Get It Right with Undercover Architect

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’t heard them - they’re a great journey through Ben and Mike’s project. You’ll find them at undercover dot com, followed by the episode number - so undercoverarchitect.com/352 for example. In this latest episode, we check in at frame stage, with the roof now on and the house really taking shape. Ben shares how their weekly site meetings have created a steady rhythm for the project, as well as Ben’s record keeping and communication management overall. Additionally, the builder has done a great job of facilitating open conversations with subcontractors during these site meetings, to assist in collaborative decision-making in the project. We also dive into one of the big technical decisions that’s come up during the build. Ben talks through the process of revisiting the original plan for a vapour permeable membrane and looking at an Anticon blanket alternative, and how it was resolved on site. This episode is a great example of what it looks like to move through construction with structure, respect and agency, managing relationships and your own confidence along the way. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/381. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/381 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.

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 everything up for success from the outset. In fact, they say they’ve had far more confidence in this build than in any of their previous renovation projects. And I think it’s largely due to their level of preparation and education, and then how they’ve been able to pull such a fantastic team together that they’ve collaborated so well with. They’ve been proactive, intentional and well-informed, and you’ll hear Fionna’s thoughts towards the end of the episode as she shares some great advice for you if you’re planning your own project. Also, one of my favourite moments in this conversation is Fionna’s reflection on the importance of trusting your past self. Because when you make well-informed decisions early, and document them properly, you don’t need to second-guess or course-correct constantly during construction. Trusting in her past self, and the research she made to inform those decisions at the time is one of the things that has helped keep things moving smoothly, even when the inevitable bumps have arisen. (Now, 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, 378 and 379. You’ll find them at www.undercoverarchitect.com/377 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/378 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/379 ) And remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/380. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/380 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.

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, and unpack what’s helped it run smoothly under a cost-plus contract. We discuss the power of fully scoping a project before construction begins, and how having detailed documentation, thorough selections, and early decision-making created real certainty in cost and confidence in delivery. Fionna and Ed also talk about the collaborative relationships they've built… with their architect staying involved through construction and assisting with key details like shop drawings, and with trades and subcontractors actively contributing ideas and expertise to improve outcomes on site. You’ll also hear how their builder’s appetite for recycling materials, and finding avenues to repurpose demolition waste, brought an additional layer to the sustainability to the project. And we explore how their cost-plus contract includes thoughtful mechanisms to encourage time efficiency and accountability, which, combined with a transparent quoting process, has helped keep things on track. At its core, this is a story about what happens when you have the right team (professional, passionate, and committed) all working together with an informed and educated client, to bring a shared vision to life. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/379. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/379 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.

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 design, airtightness, threshold detailing, and passive performance. And how their team’s professionalism, transparency, and willingness to upskill gave them complete confidence through the process. If you’re looking to better understand how to work with your team, manage your budget, or prepare for the complexities of building well, this is an incredibly generous and insightful episode I’m sure you’ll find super helpful. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/378. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/378 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.

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 tenacity with smart risk management, and shows how valuable, yet challenging, it can be to stay objective, even when you’ve fallen in love with a site. We also talk about how they chose their architect, the importance of finding someone who listens deeply, and the design thinking behind creating a functional, energy efficient home that can adapt for visitors, future care, and changing needs over time. Fionna and Ed share fantastic insights into designing for accessibility, the details they’ve included from the start, and how they’re approaching this project with their love of design and quality, as well as a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. This episode is packed full of really useful insights, as Fionna and Ed have been really methodical and intentional in their approach, so if you have a tricky site for your project, a desire to create a functional home you can age in, an interest in energy efficient design, want a quality build outcome, or like Fionna, don’t want a butler’s pantry in your home, I know you’ll find it super helpful. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/377. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/377 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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.