Insights

Longer-form thinking by Tim Walker on architectural construction. Organised into a vast array of topics, to expand my own knowledge as well as others

29 Jul 2026

What is feasibility pricing, and why should you ask for it early?

A feasibility price is an early, structured view of what an architectural design is likely to cost. It is not...

1 Jul 2026

What is a negotiated tender, and when does it make sense?

A negotiated tender is a procurement pathway in which a client selects a preferred builder before the final construction price...

Architectural render of modern two-storey home with textured facade, pool and lush garden landscaping

9 Jun 2026

Why early builder involvement protects more than the budget

Early builder involvement is often sold as a way to protect the budget. It does that, but the more valuable...

Two-storey brick and dark timber home exterior viewed from garden with pool and patio

14 May 2026

Why building costs remain high, and where the 2026 market is changing

Construction has not suddenly become cheap in 2026. Labour, materials, compliance, insurance and the level of coordination required for an...

Renovated heritage home with ornate iron fence, green lawn, and bay window facade

7 Apr 2026

Heritage overlays in Melbourne: what homeowners need to check first

A Heritage Overlay is a planning control applied to a place or precinct considered to have heritage significance. It can...

Sleek laundry or butler's pantry with dark joinery, stone benchtop, and skylight

18 Mar 2026

How long does a heritage renovation take in Melbourne?

From appointing an architect to moving into the finished home, a substantial heritage renovation in Melbourne commonly takes two to...

Completed concrete basement structure before fitout, with clear spans and finished slab

10 Feb 2026

Planning a basement beneath an existing Melbourne home

Building a basement beneath an existing home is achievable, but it is one of the most demanding scopes in residential...

Outdoor pool and spa with glass fencing, timber screen wall, and blue sky

13 Jan 2026

Fixed price, cost-plus and negotiated tender: how they differ

Fixed price and cost-plus describe how construction is paid for. Negotiated tender describes how a builder may be selected and...

Open-plan kitchen and dining with marble island, timber cabinetry, and courtyard views

2 Dec 2025

How to select the right architect in Melbourne

Choose the architect whose work, team and process suit your project, not simply the practice with the most striking portfolio....

Contemporary two-storey home with black vertical cladding and white rendered walls

11 Nov 2025

What to expect at handover of a new home or renovation

Handover is not one meeting. It is a controlled transition from an active building site to a home the client...

Modern open-plan kitchen with dark marble island, skylight, timber cabinetry and sheer curtains

7 Oct 2025

Home automation in a new build: what to decide before construction

The success of home automation is decided before the walls close. Switches, screens, speakers and apps are the visible layer....

Curved timber slat wall feature beside dark marble kitchen island with leather bar stools

16 Sep 2025

How to plan battery storage into a new home

Battery storage should be planned as part of the home's electrical and building design, even if the battery will not...

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Cost · Program · Contracts · Heritage · Basements · Architects · Handover

About Insights

Insights is the structured library of TCON’s longer-form writing. Where the rest of the site is structural, Insights is editorial: it is where the practical questions get answered properly. Cost, timing, procurement, heritage overlay work, basements, living through renovation, and handover.

Each article is written by TCON and grounded in delivered projects across Melbourne’s inner east. New pieces are published monthly.