Mindful Builder

LINKS: Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/ [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

Is the Building Industry Broken?  Well, it's not entirely shattered, but there are definitely some big considerable cracks that need to be repaired.  Today’s guest, Scott Burchell from Comb Construction, breaks down the big issues (like rising project costs, evolving regulations, and a labour shortage) that are making it difficult to remain profitable. He shared stories from both residential and multi-residential sectors, putting a spotlight on how challenging it can be for developers to justify starting new projects when the numbers don't stack up. One of the biggest headaches? Town planning issues and rising costs have thrown a spanner in the works. Developers are scratching their heads, wondering if their returns would be better off sitting in a savings account, especially with skyrocketing post-COVID prices. But we can’t just point the finger at developers. They need to make money, and let's face it, we need places to live. It’s a two-way street, really. Residential or otherwise, solutions to our housing hiccups won't be found by building further out into the suburbs alone. Models like Melbourne's Nightingale are fantastic—the concept solves many problems, but it remains a niche solution. We can't ignore how councils seem to hold back innovative designs, yet still hand out awards when these projects finally come to life. Despite various efforts to streamline processes, it often feels like dealing with councils and developers requires an unreasonable amount of 'common sense'. Decisions get stuck in a loop, cities miss out on optimal layouts, and before you know it, common sense is out the window. Still, sometimes when the dust settles after these projects, people realise things aren't as bad as they feared. Working in construction or development can feel like walking a tightrope. There's a constant risk of tipping over budget or time, thanks to complex regulations and contracts that seem to put builders in a bind more than anyone else. Scott shared some hard truths from his years in the industry, like seeing firms go bust from one bad project to another. Something we've noticed is a need for better relationships between architects, builders, and developers. We chatted about how the 'us vs. them' mentality is holding us all back, when what we truly need is collaboration and understanding on both sides. A successful project should have the client living in a wonderful home, the architect’s vision beautifully realised, and yes—the builder making money, too! While it might seem idealistic to think we can solve all these problems overnight, there's definitely hope if we start working together more transparently. Little adjustments can make a big difference, like if we could tweak some contract agreements to share the risk more fairly or make payment structures more manageable for builders. The future may be uncertain, but here's hoping the construction industry finds its balance. Let's all aim to build better together, one brick at a time. LINKS: Connect with Scott Burchell Instagram: www.instagram.com/combconstruction/ [http://www.instagram.com/combconstruction/] Website: www.combconstruction.com.au [http://www.combconstruction.com.au] Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/ [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

Safety. It’s a word that brings to mind tedious rules or intrusive safety officers, and to many in the building industry it’s seen as a chore not a choice. But safety can be the thin line between life and death, so maybe it’s time we get more engaged. In this episode, we’re joined by Tom Huber, a safety advocate and operational excellence expert, who’s on a mission to redefine how safety is perceived. The first step in this is rebranding safety as operational excellence. He doesn’t want to be seen as the “safety police” or a roadblock, but instead as a facilitator, who helps workers to perform at their best and ensures they return home in the same condition they left. In our conversation, Matt shared some sobering examples from his family's history, driving home the real-world consequences of safety failures. It's stories like these that bring the abstract concept of "risk" into stark reality. The narrative of Matt's uncle, tragically killed in a workplace accident, and his father's own narrow escape paints a vivid picture of why getting safety right is about protecting lives, not just livelihoods. Safety, just like any other aspect of our work, demands accountability. But who exactly is responsible? Well, we all are. Employers have the power but also the duty to create a safe workspace by providing the necessary resources and conducting ongoing risk assessments. Meanwhile, employees must adhere to these standards and engage in open dialogues about the risks they face. This two-way street nurtures an environment where safety becomes a shared, organisational commitment rather than merely top-down enforcement. That’s why its important safety is integrated into the culture of our workplace. Tom shared operational excellence principles that encourage thorough risk assessment conversations. The aim is to identify successful processes rather than just failures, shifting the focus from blame to constructive learning. Leaders must lead by example, encouraging an open and honest dialogue about risks and how to address them effectively. We also discussed how rapidly advancing AI-technology could transform how we approach safety in building. Imagine AI tools that pick out discrepancies across process documents, flagging potential 'error traps' before they ensnare workers—like an extra layer of foresight. While technology can’t replace human intuition, it’s an ally that can help keep us safer and more efficient than ever. So yes, safety can seem mundane but if you look below the surface – it’s ripe for innovation. It might not ever become the most glamourous part of our industry, but with the right mindset and a consistent conversation, we can take pride in our commitment to excellence. Cheers, Hamish & Matt LINKS: Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/ [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

Last week we shared the first half of our conversation with Sven Maxa about how we can build for a better future. It means getting the industry to prioritise healthy responsibly built homes that stand the test of both time and climate. This week’s episode is the second half of that conversation and we’re discussing how passive house standards and strong community bonds can help us achieve those goals. We resume the conversation by tackling the question of why people should build Passive Houses. But to us, it's not a question of why, but why not?  Passive house is a philosophy rooted in precision, quality, and exceptional performance so we believe it should be the minimum expectation in modern construction. So how important is certification when building a Passive House? Well, while the Passive House Institute says that certification isn’t a necessity to use the term, it’s a useful tool for preventing mistakes or misunderstandings about terminology. Certification serves as an important benchmark, especially for those new to Passive House building, that ensures all projects reach the gold standard. Having said that, we also appreciate those who strive for high performance without certification. Some projects (like retrofitting or lots with significant limitations), simply can’t meet Passive House criteria. In these cases, we can still use Passive House principles as a guide to create a house far-ahead of the standard. True high performance comes from early and frequent modelling, meticulous design planning, and rigorous testing, whether you have certification or not. We also talk about the competitive nature of the building industry, and how easy it is to isolate yourself from other builders. We’ve all been there but thankfully, through this podcast and our work, we’ve built a strong network of bonds with people in the industry. Our shared passion for quality construction and innovation no longer drives us apart but now brings us together and we’ve realised that collaboration ensures better outcomes for everyone. Sven shares his experience building community, during Melbourne’s difficult lockdowns by organising challenges and events for the local community. The connection he created fostered a resilience that was crucial during this difficult time, and it’s the same for the building industry. If we can have each other’s backs when things get tough, we’re all stronger for it. The future is not a far-off destination, it's being constructed right here, right now. Every step we take, no matter how big or how small, can echo into big changes for the future. But it’s important to remember that change is a collaborative effort. So, if you believe in a more sustainable future, get out there, get involved, and make your voice heard! Cheers, Hamish & Matt LINKS: Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/ [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]

The world is changing, and the way we build our homes should change too. People are increasingly passionate about their health, comfort and the environment – which is where Passive Houses come in. In this episode we sit down with Sven Maxa, a building designer and Passive House advocate, to discuss how we can build for a better future. Sven shared so much good stuff in our conversation that we had to break it in half, so make sure you tune in next week for part 2. But for now, enjoy!  Many people think Passive Houses are just about saving energy, but Sven explains that this isn't the whole story. Even more important is how these homes make us feel. They improve air quality, reduce illnesses, and create a more comfortable environment. Sven shares the real health benefits his clients have seen, like one person who they got fewer colds in winter after moving into their new home. To achieve this goal we need careful planning, which sometimes means going against what’s popular. For example, huge rooms aren't always better. The focus should be on using space wisely and making every part of a home functional and enjoyable. And remember, “being green” isn’t enough on its own – we need to be using good building science. Homes should work as a whole system, and saving energy is just one part of that. When updating older homes, making informed choices is crucial to avoid problems. We need to communicate in simple terms, focusing on the obvious benefits like better air quality and comfort. Sven also talks honestly about the challenges of using more environmentally friendly materials like a special type of low impact concrete he’s recently worked with. It’s an advanced product, devoid of conventional cement, that significantly reduces carbon emissions. These kinds of innovations help reduce environmental effects but can cost a lot more more. In the end, Sven believes finding the balance between strength and being eco-friendly is key. Hearing from passionate professionals like Sven gives us so much hope for the future and we hope it does for you too. Remember to tune in next week for the second half of this conversation. Cheers, Hamish & Matt LINKS: Connect with us on Instagram:  @themindfulbuilderpod [https://www.instagram.com/themindfulbuilderpod/] Connect with Hamish: Instagram:  @sanctumhomes [https://www.instagram.com/sanctumhomes/] Website:    [https://www.yoursanctum.com.au/]www.yoursanctum.com.au/ [http://www.yoursanctum.com.au/] Connect with Matt:  Instagram: @carlandconstructions [https://www.instagram.com/carlandconstructions/] Website:  www.carlandconstructions.com/ [https://www.carlandconstructions.com/]