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 this final episode for 2025, Amelia and Frank unpack why confidence in the building process has shifted over recent years. From rapidly rising construction costs and labour shortages to planning complexity, approval delays, and supply chain uncertainty, they explain what’s really driving that sense of risk, and why it’s not just about money. Frank shares insights from decades in the industry, explaining how risk has moved away from builders and now sits much more heavily with homeowners, particularly when it comes to contracts, price increases, and late-stage changes.

The conversation explores how many building problems actually start long before construction begins, often due to poor research, unrealistic expectations, or assumptions made during the design phase. They discuss why estimates feel “rubbery,” why fixed-price contracts are harder to secure, and how small decisions around land choice, materials, or selections can have major cost and timing impacts later on.

Most importantly, this episode focuses on what you can do to reduce that risk. You’ll learn why early planning, asking better questions, choosing experienced professionals, and making informed decisions upfront can dramatically reduce stress, delays, and disputes.

If building feels risky right now, this episode will help you understand why, and show you how to approach the process with far more clarity and confidence. 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 [email protected]

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.