Get It Right with Undercover Architect

In this episode, we’ll be talking with David Keane, from Solve My Claim. We’re specifically talking about insurance claims, and what might happen if you don’t want to rebuild what you lost, or have only suffered partial damage to your property. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: Solve My Claim provides expert support and assistance to anyone struggling with their insurance claims. Their main office is in Alice Springs, and they assist with claims across the whole nation of Australia. Solve My Claim’s director, David Keane, has been involved in the insurance industry (primarily in the area of claims management, loss adjusting and assessing services), for more than 24 years.  Solve My Claim has expertise in property, motor vehicle, business and other commercial claims, and can assist in a wide range of circumstances. They are unique in the industry, in that they are genuinely independent.  They have no affiliations with any insurance company or brokerage, and they do not receive any commissions from any source. In essence, they are their clients’ very own ‘claims department’, and they only work for them. Solve My Claim has helped many hundreds of Australian families resolve disputed claims from Cyclone Marcia (Rockhampton 2015), Cyclone Debbie (Whitsundays 2017), Sydney Hailstorms (December 2018) and Townsville Floods (February 2019), plus a large number of regular non-catastrophe claims, and have achieved more than $35 million worth of increase claims settlements in the past 3 years alone. In Part 2 of our conversation, I ask David about some specific insurance claim scenarios, and what he suggests to best navigate them so you can protect yourself, and set yourself up for a successful process. So, let’s hear more. Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-making-an-insurance-claim-solve-my-claim-part-2See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! In this episode, I’m kicking off a 3-part episode conversation with David Keane from Solve My Claim. Solve my Claim provides expert support and assistance to anyone struggling with their insurance claims. And having gone through this personally, I’m so glad to introduce David Keane to you. If you ever need to purchase insurance for your home, or need to make a claim on your policy, what David will be sharing is essential knowledge so you don’t get caught out.  David is an experienced and wise voice to help you navigate what can seem confusing. And especially during the stressful time of making a claim, this is such helpful guidance. So, let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: David is the Director of Solve My Claim, and he has been involved in the insurance industry for more than 24 years. During this time, he was constantly amazed at how many people came to him with insurance problems, complaints, disputes and claims problems. In every instance, he was able to resolve those claims. He realised that there was nowhere for these people to turn, and that realisation started a process that resulted in the creation of Solve My Claim in 2014. Many people feel disempowered when making an insurance claim, because the company has a team of experts acting for them, and you are all on your own. Well not any longer! Solve My Claim is levelling the playing field, and ensuring that you have the best possible opportunity to solve your claim. Personally, and I’ll share more about this in a future episode, my husband and I once spent 13 months battling our insurance company to secure our claim. During the storms that went through The Gap in November, 2008, our home suffered a fair amount of damage including that from a large Silky Oak tree that fell on the house.  After dealing with our insurer, and then their underwriter, and then the Ombudsman, we finally received a settlement that was over 5 times the initial claim offer; an amount actually reflected the true value of loss and damage.  Which was a great result, however all up, it was 13 months of stress and battle, and needed huge determination and tenacity. A massive folder thick with letters and schedules and quotes. I was pregnant and had our 2nd bub during this time. After the storm, we were left with one room in the house that was liveable. We were also mid renovation, and so we were having to fix up the damage to the house at our own expense as well.  If Solve My Claim had existed, I would have used them in a heartbeat.  With the recent bushfires in Australia, and then also other significant weather events such as hail storms and flooding, many homeowners are now dealing with how to move on, and navigate the insurance process to enable them to rebuild and restore some normalcy to their lives. If this is your situation, I am so sorry you’ve had to go through this. David Keane has helped many homeowners get much better outcomes from their insurers and be in a better position to plan their recovery. In fact, they’ve achieved more than $35 million worth of increased claim settlements in the last 3 years. In Part 1 of our conversation, you'll hear why Solve My Claim exists, some specific things to know about insurance claims involving total loss and your sum insured, and specific policy inclusions that may give you extra scope (such as additional benefits clauses etc). And also how to assess early cash settlements being offered. So, let’s hear more. Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-making-an-insurance-claim-solve-my-claim-part-1  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild Welcome to the first and introductory episode of Season 12, Rebuild + Build Better. This season of the podcast is a range of conversations with some fantastic experts and professionals.  And we’re diving into a range of topics related to rebuilding after bushfires, building or renovating in bushfire-prone areas, and, more generally, designing and building more resilient homes. In this introduction episode, I’m going to introduce the season give you some background information, and  highlight some of the guests we have coming up.  And I’m also going to encourage you to stay tuned, even if you aren’t rebuilding or building in a bushfire prone area, because there will be some incredible gold nuggets of advice and wisdom shared in this season that can really help anyone who is wanting to build a more resilient home. And it’s also worth mentioning that we’re sharing the videos of these interviews on Undercover Architect’s YouTube channel as well, and all the transcripts will be available on the blog too.  So whether you like to listen, watch or read, we’ve got you covered. I know some rebuilding don’t have internet access still, or are working off their mobile data, so I thought maybe a friend may be able to print the transcripts and pass them on … so please do that if you know of someone who needs this info. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For resources mentioned, and a full transcript of this episode, head to >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-rebuild-and-build-better  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! This episode is a one-off I’m doing to catch you up on a few things that have been happening behind the scenes at Undercover Architect and to also share news on what’s on the horizon. I’ve got some super helpful info in this episode, so stay tuned. SHOW NOTES: It’s been a very strange time (COVID19, preceded by fires, floods, and where we live, plagues of insects). I hope wherever you are, and whatever has been happening for you, that you’re faring well, and staying safe through all of this. Yet, in the background of all of this, I have been passionate about creating and producing things that can be really helpful for homeowners who are planning to renovate and build, or already in the process of navigating that journey. In this episode, I update you on some fantastic help I’ve been creating over the past couple of months. Firstly, if Kitchen Design is something you need help with, and you’d like to learn the practical formula to designing a stunning kitchen you'll love spending time in ... and that works for you and your family, check out the Kitchen Design Challenge we’ve created at https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/kitchen-design-challenge/ Secondly, if you’re wanting to learn how to find out what it will cost you to build or renovate your home, have reliable information that you can then move forward with, and know how to stay on track (and manage your costs) along the way, then find out more information about How to Set and Stick to Your Budget here https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/set-stick-to-your-budget/ Thirdly, kicking off next Monday, the 18th of May, you’d like to spend 6 weeks getting personalised support from me, as well as learning the best way to navigate your journey towards your future home, and be really well set up as a member of “How to Get it Right”, then head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/how-to-get-it-right/ And be sure to tune in in a few weeks time, plus tell those you know it’ll help, that we’re starting a new season called REBUILD + BUILD BETTER to help those rebuilding after bushfires, and also help anyone wanting to build more resiliently, or build in a bushfire prone area … which frankly, is a heck of a lot of areas these days given the mapping. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: The Kitchen Design Challenge can be found here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/kitchen-design-challenge/ How to Set + Stick To Your Budget >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/set-stick-to-your-budget/ Our LIVE Round of “How to Get it Right” (starting 18 May, 2020) >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/how-to-get-it-right/ Read the transcript of this episode here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-the-latest-help-renovating-building  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This, believe it or not, is our final episode for what has been an epic season called “Interior Design Basics”. So, stay tuned, as I do a wrap-up for the season, give you some extra tips and ideas for your home’s interiors, and share some other great info with you. SHOW NOTES: As I said upfront, Interior Design Basics has been an epic season … with this episode being Number 25, and it’s been running since October last year. Phwoar hey? So, let’s do a bit of a wrap-up and reminder of the episodes, and I’ll share some extra tips along the way. You can use this as a reminder of episodes you might want to relisten to, or perhaps missed during the season. Throughout this season, I also shared with you information about our online course, Interior Design 101.  It’s an amazing course, which contains the full versions of all of the interviews I conducted throughout this season, plus loads more helpful info.  What’s brilliant is that we’ve broken each of the interviews into each of the individual questions, so you can literally find exactly what you’re looking for very quickly.  There’s also a design layout video for both bathrooms and kitchens … and I’ll talk a little bit later about the taster quickstart course I created, called the Kitchen Design Challenge, as you may be curious about that too.  If you haven’t checked out Interior Design 101, be sure to do so. It’s a DIY, self-study course, so you can jump in, take your time to work through it, and then grab the template interiors schedule that’s in there, and start working away on your selections for your home. Head to www.interiordesign101.com.au to learn more about the course, and dive in. Alright, let’s begin the season wrap-up! I really hope you enjoy this episode. Listen now. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Learn more about the online program, Interior Design 101 >>> www.interiordesign101.com.au Learn more about our fantastic Kitchen Design Challenge >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/kitchen-design-challenge/ For other links mentioned on this podcast, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-id101-interior-design-basics-guideSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re back this week with the gorgeous Jessica Bellef, freelance stylist and author of the amazing book “Individual: Inspiration for creating a home that is uniquely your own”.  This is part 2 of my conversation with her, so if you haven’t listened to the last episode and Part 1, then stop now … and go back to do that straight away. We’ll be here when you’re done. Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2, and continue hearing from Jess right now. SHOW NOTES: “We all deserve to live unapologetically in homes that reflect who we are. Instead of a cookie-cutter approach, we crave spaces that make us feel secure and connected, nurtured and enriched.” - Jessica Bellef, “Individual” “Individual” is described as a visual feast of 15 quirky Australian interiors brimming with the personality of their owners, where the inspiration is not about buying more stuff but putting your personality into your place. Jessica Bellef is a freelance stylist and writer, who contributes regularly to major interiors publications such as Inside Out and Home Beautiful. She was Temple & Webster's founding Head of Styling, which cemented her position as a home styling commentator and gave her insight into how Australian's make a house a home. Jessica has taught extensively on the topic of creative design. You’ll continue to hear in this episode how knowledgeable Jess is about ways that you can style your home’s interior to really bring out the best of it, and you.  Through the way you choose the colours, furniture, textures, materials and objects you surround yourself with, you can, as Jess says” create an authentic space in which you can thrive. I really hope you enjoy this episode. Listen now. INTERIOR DESIGN 101 Would you like to simplify your choices, and have total clarity and confidence that your interior design will help create your beautiful, functional, feel-good home? Interior Design 101 is a self-study, DIY program. It contains the full version of all interviews from the podcast, plus extra content specifically created for Interior Design 101.  Inside Interior Design 101, you’ll also find a huge range of interviews on all things Interior Design, including full transcripts, videos, checklists, guides and so much good stuff to support you in the Interior Design of your renovation, new home or smaller project.   Interior Design 101 has been designed to help you gain clarity and confidence in all those selections and decisions you need to make for the finishes, fixtures, colours, materials and items you’ll be living with every day.  RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Learn more about the online program, Interior Design 101 >>> www.interiordesign101.com.au For other links mentioned on this podcast, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-id101-individual-jessica-bellef-part-2 Buy Jessica’s book, “Individual” here >> https://amzn.to/33PJTeWSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the first in a 2-part interview with Jessica Bellef, freelance stylist, and author of “Individual: Inspiration for creating a home that is uniquely your own”. I’m super excited to be bringing Jess to you, and sharing all her amazing insight and tips for creating a home that truly suits and reflects you. Let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: A showroom is no place to live. It’s like the set of a play … A showroom isn’t a personal space in which to be. It’s no place for the tangle of layered memories and the mercurial nature of daily life. - Jessica Bellef, “Individual” Jessica Bellef is a freelance stylist and writer, who contributes regularly to major interiors publications such as Inside Out and Home Beautiful. She was Temple & Webster's founding Head of Styling, which cemented her position as a home styling commentator and gave her insight into how Australian's make a house a home. Jessica has taught extensively on the topic of creative design. Her book, “Individual: Inspiration for creating a home that is uniquely your own” was published in Oct 2019. “Individual” journeys to 15 truly unique homes that are authentic reflections of the people who inhabit them, from an art-filled city terrace to a magical seaside shack and a 1970s-era palace in the ’burbs.  It’s packed full of practical, actionable tips, and Jessica has a brilliant way of giving you how-to’s that are achievable regardless of the size or type of home, and whether you would call yourself stylish or not. I really hope you enjoy this episode. Listen now. INTERIOR DESIGN 101 Would you like to simplify your choices, and have total clarity and confidence that your interior design will help create your beautiful, functional, feel-good home? Interior Design 101 is a self-study, DIY program. It contains the full version of all interviews from the podcast, plus extra content specifically created for Interior Design 101.  Inside Interior Design 101, you’ll also find a huge range of interviews on all things Interior Design, including full transcripts, videos, checklists, guides and so much good stuff to support you in the Interior Design of your renovation, new home or smaller project.   Interior Design 101 has been designed to help you gain clarity and confidence in all those selections and decisions you need to make for the finishes, fixtures, colours, materials and items you’ll be living with everyday.  RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Learn more about the online program, Interior Design 101 >>> www.interiordesign101.com.au For other links mentioned on this podcast, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-id101-individual-jessica-bellef-part-1 Buy Jessica’s book, “Individual” here >> https://amzn.to/33PJTeW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest for this episode is Craig Thomas, Managing Director of Caribou. With over 20 years in the industry, he is SUPER passionate about lighting and the impact it can have on how our homes look, feel and function. He’s got loads of helpful tips to share with you. SHOW NOTES: Homeowners often create their lighting design through early conversations with their electrician. By then, you can already have missed the opportunity to create a beautiful, functional result in your home, through successful (and affordable) lighting design. Craig Thomas, Managing Director of Caribou, has over 20 years in the business, and has a huge wealth of knowledge and experience to share when it comes to achieving brilliant results with your lighting design and selections. Caribou is a professional, dedicated and experienced team providing lighting solutions for residential, retail, commercial and industrial projects. Based in Brisbane, Australia, Caribou works directly with architects and designers, lighting engineers, developers and builders, wholesalers, electricians and homeowners.  For the UA home-owning audience, Caribou offer architectural interior and exterior lighting solutions to create a lifestyle that enhances your home inside and out. They understand that each project is unique and personal. Their extensive lighting collection ensures they have the solution to suit your home. And if you need help with your lighting design, they can do this too. There’s loads of helpful information packed into this episode. I really hope you enjoy it - listen now. I really hope you enjoy this episode. Listen now. INTERIOR DESIGN 101 Would you like to simplify your choices, and have total clarity and confidence that your interior design will help create your beautiful, functional, feel-good home? Interior Design 101 is a self-study, DIY program. It contains the full version of all interviews from the podcast, plus extra content specifically created for Interior Design 101.  Inside Interior Design 101, Craig answers additional questions such as: How to provide creative and functional lighting solutions in your bedrooms. He has some great tips for subtle lighting that helps with night-time navigation in the home, and creates a great effect. We also talk about the assumptions people make with lighting that he finds he’s regularly busting And he takes us through in detail how to choose the right lighting for your main areas based on lumens, watts and the other metrics that describe lighting types and fixtures. The full interview with Craig is now inside Interior Design 101. You’ll also find full transcripts, videos, checklists, guides and so much good stuff to support you in the Interior Design of your renovation, new home or smaller project.  Interior Design 101 has been designed to help you gain clarity and confidence in all those selections and decisions you need to make for the finishes, fixtures, colours, materials and items you’ll be living with every day.  RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Learn more about the online program, Interior Design 101 >>> www.interiordesign101.com.au For other links mentioned on this podcast, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-id101-lighting-design-caribou  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is the second of a 2-part interview I have with Evan Montero, Co-founder and managing director of DIY Blinds … so if you haven’t listened to the last episode, stop now, and go back and listen to it now. Or, stay tuned to listen to part 2 of my conversation with Evan. SHOW NOTES: Plantation Shutters have become a popular choice for window furnishings. They’re a big investment, and so getting it right is essential to avoid disappointment and cost blowouts. DIY Blinds is an online ordering site for window furnishings. With a huge range of products from blinds, to curtains, to plantation shutters, you have the ability to request fabric samples, choose your fabric, learn how to measure and install your blinds, and order them online … all from your sofa.  The DIY Blinds website does a great job of stepping you through the things you need to consider, and how to make your selections. And they’re made in Australia, mostly available within 2 weeks, and also have a 5 year warranty. Co-Founder Evan Montero and I are continuing our conversation by talking about plantation shutters. These are a super popular choice and also can be a big investment, so Evan has some great tips to think about.  We also talk more about key design decisions and some fantastic things you can do with your window furnishings if you think about them during the design of your home.  And Evan shares more information on the mistakes he sees homeowners make. Plus, he talks us through how to confidently order your window furnishings online.  Having done it myself, I know it can feel a little nerve-wracking that you may stuff up your measurements and end up with a bunch of window furnishings you’ve paid for but that don’t fit properly.  DIY Blinds has got some great support and online resources to help you do this, and can also talk you through how to get it right for your home. I really hope you enjoy this episode. Listen now. INTERIOR DESIGN 101 Would you like to simplify your choices, and have total clarity and confidence that your interior design will help create your beautiful, functional, feel-good home? Interior Design 101 is a self-study, DIY program. It contains the full version of all interviews from the podcast, plus extra content specifically created for Interior Design 101.  And as a member of Interior Design 101, Evan is offering a fantastic saving on your DIY Blind orders … which frankly could pay for the cost of the course on its own! You’ll also find full transcripts, videos, checklists, guides and so much good stuff to support you in the Interior Design of your renovation, new home or smaller project.  Interior Design 101 has been designed to help you gain clarity and confidence in all those selections and decisions you need to make for the finishes, fixtures, colours, materials and items you’ll be living with everyday.  RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Learn more about the online program, Interior Design 101 >>> www.interiordesign101.com.au For other links mentioned on this podcast, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-id101-diyblinds-plantation-shuttersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People who are renovating or building new will often leave window furnishings until the last minute, or until after they’ve moved in. As a result, they miss huge opportunities.  So, this episode and the next will be brilliant for you to see what’s possible, and why thinking about them during the design phase is so important. DIY Blinds is an online ordering site for window furnishings. With a huge range of products from blinds, to curtains, to plantation shutters, you have the ability to request fabric samples, choose your fabric, learn how to measure and install your blinds, and order them online … all from your sofa.  The DIY Blinds website does a great job of stepping you through the things you need to consider, and how to make your selections. And they’re made in Australia, mostly available within 2 weeks, and also have a 5 year warranty. Evan is really passionate about homeowners knowing what they need to know, and also what’s possible in really elevating the detailing and finish of a home when you get these things factored in early to your project.  And he’s also really passionate about giving homeowners access to more affordable and great quality products by offering them online, and empowering them to directly access what they want, in a way that’s easy to understand. In this first part of our interview, Evan shares info about why DIY Blinds started, some of the biggest mistakes homeowners make about window furnishings, and specific info on blinds and curtains.  I really hope you enjoy this episode. Listen now. INTERIOR DESIGN 101 Would you like to simplify your choices, and have total clarity and confidence that your interior design will help create your beautiful, functional, feel-good home? Interior Design 101 is a self-study, DIY program. It contains the full version of all interviews from the podcast, plus extra content specifically created for Interior Design 101.  And as a member of Interior Design 101, Evan is offering a fantastic saving on your DIY Blind orders … which frankly could pay for the cost of the course on its own! You’ll also find full transcripts, videos, checklists, guides and so much good stuff to support you in the Interior Design of your renovation, new home or smaller project.  Interior Design 101 has been designed to help you gain clarity and confidence in all those selections and decisions you need to make for the finishes, fixtures, colours, materials and items you’ll be living with everyday.  RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Learn more about the online program, Interior Design 101 >>> www.interiordesign101.com.au For other links mentioned on this podcast, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-id101-diyblinds-curtains-blindsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.