In this episode, we sit down with DevelopHer Leanne Barbaro to unpack the journey of building her family home through a volume builder — and the gold is in the lessons learned. 

We talk through how volume building offers cost efficiencies but requires savvy planning to avoid cookie-cutter pitfalls. You’ll hear her tips on what to prioritise (hint: lighting!), how outdoor structures can impact natural light, and how long-term flexibility allows us to make up for the bold decisions we initially may not have been confident enough to make.

Leanne shows us how you can work with the volume build model to create a home that’s personal, functional, and full of potential. Her story is also a fantastic reminder that a home doesn’t have to be finished the day you move in — it’s allowed to evolve. As your lifestyle shifts and your tastes mature, your home can grow with you. It’s not a fixed showpiece; it’s a living, changing space that reflects who you are and how you live.

You can follow Leanne's future development adventures here.