Hello! This is Episode 372, and it’s part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Ben, about the renovation of their Melbourne California Bungalow.

In this episode, we pick up at the point where Ben and his partner, Mike, are preparing to sign the building contract. He shares how he approached legal review, navigated sensitive conversations with his builder, and managed the personal dynamics of taking such a big step.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/372]

If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, I’d encourage you to go back and catch up on how Ben selected his builder, finalised his design and selections, and laid the groundwork for a successful build. 

You can find Part 1 at www.undercoverarchitect.com/371 - and of course, Ben’s previous updates on his project are in Episode 352 and Episode 353 as well.

(The links for those episodes are here >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/352 and www.undercoverarchitect.com/353 )

As we dive into Part 2 in this episode, you’ll hear Ben’s thoughtful reflections on relationship-building with their builder, and what happened when the builder misinterpreted the proposed contract edits. 

We also explore how he navigated delays with builder’s insurance, rental decisions, and setting up for site start.

And now that construction is underway, Ben talks through how he’s managing communication, staying curious, and showing up as an engaged, collaborative client.

This is such a real and grounded look at what it means to be an empowered homeowner in your project. 

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/372.

Now, let’s dive in!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/372

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 designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method >>> 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 372, and it&rsquo;s part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Ben, about the renovation of their Melbourne California Bungalow.
In this episode, we pick up at the point where Ben and his partner, Mike, are preparing to sign the building contract. He shares how he approached legal review, navigated sensitive conversations with his builder, and managed the personal dynamics of taking such a big step.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/372">www.undercoverarchitect.com/372</a>]
If you haven&rsquo;t yet listened to Part 1, I&rsquo;d encourage you to go back and catch up on how Ben selected his builder, finalised his design and selections, and laid the groundwork for a successful build.&nbsp;
You can find Part 1 at <a href="http://www.undercoverarchitect.com/371">www.undercoverarchitect.com/371</a> - and of course, Ben&rsquo;s previous updates on his project are in Episode 352 and Episode 353 as well.
(The links for those episodes are here &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="http://www.undercoverarchitect.com/352">www.undercoverarchitect.com/352</a> and <a href="http://www.undercoverarchitect.com/353">www.undercoverarchitect.com/353</a> )
As we dive into Part 2 in this episode, you&rsquo;ll hear Ben&rsquo;s thoughtful reflections on relationship-building with their builder, and what happened when the builder misinterpreted the proposed contract edits.&nbsp;
We also explore how he navigated delays with builder&rsquo;s insurance, rental decisions, and setting up for site start.
And now that construction is underway, Ben talks through how he&rsquo;s managing communication, staying curious, and showing up as an engaged, collaborative client.
This is such a real and grounded look at what it means to be an empowered homeowner in your project.&nbsp;
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://undercoverarchitect.com/372">www.undercoverarchitect.com/372</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://undercoverarchitect.com/372">www.undercoverarchitect.com/372</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 designing, renovating or building your future home inside my signature online program, HOME Method &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

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