Ep. 6 Gino
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Episode summary
Building a home from scratch is a unique journey of creativity, practicality, and resilience. In this episode of Australian Build Stories, I sit down with Gino Premici to unpack his experience as an owner-builder. From tackling budget constraints to balancing family involvement, Gino shares the highs, lows, and invaluable lessons learned.
A Collaborative Start: Turning Ideas into Reality
Gino and his wife, Marie, decided to owner-build after recognising the limitations of renovating their dated property. With the support of Gino’s father, an experienced brick layer, they transformed an uninspiring yellow brick house into a functional and welcoming family home.
The Owner-Builder Perspective: Challenges and Triumphs
Gino highlights the complexities of owner-building, from navigating council approvals to managing trades and budgets. He emphasises the importance of detailed planning, such as using a bill of quantities to control costs and engaging with experts like building inspectors and kitchen designers for key stages.
Tips for Aspiring Owner-Builders
Whether you're starting small with a bathroom renovation or diving into a full-scale build, Gino recommends:
Building a detailed understanding of the process through self-education.
Prioritising design choices that reflect your lifestyle rather than resale value.
Maintaining open communication with trades and fostering a collaborative on-site atmosphere.
Where possible utilises existing industry networks.
Reflection: Building a Home, Strengthening Bonds
For Gino, the project was not just about creating a house but deepening his relationship with his father and gaining confidence in his ability to bring a vision to life. The process was challenging but deeply rewarding, culminating in a home tailored to his family’s needs.
