Get It Right with Undercover Architect

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.

Hello! This is Episode 383, and in it, we’re getting an update from HOME Method members, Louise and Zane, about their renovation project. They’re currently under construction in their renovation and extension of a Californian Bungalow in Melbourne. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/383] If you haven’t heard the earlier parts of Louise and Zane’s journey, head back to Episodes 317 and 318, and then their most recent updates in Episodes 354 and 355.  You’ll hear how they approached choosing their team, what they wanted to create with their Californian Bungalow renovation and extension in Melbourne, and the early preparation they did to set themselves up well. You can find those at: www.undercoverarchitect.com/317 www.undercoverarchitect.com/318 www.undercoverarchitect.com/354 www.undercoverarchitect.com/355 In this conversation, Louise and Zane share where the project is at now, and the great news is that construction is moving along smoothly and they’re getting to enjoy that shift where the house starts to feel like a home.  They also talk candidly about the early challenges of bank finance and timing, and how, once that was resolved, they’ve been able to find a really solid rhythm with the build. We also dive into how they’ve used the PAC Process with their team, why their Design Brief (using the Brief Builder template from HOME Method) has been such an important anchor for decisions. They also discuss how having their architect also act as their interior designer helped bring forward key selections and reduce pressure during construction. Not all architects work this way, so it’s super interesting to hear how this helped Louise and Zane in their project. Plus, they share how and why they’ve staged parts of the project, including what they’ve done now to make stage two simpler when they’re ready. It’s a fantastic update that shows how the preparation, learning and work they did in the earlier parts of their project is now supporting a streamlined, confident and collaborative construction process overall. And if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/383. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/383 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 designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 382, and I am back with HOME Method member, Ben, as we continue following his renovation and extension journey, which is under construction right now.  If you are in construction now, or heading towards it, this conversation will give you a In this episode, we step deeper into Ben’s experience of construction.  You’ll hear Ben talk about what it felt like to walk through the home now the frame is up and the building wrap is on, and how he’s been able to have confidence in the room sizes and dimensions because of his use of the HOME Method resources earlier in his design process.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/382] In the last episode, we explored the rhythm and clarity that regular site meetings have brought to his project, and how that foundation has strengthened communication, problem solving and the working relationship with his builder.  If you haven’t listened to it, check out Episode 381 at www.undercoverarchitect.com/381. And you can find the rest of Ben’s story at Episodes 352, 353, 371 and 372. This is such a powerful example of what it looks like to bring decisions forward so that when you reach construction, you are not making panicked calls on the fly. You are simply confirming what you already know. We also explore Ben’s landscape design process, including how to navigate very different conceptual schemes, how to give clear feedback, and how to handle disagreements with design professionals in a way that keeps the collaboration positive. You will hear how he interprets strong advice from a landscape designer as care rather than conflict, and how that reframes the whole working relationship. This episode is a brilliant look at the mindset shift that happens as your project moves from drawings into built form, and how preparation allows you to stay calm, engaged and resilient through the inevitable questions that come up on site. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/382. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/382 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 designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conversation dives into the exciting transition from plans to actual framing of a house. Weekly site meetings establish a solid communication rhythm, helping maintain strong ties with the builder. An unexpected roof issue introduces a discussion on vapor membranes, weighing options and installation challenges. Ben emphasizes the importance of teamwork and documentation in navigating construction complexities. His excitement as the house takes shape reveals the emotional journey of building a dream home.

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.

Fionna and Ed share insights from their new build journey, highlighting the importance of scoping before construction to minimize uncertainty. They discuss the value of detailed documentation and early decision-making for confidence in costs. Collaborative design workshops with their architect fostered effective selections and budget management. The couple emphasizes teamwork with trades for design improvements and the use of recycled materials, all while navigating the complexities of a cost-plus contract.

Fionna and Ed share their journey of building a new home on a unique site in Canberra. They discuss their positive collaboration with their architect and the intricacies of managing a building budget. Key design features like their flat roof and airtightness decisions take center stage. They explain the rigor of selecting a qualified builder and the importance of transparency in costs. Committed to timeless design, they also highlight their efforts to recycle materials, making their home both sustainable and stylish.

Hello! This is Episode 377, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method members Fionna and Ed. They’re based in Canberra, and are creating a beautiful, energy efficient and flexible home designed for their next chapter of life - a home that allows them to age in place, welcome family and friends, and accommodate their adult children when they come and go. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/377] Fionna and Ed’s home is being built on a unique block with a spectacular old oak tree that takes up almost a third of the site. Their architectural design works around this tree through a series of three connected pavilions that make the most of light, outlook and connection to the garden. In our conversation, you’ll hear how Fionna and Ed navigated purchasing this block, including conditional offers, tree protection laws, and some very determined problem-solving. Their story is such a great example of balancing tenacity with smart risk management, and shows how valuable, yet challenging, it can be to stay objective, even when you’ve fallen in love with a site. We also talk about how they chose their architect, the importance of finding someone who listens deeply, and the design thinking behind creating a functional, energy efficient home that can adapt for visitors, future care, and changing needs over time. Fionna and Ed share fantastic insights into designing for accessibility, the details they’ve included from the start, and how they’re approaching this project with their love of design and quality, as well as a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. This episode is packed full of really useful insights, as Fionna and Ed have been really methodical and intentional in their approach, so if you have a tricky site for your project, a desire to create a functional home you can age in, an interest in energy efficient design, want a quality build outcome, or like Fionna, don’t want a butler’s pantry in your home, I know you’ll find it super helpful.  Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/377. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/377 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 designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Build Phase is both thrilling and daunting, where plans come to life but challenges arise quickly. Homeowners are encouraged to define their roles and engage without micromanaging. Regular site meetings and documentation help ensure progress aligns with designs. Amelia shares strategies for managing variations and the importance of communication, especially when partners disagree. She emphasizes that homeowners should remain active, utilizing their unique insights to navigate this critical phase confidently.

In this engaging discussion, the focus is on navigating the crucial pre-build phase of projects. Key topics include the importance of finalizing decisions and avoiding common pitfalls like rushing through choices. Listeners learn strategic research techniques for finishes and how to effectively review drawings and construction contracts. Amelia emphasizes savvy builder selection and managing administrative tasks to set the stage for a smoother construction experience. These insights aim to enhance confidence and reduce stress for anyone preparing to build or renovate.