If we haven’t met before, I’m Amelia Lee, the architect behind Undercover Architect: an online business to help and teach homeowners like you how to get it righ...
Choosing Smart Home Systems for a New Build, with Cindy
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.
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38:39
Dealing with a Wet Mouldy Timber Frame during Construction, with Cindy
Hello! This is Episode 342, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method member, Cindy. Cindy is a HOME Method member, and she’s also a designer and Thermal Performance Assessor, who has designed her own new home which is currently under construction. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/342] Cindy was on the podcast about 5 months ago in Episodes 321 and 322, giving us her first update on her project, and sharing her design phase and early construction experience. She’s back to talk about some of the challenges that weather has brought for the construction process: in particular dealing with a wet timber frame that has grown mould, and needs to be remediated before the project continues. We’ve had a few members inside HOME Method navigating this challenge this year, as the weather has been wet for long periods of time in many parts of Australia, and that can wreak havoc on an exposed timber frame of a home during construction. Timber can absorb moisture and water, and then over time, with the right conditions, grow mould which impregnates in the timber itself. The worst thing that can happen is that the frame is not allowed to dry out, or the mould is not remediated, and the home gets lined internally and externally regardless of its dampness or condition. This can be incredibly detrimental for the health of the occupants and the durability of the home long-term. And, unfortunately, it happens far too often in home construction. So, I think you’ll find Cindy’s process of navigating this specific challenge on her project super informative. 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/342. 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/342 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.
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31:26
Budgeting, Design and a Beautiful Renovation, with Sophie
Hello! This is Episode 341, and it’s Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Sophie, about her Perth-based renovation of a 2 bedroom Californian bungalow into a beautiful home for her and her family. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/341] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Sophie, be sure to head to Episode 340 to catch up now. You can find it at www.undercoverarchitect.com/340 and there’s a full transcript there as well. In this episode, Sophie shares how they tested the design, and there’s some really great methods that Sophie and her partner used to gain confidence they were making the right choices, in everything from the layout of the home, to the size of specific cupboards and joinery design. Sophie also talks about their budget, and how she set it, went about managing it, tracking it and staying on track across her project duration. And Sophie shares a great way she helped herself make value-based decisions on what they were spending, so things didn’t get away from them. Plus, we also discuss her methods for documenting her selections and minimising decision fatigue as she made all the various choices for her project. There was one big one that she couldn’t bring herself to make though - and you’ll hear about that. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus some helpful links and photos of Sophie’s finished home, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/341. 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/341 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.
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36:29
Turning a 1930s Bungalow into a Light-Filled Haven: Renovation Tips and Lessons with Sophie
Hello! This is Episode 340, and in it, I’m talking with homeowner and HOME Method member, Sophie, about the renovation of her Californian bungalow in Perth, Western Australia. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/340] Sophie and her partner finished their renovation project in April 2023, just 6 weeks before they welcomed their first child, a baby girl, into the world, and brought her home to their newly created renovation. There’s nothing like a baby’s due date to put pressure on project deadlines! And, if you don’t have kids already, it can be tricky to design a home that will suit a growing and changing family, especially over the long term. However, as you’ll learn from my conversation with Sophie, she has so much helpful information to share about how she and her partner: purchased the right property to renovate how they thought about their design how they selected their team and the way she navigated her project journey, confidently implementing her learning and research. And given the project was carried out during some of the most challenging COVID times, in one of the most separated locations in Australia at that time, you’ll hear how they kept things on track both time and budget-wise as well. I’m so looking forward to sharing this conversation with you - I think it’s going to be super helpful as it’s packed full of great tips and ideas for anyone building or renovating. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus some helpful links and photos of Sophie’s finished home, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/340. 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/340 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.
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36:37
The Granny Flat Dilemma: Custom, PreFab or Kit, with Jan and Landon
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.
If we haven’t met before, I’m Amelia Lee, the architect behind Undercover Architect: an online business to help and teach homeowners like you how to get it right when designing, building and renovating your home. Undercover Architect is all about giving you access to the industry knowledge and insights you need to avoid the mistakes and dramas that can cost you thousands, tens of thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. And it’s about levelling the playing field, so that the world of renovating and building doesn’t seem so mysterious, and you can be the active driver in your project, navigating it with know-how and confidence.
Undercover Architect helps and teaches homeowners through this podcast, the website, and online courses and programs, including my flagship program, HOME Method. I truly believe that when you know the questions to ask, the steps to take and the best way to create a home that works, feels great, and that you feel great in, you can enjoy the process of building and renovating, as well as the home you move into at the end of this ambitious journey.
Consider Undercover Architect your secret ally: whoever you’re working with, and whatever your location, your budget or your dreams. For more, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com
Australia