Get It Right With Undercover Architect

Hello! This is Episode #212, and in it, I’m going to help you understand how to check your drawings during your Design Phase. And I’ll also be sharing how you can know that you’re getting the right amount and quality of information from whoever you’re working with, before you sign off your design and commit to it being fully documented in the next stage of your project. The Design Phase is a really important part of your project. Far too often, homeowners race through it, for a combination of reasons. However, it’s worthwhile taking your time in at this point in your project, so you avoid some really common mistakes that happen during the Design Phase. Remember too, you can grab a full transcript of this episode, plus info about other helpful links and resources related to this topic, as a free PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/212. So be sure to do that so you can file that away and review this episode as needed. Now, let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: If you&

Hello! This is Episode #211, and in it, I’m going to be talking about the design of your outdoor entertaining area or alfresco.  And specifically, I’ll be sharing what to consider when it comes to your roof design over this area, so it doesn’t diminish the feeling and functionality of the space, or the interior of the home. This is a question I get a lot from homeowners. Often it’s because they’ve lived in a home where their outdoor space, and how it was roofed, negatively impacted the way their home worked overall. And they don’t want to make the same mistake in their current renovation or new build project. For some locations, there can be a debate of whether you need or want to roof your outdoor entertaining or alfresco area, or if that roof needs to just be used at certain times of the year, and then disappear at others. So, we’re going to dive into all of this.  Plus, I’ll be also talking about the various things to consider if you have an existin

Hello! This is Episode #210, and in it, I’m continuing on from the last episode, where we’re answering the question: How do you know you don’t just need a draftsperson or building designer, but you should use an architect instead? And when should you definitely use an architect vs other industry professionals? Or when you can use a draftsperson, or even go straight to a builder? If you haven’t had the chance to listen to the previous episode, then stop now, and go back to listen to Part 1. You can then come back to this episode, and it’ll make more sense. It’ll be here waiting for you when you’re ready! Remember too, you can grab a full transcript of this episode, plus info about other helpful links and resources related to this topic, as a free PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/210. So be sure to do that so you can file that away and review this episode as needed. Now, let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding

Hello! This is Episode #209, and in it, I’ll be answering a common question I hear from homeowners. How do you know you don’t just need a draftsperson or building designer, but you should use an architect instead? And when should you definitely use an architect vs other industry professionals? Or when you can use a draftsperson, or even go straight to a builder? Many homeowners want to know if there’s a way of narrowing down who they should work with based on the kind of project they’re planning. Or if their project will be considered too small or too big for specific types of design professionals. So, I’m going to be taking you through how to determine who to work with for your project, whatever you’re planning to do. You can grab a full transcript of this episode, the first part of this conversation, as a free PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/209, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed. Now, let’s dive in! SHOW NOTES: If

Hello! This is Episode 208. In this episode, we’re discussing the topic of roof colour, and more specifically, dark roof colours vs light roof colours, and whether your selection really matters to the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of your home. Roof colour is something I’m asked about a lot. Does it really matter, and how much does it matter?  For many of us who know what it’s like to get into a dark car after it’s been parked in the street in the sun, or wear a black t-shirt out in the sun during Summer, there’s a basic understanding that dark colours absorb more heat.  And so, I’m also often asked, “if you live in an area where your focus is keeping your home warm in Winter, then aren’t you better off having a dark roof?” This is why I’m really looking forward to you meeting my guest for this episode. He is architect Sid Thoo, and he is also an energy assessor. In all his work, he aims to help homeowners create eco-efficient, comf

Hello! This is Episode 207. In this episode, you’ll learn from architect, Antony Martin of MRTN Architects, how you can think about the Pre-Design Phase of your project. Often when homeowners start their project, their priority is to think about the floor plan design, how it will get created, and who will help them. And, if you’re planning on working with a design professional such as an architect or building designer, you may expect that your very first steps with them are going to be seeing pen put to paper (or mouse to CAD program!) as floor plans of your future new home or renovation get created based on your wishes and wants. However, and you’ve probably heard me talk about this before - and it’s definitely something I teach inside my online courses and program, the HOME Method - getting your design started is nowhere near as important as starting the RIGHT design. When you take the time at the beginning of your project to ensure you’re starting the RIGHT design for your fut

Hello! This is Episode 205. In this episode, we wrap up our little mini-series on the PAC Process, or Paid As Consultant Process, with a fantastic conversation I really think you’re going to enjoy. I’m speaking with Bec and Glenn, who recently completed a renovation of their Queenslander home in Brisbane, and used the PAC Process during their design phase. After working with me to create some initial design concept options, they worked with building designer, Aaron Wailes, who you met in Episode 203, and builder, Duayne Pearce, who was on our last episode. As a collaborative team, they developed their preferred design concept into costed construction drawings, kicked off the renovation on site, and then completed the home in early 2021. Bec and Glenn were also members of my online program, the HOME Method both before and during their project. I know it’s going to be great for you to hear their experience first-hand, and I’m super grateful for them jumping on the podcast, because it&rsq

Hello! This is Episode 204. In this episode, I am speaking with a builder who only uses the PAC Process in his residential construction business. He no longer does tenders and quotes, and will only work with clients right from the initiation of their project, so he can be Paid As a Consultant and get involved during the design phase. For him as the builder, the PAC Process is the best and only way to work with clients. Because he believes it improves the client experience, the project, and also the way he does business. I’m speaking about Duayne Pearce, and he was a guest in Season 4 of the podcast, and also my co-host for all of Season 7. He’s also a collaborator inside my online program, the HOME Method.  And now, he and I now have another business together, called Live Life Build, where we’re working with builders to improve the way they do business, so we can elevate the professionalism of the residential construction industry overall. This is the fourth episode I’m doing abou

Hello! This is Episode 203. In this episode, I speak with a building designer who is using the PAC Process with his residential clients to improve the design process, and the client experience in their project. You may recall Aaron Wailes, who featured as our Building Designer in Season 4 (Know Your Team) here on the podcast. Aaron Wailes is the Founder and Owner of GreenCoast Building Design, a residential design practice focused on delivering form, function, personality and lifestyle to residential housing. Based in Wynnum, Brisbane, they work with clients all over SE Queensland and beyond. Remember, our PAC Process, is where you bring a builder on to be Paid As a Consultant during the pre-construction phase.  They become a collaborative member of your design team, working alongside you and your chosen designer, to provide input on cost and buildability as your design develops and gets resolved. Aaron has some great insight to share about how he sees this process working for homeowners in real life, pl

Hello! This is Episode 202. In this episode, I’m continuing the conversation about the PAC Process, where you bring a builder on board your design team and they’re Paid As a Consultant during the pre-construction phase. In the last episode, I shared some information on why this process can be a great way to commence your project, and what you can achieve with it, plus some key things to be aware of as well - including what the PAC Process is NOT.  So, if you haven’t listened to that episode, I encourage you to stop listening to this one, and head back to it now. You’ll get to hear the WHY of the PAC Process. And we’ll be waiting here for you when you get back. In this episode, I’m sharing more about the WHAT of the PAC Process. I’ll be talking about what the PAC Process actually looks like as a step-by-step process, as well as key things to be aware of and how it can vary depending on the builder you work with. Now, remember you can download a PDF Transcript of t

Hello, this is Episode 201. If you’re frustrated at hearing all the stories about those who spend loads of time on their home design, only to find at the point of getting quotes that they’re significantly over budget, you’re going to love this podcast episode. You can create a custom new build or renovation that’s on budget and simpler to build - you just need the right process and the right team on board. In this episode, and actually across the next few episodes as well, I’m going to dive into detail into what I call the PAC Process, or the P - A - C Process.  This is a process where you, as the homeowner, bring a builder on board to be Paid As a Consultant (hence the P-A-C initials).  You bring them on to be Paid as a Consultant during the design phase, and they work collaboratively with you and your chosen designer (be it an architect or building designer), whilst your design is being developed. And remember, you can grab a full transcript of THIS episode as a free

This is Episode 200. Can you believe it? Sometimes I pinch myself that I’m here, that you’re here, that we’re on this journey together and it’s now 200 episodes in and almost 4.5 years old.  And so, in this episode, I want to celebrate this journey with you. Consider this my very sincere and possibly corny, love letter to you, my gorgeous podcast listener.  And, perhaps I’m showing my age, but in a nod to Heath Ledger, I’ve titled this podcast “10 Things I Love About You” as a listener of the Get it Right podcast.  (Anyone remember the movie “10 Things I Hate About You”? I think it’s on Netflix if, like me, you enjoyed that genre of movies!) I’m also going to share some personal info about my own renovation project, as my hubby and I are starting the process of renovating our own family home.  And remember, you can grab a full transcript of THIS episode as a free PDF download by heading to https://undercoverarchitect.c

This is Episode #199. In this episode, I’m continuing on with information about what to consider if you’re planning on supplying your own fixtures, finishes and fittings when constructing your renovation or new build, and excluding them from your contract with your builder. This is Part 2 of this topic. So if you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, it’ll make a lot more sense if you go back to Episode 198 and listen to it first (https://undercoverarchitect.com/198).  Then you can come back, and listen to this episode - it will be waiting here for you. And remember, you can grab a full transcript of THIS episode as a free PDF download by heading to https://undercoverarchitect.com/199, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed. So, 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 yo

Hello! This is Episode #198, and I’m diving into the topic of supplying your own fixtures and finishes for your renovation or building project. Many homeowners seek to save money in their building project by extracting specific supplied items from the building contract. They organise to do this with their builder, and sign a contract that doesn’t include these items.  This means they (as the homeowner) then go and personally shop for, purchase and supply, all or various fixtures and fittings for their reno or new build. And at the time of recording this episode, where we’re dealing with huge demands on products, materials, trades and sub-contractors, there are builders actually recommending to homeowners that they take care of their own supply items when signing their contract. And remember, you can grab a full transcript of this episode as a free PDF download by heading to https://undercoverarchitect.com/198, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed. SHOW NOTES: I

This is Episode #197, and in it, I’ll be talking about using a Design Construct Builder or Company for your new home or renovation.  Design Construct builders or companies can seem like a great way to manage cost and still get a custom design approach inside a one-stop shop, with a single point of contact.  However there are a range of reasons why it may not work for your project, and where it can be problematic. And remember, you can grab a full transcript of this episode as a free PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/197, so be sure to do that so you can review this episode as needed. 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

This is episode #196, and in it, I’m going to share with you how to create a comprehensive and effective design brief for your renovation or building project. This is something EVERYONE needs to do - whether they’re renovating or building new - and so, it’s worthwhile learning what to include, and the kinds of things to think about, plus specific topics to discuss with anyone else you’re doing your project with. And good news: you can grab a full transcript of this podcast episode as a PDF download by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/196 so be sure to do that, and use it as a guide for creating your design brief. So, let’s dive straight 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 Pla

This is episode 195 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, we’ll be talking about the stories we tell ourselves that may sabotage our renovation or new build project. I’ll be bringing you a special guest who has bucketloads of experience in helping people bust their stories wide open. Her name is Lisa Corduff, and she’s got a huge amount of wisdom to share that I know is going to be amazing for you. Her work is something I’ve had personal experience in. And in the work I do with homeowners all over Australia, and around the world - both male and female - I know it’s going to be relevant for you too.  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://u

This is episode 194 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be covering the kick-off stage of your project.  This is where you’re past the ideas stage, and know you want to get going, but you’re not sure about who to hire or next steps, and who you should speak to first.  We’ll be covering the mistakes to avoid, the key ways to get it right in this stage, and an action step for you to make great progress in the right direction. 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

This is episode 193 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’m talking about those of you, who have got your plans locked and loaded, and it's now time to sign contracts with a builder and hit go! Before you choose your builder and before you start construction, listen to this episode. So, 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 gett

This is episode 192 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be talking about being stuck. That frustrating feeling when you’re in the midst of your project, and you’re just finding it super hard to take any action. You’re paralysed. Unable to move forward.  It may be because you have a design you don’t love, and you’re not sure what to do now. Or you may have a design you DO love, but it’s totally over your budget, and you’re not sure what steps to take next.  Or perhaps it’s to do with a professional you’re working with, a selection you have to make, or one of the many other things involved in making your reno or new home happen. You just can’t take the next step. You’re stuck. 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