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4. Lessons Learned: Insider Secrets from 40 Years of Building

Builders Beyond Borders

Release Date: 10/12/2025

20. Why Good Builders Won’t Start Your Project Tomorrow (And Why That’s a Good Sign) show art 20. Why Good Builders Won’t Start Your Project Tomorrow (And Why That’s a Good Sign)

Builders Beyond Borders

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.     Listen on Spotify// Apple Podcast// Youtube//   Follow us on Facebook// Instagram//   Looking for a builder? Perway Construction Services in Western Australia - ...

info_outline 19. Avoid $100k Renovation Mistakes with Bronwyn from Bronz DC show art 19. Avoid $100k Renovation Mistakes with Bronwyn from Bronz DC

Builders Beyond Borders

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 builder, the designer, and the homeowner—and why skipping the "lifestyle audit" is the fastest way to blow your budget. Whether you're in the "Wild West" of WA or building in the Eastern States,...

info_outline 18. Understanding Builder Overheads: Why the Cheapest Quote Can Cost You More show art 18. Understanding Builder Overheads: Why the Cheapest Quote Can Cost You More

Builders Beyond Borders

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 vehicles, registrations, office costs, and compliance, running a building business involves far more than just materials and labour. When these costs aren’t properly accounted for, it can put...

info_outline 17. Why Your Build Hasn’t Started Yet: Consultant Delays & Costs Explained show art 17. Why Your Build Hasn’t Started Yet: Consultant Delays & Costs Explained

Builders Beyond Borders

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 certifiers to engineers, soil testing, wastewater, and planning overlays, the pre construction phase has more moving parts than most homeowners expect. You will also hear real examples of how delays happen,...

info_outline 16. Family Builders vs Project Builders: What Clients Really Experience show art 16. Family Builders vs Project Builders: What Clients Really Experience

Builders Beyond Borders

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 years in the industry. They discuss client experience, communication, quality, transparency, and what really happens behind the scenes when comparing boutique family builders to high volume project...

info_outline 15. Dealing With Client Disappointment: Expectations, Communication & Reality show art 15. Dealing With Client Disappointment: Expectations, Communication & Reality

Builders Beyond Borders

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 caused by trades, suppliers, and approvals. They discuss how early communication, realistic expectations, and ongoing transparency can reduce friction and protect relationships throughout the build....

info_outline 14. 2025 Recap: Lessons, Wins & What We Learned as Builders show art 14. 2025 Recap: Lessons, Wins & What We Learned as Builders

Builders Beyond Borders

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 why celebrating project completion, protecting team energy, and maintaining strong aftercare makes all the difference. Whether you are planning a build, renovating, or working in the industry, this...

info_outline 13. Why You Should Talk to a Builder Before an Architect show art 13. Why You Should Talk to a Builder Before an Architect

Builders Beyond Borders

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 (Canberra), Dean and Shannon from DJH Builders (Tassie), and Hugh from New Realm Homes (Melbourne) as they explain how early builder involvement keeps your project realistic, on budget and...

info_outline 12. Granny Flat Living: A Smart Housing Solution for Modern Aussie Families show art 12. Granny Flat Living: A Smart Housing Solution for Modern Aussie Families

Builders Beyond Borders

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 minimalist lifestyle that came with it, Madison shares real stories and practical takeaways that challenge the traditional homeownership mindset. If you’re an Aussie family looking for more...

info_outline 11. The Trades You Actually Need for a Smooth Bathroom Renovation show art 11. The Trades You Actually Need for a Smooth Bathroom Renovation

Builders Beyond Borders

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 beautiful. From tilers and waterproofers to plumbers and painters, you’ll hear exactly who you need, what they do, and why timing matters. We also share real stories from clients who tried managing...

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More Episodes

If you're building or renovating and want to avoid common pitfalls, this episode is a must-listen. Paul Kennedy from Independent Building Solutions in Canberra, Hugh Maasstricht from New Realm Homes in Melbourne, and Louise Kearns from Perway Constructions in Perth share the biggest lessons learned from their combined decades in the Australian construction industry.

 

From scheduling mishaps to client miscommunications, they unpack real-life scenarios that highlight the building mistakes many homeowners unknowingly make—and how to avoid them. Whether you’re planning a renovation or custom build, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what truly matters when working with experienced builders.



In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

  • Why outdated plans can completely derail a project

  • How to avoid costly variations with upfront planning

  • Tips to improve communication between homeowners and trades

  • The role of technology and systems in stress-free building

  • Why clear selection processes make or break client satisfaction

  • How Aussie builders reflect after every project to improve systems

  • What NOT to do if you want to stay on schedule and budget

  • Common renovation errors homeowners should watch out for

 

This Episode Is For You If:

✔ You’re a first-time homeowner or building your dream home

✔ You want to learn from real building mistakes others have made

✔ You’re managing multiple trades and want a smoother experience

✔ You want honest advice from long-time Australian builders

✔ You’re ready to plan and build smarter—not harder

 

 

Listen on
Spotify// https://open.spotify.com/show/0eGpiuFZidHdOcFunXPo4q

Apple Podcast// https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builders-beyond-borders/id1841312899

Youtube// https://www.youtube.com/@BuildersBeyondBordersPodcast

 

Follow us on
Facebook// https://www.facebook.com/buildersbeyondborderspodcast/

Instagram// https://www.instagram.com/buildersbeyondborderspodcast_/