Hello, this is Episode 391, and in this episode, I’m welcoming back HOME Method member, Michael, to share an update on his new build journey. Now the home is complete, and they’ve been enjoying it for a few months, he has lots to share about the build experience, completion and landscaping, and enjoying the finished home.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/391]

This is the third instalment we’ve had from Michael about his project. You can catch previous updates in Episodes 323 and 324, discussing earlier parts of the project. And then Episode 347 and 348, where Michael discussed documentation, approvals, pricing, contracts and commencing construction. Check out those episodes to hear loads of helpful insights and information.

When Michael last joined me on the podcast, his roof was on, the home was about to be clad, and his separate workshop hadn’t yet begun.

Fast forward to now, and the home reached handover in August 2025. He and his wife have been settling in, shaping the landscaping themselves, refining the details, and actually living in the spaces they spent more than five years planning and building.

Michael’s project is a beautifully considered pavilion style home in regional Western Australia. It’s oriented to maximise northern sun, carefully detailed for performance in its climate zone, and designed as a long term transition home as he and his wife step towards retirement from farming.

In this conversation, we talk about what unfolded between lock up and handover. The logistics of trades. The unexpected delay with tiling. The coordination of finishes. What surprised him once they moved in. And those small decisions, particularly around lighting and services, that only truly reveal themselves once you’re living in the home.

We also dive into landscaping on a sloping site, reusing soil during construction, working with topography rather than fighting it, and how collaboration with a builder and trades can shape not just the outcome, but the experience of the build itself.

Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find it plus other helpful links by to www.undercoverarchitect.com/391.

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/391

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 391, and in this episode, I&rsquo;m welcoming back HOME Method member, Michael, to share an update on his new build journey. Now the home is complete, and they&rsquo;ve been enjoying it for a few months, he has lots to share about the build experience, completion and landscaping, and enjoying the finished home.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/391">www.undercoverarchitect.com/391</a>]
This is the third instalment we&rsquo;ve had from Michael about his project. You can catch previous updates in Episodes 323 and 324, discussing earlier parts of the project. And then Episode 347 and 348, where Michael discussed documentation, approvals, pricing, contracts and commencing construction. Check out those episodes to hear loads of helpful insights and information.
When Michael last joined me on the podcast, his roof was on, the home was about to be clad, and his separate workshop hadn&rsquo;t yet begun.
Fast forward to now, and the home reached handover in August 2025. He and his wife have been settling in, shaping the landscaping themselves, refining the details, and actually living in the spaces they spent more than five years planning and building.
Michael&rsquo;s project is a beautifully considered pavilion style home in regional Western Australia. It&rsquo;s oriented to maximise northern sun, carefully detailed for performance in its climate zone, and designed as a long term transition home as he and his wife step towards retirement from farming.
In this conversation, we talk about what unfolded between lock up and handover. The logistics of trades. The unexpected delay with tiling. The coordination of finishes. What surprised him once they moved in. And those small decisions, particularly around lighting and services, that only truly reveal themselves once you&rsquo;re living in the home.
We also dive into landscaping on a sloping site, reusing soil during construction, working with topography rather than fighting it, and how collaboration with a builder and trades can shape not just the outcome, but the experience of the build itself.
Remember, if you&rsquo;d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find it plus other helpful links by to <a href="https://www.undercoverarchitect.com/391">www.undercoverarchitect.com/391</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/391">www.undercoverarchitect.com/391</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.

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