Get It Right with Undercover Architect

A couple decides to renovate instead of rebuild, aiming for a cost-effective transformation of their home. They cover the intricate design process, assess energy efficiency, and tackle common renovation challenges. Insights on project management and preparation highlight the emotional aspects of homeownership. The importance of collaboration with designers and budgeting considerations are also discussed. Strategies for improving comfort and energy performance in their double brick home provide practical takeaways for listeners.

Hello! This is Episode 329. In it, you’re going to meet Angela. She and her partner own a block of land with an existing home on it in Tasmania, and after purchasing the home, they started their project journey with the plan to demolish the home and build a new one - otherwise known as a ‘Knock Down Rebuild’ or KDRB! However, once they lived in the home for a little while, their ideas changed. And what was to be a knock-down rebuild project of a new home, has morphed into a planned renovation of the existing home.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/329] I think you’ll find it super interesting to hear how Angela and her partner arrived at this project change, and how they’ve sought help and support so they can make informed decisions about creating the right result for them, their budget and their long-term plans. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/329. 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/329 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.

Building a new home can be a rewarding experience, especially with effective planning. Good communication between homeowners and builders is essential to navigate challenges that arise. Janet shares her personal journey, highlighting how proactive dialogue helped reduce stress and resolve hiccups during construction. As they prepare to move in, the excitement of embracing their new home begins. Their story showcases the importance of clear specifications and collaboration for a smoother building process.

Join Janet, who is building a new home in Brisbane after nearly two decades in her old house, as she shares her journey of tackling a challenging block. She discusses the importance of choosing the right builder and custom-designing their family’s dream home. Janet highlights the emotional ups and downs leading to construction, emphasizing effective communication and relationship-building with her builders. Learn about the nitty-gritty of paint color testing and the role of thorough research in ensuring a smooth building experience.

Hello! This is Episode 326, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, June, about their new build of their retirement home in the West Australian coastal town of Green Head. Whilst living remotely from the site - 3.5 hours away. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/326] If you haven’t listened to Part 1, be sure to head back to Episode 325, where you’ll hear June discuss how they thought about ageing in place in their design, and the decisions they made for their coastal location with its harsher conditions. You can find the episode and a downloadable transcript at www.undercoverarchitect.com/325. In this episode, we dive into some of the details of windows and external cladding, and choices made for the location’s conditions and climate resilience.  June discusses how she worked with her team, and her realisation that she didn’t have to be the one to solve all the problems whilst she ensured she was getting the quality outcome she wanted in her home. I also discuss how June and her partner managed communication with the builder remotely, and the methods they used to check the build along the way, given they were living 3.5 hours from the site. And June shares how they set themselves up to make good decisions based on knowledge instead of guessing. Lastly, be sure to listen out for the mic drop at the end about June’s home’s energy efficiency star rating. She snuck that in right at the end and blew me away! Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can access a free copy by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/326. 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/326 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.

Meet June, a researcher building a coastal home in Western Australia for aging in place. Explore their journey of designing a low maintenance, energy-efficient, and resilient home. Learn about their challenges in remote management, budget adjustments, and incorporating accessible design features. Discover how they navigated the construction process and future-proofed their home for off-grid living.

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.