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

Joel Griff 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/

Concrete is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions.

That's a staggering number when you consider how much concrete surrounds us every day. So when Daniel from Curvecrete told us his technology could reduce concrete emissions by 70%, we had to understand how. What we learned might change how you think about one of construction's most fundamental materials.

Low-carbon concrete is a practical technology addressing real industry challenges. As sustainability requirements tighten and carbon costs increase, innovations like Curvecrete become competitive advantages rather than nice-to-haves.

For builders considering future projects, understanding these emerging technologies positions you ahead of regulatory changes and client demands. The question isn't whether sustainable concrete will become mainstream - it's whether you'll be ready when it does.

LINKS:

Curvecrete

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/

"I'm fine." How many times have you heard that response when you knew it wasn't true?

We've all been there - sensing something's off with a mate, colleague, or family member, but hesitating to dig deeper. What if we’re making things awkward? What if we don't know what to say? RUOK Day exists to break through exactly this hesitation and give you the perfect excuse to ask your mates how they’re really doing.

We sat down with Alistair Schuback, RUOK Day Ambassador and Safety Culture Specialist, who's witnessed firsthand how mental health plays out in workplaces and communities. His insights combine practical advice with personal experience, focusing on creating environments where people feel safe to speak up.

RUOK Day happens once a year, but its message applies every day. Making mental health check-ins a regular habit, especially in high-stress industries like construction, could prevent tragedies and improve workplace culture.

The question isn't whether you're qualified to ask, it's whether you care enough to try. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply show up and listen.

So, are you OK? And more importantly, who will you ask today?

LINKS:

RUOK Day

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/