Two Hammers Construction Blog

Should I Start With a Designer or a Builder? Here’s What You Should Know.

So—you’ve decided to build or renovate? How exciting! You’ve found the most perfect block and want to build your dream home, Or you need more space? Maybe the kids are growing, or there is another on the way….... Or maybe you’ve got a doer-upper but you don’t want to move because the location is perfect? Maybe you need a granny flat? Whatever it is, you’re ready to go from thinking about it to actually doing it.

And then you hit The Big Question:

Do we call a designer first… or a builder?
It’s a great question—and one we get all the time.

The short answer?

You can do either. But there are some important things to consider that could save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

Why starting with a builder can be a smart move

As builders who specialise in custom high-performance homes, major extensions and renovations, we’ve seen too many people spend thousands on a design… only to discover it’s double their budget to build. Ouch.

When you engage your builder early to consult during design, you get:

  • Budget guidance as the design evolves (before it’s set in stone)

  • Buildability advice—what looks dreamy on paper might not make sense on your site

  • Access to collaborative designers and architects we trust

  • A smoother planning, approval, and build process

It’s not about controlling your project—it’s about supporting it from the start, so you don’t have to backtrack later.

But what if we already have a designer?

Totally fine! We work with lots of great external designers. But it’s still a good idea to get a builder involved early-ish, especially before final drawings are locked in.

That way, we can:

  • Help with cost estimating

  • Spot any tricky details or structural issues

  • Help save your hard-earned budget to where it provides you the most value

  • Make sure what’s being drawn is achievable within your timeframe and budget

What about paying twice?

A few people have asked us, “If I pay a designer and then come to you, will I have to redo it all?” And the honest answer is: sometimes yes. But often no. It depends on how experienced the designer is with actual builds in our region, and how well they’ve aligned with your goals. We’ve seen clients go through design 3 or 4 times before they came to us, loosing thousands of dollars on the way. It breaks our heart. honestly, it does!

That’s why we always recommend choosing a designer who either:

  • Has worked closely with a builder before, or

  • Is happy to collaborate with us along the way

So, what’s the best next step?

If you’re feeling unsure, give us a shout. We’re happy to chat, even if you’re at the very beginning. We’ll point you in the right direction, even if it’s not through us.

No pressure. No jargon. Just straight-up advice from people who’ve been doing this a while.

After all, this build is going to be part of your life for the next 1–2 years. You want the right team around you from day one.

Need help with your renovation or extension? We do work from Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Margaret River and Augusta (and everywhere in between).

We’re Two Hammers Construction—your local bespoke builder with a love of great design, craftsmanship, and helping people build something they’re proud of. We build the best it can be built.

Why Are New Homes in Australia Growing Mould? And What Can Be Done About It?

There’s a growing awareness in Australia around mould—and rightly so. Once considered just a cosmetic annoyance, we now know it can have serious consequences for your health, home longevity, and comfort. But what’s really surprising (and concerning) is that mould isn’t just a problem in old, run-down homes. It’s showing up in brand new builds across the country.

So what’s going wrong? And more importantly—what can be done about it?

The Hidden Damp Crisis in Australian Homes

A landmark study by Dewsbury et al. uncovered something alarming: newer Australian homes are actually more prone to condensation and mould than older ones. Despite modern materials and building codes, homes built in the last 10–15 years are more airtight but not necessarily better ventilated or thermally designed.

Here’s what that means:

  • Warm, moist indoor air (from showers, cooking, breathing) can’t escape.

  • Poor thermal design leads to cold internal surfaces.

  • When warm moist air hits those cold surfaces—boom: condensation.

  • And with condensation comes mould.

These conditions are especially common in homes with poor insulation, no air gaps in the building envelope, and minimal mechanical ventilation—a combo that’s sadly all too common in “standard” new builds.

The Real Cost of Mould

The health effects of mould are far from minor. It can cause or worsen:

  • Asthma and other respiratory issues

  • Chronic fatigue

  • Brain fog

  • Skin and sinus irritation

And beyond health, mould can silently degrade your home from the inside out, ruining finishes, cabinetry, plasterboard and more.

Why Two Hammers Builds Differently

At Two Hammers Construction, we see mould for what it is: a failure of building design and construction. That’s why we build to High Performance and Passivhaus standards—an approach specifically designed to eliminate the very conditions that allow mould to thrive.

Here’s how:

✅ Continuous Insulation – No more cold spots for condensation to form.

✅ Ventilated Air Cavities – We use ventilated cavities in the walls and roof to keep moisture out and let your home breathe.

✅ Airtightness + Controlled Ventilation – A tightly sealed home paired with proper ventilation ensures moisture is removed, not trapped.

✅ High-Performance Windows & Glazing – Thermal bridging and cold window panes are major mould magnets. Not in our homes.

✅ Humidity Awareness from Design to Build – We work closely with our in-house design team to create homes that actively manage internal climate, not just passively endure it.

Build it Right. Build it for Life.

With extreme weather, rising humidity, and changing building regulations, you can’t afford to build the way it’s always been done. Whether you're planning a renovation, extension, or new build in the South West, make sure mould isn't part of your future.

At Two Hammers, we believe a home should be healthy, comfortable, and built to last. That’s why we’re leading the way in building homes that are dry, durable and designed for the Australian climate—especially here in our beautiful but sometimes wet corner of the world.

Want to learn more about how we build high-performance homes that prevent mould before it starts?
Get in touch with our team today to chat about your next project.

Link to the study: Condensation and mould in Australian homes – ScienceOpen