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In this episode, we sit down with DevelopHer Leanne Barbaro to unpack the journey of building her family home through a volume builder — and the gold is in the lessons learned.
We talk through how volume building offers cost efficiencies but requires savvy planning to avoid cookie-cutter pitfalls. You’ll hear her tips on what to prioritise (hint: lighting!), how outdoor structures can impact natural light, and how long-term flexibility allows us to make up for the bold decisions we initially may not have been confident enough to make.
Leanne shows us how you can work with the volume build model to create a home that’s personal, functional, and full of potential. Her story is also a fantastic reminder that a home doesn’t have to be finished the day you move in — it’s allowed to evolve. As your lifestyle shifts and your tastes mature, your home can grow with you. It’s not a fixed showpiece; it’s a living, changing space that reflects who you are and how you live.
You can follow Leanne’s future development adventures here.
Key Takeaways
- Volume building offers cost efficiency, but flexibility has its limits — know where to customise and where to compromise.
- Don’t underestimate the impact of lighting; it’s often overlooked but shapes the whole feel of your home.
- A home isn’t static — it should evolve as your lifestyle and confidence grow.
- Choosing classic finishes for your first build is smart, but don’t be afraid to go bolder next time.
- Plan ahead financially and structurally, even if your dream project is still a few years away
- Natural light matters more than you think — consider how outdoor structures may affect it.
- Working with a smaller volume builder can offer more customisation and a smoother process.
- Design choices made under pressure (hello, lockdown) often still work when guided by gut and purpose.
- You don’t need to get everything perfect at once — building is a journey, not a one-time event.
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- BuildHer Website: https://buildhercollective.com.au/
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