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 408. This is Way #8 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series. We are in Section Two: Sustainable Design Strategies. The ways I include in this section are about the strategic design decisions that have consequences well beyond the immediate project, and Way #8 is a strong example of that.

Way #8 is Future Proofing Your Design with Accessibility.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/408]

I want to start by saying that the word ‘accessibility’ comes with a lot of connotations for some people, and it can immediately bring to mind images of hospital-grade handrails, institutional flooring, and design that feels clinical rather than inclusions you’ll happily consider for your future home.

However, that is not what accessible design means, and it is not what this episode is about.

What it is about is designing a home that works well for people, at every age and stage of life, without requiring expensive modification when circumstances change. And the design features that achieve that are, in most cases, simply good design that support the longevity, durability and ease of use of your home, whether you’re building new or renovating.

In this episode, I take you through what accessible design actually means in a residential context, the case for including it from the brief stage, the specific features worth considering in your project, and how to approach it with your design team.

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/408.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/408

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 408. This is Way #8 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series. We are in Section Two: Sustainable Design Strategies. The ways I include in this section are about the strategic design decisions that have consequences well beyond the immediate project, and Way #8 is a strong example of that.
Way #8 is Future Proofing Your Design with Accessibility.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/408">www.undercoverarchitect.com/408</a>]
I want to start by saying that the word &lsquo;accessibility&rsquo; comes with a lot of connotations for some people, and it can immediately bring to mind images of hospital-grade handrails, institutional flooring, and design that feels clinical rather than inclusions you&rsquo;ll happily consider for your future home.
However, that is not what accessible design means, and it is not what this episode is about.
What it is about is designing a home that works well for people, at every age and stage of life, without requiring expensive modification when circumstances change. And the design features that achieve that are, in most cases, simply good design that support the longevity, durability and ease of use of your home, whether you&rsquo;re building new or renovating.
In this episode, I take you through what accessible design actually means in a residential context, the case for including it from the brief stage, the specific features worth considering in your project, and how to approach it with your design team.
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/408">www.undercoverarchitect.com/408</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/408">www.undercoverarchitect.com/408</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.
&nbsp;

44 Ways #08: Future Proof Your Design with Accessibility

Hello! This is Episode 407. This is Way #7 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we are continuing through Section Two: Sustainable Design Strategies.

The ways in Section Two are about the bigger-picture decisions that shape a project from a strategic level, before we get into the detail of specific systems, materials, or construction.

Way #7 is Creating an Efficient Structural Design, Collaboratively.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/407]

In the last episode, we covered the importance of choosing an aligned team. 

This episode is about something that your aligned team needs to do together: create a structural design that is genuinely efficient. 

This Way #7 tends to surprise homeowners, because structural design often feels like something that happens in the background of a project and rarely gets discussed with the client directly. But the decisions made around your home’s structural design have direct consequences for cost, material use, durability and longevity, and consequently, the sustainability of your finished home.

Whether those decisions are made in the most efficient way usually comes down to one thing: when and how your designer or architect and structural engineer collaborate and integrate their work.

In this episode, I take you through what structural efficiency actually means, why it typically doesn’t happen by default, what collaborative structural design looks like in practice, and the questions worth raising with your own team.

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/407.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/407

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 407. This is Way #7 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and we are continuing through Section Two: Sustainable Design Strategies.
The ways in Section Two are about the bigger-picture decisions that shape a project from a strategic level, before we get into the detail of specific systems, materials, or construction.
Way #7 is Creating an Efficient Structural Design, Collaboratively.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/407">www.undercoverarchitect.com/407</a>]
In the last episode, we covered the importance of choosing an aligned team.&nbsp;
This episode is about something that your aligned team needs to do together: create a structural design that is genuinely efficient.&nbsp;
This Way #7 tends to surprise homeowners, because structural design often feels like something that happens in the background of a project and rarely gets discussed with the client directly. But the decisions made around your home&rsquo;s structural design have direct consequences for cost, material use, durability and longevity, and consequently, the sustainability of your finished home.
Whether those decisions are made in the most efficient way usually comes down to one thing: when and how your designer or architect and structural engineer collaborate and integrate their work.
In this episode, I take you through what structural efficiency actually means, why it typically doesn&rsquo;t happen by default, what collaborative structural design looks like in practice, and the questions worth raising with your own team.
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/407">www.undercoverarchitect.com/407</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/407">www.undercoverarchitect.com/407</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 #07: Create an Efficient Structural Design, Collaboratively

Hello! This is Episode 406. This is Way #6 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and the second episode of Section Two: Sustainable Design Strategies.

In Episode 405, we covered Way #5: Designing a Smaller, Smarter Home. The case for asking what is enough, and building to that rather than to the status quo that drives a bigger home with more in it.

Way #6 is choose an aligned team.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/406]

In this episode, we are covering something that will affect every single sustainability decision you make in your project, from the very first design conversation all the way through to the final stages of construction. Way #6 is choosing an aligned team.

Teamwork really does make the dream work in any new build or renovation project. But in a project with sustainability goals, I find it can matter significantly. Because the building industry is not universally aligned with sustainability. Building codes and regulations set a minimum floor, and most projects simply meet that minimum.

The professionals who go beyond it, who have made sustainable design and construction a genuine area of expertise and commitment, are still only a subset of the industry. And finding them, and knowing how to assess them, takes preparation and know-how so you can find the best fit.

In this episode, I take you through why team alignment matters so much in a sustainable project, what alignment looks like in practice and how to recognise it, how to find aligned team members, the questions that can help you assess their genuine capability and commitment, and what to do if you are already working with a team whose priorities do not match yours.

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/406.

Now, let's dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/406

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 406. This is Way #6 of the 44 Ways to Create Your Sustainable Home series, and the second episode of Section Two: Sustainable Design Strategies.
In Episode 405, we covered Way #5: Designing a Smaller, Smarter Home. The case for asking what is enough, and building to that rather than to the status quo that drives a bigger home with more in it.
Way #6 is choose an aligned team.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/406">www.undercoverarchitect.com/406</a>]
In this episode, we are covering something that will affect every single sustainability decision you make in your project, from the very first design conversation all the way through to the final stages of construction. Way #6 is choosing an aligned team.
Teamwork really does make the dream work in any new build or renovation project. But in a project with sustainability goals, I find it can matter significantly. Because the building industry is not universally aligned with sustainability. Building codes and regulations set a minimum floor, and most projects simply meet that minimum.
The professionals who go beyond it, who have made sustainable design and construction a genuine area of expertise and commitment, are still only a subset of the industry. And finding them, and knowing how to assess them, takes preparation and know-how so you can find the best fit.
In this episode, I take you through why team alignment matters so much in a sustainable project, what alignment looks like in practice and how to recognise it, how to find aligned team members, the questions that can help you assess their genuine capability and commitment, and what to do if you are already working with a team whose priorities do not match yours.
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/406">www.undercoverarchitect.com/406</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/406">www.undercoverarchitect.com/406</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.

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

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

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