KATIE REES - The Home Build Mentor
Hey there, I’m Katie Rees, and I’m on a mission to ensure that no meaningful home build or renovation ends in heartbreak, cost blowouts, or abandonment. Sadly, too many projects go off track due to poor early decisions—but it doesn’t have to be this way. When we make smart, well-informed choices from the start, we give every project the best chance for success—on budget, on time, and tailored to how you want to live. With over 20 years of experience in the residential building industry, my journey started as a fresh-faced 17-year-old driven by a passion to create homes that matter. I’ve been involved in the design, documentation, and project management of over 200 successful custom homes and renovations. From my time as Director and Senior Designer at Vibe Design Group to running my own studio, Katie Rees Design, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial early project planning is for success. It was during my years with Katie Rees Design that I became increasingly aware of a major gap: homeowners often lacked access to solid, practical information at the most impactful stage of their projects. This gap inspired the development and delivery of my Home Build Mentoring services- One-on-one guidance for homeowners from the very start, helping them navigate complex decisions with confidence. I’m passionate about creating homes that promote connected living wellness. As a wife and mother to three amazing daughters, I know the profound impact our living spaces have on daily life and family bonds. There’s power in thoughtful home design, and I’m here to help you harness it.
Listen on:
Episodes
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
Building isn’t a sprint—it’s a race that demands strategy and pacing. In this episode, we explore why trying to keep up with others can derail your project, and how running your own build race leads to stronger, prouder outcomes. Tune in and finish strong. #RunYourRace
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Is getting multiple build quotes always the best strategy? Not if every quote blows your budget. In this episode, we explore a smarter alternative—the collaborative model—where builders provide early cost feedback to keep your project on track. Tune in to learn how to avoid budget blowouts and set your build up for success! #HomeBuilding
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Great design shapes great homes—but it’s not just about titles. Whether you work with an architect, building designer, or interior designer, the key is finding the right fit for your project. In this episode, we explore why good design matters, what to look for in a designer, and how to set your home build up for success. Tune in now! #GoodDesign
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Home Build Mentoring isn’t just a fancy term—it’s a proactive approach to building and renovating. By guiding homeowners from the idea stage, it prevents budget blowouts, design flaws, and project stress. Success doesn’t happen by chance; it’s engineered through smart, early decisions. Want to set your project up for success? Tune in to learn more! #HomeBuildMentoring
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Building trust is crucial in residential construction. Many builders struggle with unrealistic client expectations, often unknowingly fueling the problem. Homes are about people, not just materials or contracts. By shifting from transactions to relationships, builders can foster trust and guide clients with confidence. What was your most rewarding project? Let’s chat! Book a ‘Cuppa with Katie’ or reach out. Check my bio.
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
The ABS Q4 2024 data shows a slight dip in build costs—the first since 2020. While it’s not a major drop, it suggests stabilisation, much like the steadier 2016–2020 period. Since mid-2020, costs have soared 45%, and now we may be settling into a new normal. The challenge? Managing homeowner expectations. Early education is key—costs aren’t to be feared, just understood. Join my Cost by Quarter session tomorrow for insights!
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
In 2025, I'm streamlining my newsletters into one unified issue, covering home preparation, design, and construction insights to educate and empower homeowners. Instead of monthly updates, expect a "weekly-ish" newsletter packed with valuable content. I'm also writing a book for small to medium builders to help them work with better clients and build trust. Targeting a late 2025 release, I'd love your input! Plus, stay tuned for my "Cost by Quarter" Zoom session. Let’s make 2025 a success!
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Building or renovating isn’t one-size-fits-all—there are many ways to approach a project, but most homeowners don’t realize this. Misled by unrealistic TV shows, they often set poor expectations, hire the wrong teams, and end up over budget and overwhelmed. As industry pros, we must guide them early. The right pathway aligns process, project, and people. Let’s help homeowners make informed choices. Book a ‘Breakthrough Call’ or grab a Cuppa with Katie.
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
A common challenge for builders is navigating clients' unrealistic budgets, with the gap between expectations and reality wider than ever. By leaning in and providing clear, actionable insights, builders can align projects with realistic budgets, build trust, and ensure smoother outcomes. Equip yourself with tools like the Project Forecast Calculator or join the ‘Cost by Quarter’ session on February 13.