Building Design, Prime Time

Are you considering a modular home but aren’t sure where to start? In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank are joined by mortgage brokers Carrie and Eliza from Uploans to discuss the latest policy changes for financing modular homes. Together, they unpack the evolving world of modular housing, providing expert insights for homeowners, investors, and first...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank tackle a topic that comes up with almost every client enquiry: budget. While many people hesitate to disclose how much they want to spend, Frank explains why being upfront is crucial for a successful design and build journey, if you're on a budget.  Amelia and Frank discuss how a clear budget helps align design ideas...

Heating your home isn’t just about turning on a switch, it’s about comfort, efficiency, and making choices that suit your lifestyle and budget. In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive deep into the world of home heating, exploring the wide variety of options available to homeowners in Tasmania and beyond. From traditional wood heaters and pellet systems to...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia welcome back Sam from SM Building for the second instalment of our two-part series on Passive House design (If you haven't listened to part one yet go back to the previous episode first so you can hear the full instalment). Frank, Amelia and Sam dive deeper into what it really takes to build and certify a home to this...

In this episode of Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia sat down with Sam from SM Building, who recently achieved something remarkable, completing the very first certified Passive House units in Launceston. Sam opens up about his journey of navigating the process for the first time, sharing both the opportunities and the challenges of bringing this globally recognised building sta...

 In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank explore the lack of consumer protection in Australia’s housing market and the risks buyers face when purchasing a property. Frank begins with an imagined “ideal” inspection report to illustrate the level of detail buyers should receive but rarely do, pointing out hidden dangers like unapproved works, mould, or poor const...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia discuss the potential reasons for overwhelm and stress during the design and construction of your home. Building or renovating should be exciting… but the reality is, it can also be one of the most stressful and expensive experiences you’ll ever take on. In this episode, Frank and Amelia talk about the hidden emotional and...

In this episode of Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Amelia and Frank explore the potential pitfalls of turning your garage into short-term accommodation. While the idea of creating an Airbnb or private flat from an underused space is tempting, there’s far more to it than meets the eye. They share real-life examples where stunning but non-compliant conversions had to be downgraded to non-habitab...

Looking for cheap ways to extend your home? In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast, Amelia and Frank explore smart, budget-friendly options for adding extra space by converting existing areas like garages, alfrescos, and carports into livable rooms. But beware—while these projects can be cost-effective, they’re not always as simple as throwing up a few walls. Frank explains why...

In this milestone 100th episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank celebrate their journey while diving into one of the most practical and timely topics for homeowners—how to make your existing home more energy efficient. Drawing from decades of building design experience and personal insight, Frank shares five key areas where improvements can have the biggest impac...

In this educational episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank explore the top five renovation disasters homeowners should avoid. Aimed at first-time renovators and those unfamiliar with the building process, the episode highlights real-world scenarios that underscore the importance of proper planning, permits, and professional guidance. Frank shares his decades of...

 In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank explore the pros and cons of home extensions, particularly the choice between building outwards or upwards. They discuss key factors such as construction costs, structural challenges, council planning restrictions, and how different site types affect renovation options.  Emphasis is placed on the importance of working wi...

 In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, the hosts, Frank and Amelia explore the practical, emotional, and regulatory considerations of multi-generational living and designing for independence within shared homes. They emphasise the importance of thoughtful design features such as separate entries, kitchenettes, shared laundries, and accessible layouts, all while navigating pla...

In this episode of the  Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Amelia and Frank dive into everything you need to consider when designing a functional, beautiful backyard. Whether you're building a new home or updating an existing outdoor space, this episode is packed with practical tips and expert advice. They explore how early planning and smart layout decisions can make or break your outdoor a...

In this episode of Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia unpack one of the most asked—and most misunderstood—questions in the building journey: What’s the hardest part of designing or building a home? Drawing from experience, they break down the emotional and practical challenges that clients often face—from the overwhelming choices during the design stage to the uncertainty and wa...

In this down-to-earth episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into whether it's cheaper to buy or build a home? They discuss the real-life challenges and rewards of tackling home renovations versus building from scratch.  Frank and Amelia reflect on their own renovation journeys—like ceiling chunks falling mid-project and learning the hard way that not all DI...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank break down the often confusing world of building terminology, making it clear and accessible for anyone involved in the building or renovation process. They kick off with essential plumbing terms like IO (Inspection Opening) and ORG (Overflow Relief Gully), explaining what they mean and why they matter for your home...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia tackle one of the biggest questions on every homeowner's mind: What’s the most expensive part of building?  Frank takes a deep dive into the numbers, breaking down the percentages of each area and explaining that interior finishes often make up the largest chunk of your budget. From flooring and cabinetry to lighting...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank reveal the smartest, most budget-friendly ways to extend your home —without cutting corners on quality or design. Learn why keeping your roofline simple is one of the biggest money-saving decisions you can make, and how standard sizing for windows, doors and building materials can stretch your budget further. Discov...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive deep into the one question every home builder has: How much is this going to cost? From budgeting for the basics to planning for the unexpected, Frank and Amelia break down the key factors that influence your building costs before you even start building —so you can make informed decisions from the start. Building a...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into one of the most misunderstood aspects of land and property development — flood overlays. Whether you're looking to buy a block of land, planning a renovation, or designing your dream home, knowing whether a flood overlay affects your site is absolutely critical. You'll learn what a flood overlay is, ho...

In this eye-opening episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank are joined by special guest Leanne Jordan, a qualified Bushfire Practitioner, to unpack everything you need to know about Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) ratings and how they impact your build. Whether you're planning a new home, an extension, or converting an existing building like a church into a resi...

In the second part of our two-part series which follows on from the previous episode, Amelia and Frank discuss with special guest Clarence from Ionic Construction a deeper look into one of the most overlooked challenges in the construction industry—condensation.  They discuss poorly designed and constructed homes that are not just inefficient; they can lead to major moisture issues, mould growth,...

As homes become more airtight, the need for proper ventilation has never been more important. In this episode, Frank and Amelia welcomed special guest Clarence Macalister from Ionic Construction to talk about the effects of condensation in homes and  explore how changes in building standards and energy efficiency measures are impacting indoor air quality, and what homeowners, designers, and builde...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive into the complexities of building envelopes and how they impact your home design. We discuss key regulations, including setbacks, height restrictions, and site coverage, particularly for smaller and steeper blocks. Frank and Amelia also explore how different zones and overlays influence what you can build, and why ea...