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. If you're planning a renovation, extension, or even a simple demolition project, there could be hidden contaminants that impact your health, your timeline, and your budget.

From asbestos and lead-based paint to mould, contaminated dust, and even soil contamination, older homes can contain a surprising range of materials that only become dangerous once they’re disturbed. Frank shares real stories from past renovation projects and personal experiences where unexpected discoveries brought work to a sudden stop. It’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest risks in a project are the things you can’t see.

The episode also explores why contaminants aren’t just a problem in older homes. Even newer houses can suffer from mould and moisture issues, often caused by poor ventilation or hidden leaks. Amelia and Frank discuss where these problems commonly occur, like under carpets, inside wall cavities, and in roof spaces, and how quickly they can escalate if they’re not identified early.

But this conversation isn’t just about the risks it’s about how to approach renovations smarter. Frank talks about when to test materials and when to call in specialists, and why doing a little investigation before you start demolition could save you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.

If you’re thinking about renovating, buying an older home, or simply want to understand what might be lurking in your house, this episode will change the way you look at renovation projects forever, and how it can keep you safer in your home.

About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004. Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at info@primedesigntas.com.au

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company. All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.

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 choices, it’s easy to assume that investing more money into your home will automatically increase its resale price. But is that really the case? Frank shares real examples of homes with unique features that divide buyer opinions, including unusual architectural styles, highly personalised interiors, and expensive additions like pools. While some homeowners love these features, others see them as costly maintenance or something they’d immediately want to change.

The conversation also explores renovations that can unintentionally reduce a home’s appeal, like converting garages into living spaces, turning bedrooms into oversized ensuites, or installing trendy finishes that quickly date. They dive into the risks of overspending on luxury materials, complex smart-home technology that can become outdated, and the impact of poor DIY renovations or unapproved building work that could cause major headaches when it comes time to sell.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Amelia and Frank also discuss the types of renovations that tend to add genuine value, practical upgrades, flexible spaces, and improvements that suit the style of the home and the surrounding suburb.

At the heart of the discussion is one important question: should you design for resale… or design for yourself?

If you’re planning a renovation or building project and want to avoid costly mistakes, this episode offers plenty of insights that could save you money, and help you make smarter design decisions.

About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004. Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at info@primedesigntas.com.au

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company. All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.

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 Roach take you behind the scenes to uncover the real reasons a build can stall, and why so much of the work isn’t immediately visible.

From scheduling conflicts and delayed materials to inspections, safety requirements, and unavoidable site issues, they explain why a “quiet” site doesn’t always mean nothing is happening. They unpack the ripple effect of client decisions, showing how even small changes, like swapping a tile, window, or deck can impact timelines, trades, and costs.

Beyond logistics, Frank and Amelia shed light on the human side of building. They discuss how personal pressures, mental health, and life events affecting builders and trades can influence progress, and why clear communication is essential to keep everyone on track.

Listeners will hear real-life stories of site challenges, including foundation surprises, safety halts, and even shocking accidents, emphasising why professionalism, planning, and vigilance matter more than speed.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated watching your dream home slowly take shape, this episode is for you. Learn why the smoothest builds aren’t always the fastest, and discover how careful planning, strong communication, and the right team make all the difference in turning your vision into reality.

Tune in to understand the invisible work that keeps your project moving, and why sometimes, nothing happening is actually progress.

About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004. Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at info@primedesigntas.com.au

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company. All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.

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 make again and again, and why they can cost far more than you expect. From choosing looks over functionality to underestimating hidden costs, this episode pulls back the curtain on the decisions that quietly blow budgets and create long-term regret.

You’ll hear why “fixed price” doesn’t always mean fixed, how missing early planning costs can derail your build before it even starts, and the surprising ways site orientation, storage, and layout choices impact your comfort and energy bills for years to come. Frank also shares honest insights from decades in the industry, including why generic plans and cheap shortcuts often end up being the most expensive decisions of all.

If you’re planning your first home, or even thinking about it, this episode will help you avoid the traps most people don’t realise until it’s too late. It’s practical, straight-talking advice designed to save you stress, money, and sleepless nights.

Before you lock in your plans or sign a contract, make sure you hear this conversation. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.

And be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004. Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at info@primedesigntas.com.au

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company. All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.

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 planning to build or renovate. From bushfire compliance and thermal performance to condensation risks and accessibility standards, this is a raw, honest look at how the industry is evolving behind the scenes.

You’ll hear why newer homes are warmer and potentially safer, but also why they’re more complex, more expensive, and far less forgiving when things go wrong. We dive into the hidden challenges many people don’t talk about, including mould risks in highly sealed homes, the growing mountain of compliance paperwork, and the education gap that still exists across the industry.

The episode also tackles big-picture questions:
Are regulations moving faster than real-world building practices?
Is housing becoming unaffordable because of higher standards?
And are we truly building healthier, longer-lasting homes? or just ticking boxes?

Whether you’re planning a new build, working in the industry, or simply curious about how building standards are changing, this conversation will give you a clearer perspective on what’s really happening in modern housing.

If you want to understand the trade-offs shaping today’s homes, and the questions you should be asking before you build, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004. Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at info@primedesigntas.com.au

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company. All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.

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 misunderstood, yet critical, parts of the building process: RFIs (Requests for More Information).

While RFIs might sound boring, they can have massive impacts on timelines, budgets, approvals, finance, and even whether a project can proceed at all. Frank explains exactly what RFIs are, why they happen, who issues them, and how they can completely stall a project if not handled correctly. From planning and plumbing to bushfire, flood, fire safety and council interpretations, this episode reveals the hidden complexities behind approvals and why even experienced designers and builders can get caught out.

You’ll learn how early site analysis, feasibility studies, and proactive communication can dramatically reduce delays, protect your budget, and keep your project moving forward. Frank also shares real-world examples of frustrating council inconsistencies, policy changes, missing information, and how poor communication can cost months and thousands of dollars.

If you’re planning a new home, renovation, extension, or development, this episode will give you critical insights into how the approvals system really works, what to expect, and how to avoid common traps.

RFIs may be boring — but ignoring them can be very expensive. This episode could save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss our weekly podcast topics to help you undertsand your next build or renovation project.

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company. All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.

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 the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank unpack one of the most misunderstood and costly aspects of building, renovating, and extending: legal completion and certification. Through real-life stories and industry insight, they reveal how missing permits, skipped inspections, and forgotten paperwork can come back to haunt homeowners, sometimes many years later.

From refused insurance claims and failed property sales to unexpected compliance upgrades and massive financial stress, this episode exposes the hidden risks that most homeowners never see coming. Frank explains the critical difference between occupancy certificates and completion certificates, why moving in early can create serious long-term issues, and how poor administration, not poor construction, is often the root cause of major building problems.

Whether you're planning a new home, renovation, extension, shed, deck, or pool or even thinking of buying or selling, this episode delivers essential knowledge that could save you tens of thousands of dollars and months of stress.

This may not be the most glamorous topic, but it’s one of the most important. If you want to protect your investment, avoid nasty surprises, and truly understand when your building project is finished, this is a must-listen episode.

🎧 Tune in and make sure your project is completed — properly.

About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004. Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at info@primedesigntas.com.au

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company. All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.

Cost Estimates vs Final Build Costs – What You Really Need to Know Before You Build

Why do so many building projects blow their budget? Why does the “estimate” you were given at the start look nothing like the final cost at the end? And how can you protect yourself from nasty surprises when you’re investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into a new build or renovation?

In this episode of the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast, Amelia and Frank dive deep into one of the most misunderstood parts of the building process: cost estimates versus final build costs. From vague, half-page quotes to highly detailed, professional pricing, they unpack what separates a reliable estimate from an unrealistic guess.

You’ll learn why an estimate without proper documentation is essentially just an opinion, how missing details like selections, engineering, site conditions, and external works can derail your budget, and why “cheap” or overly simple quotes can end up costing you far more in the long run. They also explore the importance of contingencies, the risks of builders pricing to a target instead of reality, and why custom builds require even greater care and accuracy.

If you’re planning a new home, renovation, or extension, or even just thinking about it, this episode will give you the insight, confidence, and knowledge to ask better questions, understand what you’re really paying for, and avoid costly mistakes.

Because when you’re spending $400k or more budget certainty matters. 🎧

About us
Prime Design is a building design company locally owned and operated in Tasmania since 2004. Our goal is to share as much valuable information as possible about the process of building design, extensions, and more. We will talk about a different topic each week. To suggest a topic you would like us to talk about contact us at info@primedesigntas.com.au

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, individual circumstances, or remedy. We strongly suggest you consult a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information provided in this podcast. The views, opinions, and information provided in this podcast are those of the hosts do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer, or company. All content provided on this podcast is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, or damages arising from its use. We reserve the right to change content or delete any information provided on this podcast at any time without prior notice.