Perfection vs Reality: How to Navigate Your New Build Confidently, with Ellen

Apr 7, 2025

Dive into a conversation about navigating the complexities of building a new home. Explore the idea that perfection is an illusion, emphasizing the importance of focusing on achievable outcomes. Ellen shares her experiences managing expectations and the emotional challenges of a custom build. Discover practical tips on trade-offs between aesthetics and performance, alongside insights on planning interiors and selecting materials. Lastly, learn about the joy of transitioning into a new space and the importance of savoring these changes.

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INSIGHT

Perfection Is Not The Goal

Perfection is unattainable, so aim for the best possible outcome given constraints.
Framing progress as improvement prevents crippling regret and perfectionism.

INSIGHT

Accept Uncertainty And Trade-Offs

You can't control the future; overplanning for every scenario wastes energy.
Accepting uncertainty and trade-offs reduces overwhelm during a custom build.

ADVICE

Decide Non-Negotiables First

Identify core values and non-negotiables before making trade-offs.
Use a clear hierarchy of priorities to decide what you can let go of.

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Hello! This is Episode 357, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Ellen, about her new build and the construction process of her family home in Ballarat, Victoria. It’s been under construction for around 7 months.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/357]

If you missed Part 1 of this conversation, head back to Episode 356 so you can catch up on what we’ve discussed. You can find that at www.undercoverarchitect.com/356.

Remember too, that Ellen originally appeared on the podcast in Episodes 336 and 337 to discuss all the steps and decisions that led up to construction, so if you’d like to learn more about the design process, builder and team selection, and feeling prepared for a project like this, I’ll pop the links to those episodes in the resources for this podcast.

Now, as I wrapped up Episode 356, we were discussing this idea of ‘there is no perfect’. There was more to that conversation, so we kick off this episode talking more about this concept of ‘there is no perfect’ and how you can empower yourself to still realise an incredible outcome for your project, whilst not overwhelming yourself with an unattainable goal of perfection.

I also ask Ellen about her thoughts on the psychological aspect of calibrating your standards and expectations for your project with the demands a project can place on you, so you don’t get apathetic or fall into overwhelm. Ellen talks about finding the balance, especially when there’s competing priorities.

Ellen also shares with me what helped her overcome her initial overwhelm in her project journey, and the importance of understanding the work you’ll need to do. In her words: “You may as well do the work well-informed”!

Plus, we talk about making bold choices with selections, and Ellen also talks about what she’s most looking forward to when the home is finished and they get to move in.

Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus links to some helpful resources, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/357.

Now, let’s dive in!

SHOW NOTES:

If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you.

Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes.

Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/357

Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.

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