Get It Right with Undercover Architect

How to Enjoy Building a New Home, with Fionna and Ed

Dec 15, 2025
Fionna and Ed share their insights from building a sustainable, accessible home with proactive preparation being key. They discuss how regular updates from their builder kept them informed and confident throughout the process. The couple emphasizes the importance of thorough design documentation, which minimized site issues. They reflect on the value of a strong team dynamic, illustrating trust in their architect and builder, and how collaboration led to innovative solutions. Finally, they offer valuable advice for future builders on proper planning and prototyping.
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ADVICE

Front‑Load Time And Budget For Design

  • Allow sufficient time and budget for design rather than rushing to build.
  • Investing in detailed documentation and decisions up front reduces site issues and saves money later.
ANECDOTE

Monthly Bills And Biweekly Site Checks

  • The builder sent monthly bills with itemised pluses and minuses and a Gantt chart they updated verbally.
  • Site visits happened roughly every two weeks or when the builder invited them, like to inspect the slab.
ANECDOTE

Seamless Builder Handover

  • Parry took personal leave and handed the project seamlessly to partner Eugene, who had been involved from the framing stage.
  • The builder team met each evening to share issues so handover caused minimal disruption.
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