Australian Build Stories

Sam Payne•www.australianbuildstories.com

Building or renovating a home can be a daunting journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns. As a homeowner, you have a crucial role to play, but knowing exactly what that is can be challenging. Australian Build Stories is here to guide you through every step. Join host Sam Payne as he chats with real people who share their experiences, from their triumphs to their challenges. Discover practical advice, relatable stories, and a fresh perspective on creating your right home.

Last refreshed: August 15th, 2025 at 10:05 PM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Aishe | Character Home Renovation | Mediterranean Inspired Interiors | Regional Victoria

In this episode, first time home owner and renovater Aishe, shares her renovation journey of her 3 x 1 character home. She absoluteley nails the design intent (which you can see on her socials - link below). Tune in to learn how you can create a home that matches your pinterest board, as well as hear candid advice on what to avoid, like this: https://www.tiktok.com/@slowstonestudio/video/7343557530934594834?lang=en See the home https://www.instagram.com/slowstonestudio/ https://www.tiktok.com/@s...

Jul 13, 2025•31 min•Ep. 9

Industry Insights | Expert Bathroom Tips with TileCloud & Yabby Co-Founder Drew Mansur

Insights and Tips for a Successful Bathroom Renovation In this episode of Australian Build Stories, host Sam Payne delves into the world of bathroom renovations with guest Drew, co-founder of TileCloud and Yabby tapware. Drew shares his journey from growing up on a farm to making a career in construction and renovations. The conversation covers essential advice for renovators, including recalibrating expectations, understanding realistic timelines, choosing quality materials, and paying attentio...

Mar 11, 2025•36 min•Ep. 8

Georgia | Bathroom Renovation Nightmare

In this episode, Georgia shares her experience with a bathroom renovation gone wrong. Georgia and her partner had just bought their first place, which required a complete bathroom overhaul due to its unrealistic layout. They initially hired a family friend builder, but soon faced a series of avoidable errors and missteps, including improper waterproofing, incorrect piping, and faulty tiling. Despite these setbacks, Georgia and her partner managed to turn things around with a new project team. He...

Feb 19, 2025•34 min•Ep. 7

Gino Premici | Owner Building | Hamptons Style, Two-Storey Build

In this episode, Gino shares his owner build journey which he completed with his wife Marie whilst working full time. In his role as the General Manager of Home Base Design and Build Centre, Gino has some key advice for other budding Owner Builders or renovators. A must-listen if you're considering the Owner Builder path. Resources Home Base Owner Builder Course - https://www.homebaseperth.com.au/shop/courses/owner-builder-course/ Read the full show notes at https://www.australianbuildstories.co...

Jan 20, 2025•44 min•Ep. 6

Gen | Renovation | Autism-Friendly Design, Sensory Sensitivity | Multi-Generational Living, Character Home, Architect Designed

In this episode, Gen shares her journey of renovating a character home while navigating her son’s autism diagnosis. Discover how sensory-friendly design principles, thoughtful spatial planning, and multi-generational living considerations shaped their forever home. Gen also opens up about the impact of working with an architect and occupational therapist to create a functional and calming environment for her family. Resources Design Brief Workbook - https://www.australianbuildstories.com/brief H...

Dec 02, 2024•53 min•Ep. 5

Tenille Teakle (Commercial Interior Designer) | Custom Build | Rammed Concrete, Small Block | Designing a Dream Forever Home

Join Sam Payne in the latest episode of Australian Build Stories, as he speaks with a commercial interior architect and multi-builder, about the remarkable journey of building Karijini House, the long-term family home she and her husband constructed in Perth. They delve into the challenges faced, from initial design sketches made during a camping trip to the complexities and stress of balancing the project with family life, budget control, and material shortages. Tenille shares invaluable insigh...

Oct 29, 2024•47 min•Ep. 4

Orla | Two-Storey Renovation | Changing Perspective | Volume Builder, Small Block

Join Orla as she shares her story of re-evaluating her home and lifestyle. Initially, they built a two-story dream house on a smaller block with a volume builder. However, as life changed, it became clear they needed a different approach. Tune in to learn valuable lessons about home design, overcoming spatial constraints, and turning those limitations into opportunities. Learn how you too can transform your space to better align with how you live. Whether you're planning a major renovation or si...

Oct 02, 2024•29 min•Ep. 3

Andrew | Heritage Renovation | Hands-On Approach, Forever Home Challenges | Sloping Block, Subdivision

Join us as Andrew shares insights from his array of build and renovation projects across Perth. Andrew discusses the importance of long-term planning, the art of budgeting effectively, and the challenges of balancing design with practicality. Discover how his previous experiences have shaped his approach to building and how he's had a methodical approach allowing him to gradually work up to his dream home. Show notes and resources - https://www.australianbuildstories.com/ Disclaimer: All content...

Oct 02, 2024•38 min•Ep. 2

Nic Brunsdon (Architect) | New Build | Balancing Vision and Practicality | Basement, Small Block, Project Pivot

Join us as we dive into the captivating story of Nic Brunsdon, an architect who embarked on a decade-long journey to build his dream home. From initial design to facing countless setbacks, Nic shares the highs, lows, and valuable lessons learned throughout this arduous process. Discover the unexpected twists and turns that led him to ultimately abandon his dreams of building his own plans for a more practical and fulfilling living solution. Hear about the challenges faced, the sacrifices made, a...

Oct 02, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1

Trailer

In Australian Build Stories, Sam Payne dives deep into the heart of home construction. Join us for candid conversations with homeowners who've navigated the highs and lows of building or renovating. Discover unexpected surprises, practical tips, and valuable lessons learned. Whether you're dreaming of a new home or planning a major renovation, our stories will inspire and empower you. Subscribe now to receive notifications when new episodes are live.

Sep 16, 2024•2 min

Hosted on Libsyn

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android