Get It Right with Undercover Architect

Hello! This is Episode 396, and I want to talk about something that comes up at the very beginning of almost every project I hear about.
It usually sounds like one of these questions.
"Should I add a second storey, or extend out the back?"
Or… "Is it worth renovating what we have, or should we just knock it down and build new?"
Or… "We've got a blank block - do we go with a volume builder, or work with an architect or designer and do a custom project?"
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/396]
And what all of these questions have in common is this: they come from a place of genuinely not knowing which direction to go. There are multiple options on the table.
Each of them could potentially work. They can vary in budget and timelines and team structure and approvals. But you don't yet have enough information to choose between them with confidence.
And so what a lot of people do - and I completely understand the impulse - is to just pick one. Pick the option that seems most obvious, or most affordable, or the one that someone recommended, and start moving forward.
Because forward feels like progress. And staying in that uncomfortable place of not knowing can feel like being stuck.
But here's what I've seen happen, again and again. People who make that early decision without doing the groundwork first often find themselves... sometimes months in, sometimes with significant professional fees already spent... discovering that there was a better option they hadn't fully explored. Or a constraint they didn't know about. Or a cost they hadn't factored in. And by that point, going back feels devastating. But pushing forward doesn't feel right either.
In this episode, I want to help you avoid that.
I want to share a way of thinking about this phase of your project that can genuinely change your experience of it. And I want to give you a clear, practical process for how to navigate this decision-making period... so that when you do commit to a direction, you can do it with real confidence and strategy.
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/396.
Now, let’s dive in!
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:
For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/396
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.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello, this is Episode 392, and this is Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Michael, about his recently completed new build in regional Western Australia.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/392]
In the last episode, we spoke about the journey from lock up through to handover, the detailing decisions, and what it’s been like to finally move in and live in the home after more than five years of planning and building. If you want to catch up on Part 1, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/391.
And 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.
In this episode, we talk about the stress of construction - or in Michael’s case, the lack of it. We unpack how selecting the right designer and builder created a collaborative environment rather than an adversarial one. And we explore the role that preparation and education played in building his confidence as a homeowner.
Michael also shares the details of how their original external solar sunshading evolved during construction, what they learned about winter sun angles and summer heat, and the very real tension between performance, aesthetics, durability and budget. If you’re trying to balance eaves, hoods, louvres, waterproofing and cost, it’ll be useful to hear how Michael and his team have navigated this.
We talk about the completion of the workshop and studio, a part of the project that was initially going to be staged, and why Michael decided to proceed and have it finished in tandem with the home.
And finally, Michael reflects on what he would say to someone earlier in their project. His advice about design time, questioning assumptions, understanding your budget, and sticking fast to what matters most will be super helpful to hear.
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/392.
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/392
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.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.