Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Ellen shares her journey of building a new home in Ballarat and the early lessons learned in construction. She discusses overcoming fears about unforeseen issues and emphasizes the importance of clear communication with her builder. Ellen highlights the benefits of making selections early to ease the construction process and how she established trust with her design team. With insights about contract reviews and accepting imperfections, her story is both informative and relatable for anyone embarking on a home-building adventure.

Join Louise and Zane as they navigate the early design phase of their Melbourne bungalow renovation. They discuss balancing budget constraints with their wish list, while tackling structural updates on their 101-year-old home. Hear how they manage feedback from family and friends, weigh design decisions, and emphasize communication with their builder. Plus, they share insights into material selection and the iterative design process, making the journey both informative and engaging!

Join Louise and Zane as they share insights from their renovating adventure, tackling the essential task of assembling the right team. They discuss their meticulous selection process for architects and builders, highlighting the importance of rapport and past experiences. Discover how they fostered open communication and collaboration with their professionals, and learn about creative strategies to achieve design goals without breaking the bank. Their unique approach to managing budget and expectations offers invaluable lessons for anyone considering a renovation.

Explore the journey of renovating a 1920s bungalow, focusing on budget management and design challenges. The discussion reveals the importance of working collaboratively with professionals and how to navigate strained relationships with designers. Learn about adapting budgets over time, setting clear spending limits, and making informed trade-offs. Ben shares insights on minimizing costs through smart design choices and the benefits of engaging builders early in the process. His encouraging advice highlights the value of persistence in achieving your renovation dreams.

In a candid conversation, a couple shares their journey of renovating a Melbourne Californian Bungalow. They discuss the budget constraints that forced them to reconsider their initial design. This leads to an exploration of emotional and practical challenges during the renovation process. Listeners gain insights on the importance of thoughtful planning and collaboration with design professionals. They also touch on how to balance personal desires with functional needs to create a harmonious living space, even when faced with obstacles.

Hello! This is Episode 351, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Tatiana, about her new build in regional Queensland on a site with a specific Council Buffer Zone they’re having to contend with. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/351] If you missed Part 1 of our conversation, make sure you head back to Episode 350 to catch up before you dive into Part 2. You can listen or read the transcript at www.undercoverarchitect.com/350. In this episode, I talk more with Tatiana about how she’s setting up her pre-construction process with her preferred builder, especially given he hasn’t used the PAC Process before. We also talk about how to manage your risk when working with a builder who is new to their business, and your project is their first as a business. There’s some important steps to take so you ensure your project doesn’t suffer from them getting their business up and running. And we also talk through Tatiana’s design goals, and the budget checks she’s been doing as well. They’re working with a tight budget, and so you’ll hear how Tatiana is managing that, what she’s prioritising and considering to be cost efficient, especially based on what we discuss inside HOME Method. 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/351. 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/351 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.

Join a homeowner in regional Queensland as she embarks on a journey to design and build a new home for her family. The discussion covers the thrill and challenges of working within a tight budget and navigating local council restrictions. She shares her insights on finding a builder in a rural area and the learning curve of construction terminology. Listeners will discover the importance of the PAC Process and how guidance can make transitioning from renovation to new build a smoother experience. It's an inspiring story of family, resilience, and home-building dreams!

Explore the varied definitions of luxury and how they shape our homes. Discover how a trip to Japan revealed that luxury isn't solely about space and material possessions. Emphasizing personal definitions, the conversation addresses smart design, craftsmanship, and the beauty of minimalist refinement. Learn how technology and efficiency can enhance everyday living, while observing how culture and tradition influence perceptions of luxury. Ultimately, it's a deep dive into what makes a home feel truly luxurious to each individual.

Hello! This is Episode 348, and I’m back with HOME Method member, Michael as we continue the conversation about the construction of his new home in Western Australia - a home that he and his wife intend to retire to and enjoy a relaxing lifestyle that makes the most of the beautiful location. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/348] If you missed Part 1 of this conversation, head back to Episode 347 to listen first before diving into this one, as it’ll make a lot more sense if you do. You can find it at www.undercoverarchitect.com/347. Michael was on the podcast earlier in our HOME Method member stories, in Episodes 323 and 324, discussing the earlier parts of his project. So it’s great to have him back with this construction update. We finished the last episode with Michael sharing info on his home’s energy efficiency assessment and the changes they made to improve the home’s star rating. As a reminder: West Australia at the time of recording this episode, decided to not bring any of the NCC2022 changes into their building codes until 2025. So, the decade-old 6 star energy rating is still the requirement there. I kick off Part 2 by asking Michael how he believes this home will perform compared to where they are now.  We talk about the gaps that Michael has needed to bridge between the documentation and the construction on site, with some changes based on on-site design decisions, material changes and detailing consequences. We also talk about the roles that both he and his wife have taken on in this project, especially as Michael initially had assumed he wouldn’t be too involved. And Michael also shares how the construction process has gone, how frequently he’s been on site given it’s 120km away from where they live, and how the interior is feeling now it’s at a point you can perceive volume and space.  Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find it plus other helpful links by to www.undercoverarchitect.com/348. 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/348 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.

Michael shares an update on his new build in Western Australia, transitioning from a sheep property to a retirement oasis. He compares volume and custom builders, diving into the details to ensure they maximize their budget. The importance of early collaboration between designers and builders is highlighted, alongside challenges in communication styles. Michael emphasizes research and engagement for sustainable building practices, discussing moisture management and energy efficiency to create a healthy home. A practical guide for future homeowners awaits!