Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Discover the reasons why your house is cold and how to address it. Explore the recent changes in design and building regulations in Australia. Learn about the importance of considering climate and orientation in home design. Understand the significance of insulation and proper installation. Delve into the importance of building envelope construction and the impact of windows. Find solutions for dealing with a cold house and access helpful resources and support.

Explore the world of builders' margins, markups vs margins, and the importance of transparency when choosing a builder. Learn about overhead costs, deciphering builders' quotes, and the true cost of hiring a builder. Dive into the complexities of margins and markups in the construction industry, emphasizing collaboration and support for successful home building projects.

Hello! This is Episode 282. In it, I’m going to talk about getting a second opinion on your design, and whether it’s something you should consider in your project. I’ll share the main reasons I see homeowners seek them, and the mistakes to avoid in sourcing second opinions on your home design and project. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/282] And, I’ll also share some quick tips to help you audit your home design yourself. This will be super helpful if you’ve been trying to decide whether you need a second opinion on your home design or something else happening in your project, or if it’s going to be a useful thing to access at some point in your project journey. 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/282. 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/282 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 281, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Dylan Viviers, National Specification Manager from Holcim, all about low carbon concrete. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/281] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of our conversation, be sure to head back to Episode 280 to catch up on that. You can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/280. This episode will make a lot more sense if you listen to Episode 280 first! In this episode, Dylan and I talk in more detail about the workability of ECOPact, and what to be aware of.  And I follow up with some questions you may have about using a concrete like this in your project, including for polished and burnished concrete applications, or using oxides to colour the concrete as well. 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/281. 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/281 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 280, and in it, I’m talking with Dylan Viviers, National Specification Manager from Holcim, all about low carbon concrete. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/280] Concrete is one of those tricky materials as far as sustainability is concerned. It’s super durable and long-lasting, so from a longevity point of view, it’s a great performer, which can be an asset for sustainability. However, concrete has a high carbon footprint, largely due to its cement content, as you’ll hear more about in this episode. Even though cement only makes up 11% of the ingredients in concrete, it generates 80 - 90% of its carbon footprint. What’s super exciting about this conversation is that you’ll learn about how much a company like Holcim is doing to lower the carbon footprint of concrete with their ECOPact product. You’ll also learn how accessible it is for you, doing your renovation or new build project, to specify low carbon concrete for your project. That, in fact, it would be pretty pointless not to. Low carbon concrete is on its way to become the concrete we use all the time, which is amazing. 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/280. 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/280   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 279, and it’s the third episode of my series with Steve Marskell from Rescom Building Products about Magnesium Oxide Board. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/279] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 and Part 2 of my conversation with Steve, head back to Episode 277 and Episode 278. You’ll hear more about the benefits of Magnesium Oxide Board, and the various applications it can be used for. So be sure to check out those episodes. In this episode, Steve and I dive down the rabbit hole of the negative information you’ll find about Magnesium Oxide Board the minute you start researching it online.  This is so worth listening to, as it’ll arm you with some key information if you’re wanting to use Magnesium Oxide Board, but also want to ensure you’re getting the best outcome for your project, and choosing the best product and installation methods as well. 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/279. 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/279 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 278, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Steve Marskell from Rescom Building Products. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/278] Rescom Building Products was founded in 2009, and today produces the world’s #1 ISO:8336 Certified High Performance Magnesia Cement Building Products. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Steve, head back to Episode 277, where you’ll hear more about the benefits of Magnesium Oxide board, and what Steve and Rescom have done to develop the product since 2009 with their extensive testing and product development. In this episode, Steve and I will talk specifically about the applications of Magnesium Oxide board: where it can be used, how to use it, and what to consider in your specification of it. Magnesium Oxide Board is one of those products that keeps cropping up for me. And, in my research, I’ve definitely found that Magnesium Oxide Board products are not all equal, and it can be difficult to cut through all the information that’s online.  But when you do, it’s definitely a material worth reviewing, as its benefits are huge, and there’s lots of examples of it being used successfully around the world in a variety of different projects. For this episode, I’ll share in the resources a series of videos that Steve sent through to me. They’re on the Youtube channel called Maxkil that shares, amongst other things, information about products, techniques and working with board products, especially plasterboard. The videos are a series of clips from an unexpected visit they paid to the Rescom location, and will show you the products Steve discusses in this episode.  In my conversation with Steve in this episode, you’ll hear me refer to these videos, and a particular installation in Rescom’s facility that shows the natural finish of Rescom’s board. It’s got a beautiful green lustre to it, that I can see working exactly as it’s been installed, as finished cladding to a home. You’ll find that in Video 4 of the clips I’m sharing in the resources. 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/278. 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/278 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 277, and in it, I’m talking with Steve Marskell from Rescom Building Products about Magnesium Oxide Board.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/277] Up front … and as you’ll hear across my conversation with Steve, you’ll learn that not all Magnesium Oxide Boards are the same. And so, knowing more about them, and understanding how to select and specify them, becomes super important. If you listened to my conversation with Joost Bakker in Episodes 266 and 267, you’ll have heard us discuss Magnesium Oxide Board.  You’ll have also heard us talk about Joost’s experience with Magnesium Oxide board, his extensive testing of it, especially through his fire testing and, as a result, he spoke about the Rescom product, and the fact it’s the only manufacturer he’ll source Magnesium Oxide board from. I’ve been getting LOADS of questions about Magnesium Oxide board, and how it compares to other board products homeowners use conventionally, especially fibre cement board externally, and plasterboard internally. I know that when you dive online to check out Magnesium Oxide board, it’s a rabbit hole of confusing and conflicting information that can make any homeowner - and frankly any industry professional - just think ‘too hard basket’, and head back to the more traditionally used materials. However, Magnesium Oxide board keeps getting brought up as a seriously amazing and viable alternative that has environmental, health, fire and durability credentials. But not all Magnesium Oxide boards and products are the same, and so, we’re going to dive into this rabbit hole and explore it in detail. Joost kindly put me in touch with Steve, and it’s great to be able to bring him onto the podcast to discuss more about Magnesium Oxide board and what Rescom does. Rescom Building Products Group was founded in 2009, and Rescom Cellulous Magnesia Cement Building Products have been used in homes and projects across New Zealand, America, Australia, UAE and Europe since 2010, withstanding some of the worst extreme weather events.  The properties of their patented formulation and compounds, along with the proper curing process, contributes to the strength and performance of their Magnesia Cement products that well exceed that of traditional FC sheet, plasterboard / drywall, and OSB or Oriented Strand Board. This is a detailed, in depth conversation into this product, and also the industry in general. Over this and the next couple of episodes, you’ll hear Steve discuss how much work Rescom have done to test and verify the performance of the product. 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/277. 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/277 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 276. In it, I’m going to discuss your project team, and how to ensure you bring the right people on board. When renovating or building your home, your team really does make all the difference. They can make your project a total joy, or a total disaster.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/276] Just because someone gives themselves a job title, or has qualifications or a licence, unfortunately does not make them excellent at their job. And yet, there are so many awesome professionals in this industry, waiting to work closely with you, and ensure you have an enjoyable experience creating a home you’ll love living in. You may be surprised at what I share with you as the keys to finding good team members, so stay tuned as I take you through some questions to ask that I believe really make the difference in finding the right people. And, if you’re an industry professional, be it an architect, building designer, interior designer, builder, a consultant or a supplier, who enjoys the Undercover Architect podcast, then please listen to this episode as I’ve got a special message for you at the end. 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/276. 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/276 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 275, and in it, I’m going to be talking about Barndominiums. A barndominium is a type of residential structure that design-wise, combines the features of a barn and a condominium.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/275] This is a type of building that’s been around for a while, and is more popular as a name in the US than other locations. However lately, it’s been cropping up on my radar a lot more frequently, and in Australia too, so I thought I’d spend a little bit of time on the podcast sharing more about them, and what to be aware of. What is a Barndominium?  What it looks like is generally an open plan building with residential spaces in it, and also incorporating work spaces such as sheds, workrooms and the like. The aesthetic style will be barn-like in appearance, and have features such as exposed beams, metal roofs, and industrial-style finishes that are typically found in a barn.  There’s more to this though, which I’ll discuss in this podcast. So, let’s learn a bit more about Barndominiums, and what to be aware of when considering this approach for your project, whether renovating an existing barn or shed, or building a new home in this style. 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/275 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/275 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.