Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Hello! This is Episode #213, and in it, I’ll be helping you see how to review your construction drawings, and what to check as you look through them. Your construction drawings are a significant gateway to determine how you’re communicating the outcome you want on site in your renovation or new build, and the experience you want to have during that construction too.  Drawings with...

Hello! This is Episode #212, and in it, I’m going to help you understand how to check your drawings during your Design Phase. And I’ll also be sharing how you can know that you’re getting the right amount and quality of information from whoever you’re working with, before you sign off your design and commit to it being fully documented in the next stage of your project. The...

Hello! This is Episode #211, and in it, I’m going to be talking about the design of your outdoor entertaining area or alfresco.  And specifically, I’ll be sharing what to consider when it comes to your roof design over this area, so it doesn’t diminish the feeling and functionality of the space, or the interior of the home. This is a question I get a lot from homeowners. Oft...

Hello! This is Episode #210, and in it, I’m continuing on from the last episode, where we’re answering the question: How do you know you don’t just need a draftsperson or building designer, but you should use an architect instead? And when should you definitely use an architect vs other industry professionals? Or when you can use a draftsperson, or even go straight to a builder?...

Hello! This is Episode #209, and in it, I’ll be answering a common question I hear from homeowners. How do you know you don’t just need a draftsperson or building designer, but you should use an architect instead? And when should you definitely use an architect vs other industry professionals? Or when you can use a draftsperson, or even go straight to a builder? Many homeowners want to...

Hello! This is Episode 208. In this episode, we’re discussing the topic of roof colour, and more specifically, dark roof colours vs light roof colours, and whether your selection really matters to the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of your home. Roof colour is something I’m asked about a lot. Does it really matter, and how much does it matter?  For many of us who know what...

Hello! This is Episode 207. In this episode, you’ll learn from architect, Antony Martin of MRTN Architects, how you can think about the Pre-Design Phase of your project. Often when homeowners start their project, their priority is to think about the floor plan design, how it will get created, and who will help them. And, if you’re planning on working with a design professional such as...

Hello! This is Episode 205. In this episode, we wrap up our little mini-series on the PAC Process, or Paid As Consultant Process, with a fantastic conversation I really think you’re going to enjoy. I’m speaking with Bec and Glenn, who recently completed a renovation of their Queenslander home in Brisbane, and used the PAC Process during their design phase. After working with me to crea...

Hello! This is Episode 204. In this episode, I am speaking with a builder who only uses the PAC Process in his residential construction business. He no longer does tenders and quotes, and will only work with clients right from the initiation of their project, so he can be Paid As a Consultant and get involved during the design phase. For him as the builder, the PAC Process is the best and only way...

Hello! This is Episode 203. In this episode, I speak with a building designer who is using the PAC Process with his residential clients to improve the design process, and the client experience in their project. You may recall Aaron Wailes, who featured as our Building Designer in Season 4 (Know Your Team) here on the podcast. Aaron Wailes is the Founder and Owner of GreenCoast Building Design, a r...

Hello! This is Episode 202. In this episode, I’m continuing the conversation about the PAC Process, where you bring a builder on board your design team and they’re Paid As a Consultant during the pre-construction phase. In the last episode, I shared some information on why this process can be a great way to commence your project, and what you can achieve with it, plus some key things t...

Hello, this is Episode 201. If you’re frustrated at hearing all the stories about those who spend loads of time on their home design, only to find at the point of getting quotes that they’re significantly over budget, you’re going to love this podcast episode. You can create a custom new build or renovation that’s on budget and simpler to build - you just need the right pro...

This is Episode 200. Can you believe it? Sometimes I pinch myself that I’m here, that you’re here, that we’re on this journey together and it’s now 200 episodes in and almost 4.5 years old.  And so, in this episode, I want to celebrate this journey with you. Consider this my very sincere and possibly corny, love letter to you, my gorgeous podcast listener.  And, p...

This is Episode #199. In this episode, I’m continuing on with information about what to consider if you’re planning on supplying your own fixtures, finishes and fittings when constructing your renovation or new build, and excluding them from your contract with your builder. This is Part 2 of this topic. So if you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, it’ll make a lot more sense i...

Hello! This is Episode #198, and I’m diving into the topic of supplying your own fixtures and finishes for your renovation or building project. Many homeowners seek to save money in their building project by extracting specific supplied items from the building contract. They organise to do this with their builder, and sign a contract that doesn’t include these items.  This means t...

This is Episode #197, and in it, I’ll be talking about using a Design Construct Builder or Company for your new home or renovation.  Design Construct builders or companies can seem like a great way to manage cost and still get a custom design approach inside a one-stop shop, with a single point of contact.  However there are a range of reasons why it may not work for your project,...

This is episode #196, and in it, I’m going to share with you how to create a comprehensive and effective design brief for your renovation or building project. This is something EVERYONE needs to do - whether they’re renovating or building new - and so, it’s worthwhile learning what to include, and the kinds of things to think about, plus specific topics to discuss with anyone els...

This is episode 195 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, we’ll be talking about the stories we tell ourselves that may sabotage our renovation or new build project. I’ll be bringing you a special guest who has bucketloads of experience in helping people bust their stories wide open. Her name is Lisa Corduff, and she’s got a huge amount of wisdom to share that I know is g...

This is episode 194 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be covering the kick-off stage of your project.  This is where you’re past the ideas stage, and know you want to get going, but you’re not sure about who to hire or next steps, and who you should speak to first.  We’ll be covering the mistakes to avoid, the key ways to get it right in this stag...

This is episode 193 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’m talking about those of you, who have got your plans locked and loaded, and it's now time to sign contracts with a builder and hit go! Before you choose your builder and before you start construction, listen to this episode. So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: If you’re struggling with understanding the overall steps...

This is episode 192 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be talking about being stuck. That frustrating feeling when you’re in the midst of your project, and you’re just finding it super hard to take any action. You’re paralysed. Unable to move forward.  It may be because you have a design you don’t love, and you’re not sure what to do now. Or...

This is episode 191 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be talking about those who are working with someone right now on your home design, exploring all the options, reviewing sketches of floor plans being presented to you, and you’re loving all the possibilities and ideas.  If you’re working with an architect or a building designer, or who are planning to, th...

This is episode 190 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode I’ll be talking about those who are DIY’ing their design, and know that soon they’ll be on the hunt for a builder to make it a reality. There are many, many homeowners who design their own home from scratch, and then go straight to a builder. They see it as a means of maintaining full control on the process, and get...

This is episode 189 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode I’ll be covering the kick-off stage of your project.  This is where you’re past the ideas stage, and know you want to get going, but you’re not sure about who to hire or next steps, and who you should speak to first.  We’ll be covering the mistakes to avoid, the key ways to get it right in this stage...

This is episode 188 of the Get it Right podcast. In this episode, I’ll be helping you learn how to get it right if you’re at the stage in your project where you’re dreaming up ideas, and scrolling Pinterest, Houzz and Google. 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 inves...