Renovations rarely run to the timeline homeowners have in their head, and in this episode Shannon Hodgetts (DJH Builders), Matt Auld (Matthew Auld Builder) and Andy Kearns (Perway Construction) unpack exactly why.
We get into what really happens when walls come off and old practices are exposed, why a 10 to 15% contingency is the honest baseline (and why 20% is smarter), and how weather, subbie delays and shifting waterproofing standards can push a build out by weeks or months. We also talk about the trust and communication that has to be locked in before a renovation contract is signed, and why locking in your selections upfront saves you from painful variations down the track.
If you’re planning a renovation or already living through one, this one will help you set realistic expectations and back the right builder from day one.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
– Why unforeseen issues behind the walls are the number one cause of renovation delays
– What contingency percentage to actually plan for on a custom reno
– How weather and subcontractor issues quietly blow out timelines
– Why trust and communication with your builder matter before the contract is signed
Key Timestamps
01:37 Why renovations take longer than expected
02:21 Unknowns behind the walls and old practices
06:09 What’s a reasonable contingency on a reno
08:10 Weather delays and standing jobs down
11:01 Choosing a builder who stands beside you
17:16 Waterproofing standards and industry accountability
Listen on
Spotify// https://open.spotify.com/show/0eGpiuFZidHdOcFunXPo4q
Apple Podcast// https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builders-beyond-borders/id1841312899
Youtube// https://www.youtube.com/@BuildersBeyondBordersPodcast
Follow us on
Facebook// https://www.facebook.com/buildersbeyondborderspodcast/
Instagram// https://www.instagram.com/buildersbeyondborderspodcast_/
Looking for a builder?
Perway Construction Services in Western Australia – https://www.perway.com.au
DJH Builders in Tasmania – https://djhbuilders.com.au
New Realm Homes in Victoria – https://newrealmhomes.com.au
Independent Building Solutions in Canberra – https://www.ibscanberra.com.au
Matt Auld Builder in Victoria – https://mabuilder.com.au
