Get It Right with Undercover Architect

• What happens after you sign the building contract? The journey to site start, with Ben

  Hello! This is Episode 372, and it’s part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Ben, about the renovation of their Melbourne California Bungalow. In this episode, we pick up at the point where Ben and his partner, Mike, are preparing to sign the building contract. He shares how he approached legal review, navigated sensitive conversations with his builder, and managed the personal dynamics of taking such a big step. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/372] If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, I’d encourage you to go back and catch up on how Ben selected his builder, finalised his design and selections, and laid the groundwork for a successful build. You can find Part 1 at www.undercoverarchitect.com/371 - and of course, Ben’s previous updates on his project are in Episode 352 and Episode 353 as well. (The links for those episodes are here >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/352 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/353 ) As we dive into Part 2 in this episode, you’ll hear Ben’s thoughtful reflections on relationship-building with their builder, and what happened when the builder misinterpreted the proposed contract edits. We also explore how he navigated delays with builder’s insurance, rental decisions, and setting up for site start. And now that construction is underway, Ben talks through how he’s managing communication, staying curious, and showing up as an engaged, collaborative client. This is such a real and grounded look at what it means to be an empowered homeowner in your project. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/372. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/372 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.

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• What to do before signing a building contract, and save time, money and stress, with Ben

  Hello! This is Episode 371, and I’m joined once again by HOME Method member, Ben, to talk through the big milestone of choosing his builder and stepping into the pre-construction phase of his project. If you're navigating your own decision-making process or weighing up quotes, builders, or final selections, this conversation is going to be incredibly valuable. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/371] Ben was first on the podcast back in Episode 352 and Episode 353, sharing how their project began, and taking us through the decision to put pause on the project, and spend time redesigning to help the project align with their budget expectations more effectively. (The links for those episodes are here >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/352 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/353 ) In this latest episode, Ben shares how he and his partner, Mike, chose between two builders after over a year of due diligence, the surprising insights they discovered when comparing revised quotes, and the steps they took to ensure their contract, scope, and selections were clear and locked in before construction began. You'll also hear how they approached their communication with the builder, how they handled their mechanical services, and the way they've structured regular site meetings to support a smoother experience during the build. This is such a great example of what it looks like to apply what we teach in HOME Method in real life: removing assumptions, documenting clearly, asking the right questions, and building a relationship that supports both sides of the project. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/371. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/371 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.

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• Planning Kitchens, Bathrooms and Finance for a Sustainable New Build, with Tatiana

  Hello! This is Episode 370, and in it, I’m catching up again with HOME Method member, Tatiana, as she continues the journey of designing and planning her new family home in regional Queensland with her partner and three boys. In this episode, we dive into more of the details, including exploring how Tatiana is thinking ahead about her kitchen and bathrooms, researching materials and layouts that will work for her climate, and looking at ways to minimise maintenance and avoid common pitfalls. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/370] In Part 1 in the last podcast, Episode 369, we talked about keeping the design simple to suit their budget, making key layout choices, how Tatiana has found their budget constraints helpful to keep them on track, and collaborating closely with their building designer and builder. (You can find that episode at www.undercoverarchitect.com/369) In Part 2, we talk about navigating cost allowances, how to work with joiners and suppliers when budgets are tight, and where off-the-shelf items might make sense. And Tatiana shares her honest thoughts on finance, including the overwhelm many homeowners feel, and we discuss when and how to start meaningful conversations with a mortgage broker to support design decisions. Lastly, we explore blower door testing, what it is, when to do it, and how it can improve building performance, especially in sustainable or airtight homes. If you’re preparing for your own project and want to hear how to juggle big-picture planning with the smaller details, while keeping your budget and goals in balance, I think you’ll find this episode really valuable. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus links to resources we discuss, you can find it by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/370. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/370 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.

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• Designing a Functional Family Home on a Budget, with Tatiana

  Hello! This is Episode 369, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method member, Tatiana. She lives with her partner and three boys in regional Queensland, and is in the exciting stage of finalising their concept design and moving into preliminary drawings for their new family home. She’s back with her latest project update! [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/369] In our last conversation, we met Tatiana at the very start of her journey. If you haven’t heard the first part of Tatiana’s project story, you can find it at Episodes 350 and 351. (The links for those episodes are here >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/350 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/351 ) Since then, she’s been working closely with her building designer, and collaborating with her builder for input along the way, all while keeping a close eye on their square metre target / floor area size to suit a tight budget. In this episode, Tatiana shares how those budget constraints have actually been helpful in keeping the design disciplined and simple, and how they’re navigating decisions about size, layout, and even whether to keep what Tatiana refers to as a “luxury item” - a third toilet that would be a powder room. We also talk about her home design’s L-shaped layout, the changes they made to create a main entrance that works for their site, and how she’s balancing her own ideas with trusting her designer’s expertise. Plus, we explore upcoming decisions on roof design, ceiling heights, and how to create an alfresco area that works for their climate while staying cost-effective. If you’re in the early stages of planning and want to hear how another homeowner is collaborating with their team, managing a budget, and making key design choices before construction, I think you’ll find this episode full of ideas and insights. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus links to resources we discuss, you can find it by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/369. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/369 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.

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• Navigating Interior Design and Other Project Choices for a New Build, with Jan and Landon

  Hello! This is Episode 368, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method members, Jan and Landon, who are currently building a passive house home for themselves in Sydney’s north. In this episode, we’re diving into a few key updates, starting with their Granny Flat and how its design and construction are coming together. We also discuss interior design selections, and some challenging stormwater issues they’re needing to resolve. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/368] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Jan and Landon in the last episode, head back to Episode 367 to hear more. You can find that at www.undercoverarchitect.com/367 Jan and Landon first appeared on the podcast in Episodes 338 and 339 to introduce us to their project, so those episodes are there for you to hear more about their journey and where it all began. In this episode, we also chat through a few specific things they’re navigating right now, and I share some suggestions on what their next best steps might be. You’ll hear us talk about how they’re working with their hydrologist and builder to figure out a stormwater solution for a pretty tricky site. We discuss the process of choosing an Interior Designer and building confidence around making selections, especially for kitchen and bathroom finishes. Jan’s been feeling a bit unsure here, so we spent some time talking it through and helping her move forward with more ease. And we also talk about their Granny Flat in terms of airtightness, blower door testing, and what might be possible even though the intention is not to get it certified at Passive House standards. We also talk about white paint, and ALL.THE.CHOICES. there … and which one is my preferred. It’s another great episode if you’re wondering what it looks like to move forward with clarity, even when there are still lots of decisions to make. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/368. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/368 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.

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