Hello! This is episode 287. In it, I’m talking with Building Biologist, Zara D’Cotta, from The Healthy Home. She’s here to talk about healthy buildings and share her thoughts on how recent National Construction Code changes might affect how healthy our buildings are. 

This episode is part of a special series on the National Construction Code, and NCC 2022.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/287]

Australian homes have been described as “glorified tents” with construction techniques changing very little over decades. Our climate is considered ‘mild’ when compared to parts of the world that experience extreme heat or cold. 

Consequently, many homes built in Australia are built without the climate in mind. And, as we’ve had rising energy efficiency standards demanding increased air tightness and insulation, it actually poses a risky issue in the health of our buildings, and the health of us living in them.

We haven’t heard much about it in Australia, but increased air tightness, and a more-is-better approach to insulation, when used without a whole-of-home approach, has resulted in a rising number of mould problems and structural moisture damage to homes in the UK, US, Europe and our nearest neighbour New Zealand. 

Coined ‘leaky building syndrome’, a lot has been done to improve building regulations in those locations. 

The question is now: will Australia learn fast enough, and be able to avoid the issues experienced elsewhere?

In my conversation with Zara, which is across this and the next episode, we talk about your home’s health, and what to know about its construction and design to ensure you don’t create a hazardous environment for yourself.

And, Zara will also share her insights into the National Construction Code updates, and what to consider for great outcomes in your project.

Whether you’re renovating or building new, this information will be super helpful for you.

Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/287.

Now, let’s dive in!

SHOW NOTES:

If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you.

Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes. 

Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/287

Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan

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 287. In it, I’m talking with Building Biologist, Zara D’Cotta, from The Healthy Home. She’s here to talk about healthy buildings and share her thoughts on how recent National Construction Code changes might affect how healthy our buildings are. 
This episode is part of a special series on the National Construction Code, and NCC 2022.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to <a href="http://www.undercoverarchitect.com/287">www.undercoverarchitect.com/287</a>]
Australian homes have been described as “glorified tents” with construction techniques changing very little over decades. Our climate is considered ‘mild’ when compared to parts of the world that experience extreme heat or cold. 
Consequently, many homes built in Australia are built without the climate in mind. And, as we’ve had rising energy efficiency standards demanding increased air tightness and insulation, it actually poses a risky issue in the health of our buildings, and the health of us living in them.
We haven’t heard much about it in Australia, but increased air tightness, and a more-is-better approach to insulation, when used without a whole-of-home approach, has resulted in a rising number of mould problems and structural moisture damage to homes in the UK, US, Europe and our nearest neighbour New Zealand. 
Coined ‘leaky building syndrome’, a lot has been done to improve building regulations in those locations. 
The question is now: will Australia learn fast enough, and be able to avoid the issues experienced elsewhere?
In my conversation with Zara, which is across this and the next episode, we talk about your home’s health, and what to know about its construction and design to ensure you don’t create a hazardous environment for yourself.
And, Zara will also share her insights into the National Construction Code updates, and what to consider for great outcomes in your project.
Whether you’re renovating or building new, this information will be super helpful for you.
Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, you can do that by heading to <a href="http://www.undercoverarchitect.com/287">www.undercoverarchitect.com/287</a>.
Now, let’s dive in!
<hr>
SHOW NOTES:
If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps for your project, what you should be focussing on and when, or how to best invest your efforts, energy and money to get a great outcome in your future home, I’ve created something super helpful for you.
Access my free online workshop “Your Project Plan” now &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan">https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan</a>
This free workshop will really help you understand the best steps to take wherever you’re at in your project, and how you can avoid some serious and expensive mistakes. 
Plus, I’ll share with you what to focus on and when, so you know you’re getting everything in order for a successful project and beautiful home. And you’ll get access to some great bonuses as well.
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/287">www.undercoverarchitect.com/287</a>
Access my free “Your Project Plan” online workshop and awesome bonuses now &gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan">https://undercoverarchitect.com/projectplan</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

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