Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Hello! This is Episode 346, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with electrician, Brendan Lang, from Get Off Gas. We finished Episode 345 Brendan sharing insights about his own home renovation, and how he tackled it. Brendan has opened his home for Sustainable House Day and uses it as a fantastic demonstration of how to improve an existing home through electrification and energy efficiency upgrades. In this episode, Brendan talks more about how he renovated his home, including retrofitting insulation to its roof and walls.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/346]. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of our conversation, it’s definitely worth catching up on first. You’ll hear me talk about some of the health and environmental reasons to get off gas in your home, and to consider electrification as a way to improve your home overall, its health, and its ability to then be supplied through renewable energy sources.  For Part 1, head back to Episode 345, or download the free transcript at www.undercoverarchitect.com/345. In this episode, we also talk specifically about solar, and what to know to get comparative quotes, plus choose the right components.  And we discuss heat pump hot water units, where they can be used, and what to know before choosing one for your home. Plus, what to do if your budget can’t extend to sourcing one, but you still want a super efficient, electrically run hot water supply for your home. And we also discuss air conditioning, how to maximise its efficiency for heating and cooling, and why a gas panel, open fireplace or wood burning stove are heat sources to avoid for your health and your home’s efficiency. Whether you’re seeking to electrify your existing home as a standalone project, or as part of a renovation … or you’re wanting to build an all electric new home, this episode will be super helpful as we dive into the nuts and bolts of it all.  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/346. 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/346 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.

Brendan Lang, an electrician and founder of Get Off Gas, shares his insights on electrifying homes and moving away from gas. He discusses the growing trend of banning gas appliances in new developments and the environmental and health motivations driving homeowners to make the switch. Brendan highlights challenges such as costs and retrofit logistics, along with strategies like prioritizing heat pump installation and optimizing solar energy use. His practical advice is invaluable for anyone looking to improve energy efficiency in their home.

Hello! This is Episode 344, and in it, I’m celebrating the 8th birthday of the Undercover Architect podcast. I can’t quite believe it’s been 8 years that I’ve been doing this. And given it’s been a while since I’ve done a solo episode, I thought I would take this episode to share some updates with you about home design, building and renovating, what we’re seeing in Undercover Architect, and life in general. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/344] And, in September we marked the 10th birthday of Undercover Architect itself. Combine that with it being December at the time of recording this, and coming up to the end of the year, it’s a great time to review, reflect, celebrate and plan. There’s three things in particular I want to chat about in this episode. The first is about HOW we live, and some conversations and research I’ve been doing lately, that I’m keen to understand if you’d like to hear more about. The second is about the industry itself, and where I believe the opportunity lies for the biggest improvement - and again, I’m keen to hear if you’d like me to share more about this. The third is a story I received from a homeowner about their project … and how $450,000 in predicted project costs became $2.4 million.  It may sound a bit rambly, as this is a mental download of a lot of what I’ve been thinking about and discussing with others lately.  I’ve tried to put some structure in it … but my thoughts are not necessarily happening in a structured way! But rather than holding back, or waiting to perfect and polish it, I’m going to share it with you warts and all. So, stay tuned, as I dive into all of this. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/344. 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/344 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 343, and I’m back with Cindy, HOME Method member, designer and Thermal Performance Assessor, giving us an update on her new build. We’re talking about her Smart Home System design, selection and specification, as she shares the details of including this in her new build project. And we also discuss how she’s worked with her build team to ensure the sustainable details - even those they may have never done before - are being correctly included and built in her home. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/343] If you haven’t had the chance to hear the first part of this conversation, you can head back to Episode 342, and hear Cindy share details of how she’s navigated having the timber frame of her home exposed to the elements and wet weather for longer than anticipated. And what that meant for mould growth and remediating the frame before the project could continue.  This can be a big problem for many projects given we build outdoors and can experience wet weather conditions over long periods of time. You don’t want your project to continue and a timber frame to be lined internally and externally if it’s damp or has any mould growth on it, as it’ll cause long term issues for your health and the home’s durability as well. You can find that episode and its transcript by heading to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/342. In this episode, I pick up the conversation where we left off Part 1, and my question to Cindy about how she’s worked with her team on site to manage their newness to some of her requirements, specifications and sustainable home goals. We also have a great discussion about the Smart Home System that Cindy decided to include in her project, including how she chose the system she’s specified, the team members she worked with to coordinate the design, and the various considerations that led her to make the selection she did. And lastly, Cindy will share a fantastic piece of advice for anyone who is navigating their renovation or new build journey to help you maintain your sanity and stress levels, so stay tuned to the end of the episode for those insights. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus links to Cindy’s previous project updates on the podcast, as well as information on the resources we discuss and photos of Cindy’s home, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/343 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/343 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.

In this engaging discussion, a designer shares her experience tackling the challenges of a wet timber frame during construction. The conversation highlights the serious issue of mould growth from prolonged moisture and the necessary remediation steps to ensure safety and durability. The emotional journey of managing these construction hurdles is unveiled, emphasizing the importance of thorough documentation and communication among team members. It also touches on the balance of stress management and sustainable building practices in the face of unpredictable weather.

Join Sophie as she shares her inspiring journey of renovating a Perth Californian bungalow into a beautiful family home. Discover innovative design testing methods, including full-scale mockups that helped refine spatial choices. Learn about her budgeting techniques, including value-based spending to keep expenses in check. Sophie’s smart strategies involve reusing materials and meticulous storage planning. With insights on decision-making and stress management, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on home renovation.

Dive into the journey of transforming a 1930s bungalow into a family-friendly haven. Discover how thoughtful design and careful property selection can lead to a home that grows with you. Hear about the challenges of renovating during COVID and the importance of natural light in your living space. Learn valuable tips on choosing the right team and fostering effective communication, all while balancing a tight deadline and a new baby on the way. This renovation story is packed with insights for any aspiring homeowner!

Hello! This is Episode 339, and I’m continuing my conversation with Jan and Landon about their new build in Sydney’s north on an amazing site that’s been in Landon’s family for many years. In fact, it’s where Landon grew up, and after 39 years of living together in another part of Sydney, Jan and Landon are selling up, and moving to this location they both love and have a strong connection with, to build a new, Passive House home. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/339] Jan and Landon are both in their 70s and are retired teachers. And their project has an amazing range of specific demands including how they’ll age well and healthily, still being able to live an active life, whilst preparing for various scenarios that may occur. And also be able to accommodate family, especially adult grandchildren who also live or stay with them. If you missed Part 1 of my conversation with Jan and Landon, head back to Episode 338 to catch up and learn more about their story. You can find the episode and a full transcript at www.undercoverarchitect.com/338 We kick off this episode with me asking Jan and Landon about how HOME Method, which they joined right before choosing their architect, has helped them navigate their project so far. And as the episode continues, we dive into some questions that Jan and Landon had for me, especially about the best approach for them to include and build a granny flat on their site, and when and how to involve a landscape architect or landscape designer. Listen as I run through some of the key criteria to be aware of when selecting a building methodology for a granny flat, and what to consider to help the project run smoothly. We also discuss some design options to review, and cost comparison of prefabrication vs building on site. And, I also talk through some landscape design ideas, and the way a landscape design approach could integrate with their architectural design to maximise the benefits of the site overall and meet their brief as well. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/339. 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/339 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.

Jan and Landon, a dynamic couple at 73, share their inspiring journey of building a new passive house on a family-owned site in Sydney. They discuss balancing their artistic lifestyle with sustainable features, like solar orientation and a granny flat for flexibility. Emotional reflections on moving after nearly 40 years add depth to their project. With a focus on collaborative design and meticulous preparation using the Home Method, they navigate the complexities of prefab construction to create a comfortable, eco-friendly home tailored for their future.

Hello! This is Episode 337 and in it, I continue my conversation with HOME Method member, Ellen.  Their new build project is underway in Ballarat, Victoria, and it’s for herself, her partner and their two teenage kids. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/337] If you missed Part 1 of my conversation, be sure to head back to Episode 336 and catch up there. In that episode, Ellen shares how they found their home, made the decision to do a knockdown rebuild, and their design journey as well. You can listen or download the PDF transcript by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/336 In this project update, you’ll hear more about how she chose their builder, and moved their project into construction, making their selections along the way. Ellen is also a psychologist by profession, so she shares more amazing insights about some psychological aspects of making a project like this happen. The way she explains them is so helpful for understanding the feelings you might be having in your project if you’re also navigating a similar experience regarding timelines, delays and your project taking longer than you expected. It’s super interesting to hear her talk through her understanding of behaviour and strategies for managing a process like this with her professional knowledge and experience. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/337. 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/337 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.