Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Hello! This is Episode 202. In this episode, I’m continuing the conversation about the PAC Process, where you bring a builder on board your design team and they’re Paid As a Consultant during the pre-construction phase. In the last episode, I shared some information on why this process can be a great way to commence your project, and what you can achieve with it, plus some key things to be aware of as well - including what the PAC Process is NOT.  So, if you haven’t listened to that episode, I encourage you to stop listening to this one, and head back to it now. You’ll get to hear the WHY of the PAC Process. And we’ll be waiting here for you when you get back. In this episode, I’m sharing more about the WHAT of the PAC Process. I’ll be talking about what the PAC Process actually looks like as a step-by-step process, as well as key things to be aware of and how it can vary depending on the builder you work with. Now, remember you can download a PDF Transcript of this episode for free at https://undercoverarchitect.com/202 - so be sure to do that so you can save these notes for your records to review later. So, let’s dive in. If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focusing 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. So, let me explain how the step by step process of the PAC Process can go.  This can vary though, based on the builder and designer or architect you’re working with, the fee you’re paying, and the type of project you’re doing.  As I’m taking you through these steps, my expectation is that you’re at the beginning of your project - ie, you haven’t started your design process yet. Listen now. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/202 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello, this is Episode 201. If you’re frustrated at hearing all the stories about those who spend loads of time on their home design, only to find at the point of getting quotes that they’re significantly over budget, you’re going to love this podcast episode. You can create a custom new build or renovation that’s on budget and simpler to build - you just need the right process and the right team on board. In this episode, and actually across the next few episodes as well, I’m going to dive into detail into what I call the PAC Process, or the P - A - C Process.  This is a process where you, as the homeowner, bring a builder on board to be Paid As a Consultant (hence the P-A-C initials).  You bring them on to be Paid as a Consultant during the design phase, and they work collaboratively with you and your chosen designer (be it an architect or building designer), whilst your design is being developed. And remember, you can grab a full transcript of THIS episode as a free PDF download by heading to https://undercoverarchitect.com/201, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed. So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focusing 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. In this episode, I’ll help you understand WHY the PAC Process can be such a useful way to work through your design phase. In the next episode, I’ll be diving more into the WHAT of the PAC Process: that is, the step-by-step process, so you can have a clearer understanding of what it really involves, who does what, and what you can expect from them as well. It’s really great to be sharing this detailed information with you about the PAC Process, because I believe it to be such an awesome way to get a great outcome and experience from your renovation or new build, right from the start.  And I’m seeing time and time again how much it improves budget management, creates strong relationships within project teams, and makes projects far more enjoyable overall. And, I’m also seeing the proliferation of ‘getting paid for quotes’ or ‘charge for quotes’ info being spread through the residential building industry, and builders getting taught terrible information about how to implement this in their business. So, let’s help you get it right. Learn more about how the PAC Process can help you create a home design that’s on budget and simpler to build. Listen now. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/201 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is Episode 200. Can you believe it? Sometimes I pinch myself that I’m here, that you’re here, that we’re on this journey together and it’s now 200 episodes in and almost 4.5 years old.  And so, in this episode, I want to celebrate this journey with you. Consider this my very sincere and possibly corny, love letter to you, my gorgeous podcast listener.  And, perhaps I’m showing my age, but in a nod to Heath Ledger, I’ve titled this podcast “10 Things I Love About You” as a listener of the Get it Right podcast.  (Anyone remember the movie “10 Things I Hate About You”? I think it’s on Netflix if, like me, you enjoyed that genre of movies!) I’m also going to share some personal info about my own renovation project, as my hubby and I are starting the process of renovating our own family home.  And remember, you can grab a full transcript of THIS episode as a free PDF download by heading to https://undercoverarchitect.com/200, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed. So, 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. I know I can promise you that it will be all worth it. And I believe you totally have it in you to make this happen.  It may not be easy. It may be challenging at times.  You may need to have tough conversations, hear tough feedback, change tack, or pivot on your ideas and plans.  Things may get in the way. You may not progress as fast as you would like.  You may make mistakes, get frustrated with the performance of those you’re working with, or frustrated with your own performance.  You may feel uncomfortable, slow, even silly or stupid. You may feel like it’s not worth it. You may want to chuck it all in, and sell up everything and hit the road in a caravan for a year. You may want to win the lottery and just pay for someone to take care of all of it for you.  At any point, or at all the points, you may feel annoyed with your partner, with those you’re working with, with yourself. Anything that involves this much money, and this much time and effort … these feelings are inevitable. They will and can exist in small doses at different points in your project.  Please know, if they’re the constant experience, however, then you need more support and help - so look for where you can access that. Because you can and should enjoy your project. It shouldn’t be a stress-filled, difficult experience from start to finish. It can have its moments and ups and downs, but it should still, on the whole, be enjoyable. However, when something matters this much, and has this much meaning in your life, and in your long term future with your family - plus it’s something you don’t have any or much experience in - you can feel these challenging things. When you get it right though: when you access the support and guidance you need, when you get clear on your goals and create a great team who is on the same page, with a passion for helping you achieve those goals, and you know what you need to know (or have somewhere to turn to get that help), then this is definitely true: The journey will be so SO worth it - as will the home you create as well. I know it will.  From my 25 plus years of doing this, with all the projects I’ve worked on and all the beautiful people I’ve had the privilege of working with, I know this to be true for you too. So listen to my somewhat corny but very sincere love letter to you.  Episode 200 feels like a big milestone, and it’s great to be able to have a conversation with you like this one, so I do hope you find it really helpful too.  Listen now. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/200 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is Episode #199. In this episode, I’m continuing on with information about what to consider if you’re planning on supplying your own fixtures, finishes and fittings when constructing your renovation or new build, and excluding them from your contract with your builder. This is Part 2 of this topic. So if you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, it’ll make a lot more sense if you go back to Episode 198 and listen to it first (https://undercoverarchitect.com/198).  Then you can come back, and listen to this episode - it will be waiting here for you. And remember, you can grab a full transcript of THIS episode as a free PDF download by heading to https://undercoverarchitect.com/199, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed. So, 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. In the last episode, I went through the first two of the five main reasons I hear both homeowners and builders use to explain why it’s a good idea to source and supply your own fixtures, fittings and finishes in your project. These reasons I described are: Being able to get exactly what you want in your home, because you choose and buy it from the places and people you want to. Not having to pay for the builder to shop for you, and generally avoiding paying the builder’s margin. And in this episode, I’ll be taking you through the remaining three main reasons I hear discussed by both homeowners and builders. They are: Knowing that the items you want are in stock and available. Being able to start on site sooner rather than later. Purchase things on sale or discontinued / end-of-line items and save serious money. In this episode, I also want to spend a little time highlighting specific areas of your contract to be aware of, especially during times when (as it is at the time of recording this episode), we’re experiencing time and cost pressures in home building and renovating projects.  RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/199 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This is Episode #198, and I’m diving into the topic of supplying your own fixtures and finishes for your renovation or building project. Many homeowners seek to save money in their building project by extracting specific supplied items from the building contract. They organise to do this with their builder, and sign a contract that doesn’t include these items.  This means they (as the homeowner) then go and personally shop for, purchase and supply, all or various fixtures and fittings for their reno or new build. And at the time of recording this episode, where we’re dealing with huge demands on products, materials, trades and sub-contractors, there are builders actually recommending to homeowners that they take care of their own supply items when signing their contract. And remember, you can grab a full transcript of this episode as a free PDF download by heading to https://undercoverarchitect.com/198, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed. 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. In Episode 198, I share the main reasons I hear both homeowners AND builders cite to pull the supply of fixtures, fittings and finishes out of the building contract, and make them the responsibility of the homeowner to source, purchase and supply. Listen to the episode, as I take you through the whole issue of supplying fixtures and finishes, discuss the much-held belief that you’ll save money on not getting the builder to shop for you, and that you’ll also get to avoid a builder’s margin by paying for things yourself. I’ll be doing this topic over two episodes, because it’s quite a lot of subject matter, and I want to do it justice. So, this is Part 1 of this conversation. And be sure to tune into the next episode to listen to Part 2 (Episode 199). RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/198 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is Episode #197, and in it, I’ll be talking about using a Design Construct Builder or Company for your new home or renovation.  Design Construct builders or companies can seem like a great way to manage cost and still get a custom design approach inside a one-stop shop, with a single point of contact.  However there are a range of reasons why it may not work for your project, and where it can be problematic. And remember, you can grab a full transcript of this episode as a free PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/197, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed. 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 on 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. In this Episode 197, I share some key things to establish before working with a Design Construct Builder or Company. These key things can include, but are not limited to: How long will the design phase go for? How many reviews are included? What type of agreement are you signing to commission the design phase? Who owns the products of this design phase? What will this phase cost in fees? How will budgetary information be provided during the design phase? What assumptions are being made in that budgetary information? What other steps will be taken in this design phase? Listen to the podcast now as I take you through these considerations, plus loads more help, when it comes to choosing a Design Construct Builder or Company for your new home or renovation project. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/197 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is episode #196, and in it, I’m going to share with you how to create a comprehensive and effective design brief for your renovation or building project. This is something EVERYONE needs to do - whether they’re renovating or building new - and so, it’s worthwhile learning what to include, and the kinds of things to think about, plus specific topics to discuss with anyone else you’re doing your project with. And good news: you can grab a full transcript of this podcast episode as a PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/196 so be sure to do that, and use it as a guide for creating your design brief. So, let’s dive straight 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. Your design brief is a really critical part of planning your renovation or building project. And creating one can be a misunderstood process. I’ve seen such a range of how these get done, and how homeowners create them.  And I’ve also seen big challenges because designers don’t always do a good job of extracting the right information from a homeowner before they start their project. This means they can miss things and waste time in the design process, because the design brief wasn’t established properly upfront. I’ll talk more about this and other mistakes that get made with design briefs as we move through this episode. This is the thing: it’s not only that creating a design brief is a necessary step in your project. It’s also that the actual exercise of creating one, is an important process for you to go through in your project planning.  Creating a design brief forces you to think about, and write down, specific things that will make your project goals more clear, and then enable you to communicate the most important parts of your project with others.  And this will set you up for success as you navigate choosing your team, moving through the design phase, and being sure your design is actually delivering on the things you want in your future home. Creating a design brief is something I get a lot of questions about, so I thought I’d use this episode to take you through the things to ponder for your project, so you can get started on creating your own design brief. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/196 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is episode 195 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, we’ll be talking about the stories we tell ourselves that may sabotage our renovation or new build project. I’ll be bringing you a special guest who has bucketloads of experience in helping people bust their stories wide open. Her name is Lisa Corduff, and she’s got a huge amount of wisdom to share that I know is going to be amazing for you. Her work is something I’ve had personal experience in. And in the work I do with homeowners all over Australia, and around the world - both male and female - I know it’s going to be relevant for you too.  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. Let me share a little about Lisa Corduff, but not too much, as you’ll hear here share more of her story in our conversation in this episode. Lisa helps women upgrade their mindset, get unstuck, and change the stuff that’s not working in their life.  A solo mum of 3, she’s all about skipping straight to the hacks and techniques that actually work, while avoiding the perfectionism and overwhelm that can so easily keep us trapped.  Like it or not, we have these embedded beliefs and versions of reality we carry around in our behaviour, habits and thought-patterns, that can impact how we navigate our projects, the types of homes we create, and how well the whole journey goes for us as well. And once you’re aware of these beliefs, these stories - well, it’s seriously powerful for changing your experience, creating different opportunities, and also showing up as a truer version of yourself (which actually then enables you to create a home that really works for you). LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/lisa Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is episode 194 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be covering the kick-off stage of your project.  This is where you’re past the ideas stage, and know you want to get going, but you’re not sure about who to hire or next steps, and who you should speak to first.  We’ll be covering the mistakes to avoid, the key ways to get it right in this stage, and an action step for you to make great progress in the right direction. 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. Well, in this episode, our 194th episode, I want to take you through something that will not only help you in your project, but in lots of other areas in your life as well.  And it’s something I learned many, many years ago, and I still use to this day.  What is it? Well, it’s a really powerful communication model, and it’s super simple to remember and use. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/194 Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is episode 193 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’m talking about those of you, who have got your plans locked and loaded, and it's now time to sign contracts with a builder and hit go! Before you choose your builder and before you start construction, listen to this episode. So, 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, including the transcripts of this season (all packaged in a downloadable PDF E-Guide). Getting ready to sign a building contract and start construction is an exciting point in your project, because it means everything is about to become real. All the planning, preparing and decision-making you’ve been doing, is about to turn into real floors, walls and roof on your site.  However, it’s also the point at which you’ll be legally bound to someone, plus handing over loads of money on a regular basis.  Homeowners can get it so wrong at this stage. From stress and frustration, right through to half-finished homes and bankrupt builders, the risks at this stage are high.  It is possible to enjoy this stage though, and to get yourself prepared and informed so you can be actively involved in, and confident through your construction phase.  LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-before-you-start-construction Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.