The MTDC Lounge

Ever wondered what really goes into turning a rough sketch into a buildable concept? In this episode of the MTDC Lounge , Matt and Mitch dive into the nitty-gritty of site measures and existing plans – the often overlooked stage that can make or break a project. From snapping every quirky detail of an old house (yes, even those cheeky step-downs and dodgy add-ons) to spotting stormwater traps and...

This week on the MTDC Lounge , Matt sits down with Chris Walkom from Walkom Constructions – one of Newcastle’s most awarded custom home builders – to dig deep into the real costs of building or renovating, and the red flags every homeowner should watch for when reviewing quotes. Chris shares: ✅ Why involving your builder early can save you thousands ✅ How to tell a quality proposal from a four-p...

In this episode of the MTDC Lounge, Matt & Mitch dive into the world of design quotes, and why not all quotes are created equal. Whether you’re working with an architect or a draftsman, the level of detail in your plans can make or break your project. They break down what to look for when you’re comparing quotes, the red flags that could cost you thousands down the track, and the knock-on effe...

In this episode of the MTDC Lounge, Matt sits down with Dan and Josh from Build Cert to demystify the role of a building certifier. From approvals to inspections, certifiers are a crucial part of making sure your dream build doesn’t turn into a compliance nightmare. We talk through the common obstacles everyday homeowners run into, what gets projects stalled, and how the right advice early on can...

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt and Mitch dig into the reports you can’t afford to skip before submitting your plans to council. From soil tests to engineering checks, these aren’t just bits of paperwork; they’re the difference between a smooth build and a financial blowout. Miss one, and you could be staring down tens of thousands of dollars in unexpected costs. Following on from their...

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt sits down with Dom Borg from DBC Northern Edge, a Sydney-based carpenter specialising in custom frames. Dom gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what his job really involves when it comes to building your home; and why the strength and health of your home’s frame is something you can’t afford to overlook. He also shares practical advice on how to future-pr...

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt sits down with Bree from the MTDC team to unpack what really happens when a home designer steps into a client’s space for the very first time. From uncovering what clients think they want to discovering what’s actually possible, Bree shares her process, her questions, and how those first conversations lay the groundwork for a dream design that works in the...

In this episode o the MTDC Lounge, Matt & Mitch walk you through the very first FREE reports and maps you can pull to decode your block, so you know what you can build and where you can put it. You’ll learn how to spot easements, overlays and other sneaky constraints that can quickly dictate your house size, shape, and siting. Need help in designing your home? We'd love to chat. Visit http...

In our first episode, Matt & Mitch walk you through their backgrounds and how important in-person concept meetings have been with their home design clients, and some recent customer interactions to show insight into talking to people about their dream homes.