“Most Aussie homes still don’t meet today’s energy standards.” In this episode, we sit down with Tim Forcey, a former chemical engineer turned home energy advisor who has assessed and advised in 1,000+ homes across Melbourne and Victoria. Tim is also qualified to assess homes using the Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard and runs the “My Efficient Electric Home” community with 120,000+ members. This conversation focuses on practical home energy efficiency, comfort upgrades, and how to reduce energy bills in real Australian homes.

We break down the high-impact steps that make the biggest difference fast, including roof insulation checks, draft proofing for older homes, and smarter window coverings to improve thermal comfort. Tim explains why these building envelope upgrades matter before you spend money on bigger systems, and how small changes can reduce heat loss in winter and overheating in summer.

We also explore electrification and sustainable home upgrades, including switching from gas to efficient electric appliances like heat pump hot water systems and induction cooking. Tim shares simple tools like humidity monitors to support healthy homes and indoor air quality, plus how community knowledge can help homeowners make better decisions. If you’re renovating, retrofitting, or trying to create an efficient electric home, this episode will give you a clear starting point.

LINKS:

Tim Forcey:

https://timforcey.com.au/

My Efficient Electric Home Handbook:

https://timforcey.com.au/my-efficient-electric-home-handbook/

Our Sponsors:

Proclima - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/proclima

MEGT - https://mindful-builder.captivate.fm/megt

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to Proclima for sponsoring this podcast

Visit www.proclima.com.au to find out more

“Stop talking to everyone like they’re in the industry. Talk to them in ways that are going to evoke emotions and what’s important to them.”

In this video, we sit down with Laura De Ridder from Sorted Digital Marketing to chat about why so much of the construction marketing we see misses the mark, and what builders and tradies can do instead to attract the right clients.

We cover how to get clear on who you’re actually talking to, why storytelling builds trust faster than specs and spreadsheets, and how to use different platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for different jobs. Laura also explains why authenticity matters more than polished ads, and why SEO is non-negotiable if you want to be found when people are searching for a builder.

If you’re tired of relying on referrals alone and want marketing that feels practical, honest, and aligned with the work you do, this conversation will help you sharpen your message and show your value in a way clients actually connect with.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

0:00 - Introduction: Building Better Through Education

1:07 - Meet Laura from Sorted Digital Marketing

2:22 - Why High Performance Building Isn't Mainstream

3:29 - Laura's Background: Starting a Digital Marketing Agency

4:16 - Organic Social Media vs Paid Ads Explained

5:52 - Working with Passive House & High Performance Builders

8:42 - Stop Talking Numbers: Speak to Your Customer Avatar

10:10 - The Problem with Builder Social Media Content

10:55 - Content Pillars: Creating Diverse Marketing Strategy

12:03 - Understanding Different Social Media Platforms

15:32 - Instagram as a Search Engine: SEO & Keywords

20:20 - Copywriting Tips: Avoid ChatGPT Mistakes

22:03 - Hashtags in 2024: The New 3-Hashtag Rule

25:07 - Using AI Tools for Authentic Content Creation

25:28 - Passive House Marketing: Too Technical for Consumers

26:00 - Blower Door Tests: Making Technical Content Engaging

27:15 - Negative Hooks: Why They Work on Social Media

28:07 - Attention Spans & Social Media Dopamine Hits

29:51 - Technology, Patience & Frictionless Society

33:14 - Essential Marketing Channels: Website, Social & More

34:38 - AI Search & Website SEO Strategy

36:12 - Website Essentials: What Every Builder Needs

37:21 - High Quality Content vs Phone Content

37:45 - Blogs & Newsletters: Building Your Database

43:01 - Content Ideas: Health, Comfort & Cost of Living

63:25 - Diversity in Content Strategy

65:56 - 2026 Marketing Trends: Authenticity Over AI

67:27 - Personal Touch: Phone Calls & Client Check-ins

70:02 - Video Hooks: Visual & Audio Engagement

72:14 - Self-Filming Tips: Be Punchy, Don't Waffle

74:08 - ASMR Content: The Power of Sound

77:48 - Mindful Moment: Apprentice Development Guide

LINKS:

Sorted Digital Marketing:

https://sorteddigital.com.au/

Sorted Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/_sorted/

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram:

“I remember crying, driving back to Geelong because it was just too much.” In this Mindful Builder Podcast episode, Devin Grant of Performance Membranes shares the real story behind building a successful construction business and what happens when the workload finally catches up with you.

We talk burnout, six-day weeks, and the lessons Devin learned after starting Granted Constructions in 2013. Then we get into the practical side of Passive House building in Australia; why it’s not a “spaceship”, why it’s “just a house done right”, and what Devin’s learned from living in his own Passive House for 8+ years.

We also unpack Devin’s work with Performance Membranes, training 2,500+ builders and trades in airtightness, weatherproofing, and building better-performing homes.

👇 CHAPTER MARKERS 👇

00:00 Introduction

01:06 Meet Devin: A Journey in the Building Industry

01:37 Early Career Challenges and Growth

05:36 Transition to Commercial Projects

08:35 Burnout and Rediscovery

10:29 Discovering Passive House

13:22 Living in a Passive House: Real Experiences

21:31 Building Better: The Future of Construction

27:06 The Origin of Performance Membranes

29:19 Growth and Industry Impact

30:08 Customer Retention and Training

31:09 Product Sponsorship and Alignment

31:48 The Evolution of Building Standards

33:01 The Importance of Proper Membrane Use

41:13 New Product Developments

46:38 The Role of Industry Collaboration

51:08 Supporting Apprentices and Future Builders

LINKS:

https://proclima.com.au/Performance Membranes:

https://membranes.build

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/performancemembranesau/

Connect with us on Instagram: @themindfulbuilderpod

Connect with Hamish:

Instagram: @sanctumhomes

Website: www.yoursanctum.com.au/

Connect with Matt:

Instagram: @carlandconstructions

Website: www.carlandconstructions.com/