Get It Right with Undercover Architect
Self-Improvement
About
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 d...
Episodes
- Project Confidence, Interior Selections and Build Lessons: Update with Jan and Landon
Jan and Landon share an update on their Passive House build in Sydney, detailing their journey with interior selections and construction. They discuss maintaining confidence throughout the project and offer advice for others embarking on a…
- Passive House Build in Action: Construction Update with Jan and Landon
Jan and Landon provide an update on their passive house new build in Sydney, discussing the construction process and the use of a prefabricated wall cassette system. This is the fifth installment of their journey, highlighting their goals…
- How to Stage Your Renovation or New Build Project
This episode discusses how to stage a renovation or new build project, offering insights on what to consider and how to avoid common pitfalls. It emphasizes strategic planning for staging projects, especially when not completing everything…
- Should I Renovate, Extend, or Knock Down and Rebuild? Feasibility Studies Explained.
This episode explores how to decide between renovating, extending, or rebuilding a property. It provides a process for conducting feasibility studies to help homeowners make confident, strategic decisions at the start of their building pro…
- How to Enjoy Your Renovation Process and Keep It on Track, with Tanya
In this episode, HOME Method member Tanya shares her experience renovating her Melbourne home, focusing on how upfront preparation and decision-making led to a calm and collaborative construction process. She also discusses managing site m…
- How to Plan a Great Renovation from the Start, with Tanya
In this episode, home renovator Tanya discusses her experience renovating a 100-year-old home in Melbourne, focusing on the importance of creating a design brief to guide the process. She shares how preparation and clear communication help…
- Why “Small Renovations” Often Go Wrong (And How to Avoid the Most Common Traps)
In this episode of Get It Right with Undercover Architect, the host discusses the common misconceptions surrounding the term "small renovation." The episode explains why these projects can be complex and suggests why proper planning and st…
- Lessons from a New Build: Budget, Solar Shading and Teamwork, with Michael
In this episode, homeowner Michael discusses his recently completed new build in regional Western Australia. He shares insights on construction collaboration, solar shading decisions, workshop completion, and advice for those planning thei…
- New Build Update: From Lock Up to Handover and Moving In, with Michael
Homeowner Michael joins to discuss the final stages of his new build journey, from lock up to moving into his pavilion-style home. The conversation covers construction logistics, landscaping, and insights gained from living in the complete…
- The Real Reason You Feel Overwhelmed Building or Renovating: The Four Stages of Competence
In this episode, the host discusses the Four Stages of Competence to help homeowners understand their feelings of overwhelm when building or renovating. This framework provides insight into the learning process and offers strategies for ma…
- Start Here: Before You Spend Your Money [Part 5]
In this episode of Get It Right with Undercover Architect, Amelia Lee discusses the importance of intentional early spending in home building or renovation projects. She explains how strategic investments can help homeowners avoid stress,…
- Start Here: Before You Dive Down a Research Rabbit-Hole [Part 4]
This episode, part of the Start Here series, explores how homeowners can manage the research phase of renovating or building. It examines the difference between productive research and using research to delay decision-making or avoid commi…
- Start Here: Before You Talk to Builders or Designers [Part 3]
This episode of the Start Here series examines why effective preparation and engagement are more important than finding the right designer or builder. It aims to help homeowners approach their projects with more confidence and control befo…
- Start Here: Before You Design Anything [Part 2]
In this episode, architect Amelia Lee discusses why it is important to prioritize clarity over design drawings at the beginning of a renovation or building project. She explains how thorough preparation before starting any design work help…
- Start Here: How Every Project Really Unfolds [Part 1]
In this episode of Get It Right with Undercover Architect, host Amelia Lee outlines the four fundamental phases of any building or renovation project. She explains why the early stages are frequently misunderstood and provides advice on ho…
- Managing Construction Decisions, Budget and Communication, with Louise + Zane
In this episode, HOME Method members Louise and Zane provide an update on their Melbourne renovation. They discuss managing the construction phase, including joinery decisions, communication systems, budget tracking, and the realities of h…
- Renovation Progress Update: From Design to Construction, with Louise + Zane
In this episode, HOME Method members Louise and Zane provide an update on the renovation and extension of their Californian Bungalow in Melbourne. They discuss their construction progress, experiences with bank finance, the use of their de…
- Dimensions, Landscape Design and Navigating Construction, with Ben
In this episode, HOME Method member Ben discusses his ongoing home renovation and extension. He shares experiences with site construction, verifying room dimensions, and navigating the landscape design process while collaborating with prof…
- From Plans to Frame Stage: Site Meetings and Working with Your Builder, with Ben
In this episode, Ben joins the Undercover Architect to discuss his project’s progress from plans to frame stage. They cover the importance of regular site meetings, effective communication with builders and subcontractors, and navigating t…
- How to Enjoy Building a New Home, with Fionna and Ed
In this final part of a four-part series, Fionna and Ed discuss the progress of their sustainable home build, focusing on site visits, budget tracking, and schedule management. They share how thorough preparation and a collaborative team h…
- What Makes a Cost-Plus Contract Work: Scoping, Selections and Teamwork, with Fionna and Ed
HOME Method members Fionna and Ed share their experiences with a cost-plus contract during the construction phase of their Canberra home build. They discuss the importance of project scoping, detailed documentation, and maintaining collabo…
- Managing Budget, Design and Builder Selection for a New Build with Fionna and Ed
In this episode, HOME Method members Fionna and Ed discuss their new home build in Canberra. They detail their design collaboration, budget management strategies, builder selection process, and technical decisions regarding passive perform…
- How to Buy the Right Block and Build a New Home, with Fionna and Ed
In this episode, Fionna and Ed discuss the process of purchasing a unique block of land in Canberra and designing an energy-efficient home. They explore their experience with site constraints, incorporating accessibility features, and work…
- Build: How to Make Confident, Clear Decisions when Renovating or Building
This is episode 376 of Get It Right with Undercover Architect, the final part of a four-part series on making clear decisions. The episode focuses on the Build phase, offering three strategies to maintain confidence, control, and clarity d…
- Pre-Build: How to Make Confident, Clear Decisions when Renovating or Building
In this episode of Get It Right with Undercover Architect, the host discusses the Pre-Build phase of home renovation and construction. The episode focuses on three strategies to help homeowners make confident, clear decisions and avoid com…
- Design: How to Make Confident, Clear Decisions when Renovating or Building
In this episode of Get It Right with Undercover Architect, the host discusses how to build confidence and clarity during the design phase of a renovation or building project. The episode outlines three practical strategies to help homeowne…
- Pre-Design: How to Make Confident, Clear Decisions when Renovating or Building
In this episode, the first of a four-part series, the host explores how homeowners can build confidence and clarity during the pre-design phase of a building or renovation project. The episode outlines three practical methods to establish…
- What happens after you sign the building contract? The journey to site start, with Ben
In this episode of Get It Right with Undercover Architect, project member Ben discusses the process following the signing of a building contract for his Melbourne home renovation. The conversation covers legal review, communicating with th…
- What to do before signing a building contract, and save time, money and stress, with Ben
In this episode, HOME Method member Ben discusses the process of selecting a builder and preparing for the pre-construction phase. Ben shares details on comparing quotes, finalizing contracts, and managing communication and site meetings t…
- Planning Kitchens, Bathrooms and Finance for a Sustainable New Build, with Tatiana
In this episode, HOME Method member Tatiana shares her progress on her family's sustainable new build in regional Queensland. Discussion topics include kitchen and bathroom planning, managing project finances, working with suppliers on a b…
- Designing a Functional Family Home on a Budget, with Tatiana
In this episode, HOME Method member Tatiana shares a project update on designing her family home in regional Queensland. She discusses how budget constraints have shaped her design process, including decisions on layout, roof design, and b…
- Navigating Interior Design and Other Project Choices for a New Build, with Jan and Landon
HOME Method members Jan and Landon share updates on their passive house project in Sydney, including Granny Flat construction, interior design selection, and navigating complex stormwater issues.
- Passive House Design and Budget Lessons: Project Update, with Jan and Landon
In this episode, HOME Method members Jan and Landon provide an update on their Passive House project in Sydney. They discuss their experiences with the design, budget, and collaborative process with their architect and builder as they work…
- How to Avoid the Drama in Your Renovation or New Build
This episode explores how the psychological 'Drama Triangle' can affect communication and relationships during a renovation or new build. The host discusses how to identify these patterns and shift toward the 'Empowerment Dynamic' to impro…
- Project Mistakes You’re Making (Without Even Realising It): My Top 5
In this episode, the host identifies five subtle and common mistakes homeowners often make during renovation or new build projects. Listeners learn how these habits can impact project progress and budgets, along with advice on how to ident…
- When Sustainability Meets Real Life: The Perfect Home, with Shauna
In this episode of Get It Right with Undercover Architect, homeowner Shauna discusses the long-term investment, design, and budget decisions made while building her family home. She also shares her experiences with the design-build process…
- Balancing Budget, Sustainability and Family Needs in a New Build, with Shauna
In this episode, host talks to HOME Method member Shauna about her experience building a family home. They discuss how sustainability and budget considerations were balanced, as well as navigating site challenges and the importance of a cl…
- How to Manage Project Costs Without the PAC Process
In this episode, the host provides guidance on managing construction project costs without using the Paid As Consultant (PAC) process. Topics include utilizing quantity surveyors, seeking builder input, and understanding ECI and negotiated…
- Top Questions About Home Building and Renovating
In this episode, the host answers common questions about home building and renovation that were submitted during recent live webinars. Topics addressed include adding property value, managing tradies, kitchen design, appliance timing, and…
- Getting the Best Build Experience, with Builder, Anthony Hickey, Two Tone Construction
In this episode, builder Anthony Hickey of Two Tone Construction discusses how to establish effective communication between clients and builders. He shares advice on finding the right construction partner and managing project involvement f…
- Getting it Right in Your Renovation, with Builder, Anthony Hickey, Two Tone Construction
In this episode, host Amelia Lee speaks with builder Anthony Hickey of Two Tone Construction about the benefits of working with informed homeowners. They discuss his experience collaborating with HOME Method members on a recent renovation…
- Why People Join HOME Method: In Their Words
This episode of Get It Right with Undercover Architect shares the experiences of homeowners who have joined the HOME Method program. It features their personal perspectives on the fears, excitement, and challenges faced during new builds a…
- Perfection vs Reality: How to Navigate Your New Build Confidently, with Ellen
In this episode, Ellen discusses her ongoing home construction project in Ballarat, Victoria, focusing on balancing expectations and managing the challenges of the building process. She shares insights on avoiding the pursuit of perfection…
- Building with Confidence: Contracts, Builder and Selections, with Ellen
In this episode, HOME Method member Ellen provides an update on her knockdown-rebuild project in Ballarat, Victoria. She discusses her experience managing builder communication, making selections, and the mental approach to navigating the…
- Early Design Phase: Budget, Plans, and Feedback, with Louise and Zane
In this episode, HOME Method members Louise and Zane discuss the early design phase of their Melbourne bungalow renovation. They share their experiences managing budget constraints, navigating outside feedback from family and friends, and…
- Choosing the Right Team for Your Renovation, with Louise + Zane
In this episode, HOME Method members Louise and Zane discuss their progress renovating a Californian Bungalow. They share insights on their team selection process, the benefits of the Paid As Consultant (PAC) process, and working with a ne…
- Managing Your Renovation Budget When Designing, with Ben
In this episode, Ben continues his discussion about the renovation of his 1920s Californian Bungalow. He covers managing the project budget, collaborating with professionals, and the emotional aspects of the design process.
- How to Design a Home Renovation and Extension, with Ben
In this episode, host talks to HOME Method member Ben about his experience redesigning a Melbourne bungalow renovation and extension. After discovering their initial design exceeded their budget, Ben and his partner explored ways to realig…
- Trusting a First Time Builder with your New Home Build, with Tatiana
In this second part of a conversation with homeowner Tatiana, the focus is on managing risks when working with a first-time builder. The discussion also covers the pre-construction process, addressing design goals, and managing a tight bud…
- New Home Build with Affordability and Family in Mind, with Tatiana
In this episode, host Amelia Lee speaks with Tatiana, a home builder planning a new family home in regional Queensland. They discuss managing project constraints, including budget and site challenges, and the process of collaborating with…