Episodes
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The requirements for working with a Town Planner, when you’ll need one and what you’ll need one for, will vary from state to state, suburb to suburb and house to house. However, there are some key consistencies to know, and ways they can make your journey simpler overall. So listen carefully for tips for your project.
Let me introduce Nuala Dewhurst.
Nuala grew up in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney and after living and working in Sydney and Broome WA, she moved back to the mountains and has raised her 4 kids there.
Nuala decided on a career in town planning after getting sick of the lack of pram ramps she experienced as a young mum in the suburbs. She’s been in the industry now for over 20 years.
With extensive experience in the Blue Mountains, Nuala specialises in character and heritage assessments and preparing Statements of Environmental Effects. These are a required document when you lodge a Development Application in with Councils in NSW, and whilst I’ve seen some homeowners have a crack at writing these reports themselves – or use other consultants, such as their designer, to write them – my recommendation is it’s a job best done by a Town Planner. And Nuala will explain in more detail why.
Nuala has worked for State and local government and has always been passionate about the way our communities work. Her career has included assessing proposals for development and preparing city wide plans. She has worked as a town planner in local government for over 15 years before moving to consultancy planning. So she’s worked both sides of the desk – in assessing applications inside council, and in making applications for her clients’ projects. It’s a great set of skills to have – as someone who’s worked on the inside can often provide great insight into how to get your project approved.
Nuala has now established her own business - Griffin Planning. She and I actually met when a client of mine brought me a preliminary planning report she’d commissioned Nuala to prepare on the block of land she planned to build on. I was so impressed with how comprehensive it was, and how much information it gave me in order to design a home for this block, I connected with Nuala. She was also kind enough to attend my last Sydney Workshop and assist attendees with queries they had around Council approvals and Council rules.
It’s great to sit down with Nuala Dewhurst and talk about the role of the Town Planner. I think you’ll learn a lot, wherever your project is located.
This is about the WHO, the WHAT, the WHEN and the WHY of using a Town Planner for your renovation or building project. Listen to the podcast now.
Our “Get it Right” podcast partner for Season 4 is COLORBOND® steel and their Matt range.
COLORBOND® steel Matt is a great choice for creating a stunning, sophisticated and subtle look for your home. With a beautiful and neutral look, it has an elegance I know you’ll love, and diffuses light for a soft, natural, textured finish.
And not only does COLORBOND® steel Matt look gorgeous … It’s also durable, strong, 100% recyclable, high tech, tested and designed for the Australian climate, a choice for bushfire zones, able to give your home a contemporary and sophisticated feel, AND has 50 years of history behind it as a brand.
Head to www.colorbond.com/undercoverarchitect for more info
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia Lee, UA x
LINKS IN THIS EPISODE:
Griffin Planning Website https://www.griffinplanning.com.au/
Griffin Planning Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GriffinPlanning/
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In this episode, we’ll be diving into the role of Building Designer. Aaron Wailes is a Brisbane-based licensed Building Designer, with over 15 years industry experience.
Now, Aaron is a friend and colleague I’ve known for many, many years.
Aaron and I first met at Mirvac over a decade ago. When 5 colleagues and I set up our architectural practice, DC8 Studio, Aaron was our first crew member.
And, Aaron and I have continued to partner each other to deliver projects in our respective businesses. In fact, if you’ve checked out the Project Diary on the UA blog, where we’re following the renovation of a Queenslander cottage, you’ll see Aaron was responsible for the documentation and on site management of the project.
Aaron set up AWBD – or Aaron Wailes Building Design in 2009. He and his wife had been living and working overseas in the United Kingdom for some time, and they returned to Brisbane to set up AWBD Design Consultants.
Aaron is incredibly passionate about good design. He’s worked across many different project types, from retirement living, housing developments, apartments and office buildings … both here in Australia, Europe and the Middle East.
One of the things I love about how Aaron works is the way his practical construction knowledge gets brought together with his design skills. When you work with a designer, you want them mentally building whilst they design. So, what I mean by this, is that as they’re drawing lines in a design concept, they’re also thinking about the constructability, the structural design … how all these things come together to meet your brief and your budget. Aaron works in this way with his clients to help deliver them great results.
Aaron is also a gun on Revit, which is a 3D computer documentation tool. So, Aaron will ‘build’ the project inside the computer, before it gets built on site. It’s a great way to uncover and anticipate any issues at the drawing stage – which in turn manages your risk on site during construction. And whenever a designer works with you in 3D, it helps you see the solution before the solution is built, and have that design vision communicated to you.
It’s great to sit down with Aaron to talk about the role of the building designer, and his tips on how to find one, how they’ll help and the way to get the best in working with one.
This is about the WHO, the WHAT, the WHEN and the WHY of using a building designer for your renovation or building project.
Listen to the podcast now.
Our “Get it Right” podcast partner for Season 4 is COLORBOND® steel and their Matt range.
COLORBOND® steel Matt is a great choice for creating a stunning, sophisticated and subtle look for your home. With a beautiful and neutral look, it has an elegance I know you’ll love, and diffuses light for a soft, natural, textured finish.
And not only does COLORBOND® steel Matt look gorgeous … It’s also durable, strong, 100% recyclable, high tech, tested and designed for the Australian climate, a choice for bushfire zones, able to give your home a contemporary and sophisticated feel, AND has 50 years of history behind it as a brand.
Head to www.colorbond.com/undercoverarchitect for more info
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia Lee, UA x
LINKS IN THIS EPISODE:
AWBD Website http://www.awbd.com.au/
AWBD Facebook https://www.facebook.com/awbddesignconsultants/
AWBD Instagram https://www.instagram.com/aaronwailesbuildingdesign/
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Episodes manquant?
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So we’re in for a treat in this episode. The first interview in Season 04 is with Shaun Lockyer of Shaun Lockyer Architects.
Now, if you’re based in Brisbane and planning your renovation or new home, chances are you’ve already come across Shaun’s work. It’s prolific and award winning and a huge body of new and renovated homes all over Brisbane – and in fact, in other parts of Queensland and Australia … and even overseas!
Shaun Lockyer Architects (or SLa) has a huge following on social media, an enviable list of clients, projects and awards, and a great reputation for beautiful, sustainable and efficient design solutions that add value to the lives of their inhabitants.
Shaun himself has over 20 years of international design experience, including four years as an associate at SAOTA in South Africa, and nine years as Director and Partner at Arkhefield in Brisbane, QLD.
In fact that’s where Shaun and I first met … in 2001, when we started at Arkhefield, 2 weeks apart from each other. Both fairly new to Brisbane, we sat opposite each other and – as Shaun reminded me the last time I saw him - we actually had to be separated at one point because we spoke too much and made too much noise. We’ve been friends since that time.
Personally, I’ve watched with huge admiration and pride, as my friend has built an extraordinary career with such commitment, incredible client service and sheer hard work. In the early days when we were at Arkhefield, he would always talk ad infinitum about his love of designing individual homes: the opportunity to work closely with clients in a trusting relationship, the love of crafting a container for their family lives, and exploring space and volume, light and materials that would surround them each day. He’s always been passionate about residential architecture.
In 2009, he started his own practice, Shaun Lockyer Architects. This practice engages in the design and delivery of bespoke architectural homes for private clients who value a collaborative and transparent design process. Each commission employs a versatility and passion that transcends scale and budget.
The outcomes of all the work at SLa are a reflection of the extraordinary efforts of the team which is comprised of Shaun Lockyer, Jen Negline, Lucy Hyndman, David Gockel, Michael Ford, Ash Hughes, Adam Laming, Kevin Li, Lyle Mitrovich, Katy Roberts, Alex Kean, Ivy Verlaat
They’ve won a mountain of awards … Shaun himself has been recognized for the contribution he’s made to architectural education – and he’s as committed to his role as an industry mentor as he is to being an architect.
It is with great pleasure that I sit down with Shaun to talk about the role of the architect, and his tips on how to get the most from working with one, plus answers to some of the key questions we, as architects, often hear from homeowners about getting us involved.
This is about the WHO, the WHAT, the WHEN and the WHY of using an architect for your renovation or building project. So, let’s get into the episode.
Listen to the podcast now.
Our “Get it Right” podcast partner for Season 4 is COLORBOND® steel and their Matt range.
COLORBOND® steel Matt is a great choice for creating a stunning, sophisticated and subtle look for your home. With a beautiful and neutral look, it has an elegance I know you’ll love, and diffuses light for a soft, natural, textured finish.
And not only does COLORBOND® steel Matt look gorgeous … It’s also durable, strong, 100% recyclable, high tech, tested and designed for the Australian climate, a choice for bushfire zones, able to give your home a contemporary and sophisticated feel, AND has 50 years of history behind it as a brand.
Head to www.colorbond.com/undercoverarchitect for more info
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia Lee, UA x
LINKS IN THIS EPISODE:
SLa Website http://lockyerarchitects.com.au/
SLa Instagram https://www.instagram.com/shaunlockyer/
SLa Pinterest https://au.pinterest.com/slarch/shaun-lockyer-architects/
Blog about difference between architects, building designers and draftspeople https://undercoverarchitect.com/architect-vs-draftsperson-vs-building-designer-whats-the-difference/
Check the registration of your architect here http://australianarchitect.org.au/list-of-individual-architects-in-australia/
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Are you confused about who you’ll need on your team to renovate or build your home?
Homeowners often tell me they are. They’re not sure who to speak to first, what costs to expect from everyone, how to know if they’re finding the right people, and when to get them on board.
And sometimes they also don’t understand why they’ll need a specific professional.
I’m not talking about tradespeople here. This is about all the various roles and professionals you may have on board up to the point you commence construction. And then some you need to keep on board, and some you don’t – whilst you build your home.
Some professionals are essential. For example you legally require them to get your project finished, or they’re necessary, because they perform a required role as part of you getting your project built or renovated.
And other professionals will be a choice. For example, you might get an architect, a building designer, or a draftsperson to design your home. Or you may choose to design it yourself. Now – of course, that’s not something I recommend – but it is possible!
And it’s important, when setting your budget, that you have an understanding of who you’ll need, why you’ll need them, what they do and will charge for it, and when they need to come on board.
In this episode, I go through a list of professionals you may need for your project – and outline the role that each performs. I also help you with recommendations about where to start, and how to assess their fees.
Listen to the podcast now.
Our “Get it Right” podcast partner for Season 4 is COLORBOND® steel and their Matt range.
COLORBOND® steel Matt is a great choice for creating a stunning, sophisticated and subtle look for your home. With a beautiful and neutral look, it has an elegance I know you’ll love, and diffuses light for a soft, natural, textured finish.
And not only does COLORBOND® steel Matt look gorgeous … It’s also durable, strong, 100% recyclable, high tech, tested and designed for the Australian climate, a choice for bushfire zones, able to give your home a contemporary and sophisticated feel, AND has 50 years of history behind it as a brand.
Head to www.colorbond.com/undercoverarchitect for more info.
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia Lee, UA x
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Season 4 is called “Know Your Team”, and in this season, we’ll be exploring the roles of the various professionals that can help you when you’re designing, building or renovating your home.
Often homeowners tell me that they’re confused about who they need to get on their team and which person or role they hire first. And this is the thing about the construction industry … there are loads of different specialisations and professional roles. To be honest, it can be confusing to know:
who does what who is necessary and compulsory, vs who you might feel you need help from who is really going to help you achieve what you want to do what these different professionals will all cost where to find them how to make sure they’re a good fit for you and your needs when you need to get them on board and why you need to get them involved in your projectSo that’s what Season 4 is all about.
Regardless of where in Australia – or in fact the world – you might be listening to this podcast, there are going to be some amazing tips and information for you in this season. My guests are all incredibly experienced, and have been amazingly generous in providing their expertise and knowledge as we talk about their role in renovations and new builds.
I can’t wait to get this season kicked off. So, join me next time for an overview of the many and varied roles you can have on your project – whether you’re building or renovating your home.
And then from the following episode, we start the interviews. There are 10 episodes where I speak to the 10 key professionals you are most likely to come into contact with, need the help of, or want to consider for your new home or renovation project.
I worked out that, between all my guests, there’s over 160 years of experience in the residential industry of design, building and renovating … so this an extraordinary brains trust I’m tapping into!
I’m really hoping this Season 4 helps you understand more about the various professions that can assist you with bringing your home dreams to life. And their key tips on getting it right in your project.
Listen to the podcast now.
Our “Get it Right” podcast partner for Season 4 is COLORBOND® steel and their Matt range.
COLORBOND® steel Matt is a great choice for creating a stunning, sophisticated and subtle look for your home. With a beautiful and neutral look, it has an elegance I know you’ll love, and diffuses light for a soft, natural, textured finish.
And not only does COLORBOND® steel Matt look gorgeous … It’s also durable, strong, 100% recyclable, high tech, tested and designed for the Australian climate, a choice for bushfire zones, able to give your home a contemporary and sophisticated feel, AND has 50 years of history behind it as a brand.
Head to www.colorbond.com/undercoverarchitect for more info
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia Lee, UA x
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There are lots of mistakes that I see homeowners make when it comes to building and renovating their homes. Mistakes that cost them extra time, money and stress along the journey.
Some of the main mistakes – the most stress-inducing mistakes – come from how homeowners manage their communication. So, I’m referring to their communication with their team, with establishing their vision and in managing the elements of the project along the way.
I have 3 key mistakes to share with you so you know what to avoid in your renovation or new home. These mistakes relate to how you communicate, and what you might avoid communicating – to the detriment of your project.
What are these mistakes? They are:
#1: Getting lost in the weeds
#2: Giving accusations not feedback
#3: Hanging on for too long.
Listen to the podcast now for more information on these mistakes, and learn how they can really cause problems on your project. I also share critical ways you can avoid making these mistakes yourself.
Links mentioned in this podcast:
http://undercoverarchitect.com/how-to-leave-your-designer-or-builder/
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia Lee, UA x
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We continue our interlude - examining how to use communication as the powerful tool it can be, to get it right in our renovation or new build.
In the last episode, I took you through the first 3 Communication Tools you can use in your project to help it go more smoothly, and achieve success overall.
Do you remember what they were? They were: Your team, Your brief, and Your language.
In this episode, I’ll take you through 4 more Communication Tools, and explain how to use them effectively as you move towards the building stage, and during construction.
These 4 Communication Tools are:
Your quotesYour legalsYour project managementYour resultListen to the podcast now to learn more about these last 4 Communication tools so you can get it right.
Links mentioned in this podcast:
Australian Standards Interactive Tool >>> https://infostore.saiglobal.com/ncc-house/index.html
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia Lee, UA x
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I want to take a moment to deep dive into one key area that can be the cause of loads of challenges in your renovation or new build.
I’m not overstating it, when I tell you that this one thing can be at the heart of most building disputes, errors and costly mistakes. In fact, a lot of serious litigation cases can be credited to this one thing failing or missing.
So what is it? This one crucial tool?
It’s … COMMUNICATION.
When it’s done well, it helps projects run smoothly, achieve great outcomes and create homes that are a joy to live in.
And when it’s not. Well, it’s how projects unravel, money and time is wasted, loads of stress is caused as well, and the whole experience of renovating or building made awful.
When you build or renovate your home, there are so many moving parts to pull together. Different team members, different ideas, decisions, processes … boxes to tick, rules to satisfy, budgets to meet …
And in the middle of all of that will be you, and anyone else in your family who gets a say, figuring out what you want from your finished home – and how to bring it to life.
That’s the sometimes-hilarious-sometimes-frustrating thing isn’t it? Not only do you have to get it right in communicating your vision to those helping you design and build it. You also have to get on the same page as your partner, or your family members, in actually creating that vision in the first place!
No wonder it can get hairy sometimes.
So, in this episode and the next, I’ll take you through some of the most important elements of communication for your project, and how to use them successfully to get great results, and save yourself headaches along the way.
And then in the third episode of this interlude, I’ll share some of the key mistakes I see people make, so you can avoid those too.
What are the first 3 Communication tools? They are:
Your team Your brief Your languageListen to the podcast now to learn more about these first 3 Communication tools so you can get it right.
Links mentioned in this podcast:
Terminology used in building >>> www.yourbuilding.org
A glossary of building terminology >>> www.ownerbuildercourses.com/building-terminology
What drawings do you need for your project? >>> http://undercoverarchitect.com/what-drawings-do-i-need-to-build-or-renovate-my-home/
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia Lee, UA x
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As you begin to design and plan your new home or renovation, chances are you’ll be:
looking at the spaces you want to create how you want to wrap them up (their size, shape, etc ) and what you want to put in them (finishes, fixtures, furnishings, etc)When you start to allocate your budget to these dreamed and imagined spaces, finishes and fixtures, it can be a surprise to see how quickly it gets consumed.
And often, in my experience, the reaction can often be “But where is all the money going?”
There are many things required to create a working, finished new or renovated home, and they can chew up a significant chunk of your budget – and yet be almost invisible in the finished product.
So in this episode, we go through the main areas where money can disappear in any project, so you can manage them in yours. I share the main hazards to be aware of, and how you can protect your budget in each of these areas.
Of course, the ones I’m listing here are not exhaustive – the best way to manage your budget is to manage all of it!
However, I’ve seen these areas regularly surprise homeowners, and end up costing them far more than they intended.
I take you through 4 main areas that can swallow your budget for a seemingly invisible result. I also share key tips to help you protect your budget in these areas – and overall.
Money gobbler 1:Services (especially electrical and plumbing)
Money gobbler 2:Excavation and retaining
Money gobbler 3:Your home’s skeleton (the structure)
Money gobbler 4:Extra living expenses during your project
And one last word on this …
I see some homeowners behave like it’s a foregone conclusion that their project will blow budget and timelines. Renovating and building doesn’t have to be that way.
The renovating and building journey is not a one-step process. It’s a step-by-step journey of discovery and selection. Sometimes you only have 2 options. Sometimes you have 200. Sometimes you may feel like you’re crawling, and at other times it feels like big jumps towards the finish line.
The most straight-forward way to avoid nasty surprises on your reno or new home journey is to start with good information and a reliable team. Then you can also work to make informed choices as you go. Checking and adjusting along the way. What did we say in an earlier episode? ADAPT AND INNOVATE!!
Revisiting your design, your budget and your timeline at each of these stages will help you do this, and make the best choices for you … your budget, your site and your life. That’s the way you create the perfect home for you.
Listen to the podcast now to learn more about these 4 main areas, and how to protect your budget, and manage your risk overall.
This season, Undercover Architect has a podcast partner: Kiiko LED.
Kiiko LED is customisable, DIY, LED strip lighting, that you can order online to your specifications, for your needs and project.
Kiiko LED is founded by Craig Thomas, who I’ve personally had the pleasure of working with for over 12 years now, in my own projects, and in client projects.
And so I’ve been able to organise with Kiiko a fantastic UA Community only offer. If you head to their website at www.kiiko.com.au/undercoverarchitect you’ll be able to access a $25 discount to use on your first order.
Check it out, and start building your Kiiko LED strip lighting now!
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia Lee, UA x
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One of the things I often see occurs is that homeowners will be so diligent during their early phases of their projects. Total ninjas when juggling competing demands, sorting their priorities, hunting down bargains, making strong decisions so they meet their budget.
And then construction will start.
They’ll head to site and start seeing progress. And then they’ll start changing things. Or they’ll see a material or fixture somewhere, fall in love with it, and have to have it – even though it’s more than what they’d originally budgeted for, or already selected.
This might be because construction feels like the last point at which you can be sure you’ve got it right. Your last opportunity to ensure you’ve made the best choices, because once it’s in, it’s permanent and you’ll be living with it.
And perhaps too, it’s because it can be hard to visualise things when they’re all on paper. You’re looking at lines on a page that represents rooms and spaces and joinery. Often homeowners will walk on site and say “Oh, is THAT what it looks like” like it’s the first time they’ve actually realised.
When you make changes on site: be it because you’ve not understood how something actually was designed … or you see an alternative product or material you would rather use … or you change your mind about anything you’ve previously selected or included in your design … these changes rarely save you money.
More often than not, they cost MORE in time and money.
And it’s in these changes that homeowners can blow their budget. They’re spending a little extra here and there. All those ‘little extras’ add up over time, get a builder’s margin added onto them, and can end up being a big budget blowout.
In this episode, I share the ways you can spend your budget wisely, and stay on track for your project, as well as the tools you can use. I go into detail on these three specific strategies:
Strategy 1: Start how you intend to finish … and finish how you started
Strategy 2: Monitor your progress – in time and money
Strategy 3: Be realistic about your own abilities
Following these strategies will help you to manage the spending of your budget with the same discipline you set it with. And ultimately that will help you stay on track in your renovation or new build, and deliver the finished result without huge financial headaches.
Listen to the podcast now to learn more about these strategies and stay on track with your spending!
Links mentioned in the podcast
Microsoft now has a template you can use to set up your budget in excel
https://www.microsoft.com/australia/madewithoffice/article/how-to-keep-track-of-your-diy-renovation-in-excel.aspx
Pocketbook is one of my favourite apps for streaming your bank account and tracking / categorising transactions
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/pocketbook-personal-finance-expense-tracker/id653330894?mt=8
Renovation Budget Tracker ($4.50)
https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/renovation-budget-tracker/id381991960?mt=8
AMP Budget Tracker
https://www.tracker.qandamp.com.au/
Tom’s Planner
https://www.tomsplanner.com/
LED Lighting and how to get it right
http://undercoverarchitect.com/what-is-led-lighting/
This season, Undercover Architect has a podcast partner: Kiiko LED.
Kiiko LED is customisable, DIY, LED strip lighting, that you can order online to your specifications, for your needs and project.
Kiiko LED is founded by Craig Thomas, who I’ve personally had the pleasure of working with for over 12 years now, in my own projects, and in client projects.
And so I’ve been able to organise with Kiiko a fantastic UA Community only offer. If you head to their website at www.kiiko.com.au/undercoverarchitect you’ll be able to access a $25 discount to use on your first order.
Check it out, and start building your Kiiko LED strip lighting now!
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia Lee, UA x
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When homeowners find out – often with total shock – that their expectations for their renovation or new home project don’t match the reality of its cost, a readjustment has to occur for them to keep going on their journey.
The challenge is that many homeowners often wait far too long to get to this point of readjustment.
They hop on a train towards their destination (that is, their new or renovated home), without checking that they’re on the right train. It’s only several stops along their trip that they check, and discover they’re on an express train to somewhere they didn’t mean to go.
So, how do you avoid this? How do you avoid the hurt of derailing a train (ie your project) and it ending in disaster?
Simple. Get your expectations meeting reality as early as possible. If you can readjust early, then you can hop on the best train for you.
Part of this is working out the cost of your renovation or new home. Homeowners often feel this is a one-step process, however it’s definitely not.
This is how Amelia recommends you source costing information on your new home or renovation project … and when. And then manage your budget and spending along the way.
There’s several steps, and in this podcast, we move through them one by one …
Step #1: At the very start
Step #2: To help you choose the best design concept to move forward with
Step #3: Before you lodge for your Council Approval (DA, Development Application, Development Approval)
Step #4: Before you get Building Approval
Step #5: Before you sign a contract with a builder
Step #6: During the construction project
Step #7: Before making the final payment
If there’s anything you take away from this season of the podcast, Amelia would love it to be this …
Determining what your project will cost is an incremental process.
You set your budget at the beginning, and you keep testing and adjusting as you go. Providing more information, resolving more detail, and finding out cost estimates along the way.
Amelia has said it before, but it’s literally like moving through a funnel … one that gets narrower as you go … and moves you towards where you want to get to as you sift and filter all the info you need along the way.
Listen to the podcast to learn more about these steps, how to get costing information, and who to talk to.
Links mentioned in the podcast
Definition of Provision Sums and PC Items: http://www.build.com.au/prime-cost-and-provisional-sum-traps
This season, Undercover Architect has a podcast partner: Kiiko LED.
Kiiko LED is customisable, DIY, LED strip lighting, that you can order online to your specifications, for your needs and project.
Kiiko LED is founded by Craig Thomas, who Amelia has personally had the pleasure of working with for over 12 years now, in her own projects, and in client projects.
And so Amelia has been able to organise with Kiiko a fantastic UA Community only offer. If you head to their website at www.kiiko.com.au/undercoverarchitect you’ll be able to access a $25 discount to use on your first order.
Check it out, and start building your Kiiko LED strip lighting now!
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There’s a saying that goes something like this …
“A new home or renovation will always cost twice as much, and take twice as long, as you expect it to”
It’s usually given as a warning to those embarking on their project. And often it’s handed out at school gates or BBQs or in the workplace … where well-meaning friends and colleagues who’ve been through a project of their own, share learnings from their own experience.
However, in Amelia's opinion, there’s a big issue with this piece of advice. What she actually finds is this:
Homeowners in fact start their project expecting that it will take half as long, and cost half as much as it actually will.
Amelia dooesn't know how expectations and reality got so far apart. Perhaps it’s a diet of reality TV programs and big shed hardware stores.
So, let’s look at what can happen when you realise your budget is unrealistic, and how to get yourself back on track so you can keep going on your project.
There are four main areas where Amelia see homeowners run into trouble and discover their budgets are unrealistic for what they’re seeking to build or renovate.
These 4 main areas are really categorised by red flags, or warning signs, so Amelia's going to talk about them in that way so you can keep them on your radar for your project.
These 4 main warnings or red flags are:
Looking for magic pills Not understanding the impact of your decisions (and this extends to those you’re working with not advising you either) Not listening to warning from your professional team Not tracking your budgetSo, is your budget unrealistic for your project vision? Listen to the podcast now to get help on what to do if it is – and keep you moving forward towards your finished home.
Links mentioned in the podcast
http://undercoverarchitect.com/your-renovating-and-building-budget/
http://undercoverarchitect.com/how-to-be-inspired-by-design-on-any-budget/
http://undercoverarchitect.com/the-builders-wife-pain-free-building-and-renovating/
This season, Undercover Architect has a podcast partner: Kiiko LED.
Kiiko LED is customisable, DIY, LED strip lighting, that you can order online to your specifications, for your needs and project.
Kiiko LED is founded by Craig Thomas, who Ameilia personally has had the pleasure of working with for over 12 years now, in her own projects, and in client projects.
And so Amelia has been able to organise with Kiiko a fantastic UA Community only offer. If you head to their website at www.kiiko.com.au/undercoverarchitect you’ll be able to access a $25 discount to use on your first order.
Check it out, and start building your Kiiko LED strip lighting now!
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When you’re first starting out on your project, you’re generally looking for a designer or a builder (or both). And ultimately you’re trying to find someone you can trust, and who is a good fit for your project.
It can be tricky to know how much to say, and whether to admit you don’t know what you’re doing. This episode is all about how to have that first conversation with your potential designer or builder.
Amelia shares what goes wrong when you don’t choose well, and what can go right. And she also gives key tips for how to speak with them when first on the hunt for yours.
Amelia thinks that when you understand what can go wrong, and what it looks like when you get it right, it helps you be more alert and aware in your search for your team at the outset.
When you find the right designer and builder for you, these two professionals can be the ones to facilitate a great outcome for your project, and help you create a home you love to live in.
Finding the right designer for you:
What can go wrong:
Not be able to communicate effectively You’ll take a long time to reach a design resolution The designer will overspend your budget and timelinesWhat happens when you get it right:
Process overall will be simplified It will also be more efficient You’ll have more certainty around cost and timeTips for how to have the first conversation with your potential designer:
Speak about your budget in ranges Let them know what the budget needs to include Look to designers with demonstrated experience in projects similar to yoursAnd finding the right builder for you:
What can go wrong:
You expect your builder to be a designer as well Communication breakdowns occur Poor management and quality in your projectWhat happens when you get it right:
The builder is efficient, polite and organised Site is a great place to be Honest and open communication skillsTips for how to have the first conversation with your potential builder:
Review the language you use Check previous experience Check credentials and licensesWhen it goes well with your design and builder – and it can – your reno or new home project can be enjoyable. Even when unexpected challenges come up, having the right team around you can make those experiences so much simpler to tackle.
And relying on your team to carry you, support you and share your journey, can help you feel confident that all the effort, time and money will deliver the home – and lifestyle – you’re hoping for.
Links mentioned in the podcast
http://undercoverarchitect.com/how-do-i-choose-my-designer/
http://undercoverarchitect.com/first-meeting-with-architect-or-designer/
http://undercoverarchitect.com/start-first-conversation-potential-designer/
http://undercoverarchitect.com/how-to-choose-a-builder/
http://undercoverarchitect.com/architect-vs-draftsperson-vs-building-designer-whats-the-difference/
This season, Undercover Architect has a podcast partner: Kiiko LED.
Kiiko LED is customisable, DIY, LED strip lighting, that you can order online to your specifications, for your needs and project.
Kiiko LED is founded by Craig Thomas, who Amelia has personally had the pleasure of working with for over 12 years now, in her own projects, and in client projects.
And so Amelia has been able to organise with Kiiko a fantastic UA Community only offer. If you head to their website at www.kiiko.com.au/undercoverarchitect you’ll be able to access a $25 discount to use on your first order.
Check it out, and start building your Kiiko LED strip lighting now!
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia Lee, UA x
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Amelia wants to take you through some of the early mistakes she sees homeowners make. Ones that can cause budget blowouts down the track – before you’ve even begun your renovation or new build.
These are the components that homeowners can overlook completely. And in doing so, they miss the opportunity it gives them to be strategic in their project. And, they potentially set themselves up for extra costs or cancelled projects.
Amelia recommends that you wrap your head, and your budget, around these things as early in your project as you can. Because doing it early can impact the choices you make about how you renovate or build your home. And about how you create your home design.
So what are these early components that get missed by many?
Well, if you’re renovating, it how you deal with what needs to occur to your home as part of its maintenance and upkeep anyway.
And if you’re building, it's how you deal with what needs to happen to prepare your land for a new home.
In this episode, Amelia explains how to use early information in your renovation project to impact what and how you renovate. And to bring clarity to your overall budget, and strategic thinking to your decisions and choices.
And Amelia also explains how to investigate the land you’ll be building on, to see what it can tell you about how to build, what to build and how to save money doing it.
Listen to the episode, as Amelia shares what can go wrong, and what you should do instead. This information can help you make those first steps in your project far more confidently. And they can prevent big budget blowouts that derail and kill projects altogether.
Links mentioned in the episode and for further reading:
This one will help if you’re juggling whether to choose the house or the land first >>> http://undercoverarchitect.com/which-comes-first-the-house-or-the-land/Here’s 3 mistakes that you can avoid when getting your soil test done >>> http://undercoverarchitect.com/soil-tests-avoid-mistakes/
This season, Undercover Architect has a podcast partner: Kiiko LED.
Kiiko LED is customisable, DIY, LED strip lighting, that you can order online to your specifications, for your needs and project.
Kiiko LED is founded by Craig Thomas, who Amelia has personally had the pleasure of working with for over 12 years now, in her own projects, and in client projects.
And so she's been able to organise with Kiiko a fantastic UA Community only offer. If you head to their website at www.kiiko.com.au/undercoverarchitect you’ll be able to access a $25 discount to use on your first order.
Check it out, and start building your Kiiko LED strip lighting now!
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia Lee, UA x -
There are 5 top money saving ideas Amelia hears homeowners use to explain how they’ll save big money in their reno or new build. In this episode, Amelia share why these can be in fact MYTHS. Huge mistakes that can actually cost you far more in the long run.
So what are these money saving ideas? They are …
Money Saving Idea #1:
“I can get cheap tiles … or paint … or timber … via a friend / family member etc, so I’m going to save loads of money”Money Saving Idea #2:
“My friend / family member is a builder / electrician / plumber and will be doing the job for us at cost, or for free”.Money Saving Idea #3:
“I’ll save money because I’m going to buy all my fixtures and finishes separate to the builder's contract. I’ll be able to find bargains, and avoid the builder’s margin on these items.”Money Saving Idea #4:
“I’m going to project manage my renovation or new build.”Money Saving Idea #5:
“I’m going to do my project as an Owner-Builder.”For each of these 5 Money Saving Ideas, Amelia shares what can and does go terribly wrong. She also shares her main tips for each one, to help you avoid the pitfalls. And, she also shares with you what one big key is to saving money on your project.
If you’ve been thinking of any of these 5 Money Saving Ideas as the reason you’ll save money on your renovation or new home … or it being the reason you can actually afford your project, then listen to this episode now. Learn why these 5 Money Saving Ideas can actually be myths and cost you far more in time, money and stress.
Links mentioned in the podcast
This one will help you understand the role of a Project ManagerThis one explains more about why you need a representative on siteThis season, Undercover Architect has a podcast partner: Kiiko LED.
Kiiko LED is customisable, DIY, LED strip lighting, that you can order online to your specifications, for your needs and project.
Kiiko LED is founded by Craig Thomas, who Amelia has personally had the pleasure of working with for over 12 years now, in her own projects, and in client projects.
And so Amelia has been able to organise with Kiiko a fantastic UA Community only offer. If you head to their website at www.kiiko.com.au/undercoverarchitect you’ll be able to access a $25 discount to use on your first order.
Check it out, and start building your Kiiko LED strip lighting now!
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Often when you’re starting to think about your project, and trying to determine the budget you need to set aside for it, you don’t to have to many public conversations about it.
This is for a few reasons.
One might be that you just feel clueless. You don’t know who to start speaking to, or the questions to ask.
And in feeling like that, you may be worried that you’ll look foolish. Say something you’re not supposed to, or give professionals and builders information that gives away too much.
It may be too that you don’t want to give too much away too soon. Show your hand and then be at the mercy of trusting everyone to not be taking advantage of you.
Amelia knows that one thing that many homeowners she speaks to fear, is all the unknowns. And whenever you’re in that kind of territory, feeling out of your comfort zone, it’s can be a hard place to be. And to admit that you don’t really know what you’re doing whilst you’re there.
Amelia would like to say this to you, though, if this is how you are feeling.
You aren’t supposed to know what you’re doing – especially if this is the first time you’ve renovated or built your home.
However, you’re sitting at home, and you’re thinking this whole renovation and building thing through. You’ve watched The Block, and House Rules, and Fixer Upper. And you’re thinking, I just want to get a handle on budgets, and how much things cost, before I start bothering anyone, or feeling like I’m wasting anyone’s time.
So, how can you do it? Let Amelia give you some places to start.
Firstly, there’s online.
Here’s the links Amelia mentions in this episode:
Home Design Directory >>> https://www.homedesigndirectory.com.au/calculators/building-cost-estimates.phpAll Australian Architecture Budget Calculator >>> https://www.aaarchitect.com.au/home-building-costing-calculator.html
Valuers’ cost estimate calculator >>> http://www.lmigroup.com/RiskCoach/Calculators/BuildingCalculator.aspx?access=adroit
Finder.com.au renovation calculators and cost guides >>> https://www.finder.com.au/renovation
Other resources are offline
Talking to those in the industry about current costs of building and renovating is of course, another resource available to you when beginning your project.You may see that they refer to building and renovating costs as square metre rates.
Now, square metre rates can be a good place to start. And at least they’re somewhere to start, especially when you’re desperately trying to start somewhere! However, they also have their traps.
Listen to the episode now, as Amelia shares more about these resources, and what to be aware of when understanding costing and budgets in square metre rates.
This season, Undercover Architect has a podcast partner: Kiiko LED.
Kiiko LED is customisable, DIY, LED strip lighting, that you can order online to your specifications, for your needs and project.
Kiiko LED is founded by Craig Thomas, who Amelia personally had the pleasure of working with for over 12 years now, in her own projects, and in client projects.
And so she's been able to organise with Kiiko a fantastic UA Community only offer. If you head to their website at www.kiiko.com.au/undercoverarchitect you’ll be able to access a $25 discount to use on your first order.
Check it out, and start building your Kiiko LED strip lighting now!
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Finding out what your renovation or new home will cost you is not a one-step exercise. In fact, in Amelia's experience, the best results come from approaching this question from various angles.
When you work out what your project will cost you in a more holistic way, using several inputs and types of information, you ultimately come up with a much more reliable answer. And can be more confident your project will stay on budget, PLUS create a great outcome for you as a finished home.
So, what does Amelia mean by this?
Over the course of this season, Amelia will be taking you through various strategies you can use to determine what your renovation or new home will cost. And what to do when it’s looking like it will cost more than you want to spend. What information to trust, and what not to. And how to stay informed and involved throughout. Because staying on top of your budget is one key factor to staying in control of your project overall.
So let’s start at the beginning. Where do you start when determining your budget? What are the first steps you can take when trying to work out what it WILL cost you to renovate or build your home. Or more to the point – what it COULD cost you and what it SHOULD cost you.
Amelia thinks that’s the key … we’re really looking at three costs here when it comes to setting your budget.
What it COULD cost you. What it SHOULD cost you. And what it WILL cost you.And each of those three figures might be entirely different from each other, and also impacted by many other factors.
In this episode, Amelia gives you tips to get started on determining each of these ‘costs’. And she also talks about cost vs value, and how you can use it to gain great clarity for your project.
Listen to the episode now, and learn where to start when determining your budget for your renovation or new build. It’s an important first step in any project starting well.
This season, Undercover Architect has a podcast partner: Kiiko LED.
Kiiko LED is customisable, DIY, LED strip lighting, that you can order online to your specifications, for your needs and project.
Kiiko LED is founded by Craig Thomas, who Amelia personally had the pleasure of working with for over 12 years now, in her own projects, and in client projects.
And so Amelia has been able to organise with Kiiko a fantastic UA Community only offer. If you head to their website at www.kiiko.com.au/undercoverarchitect you’ll be able to access a $25 discount to use on your first order.
Check it out, and start building your Kiiko LED strip lighting now!
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Over the years Amelia has been working with homeowners, she has often them asked this question …
“What are you most afraid of when renovating or building your home? What makes you most nervous, causes the most stress and brings about that feeling of overwhelm?”
The answer to this gets delivered in different ways. Sometimes with tears, and sometimes with hearty chuckles. Sometimes with quiet whispers like it’s something they don’t want to admit. But it always (and Amelia means ALWAYS) the response is similar.
There are a few main fears, and this one generally jumps out first. This is what you tell Amelia:
You’re nervous about what it will cost you to renovate or build or home Can you afford to do what you want to do, this dream you have in your head (and heart) about your future home How can you know you can start and won’t blow your budget along the way, and How do you avoid being taken advantage of due to your lack of knowledge … being ripped off … being made a fool of … or making expensive mistakes.These fears are understandable and totally justifiable. For every story of a successful renovation or building project, there’s a disaster story as well. One where homeowners have overspent by huge amounts sometimes. And we’re often talking about sums of money we’re borrowing from the bank, or have spent a long time saving or earning.
And, of course this fear is real because when you stuff it up at this scale, the consequences can be far reaching … financially, mentally, emotionally. It can impact so many areas of your lifestyle and your life – and those that you share it with.
In this podcast episode, Amelia shares the 3 main animal types (!) that homeowners can turn into when navigating this fear during their projects. And what goes wrong when they do.
And, she also asks you to flip your thinking about your project budget … in a way that can fundamentally change the journey, and the outcome you create in your finished home.
Listen to the episode now, and you’ll hear more about what’s coming up in this Season 3 of the “Get it Right” podcast, and how it will help you if you’re building or renovating.
And, for the first time ever, Undercover Architect has a podcast partner: Kiiko LED.
Kiiko LED is customisable, DIY, LED strip lighting, that you can order online to your specifications, for your needs and project.
Perhaps you’ve been looking for that integrated, designed lighting solution, and found it really hard to access as a one-off for your project. It’s expensive to get made to order, or requires your electrician to do a bunch of work on site to make it happen.
Previously this level of customisation and design was only accessible to those in the trade. Kiiko instead brings custom linear LED to you, from their headquarters in Brisbane, Australia.
You can order online via the Kiiko website. So you pick your design, your length, your LED light type. If you need help with designing your LED strip lighting solution, you can always jump on the phone or email to one of their team too.
Kiiko is founded by Craig Thomas, who Amelia personally has had the pleasure of working with for over 12 years now, in her own projects, and in client projects.
And so Amelia has been able to organise with Kiiko a fantastic UA Community only offer. If you head to their website at www.kiiko.com.au/undercoverarchitect you’ll be able to access a $25 discount to use on your first order.
Check it out, and start building your Kiiko LED strip lighting now!
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Our homes’ front entries and front gardens are how our homes present themselves to the world.
This episode brings us to the front of your home – which is usually the most public face of it. It’s actually the side of your home that most people see. It presents your chosen aesthetic, personality or style to the street.
And it’s usually the first thing you see as you drive up each day and think “I’m home!”
Amelia has seen homeowners work very hard to decide how they want this side of their home to look and feel. The style to do it in. Design, materials and colour scheme.
In this episode, she specifically talks about the front entry of your home, and the design of your front garden. And she talks about some big design concepts to help you determine how to create the best front entry design for your place. So it’s a chunky episode, but packed full of lots of useful ideas for your place.
Amelia takes you through the four F’s to help you think about what will work for your new home or renovation. She also shares 3 mistakes to avoid, and 3 key design tips to consider for your project.
The top 3 mistakes Amelia shares are:
Mistake #1: is hiding your front entry from the street
Mistake #2: is not putting ‘eyes’ on the street
Mistake #3: is to ignore your front garden as a valuable outdoor space for your home
There are also lots of design tips. Here are the top 3:
Design tip #1: use different levels to achieve privacy and specialness for your home
Design tip #2: be aware of whether your design works with a front door or not
Design tip #3: separate where people and cars move
And, because this is the last episode of Season 2, Amelia shares some final tips to remember as you design your home.
Listen to the podcast now, and learn how to get it right.
Links mentioned in the podcast:
Learn about cutting sight lines in this podcast episode >>> http://undercoverarchitect.com/indoor-outdoor-connections/
And if you want to learn more about how to design your home, Amelia has created a special (and free!) e-guide for you. It’s called “How to Design a Home: 5 Simple Steps to Getting it Right”.
Head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/homedesign to get your copy emailed straight to your inbox. It will give you a fantastic head start on designing your home – whether you’re working with a design professional or not.
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This episode is about your outdoor living spaces … so your alfresco, or deck, or patio, or terrace, or outdoor room. Amelia will also be talking about swimming pools.
In so many parts of the world – and especially here in Australia – we’re blessed with a great climate. This helps us really expand the interior of our homes into the garden around them. So let Amelia share some great tips with you to get it right in planning your outdoor living spaces.
Whether you live in a large home on a big block of land, a compact home on an urban block, or in an apartment, this much is true. Having a great outdoor living space can do wonders for how your home feels.
Adding a deck on, or improving your outdoor area to create a space to live outdoors and entertain, is one of the more common renovations that people do to their home. And getting it right when you’re building new is one of the keys to helping your home flow, and to making the most of your home and your site.
Many places around the world, including Australia, have a great climate where outdoor living is a big part of enjoying our homes. Maximising the use of our outdoor spaces is a great way to expand the experience of your home – to make it feel larger and more spacious – and help you feel better in it.
Research shows that connection with nature is fundamental to our wellbeing too. So it makes sense on lots of levels to create outdoor spaces for your home that are useful, functional and enjoyable to be in.
Amelia takes you through the four F’s to help you think about what will work for your new home or renovation. Amelia also shares 3 mistakes to avoid, and 3 key design tips to consider for your project. And she talks a little about swimming pools to help you if you’re planning one for your place.
The top 3 mistakes Amelia will share are:
Mistake #1: choosing high maintenance materials for your outdoor living spaces
Mistake #2: making the connection to the garden difficult
Mistake #3: thinking that bifold doors are the best way to get a great indoor / outdoor connection
There are also lots of design tips. Here are the top 3:
Design tip #1: provide spaces other than a table to sit at in your outdoor living spaces
Design tip #2: don’t compromise your indoor living spaces to accommodate an outdoor one
Design tip #3: remember to design in privacy
Listen to the podcast now, and learn how to get it right.
Links mentioned in the podcast:
10 Things you need to make your outdoor area great >>> http://undercoverarchitect.com/10-things-to-make-your-deck-alfresco-or-outdoor-room-great/
Episode 11 of Season 1 has some helpful info too >>> http://undercoverarchitect.com/indoor-outdoor-connections/
Landscape Designer, Naomi Wynn, shares some great tips on how to create a family friendly garden >>> http://undercoverarchitect.com/naomi-wynn-low-maintenance-garden-design/
You can see here how we made the interior living space feel like an exterior one, as space was at a premium >>> http://undercoverarchitect.com/renovating-queenslander-cottage-project-diary-entry-03/
Alastair MacGregor, Landscape Designer, shares how to get it right in landscape design >>> http://undercoverarchitect.com/urban-journey-how-to-get-it-right-with-landscape-design/
Undercover Architect’s Pinterest Board on Swimming Pools >>> https://au.pinterest.com/undercoverarch/exterior-swimming-pools/
And if you want to learn more about how to design your home, I’ve created a special (and free!) e-guide for you. It’s called “How to Design a Home: 5 Simple Steps to Getting it Right”.
Head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/homedesign to get your copy emailed straight to your inbox. It will give you a fantastic head start on designing your home – whether you’re working with a design professional or not.
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