The MTDC Lounge

In this episode, Matt sits down with Rod Newman from Master Built Pools Newcastle and Hunter Valley for a straight-talking conversation about what actually goes wrong on pool projects, and how homeowners can protect themselves before they sign anything. Rod breaks down the licensing myth vs reality behind pool installs (builder’s license vs company license), why online reviews can be misleading, a...

It’s the MTDC Lounge Christmas wrap-up. Matt and Mitch sit down for an end-of-year debrief on what 2025 taught homeowners about designing, renovating, and building. Thank you everyone for tuning in this year, 2026 will bring some exceptional episodes to learn about the building industry!

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt sits down with Michael Edwards from Shiels Property for a no-BS conversation about what really happens when buying, selling, and renovating property in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie market. Michael pulls back the curtain on some of the biggest traps buyers and sellers fall into — from unapproved structures and retrospective approvals, to underquoting ta...

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt sits down with homeowner Lyn to unpack a renovation story filled with rising damp, mould, drainage failures, insurance setbacks, a faulty fireplace install, and a tighter budget. Lyn recently bought a brick home in Tighes Hill and soon discovered the property had multiple hidden issues —from broken stormwater and sewer lines to persistent moisture under th...

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt chats with Mitch Hawthorn and Brendan Thomsen from Thomsen & Hawthorn Building about the real-world challenges of renovations, knockdown rebuilds and custom homes in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. They break down what actually happens behind the scenes — from unexpected site issues to engineering surprises — and share their honest advice on budgeting, q...

Matt sits down with insurance powerhouse Jess Walker , who brings 20 years of industry experience and a refreshingly human approach to a topic most people dread: insurance . Jess breaks down the biggest misconceptions tradies, builders, and homeowners have about their cover — including why that “cheap $1,500 policy” could leave you completely exposed, how to tell if your builder is actually insure...

In this audience-powered episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt & Mitch dive into your most-asked questions, from how much planning actually costs to why mine subsidence zones matter more than you think . If you’re planning a new home, an extension, or you’re knee-deep in research, this episode will save you stress, confusion, and probably a few thousand dollars. They unpack: Why most homeowners un...

This week on The MTDC Lounge , Matt sits down with Jackson Mexon from Magnus All Property Services , a landscaping and property maintenance expert who’s redefining what “quality” means in the industry. They dig into what most homeowners get wrong about lawns, gardens, and outdoor design and how small changes (and better communication between trades) can completely transform a home’s value and stre...

This week on The MTDC Lounge , Matt and Mitch are back to celebrate some long-overdue wins across the design and building industry. After months of red tape and slow council turnarounds, approvals are moving, and moving quickly; and the guys have stories to prove it. From ten recent approvals flying through in record time to complex bushfire-zone projects that finally got the green light, this epi...

In this Q&A-style episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt and Mitch tackle the questions that homeowners and future builders ask them most often — straight from the inbox and on-site chats. They’ll also unpack: Design trends they love (and the ones that should stay in 2020) What to look for before buying a block of land The truth about stormwater drainage, heritage zones, and fire ratings How to bal...

This week on The MTDC Lounge , Matt sits down with veteran builder-turned-inspector Mark Colecliffe , who’s been in the industry since the early ’80s. Together they unpack what really goes on behind the scenes of new home builds, from the shift in craftsmanship over the decades to the cracks (literally) appearing in today’s certification and inspection systems. Mark shares eye-opening stories abou...

In this episode of The MTDC Lounge , Matt sits down with Nick Jones from Aussie to unpack everything you really need to know before chasing your dream home. Nick’s a seasoned mortgage broker with over a decade of experience helping first-home buyers, investors and owner-builders across Newcastle, NSW and beyond. Together they talk about why finance should be the first step in your building journey...

The Hamptons look has become one of the most sought-after styles in Australia — but what does it really mean, and how do you design a home that feels timeless, functional, and connected to the way Aussies live? In this episode of the MTDC Lounge , Matt and Bree unpack the essentials of Hamptons-style design — from its origins in the US to its evolution as a coastal Australian favourite. They share...

When it comes to creating a home that’s not just beautiful but functional, award-winning interior designers Lara O'Donnell and Grace Collinson from Tailored HQ know exactly how to make it happen. In this episode of the MTDC Lounge , Matt sits down with Lara and Grace to talk about their design journey, the importance of being involved in the building process as early as possible, and why curta...

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.