Understanding the best way to work with a volume builder is great for improving your project experience, and helping you create a great home as well.

Tips for building with a Volume Builder

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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Hello! This is Episode 318, and in it, we continue my conversation with Louise and Zane about beginning the renovation of their Californian Bungalow in Melbourne.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/317]
If you haven’t listened to the first part of this conversation, I encourage you to go back and check out Episode 317. Louise and Zane share background information about who the project is for, their vision for their future home, some of their nerves and concerns about budget, and decisions they’re making about their team. You can find all of that at www.undercoverarchitect.com/317.
This episode begins as we continue discussing Louise and Zane’s expectations about when they want to start construction, and me sharing some challenging feedback about those expectations.
Plus, I also make suggestions about their next steps, and we talk about the best way to begin when you’re exploring whether to go out with an extension or up with a second storey. 
We also discuss whether a builder or designer can have too many projects on the go at once, and I share the best way to shape your approach when first speaking to designers, architects and builders.
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/318.
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/318
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.


 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beginning a Californian Bungalow Renovation, with Louise + Zane

Hello! This is Episode 317, and if you’re yet to get started on your renovation or new build, or taking your very first steps, I know this is going to be super helpful for you.
In it, you’re going to meet Louise and Zane. They are at the very beginning of their project: the renovation of a 100 year old Californian Bungalow in Melbourne.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/317]
When I put the call out to HOME Method members about coming on the podcast, I also asked if members would like to come on to share their progress as it develops. And, that we would treat the podcast episode conversations as part sharing, part coaching. 
So, what that means is they come on to the podcast to discuss their projects progress with me and share the things they’re doing, decisions they’re making, and challenges they’re having. And I offer suggestions, provide guidance and sometimes, just sometimes, deliver challenging feedback or reality checks. 
I’m really looking forward to introducing Louise and Zane to you, because I know this stage of a project - the very beginning - is something that EVERYONE has to go through. 
So this episode provides a great opportunity to gain insights into important steps to take at this point, and I believe you’ll resonate with much of what Louise and Zane are thinking about and mulling over as they dive into their 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/317.
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/317
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where to Start When Renovating, with Louise + Zane

Hello! This is Episode 316, and in it, I’m continuing my conversation with Hannah and Andy from Powerhaus Engineering about their app and its ability to help you make data driven decisions to improve the energy efficiency of your future home. 
Including decisions that can save you tens of thousands of dollars and more!
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/316]
If you haven’t listened to the first part of my conversation with them, be sure to head back to Episode 315. You’ll hear more about how the app works, what kind of information you need to use it, and how you can interact with it to access incredibly useful, climate and location specific data and intel to improve your design.
Of course, one of the benefits of having access to this type of information, especially during the design phase, is that it can help you save serious money, and totally optimise WHAT you are spending your budget on in your project.
And that’s how we kick off this episode. You’ll hear how the app helped a HOME Method member identify $80,000 worth of savings in their future home through understanding the data and making a value assessment for their project.
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/316.
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/316
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saving $80,000 in a New Build, with Powerhaus Engineering

Hello! This is Episode 315, and in it, I’m sharing an incredible new way you’ll be able to access smart data to help you design a more energy efficient home. 
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/315]
I’m really looking forward to sharing this episode and the next with you, as I introduce you to Hannah and Andy from Powerhaus Engineering. 
Together, they’ve created an amazing app that enables homeowners, designers, builders and energy assessors to interrogate meaningful and relevant data in a home design and its energy modelling, and interact with it to see what will make measurable improvements.
You can access and toggle through data that will help you understand what’s worth spending money on, and what really will make the difference. And you’ll be able to do this interactively, seeing what’s relevant to your project plans and climate, and understanding intimately what can truly impact the energy efficiency of your future renovated or new home.
And you can do it in a simple to understand and easy to read way. I’m so looking forward to sharing this with 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/315.
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/315
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smart Data to Design an Energy Efficient Home, with Powerhaus Engineering

Hello! This is Episode 314, and in it, we dive into the second half of my conversation with Clare about building her new, sustainable home, on the Fleurieu Coast in South Australia.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/314]
If you haven’t listened to the first part of this conversation, I encourage you to go back and check out Episode 313. You’ll hear Clare share details about shaping her Design Brief, choosing her team, and the sustainable choices she prioritised as she navigated the pre-construction process. You can find all of that, as well as photos of her project, at www.undercoverarchitect.com/313.
In this episode, you’ll hear more about Clare’s project, especially the construction process, and how she got selective about where she chose to hang out online, and what kind of information she generally digested during her project. 
Clare also talks about her mindset, sharing a lot of great insights about how she supported herself to be resilient and back her decisions. 
She also dives into some detail about some of the choices that have made a big difference to her lifestyle and convenience in her home, and what she would do differently if she had her time over.
And Clare also discusses her key drivers or priorities in her project, including designing a home for how she wanted to feel in it everyday, in the lifestyle she wanted to create with her family.
Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss and photos of Clare’s finished home, you can find all of that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/314.
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/314
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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tips for building with a Volume Builder

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