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.
Episodes
Industry advisor Ryan Gazzard joins us to cut through the noise: what’s genuinely working in home building right now - and where projects keep falling short. We unpack clear briefs and realistic budgets, expectation management, and the systems great builders use. Walk away with practical steps to de-risk your build before you sign.
Topic timestamps
1:55 - Ryan’s background.
3:00 - The relationship between a custome...
We sit down with Fabian Pisano from Phase Consulting who reveals the top mistakes home buyers make when starting their building journey. From tackling overwhelming contracts to avoiding costly paperwork errors and managing variations, you’ll hear practical advice that could save you time, stress, and money.
Topic timestamps
4:02 - If you could give one piece of advice to anyone about to embark on the journey of bui...
In this episode, Colin and Darren break down everything you need to know about your soil test - from what it is and how it’s classified, to why your soil class matters for your build. They also explore the key factors that can impact your results and what to do once you have them.
Topic timestamps
1:13 - What is a soil test?
3:15 - How is the soil classified?
8:44 - Why your soil class matters
12:32 - What affects th...
In this episode, we explain the role of a building surveyor in your new home build, when they get involved, and whether they truly operate independently. We also discuss if you can appoint your own surveyor, why most buyers don’t, and the potential benefits of making your own choice.
Topic timestamps
1:44 - What is a Building Surveyor?
3:35 - When Do They Get Involved?
5:04 - Are They Independent?
8:13 - Can You Choose You...
In this episode, we unpack Developer Approval - what it is, why it matters, and how the process works. From design guidelines to who actually conducts the approval, we share practical tips to help homebuyers navigate this often misunderstood step in building a new home.
Topic timestamps
2:40 - What are design guidelines / covenants?
5:14 - What is Developer Approval?
9:35 - Who Conducts It? As in who actually review...
In this exclusive episode, HIA Victoria boss Keith Ryan joins us to unpack the new Building & Plumbing Commission (BPC) and what it means for builders and homebuyers. From rectification powers to insurance reforms and upcoming legislation - this is essential listening for anyone in the industry.
Topic timestamps
2:57 - What exactly is the Building & Plumbing Commission, and what are the benefits to the BPC ...
In this episode, we unpack the real value behind upgraded facades - are they worth the extra spend or just a visual splurge? We break down what a facade actually is, how many options you’ll get, and the key tips to help you picture the final look before you commit.
Topic timestamps
1:40 - What is a facade?
3:18 - How many facade options are available to choose from?
6:53 - Is it worth spending the money on an upgraded fac...
In this episode, we sit down with a leading sales trainer who’s coached building company sales teams across Australia. Learn how to be the kind of buyer builders go the extra mile for, how to brief your sales consultant for the best result, and how to separate price from real value when choosing your builder.
Topic timestamps
9:07 - Being the buyer type the builder is trying harder for?
16:01 - How to select an experienc...
In this punchy episode, Colin and Darren break down the five biggest barriers slowing down new home supply - and what the government needs to do to fix them. From planning delays to broken supply chains, it’s a no-nonsense look at the urgent actions needed to unlock housing affordability.
Topic timestamps
4:12 - Fast-Track Planning and Approval Processes
7:48 - Incentivise Land Release and Infrastructure Investment
9...
Your builder’s base price isn’t locked in forever. In this episode, we explain what a base price actually includes, how long it’s protected, and the key differences between price lock and contingency periods - plus a real-world example to bring it all together.
Topic timestamps
2:08 - What is a base price?
4:24 - What is a “price lock” period?
7:22 - What is a contingency period - and how does it work?
12:16 - A practical ...
Many buyers get caught out by surprises during the build process. In this episode, we break down three key things most people overlook - unexpected costs, unclear exclusions, and design oversights - that can make or break your new home experience.
Topic timestamps
2:45 - Budgeting for unknown or unforeseen costs
6:26 - Understanding your exclusions just as much and your inclusions.
13:40 - Neglecting important design and...
Buying untitled or unregistered land can be risky if you don’t know what to look out for. In this episode, we unpack the pros and cons, key timing risks, and the critical steps you must take before committing. Don’t buy blind - tune in first.
Topic timestamps
2:13 - What is untitled or unregistered land? And what are the pros and cons of it?
6:05 - Understand the impact of untitled land
10:00 - Get a REAL estimate of the ...
Irregular shaped blocks can offer serious value - if you know what to look for. In this episode, we break down the key benefits and the common traps to avoid when buying one. Perfect for buyers chasing more space or a unique design.
Topic timestamps
3:06 - What is an irregular shaped block?
4:30 - Benefit 1: Price - usually more bang for buck.
6:23 - Benefit 2: Yard space - open up great side and rear yard opportunities...
In this episode, we unpack the latest interest rate cut announced in May 2025 and what it really means for homebuyers. Should you rush to build now, or is the real opportunity something deeper than just lower rates?
Topic timestamps
1:15 - The rut cate announcement May 2025
2:15 - Does this mean it’s ok to now build a home?
5:49 - What does history say about property prices after rate cuts?
9:40 - The truth… What is ...
Thinking of building but not sure where to start? In this episode, we chat with George Giannakakis from BuildPilot about how builder advocates and brokers can save you time, money, and stress. Learn what to look for in a good broker - and the key steps if you're going it alone.
Topic timestamps
3:50 - Welcome to George Giannakakis and introducing BuildPilot
6:55 - Why should home buyers consider a company such ...
We asked ChatGPT to give us the most common questions (and answers) new home buyers ask. Then we reviewed each answer to see just how accurate - or inaccurate - they really are.
Topic timestamps
00:38 - Did ChatGPT provide reliable answers for home buyers?
3:26 - How much deposit do I need to build a house?
4:56 - What government grants or schemes can I access?
7:59 - Can I include site costs and upgrades in my home l...
In this episode, Colin and Darren break down the ultimate building quote checklist for property investors. From essential turnkey inclusions to clever upgrades and common mistakes, this is your go-to guide for smart, stress-free investing.
Topic timestamps
2:15 - Biggest mistake investors make
4:06 - Design and facade
7:12 - Turnkey inclusion essentials
10:18 - Standard inclusions essentials
13:15 - Premium upgrade opt...
With the First Home Buyers Grant winding down, what help is still available? We break down the key grants and schemes you can still access, including shared equity options, stamp duty concessions, and home guarantee programs across Australia.
Topic timestamps
3:00 - Summary of the First Home Buyer Grants by state
5:51 - Victorian Homebuyer Fund (Shared Equity Scheme)
7:22 - Help to Buy Scheme (Shared Equity)
9:13 - Home Gu...
Buying a block under 300sqm? Colin and Darren cover the key things you need to know — from setbacks and lot types to orientation and boundary walls. Don’t buy small without getting the full picture first.
Topic timestamps
2:11 - Quick intro into small lots
6:41 - Lot types and setbacks
13:16 - Orientation can severely impact the size of home you can build.
18:55 - Building walls on boundaries
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In this episode, we reveal 5 truths about builders that every homebuyer should know. From sales tactics to build zones, colour selections, and confusing promotions, we break down what to watch out for - and what questions to ask.
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