"You're wearing a tin foil hat if you think Passive House will work in Australia."

That’s probably what Clare Perry would have heard back in 2011 when she co-founded the Australian Passive Haus Association. Fast forward to today, and while Passive House hasn't yet become mainstream, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Industry appetite has grown, more building professionals are actively exploring the concept, and even government is starting to take notice. We sat down with Clare to understand how this shift happened and what it means for Australian builders.

For builders considering Passive House, the question isn't whether to adopt these standards but when. Early adopters gain competitive advantages as client awareness grows and regulations tighten. The industry is moving toward higher performance standards, whether individual builders choose to lead or follow.

Clare's journey from "tin foil hat" advocate to government sustainability director demonstrates how persistence and proven results shift entire industries. The Passive House revolution isn't coming, it's already here. The only question is whether you'll be part of driving this change or catching up later.

LINKS:

Australian Passive Haus Association:

https://www.passivhausassociation.com.au/

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/

Welcome to beer and building science chats, where we touch on some very complicated topics in the Australian construction sector. We look to bring the smartest people into these conversations to help educate everyone around healthy and durable buildings.

In this engaging episode, our panel of experts dives deep into the debate between treated and standard pine battens. Join the Australian Beer and Building Science crew as they explore the pros and cons of each option, discussing moisture resistance, environmental impact, and practical applications. Whether you're a builder, architect, or DIY enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into making informed decisions for your next project. Tune in to discover which side of the fence you might land on!

 ”I'm just an average carpenter and builder a lost in a world of red tape”.

Joel Griffs from Heidi Build isn't exaggerating. The modern builder's reality involves navigating compliance mazes, managing cash flow crises, and maintaining a social media presence all while trying to actually construct buildings. We sat down with Joel to understand how the builder's role has transformed and what it takes to survive in 2025.

For those entering or continuing in the building industry, Joel's story offers both warning and encouragement: the work is harder than ever, but with the right approach, it's still possible to build a sustainable business while maintaining your sanity.

LINKS:

Heidi Build:

https://www.heidibuild.com.au

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/

Becoming a father changes everything - including how you run a construction business.

Matt just welcomed his first child, while Hamish became a dad for the third time, adding a daughter to his two boys. These life changes forced a complete reassessment of priorities, work schedules, and business operations. But fatherhood isn't the only transformation happening - AI, rising costs, and trade dynamics are reshaping the entire construction landscape.

In this episode, we talk through the trends we’re seeing right now and what they’ll potentially look like into the future.

LINKS:

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/

"The architect designed something we can't actually build."

It wouldn’t be outlandish to believe that most builders have said this at least once, usually while staring at plans that look beautiful but ignore practical realities. We sat down with Amelia Lee from Undercover Architect to understand why architects and builders struggle to collaborate effectively, and more importantly, how to fix it.

The industry's future depends on collaboration and education. Architects need to communicate their vision while welcoming practical construction input. Builders must openly share real-world challenges and constraints rather than silently struggling with impractical designs.

Amelia's Home Method and other online courses have equipped thousands of homeowners with the knowledge to facilitate better architect-builder relationships. When clients understand both perspectives, they can bridge communication gaps and keep projects on track.

When architects and builders work together harmoniously, respecting each other's expertise, the results benefit everyone - especially homeowners who deserve projects completed on time, on budget, and to quality standards.

LINKS:

The Undercover Architect

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/

"We love the design, but it's $200,000 over budget."

Most builders have delivered this devastating news to clients who've invested months into plans they can't afford. Construction costs have surged 40.8% since 2020, fundamentally changing what's achievable within typical budgets. We sat down with Haydn Simmons from Price A Plan to understand how accurate estimating can prevent these painful conversations before they happen.

For builders, partnering with specialists like Price A Plan means qualifying projects properly before investing time in detailed designs. For clients, it means understanding true costs upfront rather than discovering budget shortfalls after committing to plans.

The question isn't whether you need accurate estimates; it's whether you can afford the consequences of getting them wrong.

LINKS:

Price A Plan

https://www.priceaplan.com.au/

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/

"The rules have changed again."

Every Victorian builder has felt this frustration as legislation continues evolving. The latest changes to Victoria's building regulations are particularly significant, affecting everything from insurance requirements to dispute resolution processes. We sat down with Daniel Oldham, Principal Lawyer at Oldham Construction Lawyers, to understand what these changes actually mean for builders and homeowners.

The legislative shifts aim to restore consumer confidence after years of industry challenges in Victoria. Daniel explained how new insurance regimes and monitoring systems are designed to protect homeowners from unexpected financial burdens while ensuring builders maintain higher standards.

LINKS:

Oldham Construction Lawyers

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/

"The bank said no." Every builder has heard this from clients whose dreams hit financial reality.

But what if we told you there are dozens of lenders beyond the big four banks, many offering better rates and specialised products for construction projects? We sat down with Sarah Zhou from Beyond Financial, who is Matt’s mortgage broker, to understand the different options you have in financing your build.

Most people accept the first "no" they receive, not realising dozens of other options exist. Engaging experts early, exploring all available options, and ensuring your financing strategy matches your project ambitions can transform what seems impossible into an achievable reality.

The question isn't whether financing exists for your project - it's whether you're working with someone who knows where to find it.

LINKS:

Beyond Financial

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/