Get It Right With Undercover Architect

This is episode 191 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be talking about those who are working with someone right now on your home design, exploring all the options, reviewing sketches of floor plans being presented to you, and you’re loving all the possibilities and ideas.  If you’re working with an architect or a building designer, or who are planning to, this episode will show you what you need to consider to maximise that relationship, and really get a great outcome not only for your future home, but also in the experience you have in your project.  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 wo

This is episode 190 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode I’ll be talking about those who are DIY’ing their design, and know that soon they’ll be on the hunt for a builder to make it a reality. There are many, many homeowners who design their own home from scratch, and then go straight to a builder. They see it as a means of maintaining full control on the process, and getting what they want in their future home.  But there’s some key things to pay attention to if this is your approach, so that you don’t end up making mistakes, or just overlooking the things that can make your home truly special and enjoyable to live 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”

This is episode 189 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 s

This is episode 188 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be helping you learn how to get it right if you’re at the stage in your project where you’re dreaming up ideas, and scrolling Pinterest, Houzz and Google. 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 so

This is episode 187 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be talking about getting serious about your project, and how this can be THE pathway to having real fun whilst you design, build and renovate your family home. 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 grea

This season is all about helping you take action. This season is going to help you, whatever stage you’re at, take your next best steps. To avoid the mistakes many make, and have some goals to aim for, and clear action steps to achieve them. And in this episode, I kick off this season by sharing the story of how Undercover Architect all began, and the confronting lessons I had to learn in order to bring it into reality. Listen to the episode now, and stay tuned for a fantastic season! 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

I’m super excited to be bringing this episode to you. Because in it, I’m going to share with you some really fantastic news if you’re designing, building or renovating your future home, and share with you some great insight into what will ultimately create that feel-good home you can’t wait to live in. SHOW NOTES: Since I started Undercover Architect in mid 2014, I’ve been able to help thousands and thousands through the website and this podcast.  In fact, the podcast is now at over 750,000 downloads, which is incredible.  And through Undercover Architect’s online programs, I’m directly helping, and have been able to personally help, over 1,600 homeowners with various aspects of designing, building and renovating their family homes. I’m always looking for what creates true enjoyment and success in residential projects. Whatever the scale or size, budget or location, what is it that really matters and makes not only the experience of building and renova

This is a special episode where I’ll be sharing how to choose the right builder and some of the mistakes I see homeowners make when it comes to selecting the builder for their new home or renovation project. SHOW NOTES: Before we jump into the episode, I want to mention a mini-course that I created a little while ago and have been super excited to see well over 100 beautiful people jump into already. It’s called ‘Choose Your Builder’, and it’s designed to give you actionable and practical information so you can be more confident when researching, interviewing and selecting your builder.  (Head here to learn more >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/choose-your-builder/) Inside, you’ll find my video workshop, “The 5C’s to Choosing Your Builder” where I give you a simple framework to remember and use as you’re looking for, and speaking with builders - plus I outline all the right questions to ask. I also have a series of short vide

Hello! I’m back with Part 2 and more of my recap of the Australian Bushfire Building Conference.  There was a consistent theme to the conference about the role you as a homeowner, living in your home, can do to ensure its bushfire resistance - that can actually have a more significant impact than its construction. Something that’s not just about its construction.  So in this episode, I’ll be talking about that. Let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: In my research for this ‘Rebuild + Build Better’ season, I saw a lot of examples where properties were only saved because someone had been there to defend them.  There was a vivid example from the recent fires where a woman returned with her family to find her home was still intact - and she was shocked because so many others were lost. As she surveyed her home, she found an area of charring on the back of the property, up the rear wall, but that

Hello! It’s been an amazing season on the podcast so far, and it’s been great to hear from those of you who have found this information helpful.  And thanks to those of you who have been reviewing the podcast so it can reach more people, and also sharing this resource with others who need to hear it. I’m so, so grateful that you’re getting this podcast out there, and to know that homeowners all over are learning how to Get it Right with Undercover Architect. In mid September, I attended the Australian Bushfire Building Conference. Held in the Blue Mountains, they opened it up to virtual attendance, which was fantastic. It was 2 days of incredible speakers, so many insights shared, and such great info, that I wanted to share it here on the podcast as well.  In this episode and the next, I’m going to be sharing the highlights and big takeaways from the Conference. There’s something here for everyone, so, let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful link

Hello! It’s the last part of my conversation with David Keane from Solve My Claim, in what’s been an amazing interview (over 5 episodes) full of such helpful information and insights into home and contents insurance, insurance claims, and how to ensure you’re protected when you need to be. Solve my Claim provides expert support and assistance to anyone struggling with their insurance claims.  And it’s been fantastic to hear members of the UA Community have been getting in touch with Solve My Claim to get the help they need - and have been sharing this incredible information with others as well. David has more great information to share in this episode. So, let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: Solve My Claim exists to provide expert guidance, to help you navigate through claims disputes and problems that can be difficult to resolve. They provide an extraordinary service to people who can often feel so worn

Hello! In this episode, I’m back with more from David Keane, Solve My Claim. Solve my Claim provides expert support and assistance to anyone struggling with their insurance claims.  David is an expert on all things home and content insurance, and he’s going to help us understand and decipher the differences between insurance policies, and what to check so we know we’re covered. This is essential listening for anyone choosing a home and contents insurance policy, or wanting to review their existing policy to ensure they’re covered properly. So, let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: David is the Director of Solve My Claim, and he has been involved in the insurance industry for more than 24 years. During this time, he was constantly amazed at how many people came to him with insurance problems, complaints, disputes and claims problems. In every instance, he was able to resolve those claims. He realised that th

I’m back with Part 2 of my conversation with Amy Beattie, Mortgage Broker and owner of Good Green Home Loans. We’re covering more info about financing your new build or renovation.  This will include talking about some of the many factors that banks and lenders consider to determine your viability, and the fact that banks can put black marks on postcodes or specific criteria that can be completely outside of your control.  All super helpful knowledge to have when you’re seeking finance for your new home or renovation, especially if your site is challenging or in a bushfire-prone area. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now. SHOW NOTES: Good Green Home Loans is here to help you find the right home loan at a great rate – using only environmentally responsible lenders who aren’t using their profit and power to support the fossil fuel ind

I’m looking forward to this episode and introducing Amy Beattie to you. Amy is a Mortgage Broker and owner of Good Green Home Loans, a mortgage broking business that puts sustainability at the forefront of its lending decisions. This is part 1 of my conversation with Amy, and in it, she shares loads of helpful information about borrowing for your renovation or new build. And especially what you need to know when your site is more challenging, or in a bushfire prone area. Let’s dive in now. SHOW NOTES: Good Green Home Loans is not your typical mortgage broking service. Good Green Home Loans is here to help you find the right home loan at a great rate – using only environmentally responsible lenders who aren’t using their profit and power to support the fossil fuel industry. Amy Beattie is a mortgage broker. However, she’s not like most mortgage brokers I know. And when I first heard about her business, Good Green Home Loans, I was so excited that it not only existed, but that it w

Hello! This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with Andy Marlow and Dick Clarke from Envirotecture. In this episode, we’re talking about Passive House, and specifically discussing the opportunity it provides to protect your indoor air quality. The bushfires and smoke pollution that many areas in Australia suffered from really tested the air filtration capacity of the Passive House system.  We’ll also be talking about the active systems you can use to create better fire protection for your home. And we’ll be talking about Andy and Dick’s other business, Passive House Design and Construct, and what it offers for those wanting to manage budget and sustainability whilst creating a passive house certified home. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now. SHOW NOTES: Let me introduce you to Dick Clarke and Andy Marlow from Envirotecture. Dick Clarke is

Hello! This is the first of 2 episodes where I’ll be sharing my conversation with Andy Marlow and Dick Clarke from Envirotecture, a building design and architecture practice in Sydney specialising in sustainable and passivhaus homes. This conversation is packed full of fantastic advice and insights into how you design a home that is affordable and sustainable, and what to do if it also needs to be bushfire resistant as well. Both Andy and Dick have such great knowledge to share - I’m really looking forward to sharing their wisdom with you. So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: Let me introduce you to Dick Clarke and Andy Marlow from Envirotecture. Dick Clarke is principal of Envirotecture, is an Accredited Building Designer with over 35 years experience, focusing exclusively on ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate buildings, as well as sustainable design in vehicles and vessels, and has received many Design Awards. Andy Marlow is a Director at Envirotecture, holds both Bachelors and

Hello! This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with architect, Julie Firkin. In this episode, we’re talking about Bushfire Community Centres, working with architects in the recovery efforts, and what it means to help someone after such a traumatic event. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Julie Firkin where we discussed the Bushfire Homes Scheme, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now. SHOW NOTES: For over 10 years, Julie Firkin Architects has been bringing creativity and problem-solving prowess to projects big and small in and around Melbourne. An award-winning firm, headed up by architect Julie Firkin, they pride themselves on a personal and people-focused approach to architecture. Julie has a hands-on approach to all projects and designs by visualising herself in the space which helps to create homes that are a joy to live in and spaces that are both practical and beautiful.

In this episode, I’ll be talking about what’s been done in the past to help homeowners with the design of their homes when rebuilding after bushfire. I’ll also be sharing some specific resources you can access if you need design help with your rebuild. And I’ll be introducing architect Julie Firkin to you. She’ll be sharing some insights about bushfire home design, and her involvement in a scheme established by the Victorian Government after the Black Saturday fires in 2009. So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: For over 10 years, Julie Firkin Architects has been bringing creativity and problem-solving prowess to projects big and small in and around Melbourne. An award-winning firm, headed up by architect Julie Firkin, they pride themselves on a personal and people-focused approach to architecture. Julie has a hands-on approach to all projects and designs by visualising herself in the space which helps to create homes that are a joy to live in and spaces that are both practical an

This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with Jeff Dau, from Ember Bushfire Consulting.  In this episode, I’ll be talking more with Jeff about building and renovating in bushfire prone areas, or on land that has a bushfire overlay.  Specifically, we’ll be discussing how to manage a BAL 40 or BAL Flame Zone rating, understanding distances to vegetation, sprinkler systems, and some of the other strategies you can use in building well in these areas. Plus other info I know you’ll find helpful. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now. SHOW NOTES: Jeff Dau, is a Bushfire Consultant with Ember Bushfire Consulting. EMBER Bushfire Consultants are a team of qualified, accredited and experienced fire industry professionals. They are all accredited Bushfire Consultants under the Fire Protection Association of Australia accreditation scheme, and their accred

In this episode, we meet Jeff Dau, who is a bushfire consultant.  If you have a bushfire overlay, or discover any type of bushfire requirements on your land’s zoning, a bushfire consultant will be an essential team member to help shape your design, and your approach to building well. This is part 1 of my conversation with Jeff Dau, and is packed full of helpful know-how and insights.  Let’s dive in now. SHOW NOTES: EMBER Bushfire Consulting are a team of qualified, accredited and experienced fire industry professionals. They take great pride in delivering professional consulting services in a personalised, cost effective and service oriented manner. Their work is provided at the highest industry standard and they are all accredited Bushfire Consultants under the Fire Protection Association of Australia accreditation scheme. Co-Founder, Jeff Dau, has had 23 years of experience as a professional in the fire services industry. Over recent years, this has been in a range of fire safety field