Better Builder Podcast

Send us Fan Mail We welcome back Ed Cooney, the founder and director of Iron House, for another insightful conversation. With over three decades of experience in the construction industry, Ed has worked on significant projects worldwide, most recently in Vanuatu through Luxor Homes. In this episode, we delve into the critical importance of thoroughly understanding your business's back-end ope...

Send us Fan Mail Adam Beswick co-founded Next Level Joinery in 2017 with a vision to create a modern timber joinery workshop committed to delivering exceptional, sustainable timber products on time with outstanding service. Next Level Joinery prides itself on its dedicated team, modern precision machinery, and a customer-centric approach, aiming to exceed expectations and foster long-term relation...

Send us Fan Mail Matt Saathof leads Totara Construction, a family-owned Tauranga-based company inspired by the enduring strength and integrity of the Totara tree. Since 2016, Totara Construction has been dedicated to providing a personable and lasting approach to building, emphasizing excellent design without excessive expense. They are known for their commitment to working closely with clients an...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to Better Builder Apprentice! In our sixth monthly bonus episode, we're joined by Caitlin, a powerhouse fourth-year apprentice who's practically breathing down the neck of qualification – just 99% to go! We're diving deep into the realities of apprenticeship, exploring the exciting career avenues that open up after qualifying, and pinpointing the common...

Send us Fan Mail Mel Riley, alongside his brother Justin, founded DC Build, a residential construction company known for translating architectural visions into reality with exceptional craftsmanship. Led by a team of Master Builders and experienced project managers, DC Build, established in 2014, focuses on creating homes that bring pride to owners, architects, and the construction team alike. Aft...

Send us Fan Mail Dave Bulling leads Cook Brothers Construction, a national commercial construction powerhouse specialising in diverse and complex projects. They are recognised for their commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and a unique approach to business. Beginning with a $1.5 million apartment conversion in Dunedin, managed from their early "Tree Hut" office, Cook Brothers...

Send us Fan Mail Iaac Lindesay is the driving force behind Make Space Build, a company redefining modular construction in some of the most remote and challenging locations across New Zealand. From compact one-bedroom homes to expansive off-grid retreats, Make Space Build delivers high-quality, bespoke solutions with a sharp focus on efficiency, cost control, and innovative design. In this episode,...

Send us Fan Mail Nick Smith founded Smith Construction, a leading Northland construction company specialising in exceptional architectural homes. They are renowned for designing and building extraordinary properties in Mangawhai, Te Arai, Langs Beach, and Waipu, focusing on quality and distinction.  In this episode, we sat down with Nick to discuss his extensive experience in the construction indu...

Send us Fan Mail Warwick Allen is the director of Glass Vice, an innovative New Zealand-owned company specializing in Glass & Aluminium balustrades, pool fencing, floating platforms, Aluminium Screens/shrouds/sliders & building-related products. Glass Vice is known for their customer service and innovative patented product range including the world-famous double friction that gives them an...

Send us Fan Mail Anthony Kane is the director of Kane Build Group. With a family history in real estate, Anthony is driven by a passion for architectural excellence and finely-crafted construction. Among his qualifications are a New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry, Licensed Building Practioner, and Registered Master Builder. With over 20 years of experience in construction, Anthony leads Kane Bui...

Send us Fan Mail Andy Crompton is the director of Abstract Floors, a company specialising in timer floor installation and renovation. After purchasing the business from the previous owner, Andy revitalised it into a modern award-winning team by working closely with home owners, designers and builders to make sure timelines are met and jobs run smoothly. In this episode, we sat down with Andy and c...

Send us Fan Mail Oliver Starr is one of the founders of Homewerk , a company specialising in creating bespoke architectural tiny homes that showcase exceptional attention to detail and intricate craftsmanship. Homewerk is redefining the prefab market by combining innovative design concepts with high-quality construction to deliver unique, tailored living solutions. In this episode, we sat down wit...

Send us Fan Mail John Creighton owns and founded John Creighton Builders, a company specialising in high-quality residential construction, including new builds, renovations, and repairs. They are known for constructing homes with superior craftsmanship and architectural excellence, often collaborating with architects. In this episode, we sat down with John to chat about his extensive experience in...

Send us Fan Mail Len Bogatin is the founder of LBA Construction Group, Melbourne's foremost high-end builder. Len founded LBA with his business partner Denis, and the idea is to bring the customer focus of commercial construction to the residential market. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, LBA has earned a reputation for delivering outstanding quality projects in a position of...

Send us Fan Mail As we approach the end of 2024, it is time to look back on our favorite moments throughout the year. In this episode, we invited Henry Dunham from Henry Dunham Building back to celebrate our picks for the most memorable guests, banters, and moments of the podcast this year, in our very first Better Builder Annual Awards. Social Links  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/betterbu...

Send us Fan Mail Matthew Menichelli is the founder of Elevate Building Group, a building company based in Diamon Valley, Melbourne and specialises in Custom homes complemented by a wealth of experience ranging from renovations, extensions, new homes, multi-res developments, basement construction and commercial fit-outs. Mattew began as an Industrial Design student, but his passion led him away fro...

Send us Fan Mail Dale Cheesman is the founder of The Melbourne Builder. As a young and talented certified master builder, Dale Cheesman has been quietly transforming the face of Melbourne’s building industry for more than a decade. Specialising in high-end residential construction, events and temporary structure across the hospitality and events sectors, Dale has not only collaborated with some of...

Send us Fan Mail George Passas is the founder of Pascon. With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, George has been a pivotal figure in Victoria’s construction scene. His journey began with prestigious roles at Melbourne’s top construction companies, including Multiplex, Abigroup, and Buildcept, where he honed his skills in project management, design and construction, financial...

Send us Fan Mail Robbie Stratti is the founder of Stratti Building, specialising in creating architectural custom homes, boutique commercial spaces, and renovations. Robbie discovered his passion for innovative construction in 2008, while spending eight months building a community village in East Africa with his father. As he honed his carpentry skills, he also developed an innate ability to ‘thin...

Send us Fan Mail Stephen Humphry is the owner of MODIFY, a building company specialises in home renovations and new builds in Sydney, Australia. Based on years of experience, the company has carved a streamlined process that provides clients with an upfront and detailed cost management plan for their renovation project, minimising any surprises during the design phase. With an integrated team of s...

Send us Fan Mail Marshal Keen is the founder of Built by MK. With over 20 years in the industry, Marshal is a skilled builder and carpenter with a great sense of design and a sharp eye for detail. Inspired by his father, he started his building career on the Gold Coast, completing his carpentry apprenticeship and earning his building license. After climbing the ranks at Queensland’s top residentia...

Send us Fan Mail Joe Sidoti is the founder and director of SQ Projects, a building company specialising in boutique residential construction in Sydney, Australia. Since Joe started SQ in 2010, the company has evolved from a one-man operation into a multi award winning building company offering a wide range of services. SQ takes pride in delivering quality projects, on time and within budget. With...

Send us Fan Mail Tony Fraser founded House of Nautica in 1997, specialising in building outstanding masonry homes to suit the needs of their discerning clients. Being a big believer in honesty and integrity, Tony prides himself in providing the highest level of service, with a keen attention to detail and unsurpassed quality in materials and workmanship. Being a veteran in the industry, Tony is al...

Send us Fan Mail Nic Foster is the director of NF Construction. Nick started his building career working for a developer in Auckland for 10 years. After that, he and his wife decided to move up to Mangawhai Heads and founded their company. They began by building their own project houses, designing, building, and then selling them. The company has won multiple awards for their projects due to Nic&a...

Send us Fan Mail Ollie Mules founded Blackbird Projects in 2014, which has since then grown steadily to be one of Auckland's leading residential construction companies. As a fully-integrated ‘one-stop-shop’, Blackbird oversees projects from concept to creation, streamlining the process for their clients and ensuring exceptional craftsmanship every step of the way. With a commitment to excelle...