The Enthusiast Lab

Welcome to Episode 83 of The Enthusiast Lab! Grant Jones is back — and we’re picking up right where we left off. In Part 2 of our conversation with the man behind La Vida Homes’ Investment Division, we get into the questions you sent through and dig even deeper into the world of property investment. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, go back and start there — but if you’re all caught up, settle in because this one goes further. More real talk on the investment market in Perth and Adelaide, more insight from someone who’s been in the game long enough to have seen it all — and the kind of honest answers that are hard to find anywhere else. Got more questions for Grant? Drop them in the comments and we’ll do our best to get them answered. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 82 of The Enthusiast Lab! In this episode, we sit down with Grant Jones — the man behind La Vida Homes’ Investment Division, LVI. Grant brings decades of experience running businesses, a background in residential sales, and a track record of working alongside some of the world’s top names in business. In 2022 he established LVI, and since then he’s built up a wealth of knowledge in the investment space that’s hard to match. We cover a lot of ground — the growing demand for investment properties across Perth and Adelaide, what the COVID building boom looked like from the inside, the aftermath that followed, and what happened to the market when a flood of investment homes landed all at once. We also get into the challenges of land scarcity during that period, and what it took to expand the model into South Australia. This is Part 1 of a 2-part series, so if you’ve got questions you want us to put to Grant in the follow-up — drop them in the comments or send them through on socials. Anything building or investment related, we want to hear it. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 81 of The Enthusiast Lab! The WA brick shortage is real, it's developing, and there are a lot of questions flying around. So we brought in someone who's right in the thick of it. In this episode, Nik and Julia sit down with Matt from La Vita Homes — one of our most trusted builder partners — for a straight-talking builder's take on what's actually happening, what it means for clients, and where things are headed. They break down the difference between double brick, brick veneer, and fully framed construction in plain English, and tackle the questions we've been hearing most from clients — termites, bushfire ratings, noise transfer, thermal performance, hanging your TV, and what switching construction methods actually involves behind the scenes. They also get into the real costs of making the change, why importing bricks or building a new factory isn't as simple as it sounds, and why brick veneer is nothing new — it's just new to WA. If you're building, have already signed, or are trying to make sense of what this all means for your home — this one's worth your full attention. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 80 of The Enthusiast Lab We're back! After two months off air, Nik and Julia sit down to catch up on everything that's happened, and there's a lot of it. Celebrating 10 years in business and hosting a gala to celebrate, then the scare of their dog Shadow falling seriously ill and needing round the clock emergency care, followed by Nik getting knocked out sick for a week and then losing his voice entirely to acute laryngitis. It's honest, it's chaotic, and it's exactly why the show's been quiet. But It's good to be back! Were all chatting about the issue dominating the building industry right now, the brick shortage affecting both residential and commercial construction across WA. Nik and Julia unpack how the market got to this point, including the reliance on a single major supplier controlling stock for the majority of builders across the state, and what it means when that much of an industry depends on one source. From there they get into the real alternative people are turning to, brick veneer versus fully framed construction, breaking down the pros and cons of each. That includes the stuff people don't think about until it affects them directly, noise transfer between rooms and from outside, thermal efficiency and how each option performs in WA's climate, build speed, cost, and maintenance down the track. If you're building now or about to sign a contract, this episode gives you what you actually need to make the call. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 79 of The Enthusiast Lab! If you've been wondering about land — where it's at, what's available, and what the market is actually doing right now — this one's for you. In this episode, Nik and Jules give you a real snapshot of where land availability is sitting at the moment. They go deep on what the current market actually looks like and what to be aware of if you're in the market — plus they tackle some of the most common questions people are asking right now. No fluff, no real estate spin — just a clear, honest look at the current landscape so you can make smarter decisions about your build. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 78 of The Enthusiast Lab! In this episode, we'd like you to meet Will — one of the sales reps here at Mr Enthusiast, and a bloke who knows a thing or two about how a home actually goes together. Before joining the team, Will spent his time on the tools as a carpenter — and that hands-on background is exactly what makes him so valuable to the clients he works with today. We sit down with Will to get to know him as a person, chat about his journey from the trade to sales, and find out what his role at Mr Enthusiast actually looks like day to day. If you're working with us or thinking about it, Will is one of the people you'll be dealing with — and this is your chance to get to know him before you do. Follow Will on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildwithwill__ Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 77 of The Enthusiast Lab! The questions kept coming — so we kept answering. In this episode, Nik and Jules are back for Part 2 of Q&A 6, picking up where they left off and working through even more of your questions from social media. More building advice, more straight talk, more behind the scenes of how Mr Enthusiast actually works — no scripts, no filters, just honest answers from the people running the show. Keep the questions coming in the comments or through our socials. You might just hear your answer in the next one. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 76 of The Enthusiast Lab! You asked, they answered. In this episode, Nik and Jules are back for another round of Q&A — working through the questions you’ve been sending in through social media and giving you the straight answers you actually want to hear. From building advice to behind the scenes of how Mr Enthusiast works, no scripts, no filters — just honest answers from the people running the show. If you’ve got a question of your own, drop it in the comments or send it through on socials. It might just make the next one. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 75 of The Enthusiast Lab! In this episode, we'd like you to meet Kim — the newest member of the Mr Enthusiast team, joining us all the way from Adelaide. We sit down with Kim to get to know her as a person first — her life, her background, and what brought her into the world of building. We also chat about her own build with Mr Enthusiast, what that experience was like, and what her new role with the team looks like going forward. Having been through the building process herself, Kim brings a perspective that's hard to replicate. She knows what it feels like to be on the other side of the table — and now she's here to help others through it. If you're based in Adelaide or thinking about building in South Australia, this one's well worth a watch. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 74 of The Enthusiast Lab! Ever wondered what happens behind the scenes once your build is underway? In this episode, we introduce you to Aislinn — our Sales Administration superstar and one of the key people making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. We chat about her role, what sales administration actually involves, how she supports both the team and our clients throughout the process, and a bit about who she is outside of work. Building a home is a team effort — and Aislinn plays a big part in keeping everything organised, on track, and moving forward from the admin side of things. If you’ve worked with us before, you may have already come across her. If you’re thinking about building with us, this is your chance to meet another important member of the team who’ll be helping bring your build together. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 73 of The Enthusiast Lab. Building costs aren’t just the house price — and that’s where a lot of people get caught out. In this episode of The Enthusiast Lab, we break down the six real cost categories involved in building a home and explain why the advertised price can sometimes be a trap. We cover everything from land and siteworks through to prestart selections, government fees, finance costs and the expenses that often pop up after handover. If you're planning to build, this episode is designed to give you a clear, honest look at what the real numbers often look like. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to episode 72 of The Enthusiast Lab! In this episode of The Enthusiast Lab, we introduce you to Bianca — our Customer Experience Representative and one of the key people keeping everything (and everyone) on track at Mr Enthusiast. We chat about her role, what she actually does day-to-day, how she supports our clients throughout their building journey, and a bit about who she is outside of work too. Building a home isn’t just about plans and pricing — it’s about people. And Bianca plays a big part in making sure our clients feel supported, informed, and looked after from start to finish. If you’re thinking about building with us, this is a great chance to meet one of the team members who’ll be right there in your corner. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 71 of The Enthusiast Lab! What does 2026 actually look like for home builders? No hype. No scare tactics. Just the facts. In this episode, we break down the real market conditions heading into 2026 — from land availability and build costs to construction timelines and buyer demand. There’s plenty of noise out there right now. Headlines, opinions, predictions. But what are we actually seeing on the ground? What’s moving? What’s tight? And what should you genuinely be preparing for if you’re planning to build this year? This episode is your straight-up market snapshot — a clear picture of what’s happening right now in WA and what it means for you. If you're building, thinking about building, or just trying to understand where the market is heading, this one’s worth your time. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to episode 70 of The Enthusiast Lab! We’re back! After a few months off the mic, The Enthusiast Lab is firing back up — and we’ve got a lot to catch up on. In this episode, Nik and Julia sit down to talk about what’s changed (and what hasn’t) since our last drop. Spoiler alert: land is still scarce , prices are still shifting, and it’s more important than ever to know what you’re walking into if you’re planning to build. We talk land availability, average build costs, and how the market is moving right now in WA — with our usual dose of honesty, opinions, and real-world context from the front lines of the industry. If you're trying to make sense of building in 2025, this is your refresh. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 69 of The Enthusiast Lab! In this episode, we’re back with Maddison from Oui Finance — our trusted finance partner — for a deeper look at the real role of your broker and how much work goes into getting your loan over the line. If you’re planning to build and want to know what Maddie does, how she helps clients navigate the finance maze, and what you can expect when you work with her — this is your behind-the-scenes pass. This episode is all about the real work that happens behind the scenes — the follow-ups, the problem-solving, the strategic thinking — and what it’s actually like to have a broker who’s actually in your corner. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 68 of the Enthusiast Lab! Big changes are coming for first home buyers in Australia — and they kick off October 1st. In this episode of The Enthusiast Lab, we’re joined by Maddison from Oui Finance — our go-to mortgage broker — to unpack the new First Home Buyers Guarantee rolling out nationwide. This new scheme could be a game-changer for buyers who are ready to build but struggling with deposit hurdles. Maddison breaks down what the guarantee actually means, who’s eligible, how it could impact your borrowing power, and what it looks like in real terms. If you’ve been on the fence about whether building is possible for you — or just want to understand how this new scheme could work in your favour — this episode is your shortcut to the facts! Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to Episode 67 of The Enthusiast Lab! In this episode, Nik and Julia jump into a no-filter Q&A, answering real questions sent in by our Instagram community. We streamed part of it live on Instagram — but this is the full, "uncut" version. From common build concerns to client-specific scenarios, budgeting questions and questions about interstate building, there's plenty of information here to digest! Whether you’re about to start your building journey or just love a bit of behind-the-scenes insight, this episode gives you a front-row seat to how we do things at Mr Enthusiast: honest answers, real talk, and no dodging the hard stuff. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Imagine building your dream home… and loving the process so much you do it again. And again. Welcome to episode 67 of The Enthusiast Lab! In this episode we sit down with Khyra and Andy, a couple who’ve now built three homes with Mr Enthusiast — and are already wrapping up their latest one as this episode goes live. They share their full journey — from the first build to where they are now — and reveal why they wouldn’t trust anyone else with something as big as creating their dream homes. We dive into the highs, the challenges, the surprises, and the little details that made all the difference along the way. Whether you’re planning your very first build or just want to know what it’s really like working with us, this episode is packed with honest insights straight from people who’ve done it — more than once. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Thinking about jumping into the world of building broking or new home sales? This one’s for you. In this episode, the team shares what it’s really like starting out in the industry — the challenges, the lessons, and the things they wish they knew on day one. Whether you're just curious about the role or already taking your first steps, you’ll hear straight-up, practical tips to help you grow your confidence, build your skills, and thrive in this rewarding space. It’s not all about scripts and suits — it’s about mindset, momentum, and making the most of your opportunities. Tune in and get the inside scoop from those who’ve been where you’re headed. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988

Welcome to episode 65 of The Enthusiast Lab! What if one of the most unique builders in WA wasn’t even advertising? In this episode of The Enthusiast Lab , we sit down with Daniel from Move Homes — a builder that doesn’t market to the public, doesn’t rely on walk-ins, and yet consistently delivers top-tier homes across Perth. We talk about what makes them so different, why we partnered up in 2025, and how their unique model is helping clients build faster, smarter, and often with better value than traditional methods. From steel vs timber vs double brick, to admin timelines, supplier relationships, and even exclusive land access — we unpack the real conversations behind building right now in WA (and why it might not stay this easy for long). Whether you’re planning a build or just want to understand how the industry is shifting, this is one you don’t want to miss. Website: https://mrenthusiast.net.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrEnthusiastNewHomesByNik Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mrenthusiast.au/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mrenthusiast Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr.enthusiast8988