Hello! This is Episode 344, and in it, I’m celebrating the 8th birthday of the Undercover Architect podcast. I can’t quite believe it’s been 8 years that I’ve been doing this. And given it’s been a while since I’ve done a solo episode, I thought I would take this episode to share some updates with you about home design, building and renovating, what we’re seeing in Undercover Architect, and life in general. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/344] And, in September we marked the 10th birthday of Undercover Architect itself. Combine that with it being December at the time of recording this, and coming up to the end of the year, it’s a great time to review, reflect, celebrate and plan. There’s three things in particular I want to chat about in this episode. The first is about HOW we live, and some conversations and research I’ve been doing lately, that I’m keen to understand if you’d like to hear more about. The second is about the industry itself, and where I believe the opportunity lies for the biggest improvement - and again, I’m keen to hear if you’d like me to share more about this. The third is a story I received from a homeowner about their project … and how $450,000 in predicted project costs became $2.4 million.  It may sound a bit rambly, as this is a mental download of a lot of what I’ve been thinking about and discussing with others lately.  I’ve tried to put some structure in it … but my thoughts are not necessarily happening in a structured way! But rather than holding back, or waiting to perfect and polish it, I’m going to share it with you warts and all. So, stay tuned, as I dive into all of this. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/344. 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/344 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 343, and I’m back with Cindy, HOME Method member, designer and Thermal Performance Assessor, giving us an update on her new build. We’re talking about her Smart Home System design, selection and specification, as she shares the details of including this in her new build project. And we also discuss how she’s worked with her build team to ensure the sustainable details - even those they may have never done before - are being correctly included and built in her home. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/343] If you haven’t had the chance to hear the first part of this conversation, you can head back to Episode 342, and hear Cindy share details of how she’s navigated having the timber frame of her home exposed to the elements and wet weather for longer than anticipated. And what that meant for mould growth and remediating the frame before the project could continue.  This can be a big problem for many projects given we build outdoors and can experience wet weather conditions over long periods of time. You don’t want your project to continue and a timber frame to be lined internally and externally if it’s damp or has any mould growth on it, as it’ll cause long term issues for your health and the home’s durability as well. You can find that episode and its transcript by heading to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/342. In this episode, I pick up the conversation where we left off Part 1, and my question to Cindy about how she’s worked with her team on site to manage their newness to some of her requirements, specifications and sustainable home goals. We also have a great discussion about the Smart Home System that Cindy decided to include in her project, including how she chose the system she’s specified, the team members she worked with to coordinate the design, and the various considerations that led her to make the selection she did. And lastly, Cindy will share a fantastic piece of advice for anyone who is navigating their renovation or new build journey to help you maintain your sanity and stress levels, so stay tuned to the end of the episode for those insights. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus links to Cindy’s previous project updates on the podcast, as well as information on the resources we discuss and photos of Cindy’s home, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/343 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/343 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging discussion, a designer shares her experience tackling the challenges of a wet timber frame during construction. The conversation highlights the serious issue of mould growth from prolonged moisture and the necessary remediation steps to ensure safety and durability. The emotional journey of managing these construction hurdles is unveiled, emphasizing the importance of thorough documentation and communication among team members. It also touches on the balance of stress management and sustainable building practices in the face of unpredictable weather.

Hello! This is Episode 341, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Sophie, about her Perth-based renovation of a 2 bedroom Californian bungalow into a beautiful home for her and her family. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/341] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Sophie, be sure to head to Episode 340 to catch up now. You can find it at www.undercoverarchitect.com/340 and there’s a full transcript there as well. In this episode, Sophie shares how they tested the design, and there’s some really great methods that Sophie and her partner used to gain confidence they were making the right choices, in everything from the layout of the home, to the size of specific cupboards and joinery design. Sophie also talks about their budget, and how she set it, went about managing it, tracking it and staying on track across her project duration. And Sophie shares a great way she helped herself make value-based decisions on what they were spending, so things didn’t get away from them. Plus, we also discuss her methods for documenting her selections and minimising decision fatigue as she made all the various choices for her project. There was one big one that she couldn’t bring herself to make though - and you’ll hear about that. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus some helpful links and photos of Sophie’s finished home, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/341. 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/341 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.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the journey of transforming a 1930s bungalow into a family-friendly haven. Discover how thoughtful design and careful property selection can lead to a home that grows with you. Hear about the challenges of renovating during COVID and the importance of natural light in your living space. Learn valuable tips on choosing the right team and fostering effective communication, all while balancing a tight deadline and a new baby on the way. This renovation story is packed with insights for any aspiring homeowner!

Hello! This is Episode 339, and I’m continuing my conversation with Jan and Landon about their new build in Sydney’s north on an amazing site that’s been in Landon’s family for many years. In fact, it’s where Landon grew up, and after 39 years of living together in another part of Sydney, Jan and Landon are selling up, and moving to this location they both love and have a strong connection with, to build a new, Passive House home. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/339] Jan and Landon are both in their 70s and are retired teachers. And their project has an amazing range of specific demands including how they’ll age well and healthily, still being able to live an active life, whilst preparing for various scenarios that may occur. And also be able to accommodate family, especially adult grandchildren who also live or stay with them. If you missed Part 1 of my conversation with Jan and Landon, head back to Episode 338 to catch up and learn more about their story. You can find the episode and a full transcript at www.undercoverarchitect.com/338 We kick off this episode with me asking Jan and Landon about how HOME Method, which they joined right before choosing their architect, has helped them navigate their project so far. And as the episode continues, we dive into some questions that Jan and Landon had for me, especially about the best approach for them to include and build a granny flat on their site, and when and how to involve a landscape architect or landscape designer. Listen as I run through some of the key criteria to be aware of when selecting a building methodology for a granny flat, and what to consider to help the project run smoothly. We also discuss some design options to review, and cost comparison of prefabrication vs building on site. And, I also talk through some landscape design ideas, and the way a landscape design approach could integrate with their architectural design to maximise the benefits of the site overall and meet their brief as well. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/339. 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/339 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 338, and in it, I’m speaking with Jan and Landon about the new home they’re planning to build on an amazing site in Sydney’s north. Jan and Landon are a super interesting couple with a really interesting project. For starters, they’re both 73 years old as they embark on this ambitious project of building a new home. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/336] They’re selling their home of 39 years, and they’re moving to a different part of Sydney to build their new home. However they’re building on a site they have a lot of history and connection with, as the block they’re building on has been in Landon’s family for over 70 years. Jan and Landon are designing and building their home as a passive house, and they’re working with a Passive House builder that uses prefabrication to manage the quality, consistency and timeliness of their projects.  They’re currently in the design phase, and their architect and builder are working together collaboratively with them to assist with decision-making and cost management as the design develops. Jan and Landon have a lot of insight to share about how they researched and interviewed their architect, how they developed and presented their brief, and how they gained confidence that they’d found the right architect, and overall team, for their project. We also talk about their design approach to create a home that will suit them at this stage of their life, and for the lifestyle they wish to lead in their home. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/338. 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/338 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 337 and in it, I continue my conversation with HOME Method member, Ellen.  Their new build project is underway in Ballarat, Victoria, and it’s for herself, her partner and their two teenage kids. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/337] If you missed Part 1 of my conversation, be sure to head back to Episode 336 and catch up there. In that episode, Ellen shares how they found their home, made the decision to do a knockdown rebuild, and their design journey as well. You can listen or download the PDF transcript by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/336 In this project update, you’ll hear more about how she chose their builder, and moved their project into construction, making their selections along the way. Ellen is also a psychologist by profession, so she shares more amazing insights about some psychological aspects of making a project like this happen. The way she explains them is so helpful for understanding the feelings you might be having in your project if you’re also navigating a similar experience regarding timelines, delays and your project taking longer than you expected. It’s super interesting to hear her talk through her understanding of behaviour and strategies for managing a process like this with her professional knowledge and experience. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/337. 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/337 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 336 and in it, you’re going to meet HOME Method member, Ellen. She and her partner are building a new home in Ballarat, Victoria and have a really interesting project journey to share. Ellen and her partner bought their property with the view to do a knock-down rebuild. However, as it can, life got in the way, and time passed, with their project taking longer than expected. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/336] Ellen shares more about this, and how she’s navigated her project to maintain momentum, managed the uncertainty along the way, and is achieving the outcome that’s being realised in their home, which is now under construction. Ellen is also a psychologist by profession - so it’s also super interesting to hear her also share her insights into the psychological aspects of navigating a project journey.  I loved this conversation, and I hope you do too. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/336. 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/336 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode 335, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Andy Pace from The Green Design Center in Wisconsin, USA, where we dive into the most impactful decisions in a new build when creating a healthy home. We also discuss improving indoor air quality, how to support your health and well-being through your project choices and decisions, and the process Andy uses to audit the integrity of the products he stocks at The Green Design Center. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/335]. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of our conversation, it’s definitely worth catching up on first. Head back to Episode 334, or download the free transcript at www.undercoverarchitect.com/334. Andy Pace is a Healthy Home Concierge and Founder of The Green Design Center, a leading resource for homeowners and contractors looking to source products that are healthy and green, and receive expert consulting advice on designing and building healthy green homes. We finished Episode 334 with me asking Andy for his main suggestions on the most impactful decisions and choices for a healthy home when building new.  Andy has loads of experience in helping homeowners do this in their own projects. And, he’s soon to be building his own new home, so that’s given him lots of opportunities to test this personally as well. That’s where this conversation kicks off, and then we talk a lot about reducing toxic emissions in your home, what to target to improve indoor air quality, and how to support your health and well-being - and that of your family as well - when making selections in your design and construction process for your project. And lastly, Andy shares how he audits and reviews materials and products to avoid the greenwashing in the industry, and ensure his selections and the products he stocks at The Green Design Center actually perform to their promises! Wherever you’re tuning in from, this episode is full of super helpful tips and insights. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/335. 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/335 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.