Hello! This is Episode 436. This is Way #36 of the ‘44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home’ series, and we’re continuing through Section Eight: Sustainability During Construction.

Last episode, we talked about the blower door test: a way to measure how airtight your home is. This episode is about a closely related tool that shows where the thermal weaknesses in your building envelope are, and provides the opportunity to fix them before your home’s construction is completed.

Way #36 is: Include a Thermal Imaging Inspection.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/436]

This, with your blower door test, are the two essential tests I feel every new build and renovation project should have during construction to set up a home’s energy efficiency and performance and catch any issues before the project is complete and the builder leaves the site.

In the same way that a blower door test catches any air leakage issues during construction, thermal imaging helps locate hidden problems that may not be apparent through visual inspection alone, enabling early detection and corrective action.

As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/436.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/436

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 renovating and building your family home inside my signature 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.

Hello! This is Episode 436. This is Way #36 of the &lsquo;44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home&rsquo; series, and we&rsquo;re continuing through Section Eight: Sustainability During Construction.
Last episode, we talked about the blower door test: a way to measure how airtight your home is. This episode is about a closely related tool that shows where the thermal weaknesses in your building envelope are, and provides the opportunity to fix them before your home&rsquo;s construction is completed.
Way #36 is: Include a Thermal Imaging Inspection.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/436">www.undercoverarchitect.com/436</a>]
This, with your blower door test, are the two essential tests I feel every new build and renovation project should have during construction to set up a home&rsquo;s energy efficiency and performance and catch any issues before the project is complete and the builder leaves the site.
In the same way that a blower door test catches any air leakage issues during construction, thermal imaging helps locate hidden problems that may not be apparent through visual inspection alone, enabling early detection and corrective action.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/436">www.undercoverarchitect.com/436</a>.
Now, let's dive in!
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/436">www.undercoverarchitect.com/436</a>
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 &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways">https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways</a>
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/</a>
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.

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

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, <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">HOME Method</a>. 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 <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/">www.undercoverarchitect.com</a>

Your secret ally when designing, renovating or building your family home.

Get It Right with Undercover Architect

This season is all about helping you create a home that performs well, costs less to run, and feels genuinely great to live in. Across the 44 episodes, whatever stage your project is at, you'll build practical knowledge about sustainability that you can apply directly to your new build or renovation. Whether you're feeling curious, confused, or overwhelmed about what a sustainable home actually means, you'll learn what matters most, why it matters, and how to make it happen in your project.

This season is all about helping you create a home that performs well, costs less to run, and feels genuinely great to live in. Across the 44 episodes, whatever stage your project is at, you'll build practical knowledge about sustainability that you can apply directly to your new build or renovation. Whether you're feeling curious, confused, or overwhelmed about what a sustainable home actually means, you'll learn what matters most, why it matters, and how to make it happen in your project.

44 Ways to Create a Sustainable Home | Podcast Season 15 | Undercover Architect

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

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

44 Ways #36: Include a Thermal Imaging Inspection

Hello! This is Episode 435. This is Way #35 of the ‘44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home’ series.

In this episode, we’re kicking off Section Eight: Sustainability During Construction.

And so, we’re going to start this section of the ‘44 Ways’ series by discussing something I wish would become standard for every single new build and potentially every renovation as well.

Way #35 is: Get a Blower Door Test.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/435]

Because, if you’re planning to create a sustainable home, your goals can come completely undone during construction.

This is largely because there is no ‘as built’ verification process inherently included in how we deliver construction of residential homes. Yes, in some locations, there are some checks along the way, but the conventional construction process doesn’t have a legislated way of proving to you that you’ve got the home you designed and specified.

However, a certified Passive House does have as-built verification requirements, and so, there are certain tests that can be adopted from the passive house methodology into traditional construction practices.

These tests can provide useful information during construction, whilst improvements and changes can still be made, to ensure you’re getting what you’re paying for in your designed and modelled energy performance. And as a result, they can uplevel typical construction to optimise what’s possible for your home.

As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/435.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/435

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 renovating and building your family home inside my signature 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.

Hello! This is Episode 435. This is Way #35 of the &lsquo;44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home&rsquo; series.
In this episode, we&rsquo;re kicking off Section Eight: Sustainability During Construction.
And so, we&rsquo;re going to start this section of the &lsquo;44 Ways&rsquo; series by discussing something I wish would become standard for every single new build and potentially every renovation as well.
Way #35 is: Get a Blower Door Test.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/435">www.undercoverarchitect.com/435</a>]
Because, if you&rsquo;re planning to create a sustainable home, your goals can come completely undone during construction.
This is largely because there is no &lsquo;as built&rsquo; verification process inherently included in how we deliver construction of residential homes. Yes, in some locations, there are some checks along the way, but the conventional construction process doesn&rsquo;t have a legislated way of proving to you that you&rsquo;ve got the home you designed and specified.
However, a certified Passive House does have as-built verification requirements, and so, there are certain tests that can be adopted from the passive house methodology into traditional construction practices.
These tests can provide useful information during construction, whilst improvements and changes can still be made, to ensure you&rsquo;re getting what you&rsquo;re paying for in your designed and modelled energy performance. And as a result, they can uplevel typical construction to optimise what&rsquo;s possible for your home.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/435">www.undercoverarchitect.com/435</a>.
Now, let's dive in!
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/435">www.undercoverarchitect.com/435</a>
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 &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways">https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways</a>
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/</a>
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.

44 Ways #35: Get a Blower Door Test

Hello! This is Episode 434. This is Way #34 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we’re continuing through Section Seven: A Sustainable Site: Landscape Design.

Way #34 is: Soft Cover vs Hard Cover.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/434]

As we build with greater density in our suburbs and urban locations, we increase the amount of hard cover, or hard surfaces. Concrete, paving, and other hard cover surfaces prevent water during rain periods and general overland flow from being able to enter locally back into ground water, restoring the water table.

Instead, water runs over these surfaces, and into stormwater systems, potentially overloading them (especially during heavy rain periods) and taking potential pollutants as well as soil and silt with it from these surfaces.

These hard surfaces also absorb heat, and contribute to higher temperatures in higher density areas through something known as the urban heat island effect.

By contrast, creating soft cover on your site with grass, landscaping, open paving selections and other landscape devices, can improve water management and quality, and also improve temperature management on a site. This can be significantly beneficial for your home, and the larger built environment.

As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/434.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/434

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 renovating and building your family home inside my signature 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.

Hello! This is Episode 434. This is Way #34 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we&rsquo;re continuing through Section Seven: A Sustainable Site: Landscape Design.
Way #34 is: Soft Cover vs Hard Cover.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/434">www.undercoverarchitect.com/434</a>]
As we build with greater density in our suburbs and urban locations, we increase the amount of hard cover, or hard surfaces. Concrete, paving, and other hard cover surfaces prevent water during rain periods and general overland flow from being able to enter locally back into ground water, restoring the water table.
Instead, water runs over these surfaces, and into stormwater systems, potentially overloading them (especially during heavy rain periods) and taking potential pollutants as well as soil and silt with it from these surfaces.
These hard surfaces also absorb heat, and contribute to higher temperatures in higher density areas through something known as the urban heat island effect.
By contrast, creating soft cover on your site with grass, landscaping, open paving selections and other landscape devices, can improve water management and quality, and also improve temperature management on a site. This can be significantly beneficial for your home, and the larger built environment.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/434">www.undercoverarchitect.com/434</a>.
Now, let's dive in!
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/434">www.undercoverarchitect.com/434</a>
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 &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways">https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways</a>
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/</a>
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.

44 Ways #34: Soft Cover vs Hard Cover

Hello! This is Episode 433. This is Way #33 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we’re continuing through Section Seven: A Sustainable Site: Landscape Design.

Last episode, Way #32, we looked at the outdoor room as a sustainability asset. This episode talks about a bigger concept that you may or may not be familiar with, but can dramatically impact how you feel in your home, and the way it supports your health and wellness overall.

Way #33 is: Learn About Biophilic Design.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/433]

The connection with gardens, with light, with natural elements … all of that is scientifically proven to improve our well-being, our sense of relaxation and lower our anxiety levels overall.

Design that capitalises on this is known as Biophilic Design.

This doesn’t have to be grand statements. There are many examples of projects that have shown that something as simple as a lovingly curated collection of indoor plants can make a massive difference to the feel and function of a space in someone’s home. That can be achieved anywhere, for very little budget.

Equally, it can be about your garden and outdoor design generally. It can also relate to material selection, and the use of patterns and other choices. 

Biophilic design can be a worthwhile inclusion in your overall approach when creating your sustainable home.

As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/433.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/433

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 renovating and building your family home inside my signature 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.

Hello! This is Episode 433. This is Way #33 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we&rsquo;re continuing through Section Seven: A Sustainable Site: Landscape Design.
Last episode, Way #32, we looked at the outdoor room as a sustainability asset. This episode talks about a bigger concept that you may or may not be familiar with, but can dramatically impact how you feel in your home, and the way it supports your health and wellness overall.
Way #33 is: Learn About Biophilic Design.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/433">www.undercoverarchitect.com/433</a>]
The connection with gardens, with light, with natural elements &hellip; all of that is scientifically proven to improve our well-being, our sense of relaxation and lower our anxiety levels overall.
Design that capitalises on this is known as Biophilic Design.
This doesn&rsquo;t have to be grand statements. There are many examples of projects that have shown that something as simple as a lovingly curated collection of indoor plants can make a massive difference to the feel and function of a space in someone&rsquo;s home. That can be achieved anywhere, for very little budget.
Equally, it can be about your garden and outdoor design generally. It can also relate to material selection, and the use of patterns and other choices.&nbsp;
Biophilic design can be a worthwhile inclusion in your overall approach when creating your sustainable home.
As always, if you'd like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to any resources I mention, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/433">www.undercoverarchitect.com/433</a>.
Now, let's dive in!
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/433">www.undercoverarchitect.com/433</a>
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 &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways">https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways</a>
Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/">https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/</a>
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.

44 Ways #36: Include a Thermal Imaging Inspection

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