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 395, and this is Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Tanya, about the renovation of their Melbourne home that they’ve now been enjoying living in for a year, and experiencing the results of their efforts in how it functions and performs.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/395]

In the last episode, we heard how Tanya used the Brief Builder inside HOME Method to get really clear on how she and her family wanted to live, and how that helped her confidently choose her team and set her project up for success.

If you missed Part 1, you can head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/394 to listen or download the free PDF transcript.

In this episode, we dive into what happened next.

You’ll hear how that upfront clarity and preparation flowed into their construction phase, and why Tanya describes that part of the project as calm, collaborative and genuinely enjoyable.

We talk about how their site meetings were run, the way they managed communication and record keeping during the build, and how front loading their decisions meant they weren’t second guessing things or making stressful choices on the fly.

Tanya also shares how they reduced demolition waste by rehoming materials before construction began, and what it’s been like to live in the home now, after a year, and experience the results of all that time, effort and intention.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s actually possible to enjoy your renovation or building project, I think you’re going to find this episode incredibly encouraging and inspiring.

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/395

Now, let’s dive in!

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/395

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 395, and this is Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Tanya, about the renovation of their Melbourne home that they&rsquo;ve now been enjoying living in for a year, and experiencing the results of their efforts in how it functions and performs.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/395">www.undercoverarchitect.com/395</a>]
In the last episode, we heard how Tanya used the Brief Builder inside HOME Method to get really clear on how she and her family wanted to live, and how that helped her confidently choose her team and set her project up for success.
If you missed Part 1, you can head to <a href="http://www.undercoverarchitect.com/394">www.undercoverarchitect.com/394</a> to listen or download the free PDF transcript.
In this episode, we dive into what happened next.
You&rsquo;ll hear how that upfront clarity and preparation flowed into their construction phase, and why Tanya describes that part of the project as calm, collaborative and genuinely enjoyable.
We talk about how their site meetings were run, the way they managed communication and record keeping during the build, and how front loading their decisions meant they weren&rsquo;t second guessing things or making stressful choices on the fly.
Tanya also shares how they reduced demolition waste by rehoming materials before construction began, and what it&rsquo;s been like to live in the home now, after a year, and experience the results of all that time, effort and intention.
If you&rsquo;ve ever wondered whether it&rsquo;s actually possible to enjoy your renovation or building project, I think you&rsquo;re going to find this episode incredibly encouraging and inspiring.
Remember, if you&rsquo;d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/395">www.undercoverarchitect.com/395</a>
Now, let&rsquo;s dive in!
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.
<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/395">www.undercoverarchitect.com/395</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.

How to Enjoy Your Renovation Process and Keep It on Track, with Tanya

Hello! This is Episode 394, and in it, I’m talking with HOME Method member, Tanya. Tanya lives with her husband and daughter in Melbourne. They worked within the existing footprint of the home of the 100-year-old double brick home, undertaking a renovation that dramatically improves how it feels, functions and performs. 

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/394]

What started as a cold, dark and disconnected house has been transformed into a warm, light-filled and comfortable home that truly supports how their family wants to live.

In this episode, you’ll hear about Tanya’s journey through her renovation, and how she approached it in a way that set her up for success from the very beginning.

One of the key tools you’ll hear her talk about is their Design Brief. Using the Brief Builder from HOME Method and taking time to fill it out enabled it to be a game changer for her project. By investing the time upfront to get clear on how they wanted to live, Tanya and her partner were able to confidently interview and choose their team, communicate their vision, and keep decisions aligned right throughout the process.

It’s a great example of how doing this work early doesn’t slow you down, it actually saves time, reduces stress, and helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.

You’ll also hear how Tanya navigated choosing her architect and builder, how she built a collaborative relationship with her team, and how being informed and prepared completely changed her experience of renovating.

In fact, her builder, Anthony Hickey from Two Tone Construction, who we had back on the podcast in Episodes 359 and 360, shared how much he loved working with her as an educated and engaged homeowner. This is something I see many people worry might create tension with their project team, but in Tanya’s case, it did the opposite.

Something I also really love about this conversation is Tanya’s genuine passion for sharing her story. They had such a positive experience, and Tanya is incredibly generous in wanting others to benefit from what she learned, so they can feel more confident and supported in their own projects too.

Whether you’re planning a new build or a renovation, if you’re worried about getting things wrong, feeling overwhelmed, or not knowing where to start, I think you’ll find this episode both reassuring and instructive about how to improve your project experience, and the home you create.

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/394

Now, let’s dive in!

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/394

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 394, and in it, I&rsquo;m talking with HOME Method member, Tanya. Tanya lives with her husband and daughter in Melbourne. They worked within the existing footprint of the home of the 100-year-old double brick home, undertaking a renovation that dramatically improves how it feels, functions and performs.&nbsp;
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="http://www.undercoverarchitect.com/394">www.undercoverarchitect.com/394</a>]
What started as a cold, dark and disconnected house has been transformed into a warm, light-filled and comfortable home that truly supports how their family wants to live.
In this episode, you&rsquo;ll hear about Tanya&rsquo;s journey through her renovation, and how she approached it in a way that set her up for success from the very beginning.
One of the key tools you&rsquo;ll hear her talk about is their Design Brief. Using the Brief Builder from HOME Method and taking time to fill it out enabled it to be a game changer for her project. By investing the time upfront to get clear on how they wanted to live, Tanya and her partner were able to confidently interview and choose their team, communicate their vision, and keep decisions aligned right throughout the process.
It&rsquo;s a great example of how doing this work early doesn&rsquo;t slow you down, it actually saves time, reduces stress, and helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.
You&rsquo;ll also hear how Tanya navigated choosing her architect and builder, how she built a collaborative relationship with her team, and how being informed and prepared completely changed her experience of renovating.
In fact, her builder, Anthony Hickey from Two Tone Construction, who we had back on the podcast in Episodes 359 and 360, shared how much he loved working with her as an educated and engaged homeowner. This is something I see many people worry might create tension with their project team, but in Tanya&rsquo;s case, it did the opposite.
Something I also really love about this conversation is Tanya&rsquo;s genuine passion for sharing her story. They had such a positive experience, and Tanya is incredibly generous in wanting others to benefit from what she learned, so they can feel more confident and supported in their own projects too.
Whether you&rsquo;re planning a new build or a renovation, if you&rsquo;re worried about getting things wrong, feeling overwhelmed, or not knowing where to start, I think you&rsquo;ll find this episode both reassuring and instructive about how to improve your project experience, and the home you create.
Remember, if you&rsquo;d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find all of that by heading to <a href="http://www.undercoverarchitect.com/394">www.undercoverarchitect.com/394</a>
Now, let&rsquo;s dive in!
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.
<hr>
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="http://www.undercoverarchitect.com/394">www.undercoverarchitect.com/394</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.

How to Plan a Great Renovation from the Start, with Tanya

Hello! This is Episode 393, and in this episode, I want to talk about one of the most common and most misleading phrases I hear homeowners use when they’re planning work on their home.

And it’s this: “We’re just doing a small renovation.”

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/393]

Now, I understand why people say it. Usually, what they mean is that they’re not doing a full new build, they’re not taking on a huge extension, they’re not redesigning the whole house, or they’re only touching one part of the home rather than everything at once. 

So the phrase can sound logical enough. And it can feel accurate in comparison to some other, much bigger project.

But here’s the problem.

That phrase, “small renovation”, often creates a whole set of assumptions that can be super deceptive. 

It can make you think the work will be straightforward, that the process will be simpler, that the risks are lower, that you do not need much documentation or planning, and that you can largely sort it out as you go, keeping yourself on hand to help navigate decisions and timing. 

And what I see again and again is that this framing can get homeowners into trouble, because what they are calling “small” is often still complex, expensive, disruptive, and deeply connected to how the home functions overall.

So in this episode, I want to bust that myth open. I want to help you think more clearly about what a small renovation actually is, why “small” does not automatically mean simple, why these projects can become surprisingly chaotic, and why even modest work in your home still benefits enormously from strategy, sequence, and proper preparation.

As always, if you’d like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to the resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/393.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/393

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 393, and in this episode, I want to talk about one of the most common and most misleading phrases I hear homeowners use when they&rsquo;re planning work on their home.
And it&rsquo;s this: &ldquo;We&rsquo;re just doing a small renovation.&rdquo;
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/393">www.undercoverarchitect.com/393</a>]
Now, I understand why people say it. Usually, what they mean is that they&rsquo;re not doing a full new build, they&rsquo;re not taking on a huge extension, they&rsquo;re not redesigning the whole house, or they&rsquo;re only touching one part of the home rather than everything at once.&nbsp;
So the phrase can sound logical enough. And it can feel accurate in comparison to some other, much bigger project.
But here&rsquo;s the problem.
That phrase, &ldquo;small renovation&rdquo;, often creates a whole set of assumptions that can be super deceptive.&nbsp;
It can make you think the work will be straightforward, that the process will be simpler, that the risks are lower, that you do not need much documentation or planning, and that you can largely sort it out as you go, keeping yourself on hand to help navigate decisions and timing.&nbsp;
And what I see again and again is that this framing can get homeowners into trouble, because what they are calling &ldquo;small&rdquo; is often still complex, expensive, disruptive, and deeply connected to how the home functions overall.
So in this episode, I want to bust that myth open. I want to help you think more clearly about what a small renovation actually is, why &ldquo;small&rdquo; does not automatically mean simple, why these projects can become surprisingly chaotic, and why even modest work in your home still benefits enormously from strategy, sequence, and proper preparation.
As always, if you&rsquo;d like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to the resources I mention, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/393">www.undercoverarchitect.com/393</a>.
Now, let&rsquo;s dive in!
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/393">www.undercoverarchitect.com/393</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)

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

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