Get It Right With Undercover Architect

Hello! This is Episode 396, and I want to talk about something that comes up at the very beginning of almost every project I hear about. It usually sounds like one of these questions. "Should I add a second storey, or extend out the back?" Or… "Is it worth renovating what we have, or should we just knock it down and build new?" Or… "We've got a blank block - do we go with a volume builder, or work with an architect or designer and do a custom project?" [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/396] And what all of these questions have in common is this: they come from a place of genuinely not knowing which direction to go. There are multiple options on the table.  Each of them could potentially work. They can vary in budget and timelines and team structure and approvals. But you don't yet have enough information to choose between them with confidence. And so what a lot of people do - and I completely understand

Hello! This is Episode 395, and this is Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Tanya, about the renovation of their Melbourne home that they’ve now been enjoying living in for a year, and experiencing the results of their efforts in how it functions and performs. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/395] In the last episode, we heard how Tanya used the Brief Builder inside HOME Method to get really clear on how she and her family wanted to live, and how that helped her confidently choose her team and set her project up for success. If you missed Part 1, you can head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/394 to listen or download the free PDF transcript. In this episode, we dive into what happened next. You’ll hear how that upfront clarity and preparation flowed into their construction phase, and why Tanya describes that part of the project as calm, collaborative and genuinely enjoyable. We talk about how thei

Hello! This is Episode 394, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method member, Tanya. Tanya lives with her husband and daughter in Melbourne. They worked within the existing footprint of the home of the 100-year-old double brick home, undertaking a renovation that dramatically improves how it feels, functions and performs.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/394] What started as a cold, dark and disconnected house has been transformed into a warm, light-filled and comfortable home that truly supports how their family wants to live. In this episode, you’ll hear about Tanya’s journey through her renovation, and how she approached it in a way that set her up for success from the very beginning. One of the key tools you’ll hear her talk about is their Design Brief. Using the Brief Builder from HOME Method and taking time to fill it out enabled it to be a game changer for her project. By investing the t

Hello! This is Episode 393, and in this episode, I want to talk about one of the most common and most misleading phrases I hear homeowners use when they’re planning work on their home. And it’s this: “We’re just doing a small renovation.” [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/393] Now, I understand why people say it. Usually, what they mean is that they’re not doing a full new build, they’re not taking on a huge extension, they’re not redesigning the whole house, or they’re only touching one part of the home rather than everything at once.  So the phrase can sound logical enough. And it can feel accurate in comparison to some other, much bigger project. But here’s the problem. That phrase, “small renovation”, often creates a whole set of assumptions that can be super deceptive.  It can make you think the work will be straightforward, that the pro

Hello, this is Episode 392, and this is Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Michael, about his recently completed new build in regional Western Australia. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/392] In the last episode, we spoke about the journey from lock up through to handover, the detailing decisions, and what it’s been like to finally move in and live in the home after more than five years of planning and building. If you want to catch up on Part 1, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/391. And is the third instalment we’ve had from Michael about his project. You can catch previous updates in Episodes 323 and 324, discussing earlier parts of the project. And then Episode 347 and 348, where Michael discussed documentation, approvals, pricing, contracts and commencing construction. Check out those episodes to hear loads of helpful insights and information. In this episode, we talk about the stress of

Hello, this is Episode 391, and in this episode, I’m welcoming back HOME Method member, Michael, to share an update on his new build journey. Now the home is complete, and they’ve been enjoying it for a few months, he has lots to share about the build experience, completion and landscaping, and enjoying the finished home. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/391] This is the third instalment we’ve had from Michael about his project. You can catch previous updates in Episodes 323 and 324, discussing earlier parts of the project. And then Episode 347 and 348, where Michael discussed documentation, approvals, pricing, contracts and commencing construction. Check out those episodes to hear loads of helpful insights and information. When Michael last joined me on the podcast, his roof was on, the home was about to be clad, and his separate workshop hadn’t yet begun. Fast forward to now, and the home reached

Hello! This is Episode 390, and I want to give you a framework that will help you understand why you can feel so unsure as you navigate the world of renovating and building. And frankly, it applies any time you tackle something new. If you’ve got 47 browser tabs open, a Notes app full of screenshots, and a partner who is sick of hearing “I don’t know, I just need to think about it”, this episode is for you. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/390] Because here’s what I see all the time. Homeowners are not struggling because they are incapable. They are struggling because they are learning a whole new world, a whole new industry, while the consequences feel expensive, personal, and irreversible. You are trying to make decisions about layouts, contracts, drawings, selections, builders, budgets, timelines, and regulations. Often while living your very full, demanding, everyday life. Often while fee

Hello! And welcome to Episode 389. Once a project starts to feel real, money often becomes the loudest voice in the room. This episode is about pausing before you spend, and understanding how early financial decisions shape not just what you can build, but how stressful, efficient and satisfying your project experience actually is. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/389] Many homeowners believe the smartest move is to hold onto every dollar until construction begins. To save hard, minimise early spend, and assume the real costs only start once building is underway. That belief makes sense. This is a significant financial investment, and it’s natural for that to feel confronting, even overwhelming. But what we’re going to talk about in this episode is that why, when, and where you spend matters just as much as how much. And how early, intentional investment can often save you far more money, stress and regret lat

Hello! And welcome to Episode 388. Once you’ve decided that you really are going to renovate or build, something shifts. The dreaming phase starts to give way to planning, and the stakes begin to feel real. It’s often at this moment that research ramps up. Podcasts, articles, social media, saved folders, screenshots, notes. It can feel like the most responsible thing to do. To educate yourself thoroughly so you do not miss anything or make a costly mistake. This episode is not about doing less research. It is about understanding when research is actually helping you move forward, and when it quietly becomes a way to delay decisions, avoid commitment, or feel productive without making progress. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/388] If you have ever thought, “I just need to learn a bit more before I commit,” or felt like you should absorb everything before taking the next step, you are not alone. I h

Hello! This is Episode 387. At some point early in a project, many homeowners often reach the same conclusion: “If I can just find the right designer or the right builder, everything will fall into place.” This episode is about gently unpacking that belief, and understanding why choosing the right people matters far less than how and when you engage them. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/387] If you’ve been feeling unsure about who to talk to first, worried about making the wrong call, or hoping that the right professional will simply take the lead and guide you, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common pressure points I see at the start of projects. Before we begin, I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work, the Widjabul Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung Nation. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and I honour their ongoing connection

Hello! And welcome to Episode 386.  So often I see homeowners, excited about their project, instinctively moving straight into design.  This episode is about slowing that moment down, and understanding why the work you do before you design has such a big influence on what is created - whoever you’re working with and even if you’re DIYing your design. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/386] The urgency to start working on design drawings usually comes from a mix of excitement and fear. Excitement about finally seeing something take shape, and fear that if you wait, costs will rise, opportunities will disappear, or you’ll somehow fall behind. But it is important to gently challenge the assumption that drawing plans is the best or most productive way to respond to that urgency. Before we begin, I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work, the Widjabul Wia-bal people

Hello! And welcome to Episode 385. Most people think projects start with design or budgeting. They don’t. This episode introduces the four real phases of every project, and explains why confusion, rework, and cost blowouts usually come from skipping or rushing the early ones. So if you’re starting out and feeling overwhelmed or confused, you’re not behind. And in tuning into this episode, and the Mini-sode Series I’m kicking off, you’re in the right place to gain some helpful insights and know-how before you start your project. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/385] Welcome to this Mini-Sodes Series called ‘Start Here’. Each episode is designed to eliminate assumptions, bust common myths, and help you understand what actually matters first, before you dive headlong into your project driven by excitement alone. You’ll learn what to prioritise now, what can wait, and how to mov

Hello! This is Episode 384, and this is Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method members, Louise and Zane. We’re catching up with them about their Melbourne renovation, and hearing more about their construction process. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/384] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I’d recommend heading back to Episode 383 first. In that episode, Louise and Zane shared how construction is progressing, how they navigated early challenges with bank finance, and how a collaborative team and clear brief have helped them stay confident as their home starts to take shape. And, previous conversations with Louise and Zane can be found in Episode 317 and Episode 318, as well as Episode 354 and Episode 355.  You can find those at: www.undercoverarchitect.com/317 www.undercoverarchitect.com/318 www.undercoverarchitect.com/354 www.undercoverarchitect.com/355 In this latest update, we go deeper

Hello! This is Episode 383, and in it, we’re getting an update from HOME Method members, Louise and Zane, about their renovation project. They’re currently under construction in their renovation and extension of a Californian Bungalow in Melbourne. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/383] If you haven’t heard the earlier parts of Louise and Zane’s journey, head back to Episodes 317 and 318, and then their most recent updates in Episodes 354 and 355.  You’ll hear how they approached choosing their team, what they wanted to create with their Californian Bungalow renovation and extension in Melbourne, and the early preparation they did to set themselves up well. You can find those at: www.undercoverarchitect.com/317 www.undercoverarchitect.com/318 www.undercoverarchitect.com/354 www.undercoverarchitect.com/355 In this conversation, Louise and Zane share where the project is at now, and the g

Hello! This is Episode 382, and I am back with HOME Method member, Ben, as we continue following his renovation and extension journey, which is under construction right now.  If you are in construction now, or heading towards it, this conversation will give you a In this episode, we step deeper into Ben’s experience of construction.  You’ll hear Ben talk about what it felt like to walk through the home now the frame is up and the building wrap is on, and how he’s been able to have confidence in the room sizes and dimensions because of his use of the HOME Method resources earlier in his design process.  [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/382] In the last episode, we explored the rhythm and clarity that regular site meetings have brought to his project, and how that foundation has strengthened communication, problem solving and the working relationship with his builder.  If you haven&rsqu

Hello! This is Episode 381, and I am joined once again by HOME Method member, Ben, to talk about what happens when your project finally moves from drawings into real walls, a real roof and regular site meetings on your building site. If you are in construction now, or heading towards it, this conversation will give you a really practical look at how to stay informed, keep your communication organised, and maintain a strong relationship with your builder along the way. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/381] You may remember Ben from Episodes 352 and 353, where he shared how their project began and why he and his partner, Mike, chose to pause and redesign in order to better align with their budget and goals.  We then caught up again in Episodes 371 and 372 to talk about choosing their builder and stepping into pre-construction after more than a year of due diligence. Make sure you check out those episodes if you haven&r

Hello! This is Episode 380, and it’s Part 4 of my conversation with Fionna and Ed, as they take us behind the scenes of their new build journey of their sustainable, accessible home, and share how they set things up so they could enjoy the experience. In this episode, it’s the last in our 4-part series, and we’re talking about what it’s been like on site - visiting regularly, watching progress unfold, and tracking schedule and budget. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/380] Fionna and Ed share how their builder has provided regular, transparent updates against budget and time, which has helped them stay informed and confident every step of the way.  You’ll hear why the time they invested in the design phase well and truly paid off once construction began… and how their clear expectations of the consultants involved, along with their architect’s thorough preparation, helped set

Hello! This is Episode 379, and it’s Part 3 of my conversation with HOME Method members, Fionna and Ed, as they share their new build journey in Canberra. I decided to continue sharing our conversation so we could have this as a four-part series on the podcast, and then you get to hear the whole scope of their project through Pre-Design, Design, Pre-Build and Build.  I hope, as a result, it’s super helpful for you to follow along and hear where they invested their time, efforts and money, and how that’s influenced their project journey. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/379] If you haven’t listened to the previous parts of our conversation and want to hear the whole story from the start, head back to Episodes 377 and 378. You’ll find them at www.undercoverarchitect.com/377 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/378 In this episode, we move into the construction or Build phase of their project, a

Hello! This is Episode 378, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method members Fionna and Ed, who are building a new home in Canberra on a challenging but amazing site, where the home design responds to the unique site conditions, as well as the goals they have for their lifestyle into the future. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/378] If you’ve missed out on the first part of this conversation, head back to Episode 377 to learn more about how they secured their block, the due diligence they went through, and getting started on their project. You can find that at www.undercoverarchitect.com/377 In this latest update, you’ll hear how they collaborated with their architect through the design process. We also explore the practicalities of budget management during design and how they selected their builder.  Fionna and Ed also share the detailed thinking behind elements like their flat roof desi

Hello! This is Episode 377, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method members Fionna and Ed. They’re based in Canberra, and are creating a beautiful, energy efficient and flexible home designed for their next chapter of life - a home that allows them to age in place, welcome family and friends, and accommodate their adult children when they come and go. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/377] Fionna and Ed’s home is being built on a unique block with a spectacular old oak tree that takes up almost a third of the site. Their architectural design works around this tree through a series of three connected pavilions that make the most of light, outlook and connection to the garden. In our conversation, you’ll hear how Fionna and Ed navigated purchasing this block, including conditional offers, tree protection laws, and some very determined problem-solving. Their story is such a great example of balancing t