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Are you building your first home and feeling overwhelmed? Worried you’ll make a costly mistake?

Inspired by the lessons learnt from my own home building journey, I made it my mission to help you through yours. My tips will help you avoid costly mistakes, minimise stress, and build the home you deserve.

Got a question? Want to collaborate or join my community? Get in touch. I’d love to hear from you. Fill in this form, or email me at hello@thebuildingliaison.com.au

Plants make people happy🥰 Double-tap if you agr

Plants make people happy🥰 Double-tap if you agree!

Fun fact about me, I love REAL plants!🤭 Plants indoors, plants outdoors, plants in the shower, plants on the TV unit, plants here, plants there 😂I love plants everywhere!

Apart from the aesthetic benefits of living indoor plants, plants actually do so much more for us than we think.🌱 Plants purify the air, 🌱they keep the room temperature down🌱 they reduce airborne dust🌱, increase humidity etc. 🌱 With all those benefits, why wouldn't you have plants in every room?

I placed this little lady on my Kitchen counter 6 months ago and look at her now - beautifully adding life to my space without even trying!

Pot plant and plant from @bunnings 😉

Loving absolutely everything about this vibe. @th

Loving absolutely everything about this vibe.

@thehomelyblog posted this picture of a Coral Homes display home she visited over the weekend. Thanks garl, we def need this kind of inspo on a Monday morning! 🙏 😁 How beautiful is this space though?!🥰 I bet it feels as good as it looks in there.

On a side note - when working through an electrical plan, I'm always cautious about having pendant lights at the dining table and then some over the Kitchen counter, it can be a bit of an overkill you know. BUT in this display home, it works! 😊 it looks well balanced and defines the spaces beautifully.

What do you think of this space? and would you have pendants over the dinner and the Kitchen bench too? Drop me a yay or a nay below😉

Let's talk about it this dirty little word - We al

Let's talk about it this dirty little word - We all love it but don't like to talk about it: I'm talking about MONEY baby🤑

I was talking to someone the other day about home deposits - how difficult it is to save for a deposit and how discouraging the percentage you need to save can be when you want to build your own home.

This conversation reminded me of the start of our building journey almost 2 years ago.

For us, saving up for a deposit wasn't easy but it also didn't seem impossible. The day we agreed to build a home of our own I was a stay at home mum with a 3year old and a 6month old baby and my husband was the sole bread winner for our family. Although we could have managed to save the deposit from my husbands salary alone, we knew it would have taken a longer time to have all the cash. And so, when our youngest was 9months old, I decided to go back to full time work to help make our dream of home happen sooner rather than later.

The most difficult part about our saving period was the fact that both my husband and I don't have our family with us in Australia. So relying on family to help with the kid's care or accommodation was an option we so desperately wished we had. We were basically paying rent, full-time daycare for 2 kids, living a FIFO lifestyle and saving up every cent we had for that home deposit.. I mean, It wasn't easy or pretty, but we knew it wasn't impossible either.

I am a big believer in these words by @msrachelhollis, "When you want something you will find a way. When you don't want something you will find an excuse"

I guess we really wanted this home bad didn't we😂 because 2 years from the day we decided we wanted our own home, here we are - we are done with the build, we have furnished the house, made it a home and we are so damn proud of the hard work we have put in to make this happen🥂

So my friends, if building your own home seems impossible right now, I am here to tell you that with a bit of planning and guidance, building a home of your own is very possible. Make a plan, ask for help & don't give up.

Drop me a comment below and share your saving story😉

B, xxx

I think I've found the one! Well, one of my many f

I think I've found the one! Well, one of my many future ones😄

You guys know how much I loooove an open plan home.🥰 So it's no surprise that Iv fallen head over heels for this beauty from @house.floorplans 😊 I mean, what's not to love?

Fireplace ✔️ open space ✔️ big alfresco ✔️ 10 seater dining table. ✔️ Large Kitchen ✔️ Would I move my family in tomorrow? Absolutely! But here's a few things I would tweak to make it perfect for us😋

1. Reduce the formal lounge in size and change it to a home office with French doors.

2. Add the gained space from the formal lounge to the master WIR & Ensuite then add a freestanding bath!

3. Change all sliding doors to the living room to stacker doors for that indoor/outdoor lifestyle😉

4. Move the garage door from entry to open into the store.

5. Convert store and wine cellar into a mudroom with a drop zone. 🤔 I think Id also redesign the laundry and powder room a bit. Not loving the layout much.

6. Now in the Kitchen, I would add a window as a splashback on the whole cooktop wall!!! Overlooking a vertical herb garden of cos😜

7. Next, I would push back the back pantry wall for a bigger space. Would I add a window? Maybe!

8. Lastly upstairs, I wouldn't have that void in the retreat. I would convert that space into a study nook for the kids😊

I think that's it, may 100th future dream home would be complete! Lord help my husband😄😄😄😄 I'm starting to think that having a wife obsessed with residential design can't be an easy gig😁

Over to you my friends. What do you think about this one? Would you change anything or move in tomorrow? 🤗 Double-tap if you like the vibe in this home.

Family room, living room, sitting room or lounge r

Family room, living room, sitting room or lounge room, what do you call your home's most used communal space?

Today's 10 PCI checklist tips are all about that space😁 In our home, we have a family room and a living room. Our family room is a multi-purpose space that is a combined theatre & kids activity room, basically, this is the FUN room😄 and our living room, which is open to the dining and kitchen, we use every night for dinner prep and eating at the table. This space is also called the grown-ups lounge, thanks to mummy's white fluffy rug of cos🤣

Ok friends, let's get this show on the road. Here's today 10!

1. Open and close any sliding doors? Are they moving smoothly? When closed do they have any gaps that may let in water?

2. Open and close all windows in this space, are they opening and closing with no issues?

3. Next, check for scratches on all the window glasses and frames.

4. Have the window treatments been installed? (If applicable)

5. Switch on and off all the lights. Do they work?

6. Grab your floor plan and check if all GPOs / powerpoints have been installed in the correct locations? Are they all there?

7. Are all power points / GPOS level?

8. Is the cornice level? Any cracks?

9. Look up!!!!! 👀 any paint defects to the ceilings?

10. Finally is you had your walls painter by your builder, check if there are any defects on the walls. It's quite handy to carry coloured masking tape from bunnings, if you see any defect, stick some tape on it😉

Have you done your Practical completion inspection yet? How did it go and what did you pick up? 😊 drop me a comment below and let us know. Have you saved this info for your upcoming PCI? Drop me a 🙌 below or double-tap the pic!

Happy Building!

B, xx

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT! Its day 5 of our P

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Its day 5 of our PCI series and we already have 60 items on our list!!!!🥳🥳🥳🥳 Yassssss! If you have been following you know I promised you 💯 PCI items at the end of this series. So that's exactly what I'm going to give you my friends. BUT before we begin, how beautiful is this bathroom space by Belinda from @silqinteriors 🥰 absolutely stunning!

Today's PCI list is going to be on the WC 😅 fancy way of saying Toilet! Hey did you know WC actually stands for water closet?😳 Double-tap pic if you didn't know 😄 Commmme on!

First up on our list, the WC door!

1. Open the door and check if both hinges are screwed on.

2. Has the striker plate been installed?

3. Has the door been painted on every side? Top and bottom?

4. Does the door lock?

5. Turn the light and exhaust fan on and off, do they work ok?

6. Any damage to wall or ceiling paint?

7. Is the light switch level? No damage on or around it?

8. Has the toilet roll holder been installed?

9. Any chips to the floor or wall tiles?

10. Does the toilet flush?

11. Is the toilet seat loose?

12. Lastly, check if the bottom of the toilet has been sealed in position.

Who would have thought such a small space would have so many things to look over hey😅

Is there anything else you would add to this list? Let me! Drop me a comment in the box below 😊🤗 Found this helpful, double-tap to like or tag a friend who needs to see this😉

Happy Building!

B, xx

You might wanna grab a glass of wine for this one.

You might wanna grab a glass of wine for this one.

Too early? 🤔 OK, I guess a coffee will have to do😄

Whatever you decide, get comfortable because today I'm giving you a whopping 20 items for your PCI checklist 🥳🥳🥳 We are going to discuss the room in your home where all the magic happens baby 😋🤭😂Yep, you guessed right! We are talking Bedrooms!!! 😊 Are you Ready? Let's do this!

1. Let's start with the bedroom🚪 Has the door been painted all round? Check the top and bottom of the door carefully. Some painters are notorious for taking shortcuts here.

2. Are the gaps or margins around the door consistent with all the other doors?

3. Do all the hinges have screws?

4. Does the door latch property? If it has a lock, check if it works.

5. Any chips in the timber that need filling?

6. Does the door rattle or make a noise when being opened or closed?

7. Move to the windows - any scratches or paint marks on the frame and glass?

8. Do the windows open and close tightly?

9. Has all the protective plastic been removed?

10. Do the windows open and shut freely?

11. Switch the light on and off. Works well?

12. Are all power points level? Do they work? Maybe carry a phone charger and check check check!

13. Any paint defects? Wall and ceiling?

14. Over to the robes now. If you have sliding robes check if the doors slide smoothly and stay closed.

15. Any damage to the robe doors?

16. Is the hanging rail installed?

17. Is the Robe shelve at the right height?

18. If you have carpet in the room and robe, is it installed correctly?

19. Any paint marks or damage?

20. Lastly, check if the cornice is nice and straight 🙌

And just like that Day 4 of our 5-day PCI series is done!🤗 Double-tap if you found this helpful! What else would you add to this list? Drop me a comment or tag someone who should see this in the box below!

B, xx🥰

That's all I'm going to say😎 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

That's all I'm going to say😎
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But on weekends, we play hard 😁💅🏾🥰🥂🥳💃🏽 Happy Saturday my friends!
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B,xx

F L O O R P L A N C H E C K L I S T 🏠 ⠀⠀⠀

F L O O R P L A N C H E C K L I S T 🏠
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Receiving final plans from your builder is always exciting!🤗 Kinda like that Christmas came early typa feeling💃😄 , However, no matter how excited you are to get cracking 🏃and get to site,🏗 remind your self to slow down🚶 and make time to reeallllly go through your drawings.💆 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Remember that once those documents are signed and returned to the builder, that's it! Changing anything after that will cost you money🤑 and time.🙆 So how about we "change proof" your FINAL drawings? 🤗 Below are my 5 must check items before signing your final plans:
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1. Check all window heights and opening sizes.📏
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2. Check all door locations and swing direction.↪↩
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3. Check all Powerpoints and light switch locations.💡
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4. Triple check each room size and consider the overall use of space.✏📐
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5. Benchspace bench space bench space. If you can, get more!! Especially to the Kitchen and Laundry.😉
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What INTERESTING changes did you make on your working drawings?😁 I halved my husband WIR size just so I could have a recess for the hall table in the Entry🙈😂 Happy wife, happy life right?!😋🤗
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Drop a comment below!!
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B, xx

The Palma by @fratellihomes has made it to the top

The Palma by @fratellihomes has made it to the top of my #housegasm list! 🤤❤ Double-tap pic if this elevation is right up your alley!

Absolutely stunning and genius design.

This home is a 4 x 3 that can.......wait for it.........fit in a narrow lot with a 10m frontage! 💥 🤯 How awesome is that! If anyone still thinks bigger is always better, check this beauty out!

There is so much to love about this home but the exterior design is what pulled me in. My top 3 to die for elements on this elevation are:

1. Clean lines on the very modern and sleek elevation.

2. The moody colours selected.

3. Touches of wood on the ceiling and garage door.

What's your fave element? drop me a 1, 2 or 3 below 😊 If it's something else, tell me what 👇🏽😉 .
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B,xx

HOW TO SELECT BRICKS FOR YOUR BUILD
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I always start my prestart/selections meetings with the difficult process of picking a brick 😬 pretty daunting considering the fact that if you get this one wrong, you'd have to live with your costly mistake for a very long time!
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Here's a few tips to help you pick the right brick! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
1️⃣ STYLE
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Consider your overall style. Coastal? Industrial? Traditional? It's very important that you know what aesthetic or vibe you want to feel in your home because this will help narrow down your choices. 😊 If you are not sure what style you like, I got you covered. 😉 Head over to my website www.thebuildingliaison.com.au and take my design style quiz 🙌🏽 Its FREE 😁 You're welcome!!
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2️⃣ LOCATION
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Think about your location or locality - What's around you. Are you near the sea? Are you surrounded by nature? Do you want your home to blend or stand out? Are you in a heritage-listed area? Maybe a traditional brick would work well there? Understanding your location is very important and can help guide you to the right brick.
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3️⃣ SIZE
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They say size doesn't matter hey 😬 Well this time, size is everything 🤪 Brick size, you filthy garl! 😂 The simplest way to understand this is by using this rule of thumb; avoid using bricks that are too big in small spaces as they can make a space feel smaller. In large spaces, avoid using bricks that are too small, they can end up making the space feel too busy or too much. So when it comes to brick size, the size of the wall matters.
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4️⃣ MORTAR
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Lastly Mortar! I 100% believe that mortar is what makes or breaks your brick selection. 😂 Picking the wrong mortar can even make the prettiest brick look awful! 😣 So don't rush through this part. Don't make the mistake of just going with "your builders standard" mortar. Ask to see options and samples then look over the selections outside in daylight. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
How did you go picking your bricks? 😀 Drop me a comment below 👇🏽
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Happy building,
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B,xx

F A M I L Y R O O M R E V A M P O N A C O V I

F A M I L Y R O O M R E V A M P O N A C O V I D B U D G E T.

Eeeerm so, what started as an attempt to style the @ikea_australia Kallax unit the kids and I painted last weekend, unexpectedly turned into a full-on room revamp! 🤭 Double-tap pic if you can relate 😄 sigh!

Any designer will tell you that before starting a project, it's very important to have a clear client brief to guide your choices. However, since this is my home, I obviously had no such thing 😂 so to avoid unnecessary stress, I decided to create a simple brief to guide me😎 Heres what I came up with;

Create a family room that is not too "styled" up. A room that the kids will be comfortable to spread out their toys everywhere and play, do arts and crafts or some reading 🥰 , However, the room should also be "pretty" enough to lure mummy and daddy in to hang out 😂 Tough 😣Tough brief, I know! But the client is always right 😄 so this is what I did.

1️⃣ The existing colours in the room were dull and boring, but we can't afford new furniture right now. So I introduced a bold colour pallet by painting the Kallax to add some fun, playful energy.

2️⃣ Add greenery ✔️ always!

3️⃣ Find a statement piece for the room. I bought a 1.5 x 1.5 m canvas from Riot searched for inspo on @pinterest and got painting 😁 I wanted a piece that our girls would cherish forever and I wanted it to be something I hand made for them.

4️⃣ Add an ottoman or two, for a flexible space.

5️⃣ Make sure Daddy has space for his laptop. 😂 (Back story, hubby is always reading the paper on his laptop in the evening, so I added a space for him to do that where the girls are, that way we could all be together while doing our own thing) 😉 sneakkkky!

6️⃣ Layer sofa with a woven throw!

7️⃣ Add a footrest for mummy to kick back, put her feet up and sip some vino😌 Bliss!

And just like that, i nailed my "client's" brief! 🤪 I created a family-friendly, budget-friendly, fun and chilled out space we can all enjoy!

Which room in your home is screaming for a revamp right now?😂 What's your plan of attack ma?! 😁 Drop me a comment below and let us know!! B, xx

🎶 Baby! This is what you came for 🎶 . No, th

🎶 Baby! This is what you came for 🎶
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No, this post isn't related to Calvin Harris or Rihanna😂 just a song that's stuck in my head right now!

Seriously though, this cottage 😭😍 This cottage is what my dreams are made of!

Cladding ✔️
All White ✔️
Picket Fence ✔️
Lots Of Green ✔️
Wood Decking ✔️
Architectural Moulding ✔️
Beautiful Stain Loft Window ✔️
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I mean😩😩😩 is there anything at all this beauty is missing?

Nope. Don't think so ❤ It's perfect!
Double-tap pic if you agree!
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What architectural feature do you have on your elevation that you can't get enough of????🥰🥰 Drop me a comment below!!!!
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B, xx
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