Project Mistakes You’re Making (Without Even Realising It): My Top 5

Jul 14, 2025

Home renovation pitfalls can be surprisingly subtle. Many homeowners underestimate the challenges, leading to confusion and frustration. Not asking critical questions can derail a project, while trying to be an expert often leads to micromanagement. Understanding your role as a collaborator is crucial. Budgeting should be seen as a strategy, not just numbers, to prevent costly mistakes. Finally, seeking help early can alleviate stress and improve outcomes. Tune in to learn how to navigate these challenges with clarity!

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ADVICE

Ask The Right Questions Early

Do ask lots of questions and operate from curiosity rather than silence.
Use interview templates and ask the right people to ensure your team elicits the information you need.

ANECDOTE

Small Decisions Cause Big Frustrations

Amelia shares examples where homeowners expected builders to confirm tiny details and were left disappointed.
Small decisions like towel rail or toilet roll placement become daily frustrations when not clarified early.

ADVICE

Use Templates And Test Responses

Don't fear asking many questions; preface them and judge responses as a fit test for your team.
Use professional templates to extract the right intel when interviewing designers and builders.

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Hello! This is Episode 365, and in it, I’m sharing the top 5 mistakes I see homeowners make in their renovation or new build projects - without even realising they’re doing it.

These aren’t the obvious, dramatic missteps you hear horror stories about.

They’re subtle, sneaky habits and beliefs that can quietly derail your progress, blow your budget, or leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure as your project unfolds.

They’re also incredibly common, and totally avoidable once you know what to look for.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/365]

So, in this episode, I’ll walk you through each of these mistakes. I’ll also share why these mistakes happen, what the consequences tend to be, and most importantly, how you can course-correct before they cause bigger issues.

Whether you’re just starting out, midway through your planning, or already feeling the pinch of uncertainty, this episode will help you step back, reset, and approach your project with far more clarity and confidence.

Let’s put these mistakes on your radar so you can feel more informed and prepared to navigate your project successfully.

As always, if you’d like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to the resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/365.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/365

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways

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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