I’m going to discuss builders’ margins, what they are, what they should be, the difference between markups and margins, how much you should be told, and what this information all tells you when choosing a builder.

Lifting the Lid on Builders’ Margins

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 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.

Design a home for how you want to feel in it everyday

Hello! This is Episode 313, and in it, you’re going to meet Clare.
In September, 2023, Clare finished building a new home. Working closely with her team, including a building designer and builder, and with HOME Method as her support and guide, she’s created a fantastic, sustainable home for herself and her family on the beautiful Fleurieu Coast, South Australia.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/313]
In this episode and the next, Clare shares some amazing gems of know-how and insights into what’s really made the difference in her project. 
She talks through finding and choosing her team, getting her design right, and the selections and decisions that she prioritised to stay on track to her vision and goals.
It’s a fantastic and super informative conversation for anyone who is wanting to build or renovate their home in a sustainable way, and also in alignment with their personal values and priorities.
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/313.
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/313
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.

Building a Sustainable New Home: Here’s how to get it right

Hello! This is Episode 312, and in this episode, I continue my conversation with Caroline about her insights into the homeowner experience of building and renovating, and what makes the difference in a successful project.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/312]
If you haven’t listened to the previous episode and the first part of my conversation with Caroline, I’d encourage you to head back to Episode 311 and do that now. You can listen to it or download the free transcript at www.undercoverarchitect.com/312.
In the last episode, I introduced you to Caroline who has spent the past few years as a member inside our HOME Method community, as she navigated her Brisbane renovation. She shared her insights and experience, and what she did to feel confident and informed in her project, and enjoy the process overall.
I also shared that since June 2023, Caroline has been on Team UA as our Community Support and Member Success Coordinator. 
It’s a mouthful of a job title, but what it means is that Caroline works with me and our team to help our members have an amazing experience inside HOME Method, and to also ensure we continue to iterate and improve the learning experience so it’s the leading online program to navigate your renovation or new build project.
In this episode, Caroline shares her insights now she’s on the other side of HOME Method, supporting our members to have success in their own projects. It’s awesome to hear her thoughts on what she sees really benefits homeowners as they learn what they need to know, and access support along their project journey. 
I think if you’re about to embark on your renovation or new build, this will be super helpful for you.
We also discuss some exciting things coming up on the podcast: a project we’ve been working on for some time now, and one that I was super nervous about too. I’m really looking forward to sharing info with you on that. 
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/312.
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/312
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.

The best help when renovating or building new: An Insider’s View

Hello! This is Episode 311, and in this episode and the next, it’s all about introductions and updates! And if you’re keen to hear from someone who has recently renovated their home and actually really enjoyed the experience, you’ll want to listen to this episode.
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/311]
Now, over the past year, we’ve had a fair few changes behind the scenes in Undercover Architect.
And one of those changes involved hiring an incredible woman, Caroline, as our Community Support and Member Success Coordinator. 
Caroline started on Team UA in early June, 2023, but as you’ll learn from this episode, Caroline has been inside the Undercover Architect community for a lot longer. That’s because Caroline actually did her own renovation as a HOME Method member prior to joining the UA team. 
This episode is a great conversation all about how Caroline set herself up for success to have an enjoyable, rewarding renovation project … even through COVID … as well as what she learned along the way, and how she leaned on her team to help her feel confident and problem solve as she went.
Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus information on the resources we discuss, as well as images of the project, you can do that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/311.
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/311
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.

What makes a great renovation? Insights from an enjoyable project.

Hello! This is Episode 310, and in it, I’m going to take you through a way of thinking about the areas you need to focus on to help you have a great project and a great home. These are the three building blocks I believe make all the difference for you!
[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/310]
You can imagine that, in all the years I’ve been helping homeowners design, build and renovate their homes … in working with them as their architect,, and since 2014 inside Undercover Architect, I’ve had loads of people ask me questions along the lines of this:
Hey Amelia - what do I really need to make this project work. To not waste money, to get it right in my home design, to know enough so I don’t get taken advantage of, to make the best decisions for the budget I have to spend, and to create a home that I’ll love living in?
What do I need to do, to have, to be, to know to have a great project and create a great home?
Or a question along those lines! 
And since starting Undercover Architect in mid 2014, almost ten years ago now, I’ve definitely found I’ve experienced these questions en masse. Rather than getting them one at a time from potential clients as I did when I practiced traditionally as an architect, they now come in emails, social DMs, chat conversations on Zoom … and it’s generally along the same lines.
It’s totally understandable. Renovating and building can feel incredibly overwhelming to the uninitiated. It’s a big expense, a big undertaking, a time consuming process as well, and it has a long lasting impact on your finances, your lifestyle, your well-being and your life long-term.
Understanding what you need to do, and what is the simplest, most direct and effective way to achieve success is, of course, really worthwhile knowledge to have.
But I’ve found that watching what homeowners will do to try and achieve that understanding is really interesting. 
And what people think they need and want when embarking on their renovation or new build, compared to what they really do need to improve their project and home, is also interesting.
So, to answer this question, I came up with the 3 building blocks I believe make all the difference in creating a great project and a great home.
I first shared this concept on a webinar I did earlier this year, and it really resonated with those that attended. So I wanted to bring it here to you on the podcast to help you as well.
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/310.
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/310
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.

Lifting the Lid on Builders’ Margins

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