Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Hello! In this episode, I’m sharing some exciting news with you – especially if you’re a USA-based member of the UA Community - and I’ll also be highlighting some of my learnings and experiences from my recent trip to the USA, and how these ideas can be translated into your home.  SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE:  Eric Reinholdt of 30X40 Design Workshop and I have created a new online course together. It’s called “The Welcome Home Course” and it will teach you how to confidently remodel or build your future family home – and get it right.   Together, we have over 40 years industry experience in residential design, remodeling and building. In ‘The Welcome Home Course’, we’re diving into what you need to know to successfully design, remodel or build your home, and how to avoid the expensive mistakes, heartache and drama along the way.   There’ll also be other industry experts to support you in your learning, and give local insights for your region, climate and specific challenges. I’ve been to the USA a few times now, and it never ceases to amaze me how big it is, and the diversity of environment and natural conditions from state to state … and so this course is crafted to really guide and help you wherever you’re located in the USA.  This course is specifically for USA homeowners. However, if you’re in the USA design, building industry and want more insight into residential home remodeling or building, this will also be awesome for you – as in it, we take you through the step-by-step process from start to finish of a remodel or new build project.  We seriously can’t wait to bring The Welcome Home Course to you. Having worked with hundreds of Australian homeowners in this way (and already a few Americans), I personally know how great it is in empowering you for your remodel or new build, so you can enjoy the process and successfully create that fantastic home you’re dreaming of.   In this episode, I’ll be talking about a project I got to learn about, which is actually an incredible restaurant in Barcelona, called Enigma.  It may sound strange to talk about a restaurant, and your home, but stick with me here, because I feel there’s always things to learn about our home design when we look at how other project types are working in the built environment.  So, when I was in New York, I attended an event at the HG Stones Showroom. HG Stones is a stone supplier that does a huge range of natural and engineered stones, and they’re located in New York City.   At this event, Pau Llimona, a Spanish architect, talked about the design of a project called “Enigma”. This is a restaurant in Barcelona, where a maximum of 24 diners per evening are taken on a journey that melds food, theatre and the materiality and design of the spaces.  So, what does this have to do with your home? Well, I’ve got 5 things I’d love you to think about, that are inspired by this project. These 5 things are:  experience  materials  lighting  personalisation  and team  Listen to the episode now to learn more …  FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Despina Priala of Priala Legal, provides fantastic tips and insight into building and renovating contracts. I think you’ll find it super helpful.  PLEASE NOTE: The information contained in the interview does not constitute legal advice and anyone reading or listening is strongly recommended to seek independent legal advice concerning their contract/transaction.  SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE:  Despina Priala has practiced in property and commercial law on the Gold Coast for over 25 years, and has substantial experience in this area with career highlights including her appointment as in-house counsel for Sunland Group (a prestigious Australian property development business).   Despina established Priala Legal in 2007 to provide specialised boutique legal services to developers and other property players within the South East Queensland market.  Despina has some fantastic tips to share with you, and help you avoid some of the mistakes that homeowners make when it comes to the building or renovation contract.    These mistakes can create huge headaches, budget blowouts, and even more significant issues such as unfinished projects.   Despina talks about the things to know before you sign a contract, some specific terminology to be aware of, and what to look for in your contract - and how you need to work with your builder according to your contract - to get the best results for your project and manage your risk overall.  Despina is QLD based and talks in this episode a lot about Qld legislation.   However, if you don’t live in Qld, DON’T TUNE OUT. Listen to the terminology, the mechanisms, and then use it to ask your builder, your lawyer. Apply the same strategies.   This will be around things like:  + your deposit  + what paperwork the builder must give you as part of signing the contract  + if you have a cooling off period, how long it is, and what waives it  This interview was recorded over Skype so the sound may not be what you’re used to from the UA podcast.   However, it’s so worth a careful listen, as Despina gives some great insight into what you need to consider for your project’s contract. This is super useful information for anyone planning to build or renovate.  Listen to the episode now to learn more …  PODCAST PARTNER: QUOTESPEC  This season’s podcast partner is QuoteSpec. QuoteSpec is a cloud-based app that enables builders and tradespeople to create great-looking, professional, easy to read, and comprehensive quotes for reno and building projects, in a simple and super fast way.   Ask your builder or tradesperson "do you use QuoteSpec?" and if they don't, send them here to find out more about it ... www.quotespec.com.au/undercoverarchitect   Want to make your construction process simpler – and you more sane and confident?  MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ONLINE PROGRAM: MANAGE YOUR BUILD  Manage Your Build is my online program that will give you key knowledge, tools, cheatsheets and industry insider checklists and tips, plus strategies to save your sanity and budget as well.   This online program can support you, help you avoid expensive mistakes and drama, and put you in the driver's seat, feeling confident during the construction of your new home or renovation.  Head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/manageyourbuild/ to see more about what's inside the program, and how it can save you stress and money as you navigate the construction of your reno or new home.  FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to make your construction process simpler – and you more sane and confident?  Manage Your Build is my online program that will give you key knowledge, tools, cheatsheets and industry insider checklists and tips, plus strategies to save your sanity and budget as well.   This online program can support you, help you avoid expensive mistakes and drama, and put you in the driver's seat, feeling confident during the construction of your new home or renovation.  Head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/manageyourbuild/ to see more about what's inside the program, and how it can save you stress and money as you navigate the construction of your reno or new home.  SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE:  In this episode, we talk about the Practical Completion Stage.   This stage represents the completion of your project, and it's also a contractual point which then triggers a series of other activities and processes required to complete your project, get it signed off with the authorities and deem it fit for you to move back into.   And, because it's a contractual step and process, you, as the homeowner, really need to understand your rights, responsibilities and obligations.   We discuss where your project should be at by now, the things to be aware of as your builder gets ready to leave site and what to expect from your builder in their communication and planning.   Listen to the episode now to learn more …  PODCAST PARTNER: QUOTESPEC  This season’s podcast partner is QuoteSpec. QuoteSpec is a cloud-based app that enables builders and tradespeople to create great-looking, professional, easy to read, and comprehensive quotes for reno and building projects, in a simple and super fast way.   Ask your builder or tradesperson "do you use QuoteSpec?" and if they don't, send them here to find out more about it ... www.quotespec.com.au/undercoverarchitect   FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to make your construction process simpler – and you more sane and confident?  Manage Your Build is my online program that will give you key knowledge, tools, cheatsheets and industry insider checklists and tips, plus strategies to save your sanity and budget as well.   This online program can support you, help you avoid expensive mistakes and drama, and put you in the driver's seat, feeling confident during the construction of your new home or renovation.  Head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/manageyourbuild/ to see more about what's inside the program, and how it can save you stress and money as you navigate the construction of your reno or new home.  SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE:  In this episode, we talk about the Fixit or Interior Fitout Stage.   This, for many homeowners, is the seriously fun part. It's when the interior finishes, fixtures and fittings start to go into your home, and site is a hive of activity getting all this work done.   You can really see all those choices and decisions taking shape as your home gets decked out internally.   It's also where all the choices, decisions and steps get tested, as the structure of the home ultimately informs what the finished surface looks and feels like.   Duayne and I discuss what to look for in this stage, mistakes to avoid, and what to expect from your builder in their communication and planning.   Listen to the episode now to learn more …  PODCAST PARTNER: QUOTESPEC  This season’s podcast partner is QuoteSpec. QuoteSpec is a cloud-based app that enables builders and tradespeople to create great-looking, professional, easy to read, and comprehensive quotes for reno and building projects, in a simple and super fast way.   Ask your builder or tradesperson "do you use QuoteSpec?" and if they don't, send them here to find out more about it ... www.quotespec.com.au/undercoverarchitect   FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to make your construction process simpler – and you more sane and confident?  Manage Your Build is my online program that will give you key knowledge, tools, cheatsheets and industry insider checklists and tips, plus strategies to save your sanity and budget as well.   This online program can support you, help you avoid expensive mistakes and drama, and put you in the driver's seat, feeling confident during the construction of your new home or renovation.  Head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/manageyourbuild/ to see more about what's inside the program, and how it can save you stress and money as you navigate the construction of your reno or new home.  SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE:  In this episode, we talk about part 2 of the Lockup or Enclosed Stage.   This continues on from the last episode, and we keep talking about the steps involved in making your home water-tight as we wrap up the exterior of the home.  There's a lot still left to do in this stage, and it can be tricky to navigate, and to be clear about what's included, and when your bank is willing to make payments in order to keep construction rolling smoothly.   Duayne and I talk about this, and what to expect from your builder in their communication and planning.   Listen to the episode now to learn more …  PODCAST PARTNER: QUOTESPEC  This season’s podcast partner is QuoteSpec. QuoteSpec is a cloud-based app that enables builders and tradespeople to create great-looking, professional, easy to read, and comprehensive quotes for reno and building projects, in a simple and super fast way.   Ask your builder or tradesperson "do you use QuoteSpec?" and if they don't, send them here to find out more about it ... www.quotespec.com.au/undercoverarchitect   FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to make your construction process simpler – and you more sane and confident?  Manage Your Build is my online program that will give you key knowledge, tools, cheatsheets and industry insider checklists and tips, plus strategies to save your sanity and budget as well.   This online program can support you, help you avoid expensive mistakes and drama, and put you in the driver's seat, feeling confident during the construction of your new home or renovation.  Head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/manageyourbuild/ to see more about what's inside the program, and how it can save you stress and money as you navigate the construction of your reno or new home.  SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE:  In this episode, we talk about the next stage of construction, which is the Lockup or Enclosed Stage.   This is where your home gets made water-tight ... in fact all construction is generally racing to this point so that work can occur undercover and your home can be protected from the elements.  And this episode is part 1 of this stage.  This stage can involve many steps and many tradepeople. There's also opportunities to save money if it's run well. Duayne and I talk through these steps and strategies, and what to expect from your builder in their communication and planning.   Listen to the episode now to learn more …  PODCAST PARTNER: QUOTESPEC  This season’s podcast partner is QuoteSpec. QuoteSpec is a cloud-based app that enables builders and tradespeople to create great-looking, professional, easy to read, and comprehensive quotes for reno and building projects, in a simple and super fast way.   Ask your builder or tradesperson "do you use QuoteSpec?" and if they don't, send them here to find out more about it ... www.quotespec.com.au/undercoverarchitect   FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to make your construction process simpler – and you more sane and confident?  Manage Your Build is my online program that will give you key knowledge, tools, cheatsheets and industry insider checklists and tips, plus strategies to save your sanity and budget as well.   This online program can support you, help you avoid expensive mistakes and drama, and put you in the driver's seat, feeling confident during the construction of your new home or renovation.  Head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/manageyourbuild/ to see more about what's inside the program, and how it can save you stress and money as you navigate the construction of your reno or new home.  SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE:  In this episode, we talk about the next stage of construction, which is the Frame Stage.   This is where the skeleton of your home gets built ... the frames of the walls, any upper floors, and your roof frame. And there are a load of decisions you need to make before all of this work gets wrapped up inside your walls, so the finished home works well.  Knowing what you need to get done in this stage, plus how to check this stage before your project moves on, will significantly save drama down the track.   If you don’t check this stage thoroughly, or be ready with all your selections of fixtures and finishes, you can lose the opportunity to change your mind later.   Any items that need to be hung on your walls (from toilet roll holders to televisions) need to be thought about before the Frame Stage is complete.   Duayne and I talk about some great steps you can take to be sure, and what to expect from your builder in their communication and planning.   Listen to the episode now to learn more …  PODCAST PARTNER: QUOTESPEC  This season’s podcast partner is QuoteSpec. QuoteSpec is a cloud-based app that enables builders and tradespeople to create great-looking, professional, easy to read, and comprehensive quotes for reno and building projects, in a simple and super fast way.   Ask your builder or tradesperson "do you use QuoteSpec?" and if they don't, send them here to find out more about it ... www.quotespec.com.au/undercoverarchitect   FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to make your construction process simpler – and you more sane and confident?  Manage Your Build is my online program that will give you key knowledge, tools, cheatsheets and industry insider checklists and tips, plus strategies to save your sanity and budget as well.   This online program can support you, help you avoid expensive mistakes and drama, and put you in the driver's seat, feeling confident during the construction of your new home or renovation.  Head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/manageyourbuild/ to see more about what's inside the program, and how it can save you stress and money as you navigate the construction of your reno or new home.  SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE:  In this episode, we talk about the next stage of construction. This is the Slab or Base Stage. This is where the platform or floor of your home gets built.  I see homeowners struggle with understanding that, at this point, many choices about the finish and functionality of your home should be already decided upon, because it feels SO early in the process.   Yet the slab going down can lock you into certain things in your finished home. And prevent you from having the option to add or change things down the track.   Duayne and I talk about these things, and also the specific activities in this stage, and what to expect from your builder in their communication and planning.   Listen to the episode now to learn more.  PODCAST PARTNER: QUOTESPEC  This season’s podcast partner is QuoteSpec. QuoteSpec is a cloud-based app that enables builders and tradespeople to create great-looking, professional, easy to read, and comprehensive quotes for reno and building projects, in a simple and super fast way.   Ask your builder or tradesperson "do you use QuoteSpec?" and if they don't, send them here to find out more about it ... www.quotespec.com.au/undercoverarchitect   FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to make your construction process simpler – and you more sane and confident?  Manage Your Build is my online program that will give you key knowledge, tools, cheatsheets and industry insider checklists and tips, plus strategies to save your sanity and budget as well.   This online program can support you, help you avoid expensive mistakes and drama, and put you in the driver's seat, feeling confident during the construction of your new home or renovation.  Head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/manageyourbuild/ to see more about what's inside the program, and how it can save you stress and money as you navigate the construction of your reno or new home.  SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE:  What happens during demolition and site preparation?  “Demolition and Site Preparation” is an important stage in construction, and often the first real activity you see on your building site.   In this episode, we talk about the next stage of construction. This is the Demolition and Site Preparation stage. This is where you'll be getting your site and home ready for the new construction to commence.  You may be building new or renovating, and so this stage can involve full or partial demolition. Duayne and I talk about the specific activities in this stage, and what to expect from your builder in their communication and planning.   Full demolition can be done very quickly in most cases, and will often be outsourced to a separate contractor by your builder.  Partial demolition can take longer and be far more labour-intensive (and higher in cost as a result). However, if your home needs to have selective areas demolished in order to retain specific parts of it, and ready it for the future construction work, then this can be careful, time-consuming work.   Site preparation can include earthworks and construction work to prepare your site and project for the next stage.   There’s a lot to consider at this point, so that your project is set up to run smoothly, and you deal with unsafe materials such as asbestos. Listen to the episode now …  PODCAST PARTNER: QUOTESPEC  This season’s podcast partner is QuoteSpec. QuoteSpec is a cloud-based app that enables builders and tradespeople to create great-looking, professional, easy to read, and comprehensive quotes for reno and building projects, in a simple and super fast way.   Ask your builder or tradesperson "do you use QuoteSpec?" and if they don't, send them here to find out more about it ... www.quotespec.com.au/undercoverarchitect   FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want to make your construction process simpler – and you more sane and confident?  Manage Your Build is my online program that will give you key knowledge, tools, cheatsheets and industry insider checklists and tips, plus strategies to save your sanity and budget as well.   This online program can support you, help you avoid expensive mistakes and drama, and put you in the driver's seat, feeling confident during the construction of your new home or renovation.  Head to https://undercoverarchitect.com/manageyourbuild/ to see more about what's inside the program, and how it can save you stress and money as you navigate the construction of your reno or new home.  SHOW NOTES FOR THIS EPISODE:  In this episode, we talk about the first stage of any project - paying the deposit. This is where you'll be signing your contract, and making your first payment to lock in your builder, and get the construction process going.  There's lots to know about this stage, about signing contracts, and how to protect yourself. Duayne and I talk about the early warning signs to look for in this stage, and what to expect from your builder in their communication and planning.   Listen to the episode now to learn more.  PODCAST PARTNER: QUOTESPEC  This season’s podcast partner is Quotespec. Quotespec is a cloud-based app that enables builders and tradespeople to create great-looking, professional, easy to read, and comprehensive quotes for reno and building projects, in a simple and super fast way.   Ask your builder or tradesperson "do you use Quotespec?" and if they don't, send them here to find out more about it ... www.quotespec.com.au/undercoverarchitect  FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.