Registered Building Designer, Melbournehttps://www.rdbd.com.au/en-auhttps://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/building-designer-vs-architect/https://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/building-designer-vs-architect/A building designer and an architect do the same job on most Melbourne residential projects. Here's what actually separates them, and how to choose for your budgetWed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/does-a-granny-flat-add-value-to-your-property/https://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/does-a-granny-flat-add-value-to-your-property/A granny flat adds value in most situations, but the spread is wide. Here's what actually determines the number — rental yield, permit status, design, and locationSun, 23 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/how-much-does-a-granny-flat-cost-in-melbourne/https://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/how-much-does-a-granny-flat-cost-in-melbourne/Granny flat costs in Melbourne range from $80,000 to $250,000+. Here's what actually drives the number and what most quotes quietly leave out.Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-house-in-melbourne/https://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-build-a-house-in-melbourne/Construction takes 8 to 14 months. The full process, design through to keys, is closer to two to three years. Here is what each phase involvesMon, 06 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/how-to-read-house-plans/https://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/how-to-read-house-plans/A full set of house plans is more than a floor plan. Here is what each drawing shows, how to read the scale and symbols, and what Melbourne building permits actually require.Sat, 11 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/owner-builder-in-victoria/https://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/owner-builder-in-victoria/Thinking about owner building in Victoria? Here is what the BPC requires, what the insurance obligations actually mean, and what the savings calculation looks like in practice.Sun, 21 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/sip-panels-in-australia/https://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/sip-panels-in-australia/Structural insulated panels are still uncommon in Australian mainstream housing. Here is how SIP construction works, where it genuinely performs well, and what the real limitations are.Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/section-32-in-victoria/https://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/section-32-in-victoria/A Section 32 vendor statement tells you what a seller is required to disclose. It does not tell you what you can build. Here is what the gap looks like and why it matters before you sign.Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/small-block-and-narrow-lot-design-solutions-for-melbourne-homeowners/https://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/small-block-and-narrow-lot-design-solutions-for-melbourne-homeowners/Small and narrow blocks in Melbourne's western suburbs have more potential than most plans give them credit for. Here's what the rules allow and how design makes the difference.Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/the-rise-of-modular-homes-in-australia/https://www.rdbd.com.au/blog/the-rise-of-modular-homes-in-australia/Modular homes in Australia are finally delivering on years of promise. Here's what's driving the shift, where the quality gaps still are, and what Melbourne homeowners need to know.Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT