Is building in the country worth it? Paul Kennedy from Independent Building Solutions in Canberra sits down with Hugh from New Realm Homes in Melbourne and Wayne from Preston Builders in Warracknabeal, Victoria, to share the good and the challenging sides of building outside the city. There’s plenty to love about a rural build, with room to move, a more relaxed pace on site and clients who keep the crew well fed. There are also things city homeowners never have to think about, like off-grid solar, septic systems, water tanks and bushfire ratings, while Hugh shares how tight sites, parking fines and multiple crane deliveries add up in the city.
The boys also explain why choosing the right builder matters so much on a country block, and why the cheapest quote can end up costing more if the extras aren’t allowed for upfront. Plus a few stories you won’t want to miss, including a homeowner caught on a hidden camera pinching the crew’s tools, and a 50 year old septic tank nobody knew was there. If you’re dreaming of a tree change, this one will help you decide if it’s the right move for you.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
– The real pros of building in the country, and why many builders love working out of town
– What rural blocks need that city blocks don’t, from off-grid power and septic systems to water tanks and bushfire ratings
– How city builds face their own hidden costs with tight sites, parking and extra deliveries
– Why the cheapest quote on a country build can end up the most expensive
Key Timestamps
01:08 Country Build vs City Build: What’s the Real Difference?
03:44 The Hidden Costs of Building in the City
08:14 The Homeowner Caught Stealing Tools on Hidden Camera
10:15 Why Builders Love Working in the Country
11:36 Going Off Grid: What Solar, Septic and Water Really Cost
13:59 Why Adding One Bedroom Can Mean Upgrading Your Septic
15:43 The 50 Year Old Septic Tank Hiding Under a House
19:11 Why the Cheapest Quote Can End Up Costing You More
23:14 Easements, Permits and Council Surprises
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
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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
Wayne Prestone in Victoria – https://prestonbuilders.com.au
