Got questions about your renovation or new home? 

This episode answers 3 questions I receive frequently from the UA Community. 

I receive a lot of questions from homeowners. Between comments on the blog, people getting in touch over email or social media, and from the members in my online programs, it’s always great to see what homeowners are curious about, and the help they need.  

I’ve selected these 3 questions because I receive them really regularly. These 3 questions are: 
What is the best stage to get a quantity surveyor in to do a cost report on your design? 
Do I really need a Project Manager on my new build or renovation? 
How do I find time to get my reno or building planning started? 

Listen to the episode for more info now.  

FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE

Got questions&nbsp;about your renovation or new home?&nbsp;
This episode answers 3 questions I receive frequently from the UA Community.&nbsp;
I receive a lot of questions from homeowners. Between comments on the blog, people getting in touch over email or social media, and from the members in my online programs, it&rsquo;s always great to see what homeowners are curious about, and the help&nbsp;they need.&nbsp;&nbsp;
I&rsquo;ve selected these 3 questions because I receive them really regularly. These 3 questions are:&nbsp;
<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Roboto Condensed Regular" data-listid="3" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">What is the best stage to get a quantity surveyor in to do a cost report on your design?&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Roboto Condensed Regular" data-listid="3" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Do I really need a Project Manager on my new build or renovation?&nbsp;</li>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="Roboto Condensed Regular" data-listid="3" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">How do I find time to get my&nbsp;reno&nbsp;or building planning started?&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
Listen to the episode for more info now.&nbsp;&nbsp;
FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-3-questions-about-building-renovating/">CLICK HERE</a>

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 gives answers to some of my most frequently asked questions. And we introduce a new project - a family home being built in New Zealand.

This season gives answers to some of my most frequently asked questions. And we introduce a new project - a family home being built in New Zealand.

Working with your designer + other project insights | Podcast Season Interlude | 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

3 Commonly Asked Questions about Building and Renovating - Episode 3 (Season Interlude)

Hello! This is Episode 402. This is Way #2 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series.

In Episode 401 we covered orientation, and understanding how the sun moves across your site and how positioning your home to work with that movement can transform its comfort, help it feel amazing to live in day-to-day, and reduce its energy use and requirements for artificial heating and cooling.

In this Episode, we are covering another natural asset that is freely available on your site, and that’s breezes.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/402]

Natural ventilation can be one of the most effective, lowest-cost strategies for keeping a home comfortable. And like orientation, it works best when it is designed in from the beginning, because the floor plan layout, window types, and building form all determine how well a home is able to ventilate naturally.

In this episode, I’ll take you through why breezes matter so much for both comfort and sustainability, how to understand the specific wind patterns on your site, how to design your home to capture prevailing breezes, and how to protect it from the harsher wind events that may also occur.

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/402.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/402

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. It will give you an overview of what we’ll be covering in this podcast series. 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 402. This is Way #2 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series.
In Episode 401 we covered orientation, and understanding how the sun moves across your site and how positioning your home to work with that movement can transform its comfort, help it feel amazing to live in day-to-day, and reduce its energy use and requirements for artificial heating and cooling.
In this Episode, we are covering another natural asset that is freely available on your site, and that&rsquo;s breezes.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/402">www.undercoverarchitect.com/402</a>]
Natural ventilation can be one of the most effective, lowest-cost strategies for keeping a home comfortable. And like orientation, it works best when it is designed in from the beginning, because the floor plan layout, window types, and building form all determine how well a home is able to ventilate naturally.
In this episode, I&rsquo;ll take you through why breezes matter so much for both comfort and sustainability, how to understand the specific wind patterns on your site, how to design your home to capture prevailing breezes, and how to protect it from the harsher wind events that may also occur.
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/402">www.undercoverarchitect.com/402</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/402">www.undercoverarchitect.com/402</a>
Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. It will give you an overview of what we&rsquo;ll be covering in this podcast series. 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 #02: Design for the Breezes + Wind at Your Site

Hello! This is Episode 401. And we are beginning something on the podcast that I’m really looking forward to sharing with you, especially if you’re wanting to build or renovate in a more sustainable way, but feeling curious, confused or even overwhelmed about what that might mean.

This is the first episode of a podcast series called ‘44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home’. It’s inspired by my free e-guide of the same name, but in this series here on the podcast, I want to take some time to dive into more detail, actions you can take and ways you can apply this in your new build or renovation project, wherever you’re located.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/401]

And the first ‘way’ I’m kicking off with is, for me, what I believe is the single most impactful decision you will make for your home’s sustainability and comfort.

In over 30 years in this industry designing residential homes, I believe this way is also available to every one and every project, but only if you know and think about it early and embed it into your project’s design from the start. 

It’s where I’ve always started my projects, it’s where I teach my HOME Method members to start their home design, whoever they’re working with, and its significance cannot be overstated in how much it can improve the sustainability, functionality, feel and performance of your home overall.

We are talking about designing for your site’s orientation. This is about knowing how your existing or new home is or will be positioned on your site or block of land, and how its overall layout is designed to respond to the movement of the sun across your land.

All so you can keep your home cool in Summer and warm in Winter, without it costing a fortune in energy bills and artificial heating and cooling, whilst feeling fantastic to be in.

In this episode, I take you through what orientation actually means in practical terms, why it belongs at the very top of any sustainability strategy, how to think about the sun’s movement for your site, and how to apply these principles in your project, whether you’re building new or renovating an existing 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/401.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/401

Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. It will give you an overview of what we’ll be covering in this podcast series. 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 401. And we are beginning something on the podcast that I&rsquo;m really looking forward to sharing with you, especially if you&rsquo;re wanting to build or renovate in a more sustainable way, but feeling curious, confused or even overwhelmed about what that might mean.
This is the first episode of a podcast series called &lsquo;44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home&rsquo;. It&rsquo;s inspired by my free e-guide of the same name, but in this series here on the podcast, I want to take some time to dive into more detail, actions you can take and ways you can apply this in your new build or renovation project, wherever you&rsquo;re located.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/401">www.undercoverarchitect.com/401</a>]
And the first &lsquo;way&rsquo; I&rsquo;m kicking off with is, for me, what I believe is the single most impactful decision you will make for your home&rsquo;s sustainability and comfort.
In over 30 years in this industry designing residential homes, I believe this way is also available to every one and every project, but only if you know and think about it early and embed it into your project&rsquo;s design from the start.&nbsp;
It&rsquo;s where I&rsquo;ve always started my projects, it&rsquo;s where I teach my HOME Method members to start their home design, whoever they&rsquo;re working with, and its significance cannot be overstated in how much it can improve the sustainability, functionality, feel and performance of your home overall.
We are talking about designing for your site&rsquo;s orientation. This is about knowing how your existing or new home is or will be positioned on your site or block of land, and how its overall layout is designed to respond to the movement of the sun across your land.
All so you can keep your home cool in Summer and warm in Winter, without it costing a fortune in energy bills and artificial heating and cooling, whilst feeling fantastic to be in.
In this episode, I take you through what orientation actually means in practical terms, why it belongs at the very top of any sustainability strategy, how to think about the sun&rsquo;s movement for your site, and how to apply these principles in your project, whether you&rsquo;re building new or renovating an existing 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/401">www.undercoverarchitect.com/401</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/401">www.undercoverarchitect.com/401</a>
Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. It will give you an overview of what we&rsquo;ll be covering in this podcast series. 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 #01: Design Your Future Home for the Orientation of Your Site

Hello! This is Episode 400 - can you believe it? How exciting! And so I want to take the opportunity to celebrate a little, and share something a little different in this episode.

Whilst we’ve done more than 400 actual episodes on the podcast, I do believe that hitting Episode 400 officially is a big milestone. That’s over four hundred conversations. Me talking directly to you. Me talking with homeowners at every stage of every kind of project. Talking with architects and designers and builders and specialist consultants and industry professionals of every description.

So today I'm not here to teach you a framework or walk you through a process or have a conversation highlighting a specific subject matter. I want to do something a bit different, which is share what I believe I’ve seen over those 400+ conversations, in the hope you find it super helpful, especially if you’re just starting out on your project journey.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/400]

My experience as the architect behind Undercover Architect uniquely places me with a front row seat to far more projects and homeowners than being an architect working 1:1 with clients ever did. It’s enabled me to be involved in projects, in homeowners’ thoughts, hopes and fears at a scale I really never anticipated when I started Undercover Architect back in mid 2014. 

Being your secret ally in Undercover Architect means you share a lot more with me than when I was simply Amelia Lee, the architect working 1:1 with clients.

Additionally, my involvement with builders, architects and designers both in Australia and across the world, and the networks I’ve built also with other industry professionals, suppliers and manufacturers, provides me with insights and an intimate understanding of what you, as a homeowner, are really contending with out there as you navigate your projects. 

The great, the good, the bad and the ugly.

And so, with that in mind, I’d love you to consider this Episode the conversation I wish someone had with every homeowner before they started their journey of building or renovating.

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/400.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/400

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 flagship 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 400 - can you believe it? How exciting! And so I want to take the opportunity to celebrate a little, and share something a little different in this episode.
Whilst we&rsquo;ve done more than 400 actual episodes on the podcast, I do believe that hitting Episode 400 officially is a big milestone. That&rsquo;s over four hundred conversations. Me talking directly to you. Me talking with homeowners at every stage of every kind of project. Talking with architects and designers and builders and specialist consultants and industry professionals of every description.
So today I'm not here to teach you a framework or walk you through a process or have a conversation highlighting a specific subject matter. I want to do something a bit different, which is share what I believe I&rsquo;ve seen over those 400+ conversations, in the hope you find it super helpful, especially if you&rsquo;re just starting out on your project journey.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/400">www.undercoverarchitect.com/400</a>]
My experience as the architect behind Undercover Architect uniquely places me with a front row seat to far more projects and homeowners than being an architect working 1:1 with clients ever did. It&rsquo;s enabled me to be involved in projects, in homeowners&rsquo; thoughts, hopes and fears at a scale I really never anticipated when I started Undercover Architect back in mid 2014.&nbsp;
Being your secret ally in Undercover Architect means you share a lot more with me than when I was simply Amelia Lee, the architect working 1:1 with clients.
Additionally, my involvement with builders, architects and designers both in Australia and across the world, and the networks I&rsquo;ve built also with other industry professionals, suppliers and manufacturers, provides me with insights and an intimate understanding of what you, as a homeowner, are really contending with out there as you navigate your projects.&nbsp;
The great, the good, the bad and the ugly.
And so, with that in mind, I&rsquo;d love you to consider this Episode the conversation I wish someone had with every homeowner before they started their journey of building or renovating.
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/400">www.undercoverarchitect.com/400</a>.
Now, let&rsquo;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/400">www.undercoverarchitect.com/400</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 flagship 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.

3 Commonly Asked Questions about Building and Renovating - Episode 3 (Season Interlude)

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