Hello! This is Episode 324, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Michael about their new home project in Western Australia.  This is a home that Michael and his partner are building to retire to, in a beautiful location on an acreage site. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/324] If you haven’t listened to the first part of my conversation with Michael, you can find Part 1 in Episode 323. Head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/323 to listen now or grab the full transcript. It’s a great introduction to Michael’s project, including the design process for their new home. In this episode, Michael goes into more detail about how he weighed up volume builders and custom builders, so he could review the best solution for constructing their new home and make an informed choice. And in investigating different types of builders, he also did a really good job of drilling into the detail of his project so he could compare apples with apples when reviewing their costing information as well.  He shares more about all of that with us in this episode.  If you’ve been assuming a volume builder will be a cheaper way to build, or trying to weigh up volume builder vs custom builder, you’ll definitely want to hear about how that research has gone for Michael. 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/324. 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/324 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 323, and I’m looking forward to introducing you to Michael, a member of HOME Method who is building a new home in Western Australia. When Michael and his partner joined HOME Method in April 2021, they were looking to create a home that would enable them to live comfortably in a beautiful location on an acreage site.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/323] Intended as their retirement home, you’ll hear more from Michael about how they approached this project so it could support their overall lifestyle goals, as they transition away from running a working property, to enjoying and relaxing more regularly, and spending time with family and friends. Building a home that you plan to retire to can be quite a different experience and require a different brief to other types of family and home situations. Michael shares some of the specific things they incorporated in their design to make their home suit this stage of their life. You’ll also hear how Michael has collaborated with his team, and sought other input and advice along the way, as well as upskilled himself in the knowledge he’s needed, so he and his partner can create a sustainable, livable home in this location.  Research and information collection is something Michael has done really well, and he’s never been afraid to have a conversation with someone, reach out to someone or get a second opinion to ensure he’s on the right track for his project. We talk more about that in this episode. 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/323. 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/323 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.

Cindy, a qualified Thermal Performance Assessor, discusses her sustainable home project, covering material selection, window choices, energy performance testing, construction challenges, and builder communication. She shares insights on sourcing local building materials, navigating construction progress, exploring architectural software tools, and enhancing home design through personal experience and material selection.

Hello! This is Episode 321, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method member, Cindy. Cindy is a HOME Method member, but one with a difference. Because she’s also trained in design and achieved her qualifications as a Thermal Performance Assessor, or Energy Efficiency Assessor as it’s also known. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/321] So, designing her own new home, both as client and designer, came with some interesting learnings and challenges.  Particularly as Cindy and her partner want this home to be a fantastic hub for their family and friends, a comfortable place where they can relax and restore, and an example of the sustainable and functional design of a beautiful home in a beautiful location. It’s a great conversation where Cindy shares her insights and learnings generously and takes us on the journey of her new home build. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss and photos of Cindy’s home, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/321. 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/321 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 320, and in it, I continue my conversation with Janet, a HOME Method member who is sharing with us the journey that she and her partner have been on to build a new home for themselves and their three children. In this episode, you’ll hear how Janet, her partner Paul, their building designer, Aaron from Greencoast Design and their builder, Dwain from Hezzelic Homes, dived into their journey together, and how their design came to fruition through this process.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/319] It’s a really different design for a new home, so it’ll be great for you to hear how that came about, and then developed over the project’s progress. As a clue, Janet calls it ‘the home with a hole’! Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus see photos of the project, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/320. And if you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Janet, I’d encourage you to check that out first by heading back to Episode 319. You can find the episode and a full downloadable transcript at www.undercoverarchitect.com/319. 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/320 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 319, and in it, you’re going to meet Janet, who is a HOME Method member building a new home in Brisbane, Queensland. And, it’s a new home with a difference! Janet, her partner Paul, and their 3 children, have been on their project journey for a few years now. You’ll hear us talk about their timeline in this episode, which started back in 2021.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/319] Having renovated before, and knowing they didn’t want to renovate again at their current home, Janet and her partner initially didn’t expect to build new. However, when a block became available near their current home, they decided to dive in. This is a great conversation about the steps Janet and her partner are taking to make their home a reality, and the learnings, wins and challenges along the way. Janet is fantastic at sharing all the details, so I know you’ll find it super helpful. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/319. 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/319 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 318, and in it, we continue my conversation with Louise and Zane about beginning the renovation of their Californian Bungalow in Melbourne. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/317] If you haven’t listened to the first part of this conversation, I encourage you to go back and check out Episode 317. Louise and Zane share background information about who the project is for, their vision for their future home, some of their nerves and concerns about budget, and decisions they’re making about their team. You can find all of that at www.undercoverarchitect.com/317. This episode begins as we continue discussing Louise and Zane’s expectations about when they want to start construction, and me sharing some challenging feedback about those expectations. Plus, I also make suggestions about their next steps, and we talk about the best way to begin when you’re exploring whether to go out with an extension or up with a second storey.  We also discuss whether a builder or designer can have too many projects on the go at once, and I share the best way to shape your approach when first speaking to designers, architects and builders. 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/318. 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/318 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 couple on their exciting journey renovating a century-old Californian bungalow in Melbourne. They share insights on creating a functional family space that respects the home’s historical character. Discover sustainable renovation practices and the importance of assembling the right team. Learn about the financial considerations crucial for a successful project, including budgeting alongside educational expenses. Their candid discussion highlights the value of preparation, effective communication, and overcoming common challenges in the renovation process.

Hello! This is Episode 316, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Hannah and Andy from Powerhaus Engineering about their app and its ability to help you make data driven decisions to improve the energy efficiency of your future home.  Including decisions that can save you tens of thousands of dollars and more! [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/316] If you haven’t listened to the first part of my conversation with them, be sure to head back to Episode 315. You’ll hear more about how the app works, what kind of information you need to use it, and how you can interact with it to access incredibly useful, climate and location specific data and intel to improve your design. Of course, one of the benefits of having access to this type of information, especially during the design phase, is that it can help you save serious money, and totally optimise WHAT you are spending your budget on in your project. And that’s how we kick off this episode. You’ll hear how the app helped a HOME Method member identify $80,000 worth of savings in their future home through understanding the data and making a value assessment for their project. 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/316. 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/316 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 315, and in it, I’m sharing an incredible new way you’ll be able to access smart data to help you design a more energy efficient home.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/315] I’m really looking forward to sharing this episode and the next with you, as I introduce you to Hannah and Andy from Powerhaus Engineering.  Together, they’ve created an amazing app that enables homeowners, designers, builders and energy assessors to interrogate meaningful and relevant data in a home design and its energy modelling, and interact with it to see what will make measurable improvements. You can access and toggle through data that will help you understand what’s worth spending money on, and what really will make the difference. And you’ll be able to do this interactively, seeing what’s relevant to your project plans and climate, and understanding intimately what can truly impact the energy efficiency of your future renovated or new home. And you can do it in a simple to understand and easy to read way. I’m so looking forward to sharing this with you. 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/315. 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/315 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.