Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Managing Construction Decisions, Budget and Communication, with Louise + Zane

Jan 12, 2026
Louise and Zane dive into their Melbourne renovation, sharing practical insights about managing construction. They discuss the use of the WonderBuild app for site communication and unexpected challenges like buried debris. Strategies for budgeting, including trade-offs and cashflow management, are explored. The couple reflects on their collaborative relationship with their builder and architect, highlighting lessons learned from joinery challenges. Balancing home life with renovation demands proves crucial as they navigate this complex journey.
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ADVICE

Centralize Communication And Meet Weekly

  • Use a single project app to centralize schedule, plans, minutes and variations for clear communication.
  • Hold regular weekly site meetings and keep minutes so decisions and deadlines stay visible to the whole team.
ANECDOTE

Surprises Beneath The Backyard

  • During excavation Louise and Zane found buried steel and unexpected waste that required special equipment and higher disposal costs.
  • They also uncovered rotting and water issues that needed pausing work to fix correctly rather than rushing on.
ADVICE

Bring The Architect In At The Right Time

  • Bring specialists like the architect in at the statement-of-work or shop-drawing stage to avoid rework and confusion.
  • Copy all team members into communication so trades and builder maintain line of sight and can intervene early.
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