Get It Right With Undercover Architect

Hello! This is Episode 284. In it, I want to share with you some learnings, some personal experience, and some insights into why your home is so cold. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/284] I’ll be discussing some of the key things to understand if you’re wanting to improve the comfort of your home when renovating, or ensure that your new home is built to provide a thermally comfortable environment. The World Health Organisation states that if your home is, on average, less than 18 degrees per day during Winter months, it’s a home that’s impacting your health and well-being detrimentally. And Australia is notorious for cold homes, with 4 out of 5 homes considered cold across the country. You can definitely change this as part of your renovation or new build project, so let’s learn more. 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 headin

Hello! This is Episode 283. In it, I’m going to discuss builders’ margins, what they are, what they should be, the difference between markups and margins, how much you should be told, and what this information all tells you when choosing a builder. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/283] This will be really useful for you if you’re frustrated that a builder isn’t telling you their margin, or if you are simply expecting it to be 10% and that’s it. It’s also going to be helpful in providing some great questions and opportunities for discussion with potential builders, so you can find out more about their business and how it operates. 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/283. Now, let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you sho

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 st

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/28

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 c

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 episo

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 produc

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 homeow

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 desi

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 mo

Hello! This is Episode 274, and in it, I want to follow on from my last episode about the 3 challenges when working with a volume builder, and in this episode, share some key tips about how to get it right in a volume builder process. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/274] if you haven’t listened to my last episode, it’ll also be great info for you if you’re considering a volume builder for your project. It’s Episode 273. Now, working with a volume builder is very different to a custom design approach. But it doesn’t mean you have to endure a particular type of project experience, build a substandard home, or get locked out of being involved in seeing your home dreams become reality. Understanding the best way to work with a volume builder is great for improving your project experience, and helping you create a great home as well.  We have HOME Method members that have taken a volume builder approach in their project for a

Hello! This is Episode 273, and in it, I’m going to talk about a part of the industry that dominates new building in Australia, and in many other parts of the world, and that’s Volume Builders. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/273] Known by a few names, Volume Builders are the part of the industry that offer you a start-to-finish process to deliver a new home, from visiting their displays, choosing one of their pre-designed versions off the plan, and selecting your finishes from their range of pre-selected options, to then seeing your home through its construction process. Also known as Spec builders, Project Home Builders, Off-the-Plan builders, they can vary in how they offer their product and services. They are usually seen as the least expensive way to build a new home, and the fall-back for many who feel it’s the only option they can afford, or when a custom home feels out of reach or too uncertain a process to navig

Hello! This is Episode 272. In it, I’m going to answer a question I commonly receive from homeowners.  And this question is: I want to do my project as an Owner Builder. What do I need to be aware of with this? [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/272] Homeowners will have different reasons for thinking about being an Owner Builder for their reno or new build. However, there are some REALLY big risks to be aware of when becoming an Owner Builder, that many aren’t aware of at all, and can be quite naive about. And so, in this episode, I’m going to take you through ten specific risks I see happen for Owner Builders, so if you do choose this option, you can choose it with your eyes wide open, and fully informed of what you’re taking on.  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/272. Now, let’s dive in

Hello! This is Episode 271, and in it, I’m talking with Anthea Maynard, who is the Dilapidation Manager and Senior Building Consultant at Melbourne-based consulting business, BSS Group. And we’re discussing Dilapidation Reports. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/271] Now, for many, the first time you hear of a Dilapidation Report can be when you see it as a condition of your Development Approval to commission one for the neighbouring properties around your home before you renovate or build. Or, you may be super concerned about a neighbour complaining that your project will potentially damage theirs.  Or, you may also suddenly see that YOUR neighbour is commencing a project, and they’ve done nothing to consult you, and you’re concerned about the potential damage it might cause to your property. This is where Dilapidation Reports come in.  So, I’m really looking forward to sharing this episode with you, and getting Anthea’s

Hello! This is Episode 270. In it, I’m going to share 5 key points to know about your roof design.  If you’re getting ready for your renovation or new build, or you’re currently working on your floor plan design with an architect, building designer, draftsperson, directly with a builder, or you’re even designing your own home, this episode will be super helpful for you. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/270] And remember, whilst your home is lines on a page, it’s actually not too late to make changes that will fix it, improve it, and ensure it’s a great quality home that improves your lifestyle and makes the aspirations, effort, time and money you’re investing in it all worthwhile. I’ll be taking you through 5 key points to consider when it comes to your roof design and construction, and to be discussing with your team. And the earlier you can discuss this, the better, because as you’ll hear, your roof design is best consi

Hello! This is Episode 269. In it, I’m going to discuss a post I recently saw on Facebook that really had me shaking my head about what people are enduring when building and renovating their homes … and I want to help you NOT go through the same thing, so we’re going to talk about it. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/269] The post began: “I’m honestly so done with building. This is my first home and first building experience and I HATE it. I’ll never build again.” And then, at my last check, within 2 days of the original post there were over 100 comments of people in varying levels of agreement with this. Stories of delays in site starts, price rises even though builders promised there wouldn’t be, projects taking two years or more to complete. It went on and on and on. The author of this original post shared their own story, and I could understand why they never wanted to build again. They’d had promises made and broken,

Hello! This is Episode 268, and in it, I’m going to dive into 5 problems I commonly hear from those who are starting their renovation or new build project. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/268] If you’re listening to this podcast episode, and you’re dreaming about your future home but not sure when you’ll make your project formally happen … Or perhaps you’ve decided this year is going to be the year to get serious about bringing those future home dreams to life … Or maybe you’re already on the way, and either choosing your team, or already working with them … Then this episode will be helpful for you. I want to take you through the 5 problems I regularly hear about from homeowners when starting their renovation or new build.  However, before I jump in, I want to mention this: it’s worth understanding how differently the word ‘start’ can be defined for people in their project journey, and what ‘start’ actually represents. 

Hello! This is Episode 267, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Joost Bakker, and learning more about his Future Food System, and approach to building and living without waste. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/267] If you haven’t listened to Episode 266 and Part 1 of this conversation, I recommend you head back and catch that episode first, as this episode will then make a LOT more sense! You can head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/266 to do that now. In this episode, we talk about the nuts and bolts of some of the materials and construction of Future Food System, particularly reviewing the floor and wall systems, and the choice of products and materials to meet Joost’s criteria of recyclability and biodegradability at end of life. And at the end of the conversation, Joost actually gives us a walk around of his own home to explain some of the design decisions he makes and suggests for your project (I’ve include

Hello! This is Episode 266, and in it, I’m so SO so looking forward to bringing you my amazing guest, Joost Bakker. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/266] In this and the next episode, Joost generously shares with us his zero waste approach to his projects and work, and in particular, his latest project: Future Food System.  Future Food System was built as a temporary home in Melbourne’s Federation Square, with the goal of “reimagining the home as an ecosystem that provides shelter, energy and nourishment for its inhabitants.”  And as with well-functioning ecosystems, Future Food System was fully self-sufficient: producing its own energy, water and food, and managing, recycling and utilising its own waste, all within an urban environment on a very compact and well-designed, 2 bedroom, 89m2 footprint. Joost shared the journey of construction openly, and once the building was completed, Chefs Matt Stone and Jo Barrett lived

Hello! This is Episode 265, and in it, I’m talking with architect, Emilio Fuscaldo of Nest Architects, about Green Roofs and all electric homes. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/265] If you haven’t listened to Episode 264, that was Part 1 of my conversation with Emilio, where we discussed the green roof he did on his own home.  Emilio shared a lot of information about the design, materials, construction and detailing of that green roof, so it’s worth listening to if you haven’t.  Just head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/264 for more information. In this episode, Emilio continues to share some learnings from that very first green roof he did on his own home. And, we also get to talk about a more recent project he’s completed for clients in Melbourne, Victoria.  They also included a green roof in their renovation and extension.  Plus, they decided to do an all electric home, focussing on air tightness, various methods of he