Builders Beyond Borders

Most homeowners breathe a sigh of relief when the build wraps up, but the finish line isn't actually the end. What happens after completion can make or break your experience, and most people have no idea what they're entitled to until something goes wrong. In this episode, we get into the stuff that rarely gets explained at handover. Defect periods, statutory warranties, home warranty insurance, a...

Most homeowners receive multiple quotes and pick the cheapest. What they don't realise is they're not comparing prices — they're comparing completely different scopes of work, allowances, and assumptions. In this episode, we break down what actually goes into a builder's quote, why "free" quotes carry hidden costs that get passed on somewhere, and what a single-page contract can cost you when thin...

Choosing between an architect and a draftsman is one of the first and most important decisions you'll make in your building journey… and it can significantly impact your budget. In this episode of Builders Beyond Borders, we break down the real differences between architects, draftspeople, and building designers so you can choose the right path based on your goals, budget, and level of design clar...

Feeling overwhelmed before your build has even started? You are not alone. In this episode, Hugh Maastricht from New Realm Homes in Melbourne and Paul Kennedy from Independent Building Solutions in Canberra sit down to cut through the confusion that hits most people in the very first stages of building, whether that is a new home, renovation, or even just looking at land. With well over 50 years o...

Building a home is exciting, but what happens when you decide to change something after construction has already started? In this episode of Builders Beyond Borders, we dive into one of the most common challenges during construction. Mid build changes. While some changes might seem small at first, they can quickly create ripple effects that impact cost, timelines, trades, and even the relationship...

You've received the quote, it fits your budget, and you're excited. You say yes. So why isn't construction starting tomorrow? In this episode of Builders Beyond Borders, Hugh from New Homes in Melbourne, Paul from Independent Building Solutions in Canberra, and Matt from Matthew Auld Builder in Warrnambool unpack what actually happens after you accept a builder's quote. Spoiler: the real work is j...

What really makes a building project run smoothly? It is not just plans, materials, or timelines. It is leadership, culture, and the strength of the team behind the scenes. In this episode of Builders Beyond Borders, Hugh Maastricht from New Realm Homes in Melbourne, Matt Auld from Matt Auld Builder in Warrnambool, and Paul Kennedy from Independent Building Solutions in Canberra dive into the real...

Building or renovating can quickly turn into a reality check when your dream selections do not align with your budget. In this episode of Builders Beyond Borders, we tackle the classic problem of champagne taste on a beer budget and how to manage expectations before financial shock sets in. Hosted by Andy Kearns in Western Australia, this conversation features Paul Kennedy from Independent Buildin...

Weather delays are one of the most frustrating parts of building or renovating, especially when it feels like nothing is happening on site. In this episode of Builders Beyond Borders, experienced builders unpack what really happens when rain, wind, and wet ground stop a project, and why these delays are often unavoidable and necessary. Paul Kennedy from Independent Building Solutions in Canberra i...

If you've ever asked a builder, "When can you start?" and hoped the answer would be tomorrow… this episode is your reality check (in the best way). Andy from Perway Construction Services,  Hugh from New Realm Homes, and Paul from Independent Building Solutions break down why quality builders don't rush to site, and why the pre-start phase is what protects your budget, timeline, and sanity.     Lis...

Have you ever wondered why some renovations feel like a dream while others turn into a financial nightmare? In this episode of Builders Beyond Borders Podcast, we sit down with Bronwyn from Bronz DC, a residential design specialist, to uncover the "hidden" reasons why construction costs often spiral out of control. We dive deep into the Triangle of Trust—the essential collaboration between the bui...

When you receive a building quote, it's easy to focus on the bottom-line number. But what's actually behind that price? In this episode of Builders Beyond Borders, the team breaks down one of the most misunderstood parts of the building industry: overheads — and why understanding them is critical to making sure your builder can actually finish your project. From insurances and staff wages to vehic...

If you feel like your project is stuck before it even begins, you are not imagining it. In this episode, the Builders Beyond Borders team breaks down the consultant stage and why it can take weeks, months, or even years before construction starts. We explain who consultants are, what they actually do, and why the approvals process often takes longer than the build itself. From councils and certifi...

Choosing the right builder is one of the biggest decisions you will make when building or renovating. In this episode, the Builders Beyond Borders team unpack the real differences between working with a family run building business and a large project or volume builder. Andy and Louise from Perway Construction Services, along with Dean and Shannon from DJH Builders, share honest insights from year...

Client disappointment is one of the most challenging parts of any building or renovation project. In this episode, the Builders Beyond Borders team unpack why disappointment happens, how expectations can drift from reality, and what builders and clients can do to manage it better. Hugh, Andy, and Paul share real examples from their own projects, from selection shock and budget surprises to delays...

Aussie builders Paul, Andy, and Hugh look back on the wins, challenges, and mindset shifts that shaped their businesses and strengthened how they serve clients. From improving the client experience early in the journey to learning how mindset and communication impact every build, this episode is a candid conversation about what really matters in the construction industry. The builders also share w...

Before you spend $10K–$20K on architectural plans, there's a smarter first step that can save you money, stress and months of wasted time. In today's episode of Builders Beyond Borders, we break down why homeowners should speak to a builder before engaging an architect or designer especially if you're building or renovating in Australia. Joining us are Paul from Independent Building Solutions (Can...

In this episode of Builders Beyond Borders, we sit down with Madison from Tasmania — a business owner, soon-to-be mum, and proud granny flat resident — to chat about how downsizing into a small space became the smartest housing decision her family ever made. From converting an Airbnb cabin into a cozy home on her in-laws' five-acre property, to the financial freedom, family connection, and minimal...

You might be surprised to learn that bathroom renovations often need just as many trades as building an entire home. In this episode, we break down the full process and explain the behind-the-scenes coordination required to make a bathroom renovation run smoothly. As builders who do this every day, we're sharing what really goes into turning that tired old bathroom into something functional and be...

Is your dream home renovation becoming a budget nightmare? In this episode of Builders Beyond Borders, the crew gets real about the financial side of building — and why it's not your builder's job to magically meet your budget if you're not upfront about it. Join Shannon from DJH Builders, Hugh from New Realm Homes, Paul from Independent Building Solutions, and Louise & Andy from Perway Constructi...

Before you knock down a wall or choose a tapware finish, tune into this essential episode of Builders Beyond Borders. Hosted by Dean and Shannon Hodgetts of DJH Builders and joined by Louise and Andy Kearns from Perway Construction Services, and Paul from Independent Building Solutions, this episode uncovers the real costs of home renovations that too many Aussie homeowners learn the hard way. Fro...

There's a critical step many homeowners skip and it's not the floor plan. It's finance. In this episode, Shannon from DJH Builders and Hugh from New Realm Homes get real about what can go wrong when your finance broker isn't the right fit. They share stories from the field and offer candid advice to help you avoid financial heartbreak before your build even begins. The wrong broker can cost you ti...

What happens when homeowners and builders build more than just houses — but real relationships? In this episode of Builders Beyond Borders, the crew explores why connection, communication, and mutual respect are the secret ingredients to a smoother, more enjoyable building or renovation experience. Join Louise from Perway NWA, Hugh from New Realm Homes, Paul from Independent Building Solutions, An...

In this episode, we dive into one of the hottest debates in Australian residential construction — timber framing vs steel and double brick. Whether you're a first-time home builder or looking to renovate sustainably, this chat offers real builder insights into why timber homes continue to win in flexibility, sustainability, cost-efficiency, and energy performance. From passive house certifications...

Are you planning a new home build or renovation in Australia and wondering which trades you'll need along the way? In this episode of Builders Beyond Borders, seasoned Aussie builders Paul from Independent Building Solutions (Canberra), Louise from Perway Constructions (Perth), and Hugh from New Realm Homes (Melbourne) break down the full list of trades involved in building a home—from pre-constru...