Building Design, Prime Time

When is a building project actually finished? Most people would say when the keys are handed over, the final payment is made, and you’ve moved in. But legally and financially the answer is very different.

In this eye-opening episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank unpack one of the most misunderstood and costly aspects of building, renovating, and extending: legal completion and certification. Through re...

Cost Estimates vs Final Build Costs – What You Really Need to Know Before You Build

Why do so many building projects blow their budget? Why does the “estimate” you were given at the start look nothing like the final cost at the end? And how can you protect yourself from nasty surprises when you’re investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into a new build or renovation?

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Ame...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank dive deep into one of the most misunderstood (and stress-inducing) parts of building and renovating: variations. If you’re planning a new home, renovation, or extension, this is a must-listen episode that could save you thousands of dollars and a lot of frustration.

Frank breaks down exactly what a variation is, why they happen, and why they’re not always a...

Kicking off 2026 with a bang, hosts Amelia and Frank Geskus return to the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast to tackle one of the most overlooked, yet most critical parts of any construction project: budgeting for the unexpected.

Whether you’re dreaming of a brand-new home or planning an extension, surprises lurk beneath every slab and behind every wall. From hidden rocks and rogue plumbing to surprise council demands and unpredict...

Why does building or renovating feel so risky right now? If you’ve been thinking about starting a new build or extension but feel unsure, hesitant, or overwhelmed, this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast is for you.

In this final episode for 2025, Amelia and Frank unpack why confidence in the building process has shifted over recent years. From rapidly rising construction costs and labour shortages to planning comple...

In this engaging episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank Geskus dive deep into one of the biggest questions facing property investors today, should you renovate an existing home or build a new one? With their signature mix of expertise and down-to-earth conversation, they unpack the pros, cons, and hidden traps of both approaches, offering invaluable insights for anyone looking to make smart, info...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia sit down with Sophie from Harrington Road to explore the emotional, practical, and financial challenges of downsizing, transitioning into aged care, or managing a deceased estate. Sophie shares how her team supports clients through every step of the process, from assessing human needs and property potential, to guiding families through decluttering, organi...

Designing your dream home is exciting, but designing it on a rural block? That’s a whole new adventure. In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia steps into the client’s chair as she and Frank unpack the real, unfiltered process of creating a home from the ground up as Amelia navigates going through the process of getting the first floorplan concept for her new home.

From interpreting the very first concept ...

Are you looking to make your home more comfortable, efficient, and safe, but aren’t sure where to start? In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Trime Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive deep into the world of retrofitting and home upgrades, sharing practical insights for homeowners who want to improve their existing spaces without breaking the bank.

From choosing the right insulation and roof ventilation for Tasmanian conditions, ...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast, Amelia and Frank pull back the curtain on one of the biggest challenges in Australia’s building and design industry, the lack of communication and consistency between systems, departments, and even states. Following on from their previous podcast discussion about the five key systems involved in every building project, they dive deeper into how these systems often operate ...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia pull back the curtain on one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry, that building designers just “draw plans.” They reveal the hidden complexity behind every project, explaining how designers must navigate five parallel systems  planning, building, site and infrastructure, technical disciplines, and title/legal implications each with its own rule b...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia diving into the world of landscape design with expert landscaper Andrew Nicholson. From passive solar planning to creating functional outdoor spaces, Andrew shares insights into how smart design can make your garden not only beautiful but practical all year round.

They explore the tricky balance of managing sunlight, wind, and shade, and the importance of c...

Are you considering a modular home but aren’t sure where to start? In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank are joined by mortgage brokers Carrie and Eliza from Uploans to discuss the latest policy changes for financing modular homes. Together, they unpack the evolving world of modular housing, providing expert insights for homeowners, investors, and first-time buyers alike.

you will gain va...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank tackle a topic that comes up with almost every client enquiry: budget. While many people hesitate to disclose how much they want to spend, Frank explains why being upfront is crucial for a successful design and build journey, if you're on a budget. 

Amelia and Frank discuss how a clear budget helps align design ideas with realistic outcomes, preventing...

Heating your home isn’t just about turning on a switch, it’s about comfort, efficiency, and making choices that suit your lifestyle and budget. In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia dive deep into the world of home heating, exploring the wide variety of options available to homeowners in Tasmania and beyond. From traditional wood heaters and pellet systems to reverse cycle, hydronic, and geoth...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia welcome back Sam from SM Building for the second instalment of our two-part series on Passive House design (If you haven't listened to part one yet go back to the previous episode first so you can hear the full instalment). Frank, Amelia and Sam dive deeper into what it really takes to build and certify a home to this international standard. They explo...

In this episode of Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank and Amelia sat down with Sam from SM Building, who recently achieved something remarkable, completing the very first certified Passive House units in Launceston. Sam opens up about his journey of navigating the process for the first time, sharing both the opportunities and the challenges of bringing this globally recognised building standard to Tasmania.

If you’ve ever wo...

 In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank explore the lack of consumer protection in Australia’s housing market and the risks buyers face when purchasing a property. Frank begins with an imagined “ideal” inspection report to illustrate the level of detail buyers should receive but rarely do, pointing out hidden dangers like unapproved works, mould, or poor construction that often go undisclosed. ...

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast Frank and Amelia discuss the potential reasons for overwhelm and stress during the design and construction of your home. Building or renovating should be exciting… but the reality is, it can also be one of the most stressful and expensive experiences you’ll ever take on. In this episode, Frank and Amelia talk about the hidden emotional and financial pressures that often cat...