildingadvice/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IBABehan] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@independentbuildingadvice]  Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.

5 stages in life you'll build or buy a home - Growing Families & Downsizing (PART 2) - Dom C | HBP

In life there a particular stage in life that you’ll be ready or need to build or buy a home. It’s important that you know when you might need to so you can best prepare yourself for what comes next.       Some people buy. Some people build. It’s up truly to your situation. Our job is to best educate you, so you know how to have a better home building experience.      We catch up with Domenic, one of our Client Advocates to discuss these 5 stages when eople build a home over a 2-part series.    If you’re building, renovating, or even just thinking about it… this is one of the most practical conversations you’ll hear.  What you’ll learn:   * Why more adult kids are staying home and how to design for it without losing your privacy  * Granny flats vs. dual-key designs vs. home extensions - what works best and when  * The #1 mistake people make when they downsize (and how to avoid it)  * Why "fewer rooms but bigger" is the golden rule for empty nesters  * How to future-proof your home for accessibility - wider doors, lift shafts, step-free entries  * Why your powder room should be off-limits to everyone who lives there  * Smart multi-use room strategies so every space earns its keep  * Caravan access, double garages, and storage planning for the grey nomad phase  * How to think about resale at every stage so your home works for the next buyer too    Chapters:   00:49 - Stage 4: Adult kids still at home: the new reality  02:35 - Granny flats vs. Extensions: costs, council rules & smart design  06:14 - Dual-key homes explained: two houses under one roof  08:10 - Privacy, house rules & honest conversations before you build  10:19 - Designing for re-use once the kids eventually leave  13:25 - Building new in this stage — layout tips for your "core living zone"  16:10 - Stage 5: Downsizing & empty nesters  17:10 - The biggest downsizing mistake: going too small  18:48 - How to design a low-maintenance garden you'll actually love  20:16 - Fewer rooms, bigger spaces — the empty nester design rule  22:21 - Wider doors, lift shafts & wheelchair-ready design  25:07 - Garages, storage & caravan access for the grey nomad lifestyle  28:41 - Making your home a destination for grandkids & family  30:20 - Two-storey downsizing: master downstairs, lift shaft prep  32:18 - The powder room rule that keeps your home guest-ready always  33:33 -  Recap of all 5 life stages  Found the episode useful?  Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you.  Need design & building advice?  Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au [https://www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/]   Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/ [https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/]   Follow us on socials: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/independentbuildingadvice/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IBABehan] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@independentbuildingadvice]  Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.

5 stages in life you'll build or buy a home - Growing Families & Downsizing (PART 1) - Dom C | HBP

In life there a particular stages in life that you’ll be ready or need to build or buy a home. It’s important that you know when you might need to so you can best prepare yourself for what comes next.     Some people buy. Some people build. It’s really up to yours situation. Our job is to best educate you, so you know how to have a better home building experience.    We catch up with Domenic, one of our Client Advocates to discuss these 5 stages people building a home over a 2-part series.   If you’re building, renovating, or even just thinking about it… this is one of the most practical conversations you’ll hear.  What you’ll learn:   * Why most first home buyers design the wrong type of home   * How starting a family should completely change your layout decisions   * The biggest design mistakes parents make (and only realise later)   * How to position bedrooms for safety, comfort, and practicality   * Why kitchen placement is more important than you think   * How to design living spaces so you can actually supervise kids   * The smart way to plan for teenagers before they get there   * How to create separation in your home without losing connection   * The concept of designing for your current stage + next stage   * Simple design decisions that will save you years of frustration    Chapters:   00:25 – Why life stage should drive your home design  01:30 – Dom’s background in design, sales & real estate  03:00 – Consulting vs “selling” in the building industry  04:35 – The 5 key life stages in home design  05:10 – First home buyers: just getting into the market  07:45 – Why first home buyers are changing (and getting older)  10:40 – Starting a family: what actually matters in your layout  11:50 – Bedroom positioning (master vs kids rooms)  13:30 – Open living, visibility & supervising kids  15:00 – Kitchen placement and why it’s the centre of the home  16:40 – Designing spaces for toys, mess & real life  18:00 – Planning for your next stage (not just now)  19:00 – Double storey homes: what most people get wrong  22:30 – Laundry placement debate (kitchen vs mudroom)  25:00 – Thinking through real-life scenarios before you build  28:30 – Growing families: when kids become teenagers  29:30 – Why separation becomes important  30:15 – Creating spaces your kids actually want to use  32:00 – Two-storey design ideas for older kids  34:00 – Backyard design, pools & entertaining  36:00 – Indoor-outdoor flow that actually works  38:00 – Study spaces vs bedrooms for kids  40:00 – Designing for long-term flexibility  Found the episode useful?  Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you.  Need design & building advice?  Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au [https://www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/]   Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/ [https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/]   Follow us on socials: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/independentbuildingadvice/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IBABehan] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@independentbuildingadvice]  Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.

How Does The War Impact Building In Australia - What Can You Do | Home Building Podcast

In this episode, Behan from Independent Building Advice tackles one of the most common questions in the current Perth building market: should you build now, or wait? With global uncertainty rising interest rates, inflation, supply chain pressures, and an upcoming election many people are sitting on the fence. Behan cuts through the noise, sharing how to stress-test your budget, understand hidden building costs, navigate fixed-price versus provisional sum contracts, and why Perth’s property and building prices are unlikely to reverse. If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to build, this episode will help you make a clearer, more confident decision.  What you’ll learn:   * How global uncertainty, war, inflation, and interest rate changes, affects your decision to build in Perth right now  * Why stress-testing your budget against higher interest rate scenarios is essential before you commit to any build  * The real cost of waiting: why Perth building prices are rising approximately 1.5% per month and how that compounds fast  * What hidden costs to watch out for in your building contract, including provisional allowances for flooring, painting, and finishes  * How global supply chain disruptions are pushing up material costs and putting pressure on both builders and buyers  * The difference between fixed-price contract items and provisional sums and what your builder owes you in transparency  * Why Perth property prices are unlikely to drop, and what the market’s strong growth trajectory tells us about timing  * Behan’s three-number budget planning framework: what you’d love to spend, what you’re comfortable with, and your absolute maximum    Chapters:   00:25 – Current Market Concerns: War, Inflation & Uncertainty  00:42 – Why Independent Building Advice Matters Now  01:21 – Should You Wait for the Market to Settle?  01:48 – Buffering for Interest Rate Changes  02:13 – Stress-Testing Your Budget  02:40 – Staying Within Your Means  03:07 – Creating a Game Plan Before You Buy  03:29 – Mortgage Comfort & Life Planning  03:57 – Can You Predict the Property Market?  04:30 – Perth’s Property Market Revival  04:59 – The Long-Term Property Mindset  05:31 – Planning for the Long Term, Not the Short Term  06:33 – Hidden Costs in Building  07:29 – Global Supply Chains & Building Material Costs  09:03 – How Supply Pressures Affect Your Build Price  09:44 – Are Perth Builders Still Profitable?  10:14 – The Risk of Taking on Too Many Projects  11:01 – Pricing Strategy: Allowing for Cost Increases  11:35 – Fixed Price vs Provisional Sum Contracts  12:32 – What Builders Owe You in Transparency  13:04 – Will Building Prices Ever Come Down?  14:15 – Why Now Is the Right Time to Build  14:44 – Perth Price Increases: What to Expect Month by Month  15:25 – The Real Cost of Waiting  16:12 – What Happens If You Keep Delaying?  16:37 – What to Consider With Your Budget  17:14 – How Delays Affect Your Borrowing Capacity  18:13 – The Three-Number Budget Planning Framework  19:22 – Should you get into the market?  19:33 – Final Takeaway    Found the episode useful?  Please follow & leave a comment. It really goes a long way to getting it to more people like you.  Need design & building advice?  Find out more on our IBA website www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au [https://www.independentbuildingadvice.com.au/]   Want more home building episodes? Visit our YouTube or website https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/ [https://independentbuildingadvice.com.au/home-building-podcast/]   Follow us on socials: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/independentbuildingadvice/] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/IBABehan] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@independentbuildingadvice]  Disclaimer: The information discussed in this episode is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, site conditions, budget, or local council requirements. Building, design, investment, and rental outcomes vary significantly depending on individual factors. We recommend seeking personalised professional advice before making decisions related to property, construction, or finance.