Building Design, Prime Time
We are building designers from Prime Design. We created the Building Design, Prime Time podcast, to provide valuable information for anyone looking to undertake a new build or extension project. We share our tips, tricks and stories from a building designer's perspective.
Episodes
128 episodes
E128. What's the difference between planning and building permits?
Ever wondered why you can’t start building even after you’ve “got your permit”? This episode unpacks one of the most confusing parts of the building process—planning permits vs building permits, and why misunderstanding the difference can cost ...
E127. Dealing with contamination onsite for renovations and new builds
In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank dive into a topic that many homeowners rarely think about, the hidden contaminants that can exist in homes, particularly when renovating or extending older properties....
E126. Renovations that don't add value to your home
In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank tackle a surprisingly common mistake homeowners make spending money on features that don’t actually add value to their home.From luxury upgrades to bold design ...
E125. Why nothing is happening onsite during your build
You drive past your new home, expecting progress, and yet, nothing seems to be happening. No trades on site, no deliveries, no visible change. What’s going on? In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Frank Geskus and Amelia ...
E124. Mistakes people make building their first home
Building your first home should be exciting…but it’s also where the most expensive mistakes happen.In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank unpack the real-world errors they see first home builders mak...
E123. The biggest regulation changes affecting building over the past 15 years
Are homes today actually better than they were 25 years ago? or just more complicated?In this episode, Frank and Amelia unpack the real impact of modern building regulations and what they mean for homeowners, builders, and anyone plannin...
E122. You received a "Request for more Information" from your council, what happens now?
Ever wondered why your building project suddenly hits delays, unexpected costs, or confusing requests from councils and authorities? In this episode of The Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank unpack one of the most misundersto...
E121. When is a building project actually finished?
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 th...
E120. Building estimates vs. final build costs - what you need to know
Cost Estimates vs Final Build Costs – What You Really Need to Know Before You BuildWhy do so many building projects blow their budget? Why does the “estimate” you were given at the start look nothing like th...
E119. Navigating variations in building
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 extensio...
E118. How much contingency should you allocate for new homes and renovations/extensions?
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...
E117. Why building feels risky right now
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 thi...
E116. Renovating existing vs build new for investment properties
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 ...
E115. The challenges of navigating life transitions with loved ones with guest Sophie from Harrington Road
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 dece...
E114. How to interpret your first floorplan concepts
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, unfiltere...
113. Retrofitting upgrades in your home
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, s...
E112. Navigating regulatory differences and interpretations from state to state
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, departme...
E111. Building design drawings are about 25% of the work, here’s the hidden 75% you need to know
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 p...
E110. Landscape design for your property with special guest Andrew Nicholson
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 ins...
E109. New policy for financing modular homes - with guests Carrie and Eliza from Uploans
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 chan...
E108. Why budget matters at the design stage
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 upf...
E107. Types of heating for your home
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 worl...
E106. Passive house design with guest Sam from SM building (Part 2)
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 previ...
E105. Passive house design with guest Sam from SM building (Part 1)
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 h...
E104. What happens when a seller doesn't tell you everything when purchasing a property?
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”...