Kicking off 2026 with a bang, hosts Amelia and Frank Geskus return to the Building Design, Prime Time Podcast to tackle one of the most overlooked, yet most critical parts of any construction project: budgeting for the unexpected.

Whether you’re dreaming of a brand-new home or planning an extension, surprises lurk beneath every slab and behind every wall. From hidden rocks and rogue plumbing to surprise council demands and unpredictable weather, Frank shares decades of real-world experience showing how a well-planned construction contingency can save your sanity and your wallet.

You’ll discover why new builds and renovations require different contingency amounts, how to spot risk factors before you break ground, and why a “fixed-price contract” doesn’t always mean what you think it does. Frank also reveals insider tips for reducing costly surprises, like getting quality engineering, setting clear expectations, and understanding the difference between a variation and a contingency.

Packed with stories, practical insights, and a touch of humor, this episode is essential listening for anyone planning a build in 2026. Think of it as insurance against stress, delays, and budget blowouts, and your roadmap to building smarter, not harder.

Tune in now to learn how a little planning today can keep your project on track and your dream home within reach. 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 info@primedesigntas.com.au

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.

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 info@primedesigntas.com.au

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.

In this engaging episode of the Building Design, Prime Time podcast, hosts Amelia and Frank Geskus dive deep into one of the biggest questions facing property investors today, should you renovate an existing home or build a new one? With their signature mix of expertise and down-to-earth conversation, they unpack the pros, cons, and hidden traps of both approaches, offering invaluable insights for anyone looking to make smart, informed property decisions.

Frank and Amelia explore everything from the emotional and financial challenges of entering Australia’s real estate market to the practical realities of planning approvals, renovation risks, and site constraints. They discuss how factors like location, thermal efficiency, maintenance costs, and tenant demand all influence whether a renovation or new build will deliver the best return. Along the way, they share entertaining real-world examples and a few personal lessons learned “the hard way.”

Listeners will appreciate the duo’s honest, relatable tone blending humour with hands-on experience as they tackle topics like over-designing for personal taste, choosing the right builder, and understanding what today’s tenants truly want. The episode wraps up with a passionate discussion about Australia’s housing shortage and the vital role private investors play in meeting rental demand.

Whether you’re a first-time investor, a seasoned property owner, or simply curious about building design, this episode offers practical wisdom, thoughtful reflection, and a healthy dose of inspiration. Tune in to Building Design Prime Time Podcast, where real insights meet real-life building stories.

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 info@primedesigntas.com.au

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.