Colin Bischof & Darren Brennan

Home Building Hub

Home Building Hub is an independent podcast designed to provide education and value to anyone looking to build a new home with a volume home builder in Australia. Hosted by industry experts Colin Bischof & Darren Brennan, the Home Building Hub podcast features interviews and insights that will help better educate listeners about new home building so they can avoid costly mistakes when choosing their preferred home builder. 

Author

Colin Bischof & Darren Brennan

Category

Education

Podcast website

www.homebuildinghub.com.au

Latest episode

Jul 5, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Ep. 85 | How to compare builders quotes properly 16.02.2025

In this episode, we break down how to compare builder quotes properly. We cover base prices, inclusions, site costs, and promotions to help you make a fair comparison. Plus, why the right builder for you isn’t always the cheapest or most popular. Topic timestamps 1:26 - First you must understand that not all quotes are equal  4:04 - Here’s the best way to compare quotes 6:12 - Base price, floorpla...

Ep. 84 | HIA Explained: What It Does & Why It Matters – with Executive Director Keith Ryan 09.02.2025

In this must listen episode, we chat with Keith Ryan, Executive Director of HIA Victoria, about the role of the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and how it supports builders and home buyers. We cover common misconceptions, contract pitfalls, consumer protections, upcoming regulation changes, the future of housing in Victoria, and wrap up with Keith’s key advice for home buyers. Timestamps: 2:05...

Ep. 83 | Top 5 Mistakes New Home Buyers Make 02.02.2025

Buying a new home is exciting, but many home buyers fall into common traps that can cost them time, money, and stress. In this episode, we break down the Top 5 Mistakes New Home Buyers Make—and how to avoid them. Timestamps: 1:25 - Don’t go display shopping before getting finance advice 3:40 - Don’t listen to family or friends opinions more than need be 5:30 - Don’t buy a block of land without spe...

Ep. 82 | 2025 Interest Rate & Home Building Predictions 26.01.2025

Darren and Colin share their insights on 2025, including interest rate cuts, land supply trends, home pricing, and what it all means for new home buyers and investors. Tune in for actionable predictions and key industry insights! Timestamps: 2:25 - Interest rate predictions 6:35 - Land supply and pricing predictions 11:52 - Builder pricing predictions 17:54 - Builder stability predictions 22:26 -...

Ep. 81 | Exciting announcement and thanks for 2024 22.12.2024

Thanks to everyone who supported our podcast throughout 2024 🙏 Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community  Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & checklists Join here > https://www.skool.com/home-building-hub-3827 Liking the show?   Please leave us a 5 star rating on your podcast platform and share the show with others - thank you. Please consider subsc...

Ep. 80 | Top 5 planning steps to take if building in 2025 15.12.2024

In this 10 minute episode, we go through the top 5 things you can do or prepare for if you’re considering building in 2025.  Timestamps: 00:56 - Listen to the home building hub podcast - check! 2:03 - Speak to a broker 3:11 - Get perception out of your system 4:34 - Move to reality as quickly as possible 6:30 - Take action.  Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community  Get FREE stuf...

Ep. 79 | How long does it REALLY take to build a new home? 08.12.2024

In this episode we explain how long it can take to go from a signed contract to a site start, and then how long to allow for your build time as well. We explain the reasons for the timeframes and why it is often so difficult to get a final completion date commitment from your builder too. Timestamps: 4:00 - Rough time frames: contract to site start (presite) and build times (onsite) also. 7:47 - U...

Ep. 78 | 4 must-know terms to learn before searching for a home design 24.11.2024

Navigating home designs can be confusing with all the industry jargon. In this episode we break down four essential terms - design ranges, lot dimensions, house sizes, and pricing - to simplify your journey. Learn how to interpret builder websites and make informed decisions for your dream home. Timestamps: 2:30 - Design Ranges : Explaining silver, gold, and platinum ranges and their inclusions. 0...

Ep. 77 | Colour Appointment vs Predetermined Colour Palettes - which should you choose and why? 17.11.2024

Should you attend a colour appointment or pick from predetermined colour boards? In this episode, we give an overview of each option, explain the pros and cons of each, and finish with our recommendation to you. Timestamps: Introduction to Color Selections 3:10 - Colour appointments - overview 5:39 - Pros of colour appointments 8:10 - Cons of colour appointments 12:25 - Why it’s important to prepa...

Ep. 76 | WARNING! New Gas connection fees are coming your way 10.11.2024

Gas connection fees are increasing substantially. In this episode we explain when the new gas connection fees are coming and how much they’ll be. We also talk about what other utility costs that are not included in your contract to be mindful of when budgeting for your new home. Timestamps: 3:45 - Gas distribution charges coming into effect 1st January 2025 8:14 - New gas regulations 9:00 - Compli...

Ep. 75 | If I cancel my build, will I get my deposit back? 03.11.2024

This is the must-listen episode for every home buyer! We’re tackling one of the biggest questions in the industry: Will I get my deposit back if I decide to cancel? In this episode, we break down the answer and dive deep into what a Preliminary Works Agreement really entails, what’s covered in your Preliminary Fee, what work is completed as part of that fee, and whether it’s beneficial to pay this...

Ep. 74 | Top 5 reasons why your hesitation is costing you thousands 27.10.2024

In this no BS episode, we reveal some of the leading examples where people lose literally thousands of dollars as a result of their hesitation. We hope it helps you avoid the same mistakes so many others have made before you. Timestamps: 1:55 - Enquiry and speaking to a consultant  5:26 - Securing land  7:56 - Indecision with your house  13:10 - Not getting a second opinion on finance  18:39 - Lis...

Ep. 73 | Explained: Land Rebates vs Land Discounts 20.10.2024

If you’re on the lookout for a block of land, tune in because this episode will help you understand the difference between a land rebate compared to a land discount. We explain what they are, the pros and cons of each and also outline which one might be better for you and why.   Timestamps: 6:17 - What are land rebates? 7:14 - What are land discounts?  8:27 - The pros and cons of land rebates  10:...

Ep. 72 | Where to find the best land deals right now 06.10.2024

In this episode, we dive into everything you need to know about purchasing land. Discover the best strategies for buying land, the different purchasing options available, and where you can find the best deals right now.  We’ll also uncover the biggest mistakes people make when buying land and share valuable tips to help you make smarter investment decisions.  Time stamps: 2:05 - the best way to pu...

Ep. 71 | How to care for your slab to avoid big movement problems 29.09.2024

In this episode, we dive into how to properly care for your home’s slab foundation to avoid costly movement issues down the road. We discuss the most common foundation problems, early warning signs to look out for, and how soil and climate conditions play a role in foundation health. Learn about water management, vegetation control, and the importance of seasonal maintenance. Plus we share essenti...

Ep. 70 | Orientation Tip: How to determine which side living areas should be on 22.09.2024

Ever wondered how the orientation of your home affects its comfort and energy efficiency?  In this episode we explore why the direction your living areas face is crucial.  Discover how to find the north point and the benefits of positioning your living areas to maximize natural light.  We’ll also explain how an engineering plan can help you design a floor plan that works with your block’s orientat...

Ep. 69 | I’ve built 8 homes… here’s my advice to you 15.09.2024

Meet Ben… he’s built 8 homes… and in this episode he shares his top tips, biggest lessons, common mistakes, what took him by surprise, where the opportunities are now, and much more. Don’t miss it! Timestamps: 2:00 - Introducing Ben. 4:10 - What sort of homes has Ben built so far? …and what process has he taken?  7:29 - Getting your timing right, and finding someone to keep you on track. 16:08 - W...

Ep. 68 | Market Update with Ben Stewart from Core Projects 08.09.2024

This level of market update would normally cost you money, but we’re bringing it to you for free. Join us as we welcome Ben Stewart from Core Projects, who takes you through some amazing insights into the current market conditions, peak pricing, land supply, the 70:30 ratio, housing targets, when to buy and much more. Timestamps: 3:34 - Welcome to Ben from Core Projects 7:25 - Tell us about the cu...

Ep. 67 | Top 5 cooling options. Cheapest to most expensive. 01.09.2024

Wondering which cooling option to choose for your new build? No probs, grab a coffee and listen in as we take you through the top 5 cooling options from cheapest to most expensive. Topic timestamps:  2:30 - Ceiling fans  4:10 - Evap cooling 8:18 - Split systems  11:11 - Bolt on refrigerated cooling  13:17 - Reverse cycle refrigerated cooling Join Australia’s most trusted new home education communi...

Ep. 66 | Top 10 items to do later if you’re on a tight budget 25.08.2024

Budget constraints can be a challenge when securing finance for your new home. In this episode, we share our top 10 recommendations for items you might consider removing from your building quote to ease the approval process. We'll also explore the pros and cons of completing these items after handover, helping you make informed decisions while staying on budget. Topic timestamps 2:52 - Blinds...

Ep. 65 | Global Investment Opportunities: Insights from Dubai with John Gilroy 18.08.2024

Join us as we chat with John Gilroy about Dubai's booming property market. Learn why investors are flocking to this dynamic city and what Australian investors can gain from global strategies. Get key insights into maximizing returns in international markets Topic timestamps 1:44 - Introducing our Guest, John Gilroy. 4:30 - Tell us why people are moving to Dubai? 6:30 - Why are people investin...

Ep. 64 | Co-living: The future of high yield and capital growth? 11.08.2024

In this episode we dive into the popular investment model of co-living. We explain what it is, how it works, what it includes, how it is addressing critical housing issues, and much more. Don't miss this chance to gain essential insights to help you decide if co-living is the right choice for your next property investment. Topic timestamps 2:50 - What is co-living?  7:29 - What are the main i...

Ep. 63 | Top 5 tips to prepare for your selection studio appointment 04.08.2024

In this episode we share our top 5 tips to help you prepare for your colour selection appointment so you can enjoy (not stress about) the experience and make more confident decisions on the day. Topic timestamps 2:50 - Tip #1: Attend a tour if possible  6:56 - Tip #2: Bring photos, inspiration and theme ideas to your appointment  9:28 - Tip #3: Set up a Pinterest page  14:17 - Tip #4: Do your faca...

Ep. 62 | Are fixed site costs REALLY fixed? 28.07.2024

Site costs are a key component to your building quote, and can be very confusing as they vary from builder to builder. In this episode we explain what fixed site costs are, how they work and we list the top 5 reasons fixed site costs may be varied or changed by a builder.  Join Australia’s most trusted new home education community  Get FREE stuff: Ultimate Home Building Guide w/ templates & ch...

Ep. 61 | Land buyers beware: The true cost of cheap land 21.07.2024

Please listen to this episode BEFORE you buy a block of land. We cover the main components of site costs, the common misconceptions and oversights, and finish with our top 3 tips for you to use before buying a block of land. Topic timestamps 3:10 - Main two components of site costs  3:45 - What is fill and fall? And what impact do they have on your site costs?  7:39 - 4 common misconceptions and o...

Listen to the Home Building Hub podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.