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**Get It Right with Undercover Architect**

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

Latest Episodes:

Avoid being a home renovating or building newbie - Episode 4 (Season 5 - Mistakes Many Make) Feb 05, 2018

Show notes

MY FREE 7 DAY CHALLENGE IS STARTING NOW! HEAD TO

www.undercoverarchitect.com/7daychallenge

Want to feel and sound like you know what you’re talking about when you build or renovate your home?

And avoid being a newbie, feeling like you have a target on your forehead, waiting to be ripped off or taken advantage of?

A recent report by Ernst & Young estimates that by the year 2028 women will control about 80% of discretionary spending worldwide.

And I recall as far back as 2006, when I was Chair of an Industry Committee, we commissioned research to find the purchasing power of women in the property industry. We that found at that time, that when it comes to property, women either controlled, or heavily influenced 80% of the purchasing decisions.

And yet, and I’ve experienced this personally, when it comes to our own projects, we’ll often find designers, salespeople, builders and tradespeople still want to speak to and listen to our male partners.

I’ve had tradespeople, not knowing I’m an architect, tell me they’ll wait until my husband is home to get instructions on a job (even though it was me who organised the job). Or tell me the most outlandish stuff when quoting, thinking I was a mum with a baby on my hip who didn’t know any better.

A woman named Melissa said her greatest worry about building her new home was this:

It is going into a contractual deal where it becomes obvious that I have no experience in this field and "they" have all the experience. Therefore "they" can easily pull the wool over your eyes or to be more blunt - rip you off. As a woman on her own building a house for the first time I feel like I have a big target cross on my forehead saying "easy".

In this episode, I share 3 key actions for you to consider before you embark on your project, so that all those initial dealings, conversations and choices can achieve 3 things.

These 3 things you’ll achieve are …

you’ll get great service from those you’re hiring
you’ll know who and what to choose to get the outcome you’re seeking
you’ll feel confident and excited about your project, your team and the home you’re going to create

Want to know what the 3 key actions are for you to implement and avoid being a home renovation or new build newbie?

Listen to the episode now.

The doors to my 6 week  online  program, "How to Get it Right in Your Reno or New Home" will be opening soon. 

This online program is a supercharged way to get the education and information you need to understand the process of renovating or building your home. Plus get my help and advice on your project. 

I share key lessons I've learnt from over 250 of my projects, many more that I've studied and analysed, and more than 2 decades of industry experience.  

All so you can understand the pitfalls and mistakes to avoid, can skip the heartache and drama, and know that your effort, investment and planning will all be worth it in your beautiful finished home. And I'm there, alongside you for your 6 weeks membership to answer your questions and really rocket launch you further along in your project. 

To be the first to know when the doors open to "How to Get it Right" - head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/waitlist and pop in your email address now. 

FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most underestimated mistake when building or renovating your home - Episode 3 (Season 5 - Mistakes Many Make) Jan 29, 2018

Show notes

Do you know what the most underestimated mistake is when building or renovating your home?

Listen to the podcast to learn the renovating and building mistakes to avoid, and how to save your sanity and stress less when renovating or building.

There’s a thing I see happen for many homeowners when embarking on, and executing their reno or new build. And it’s this: They’re totally surprised at how stressful it is. And how stressed they get.

The stress a project can cause catches many homeowners by surprise – because its source is from an entirely different place to what they expected.

The online world is full of promises of ‘easy’ when it comes to building and renovating your home. There are loads of people out there offering to make it this way. Telling you it IS easy and that ANYONE, ANYWHERE can do it, and do it well, regardless of skill or experience. They’re offering their own brand of magic pill.

I have a firm belief on the magic pill thing – based on my experience over the last 20 plus years. It doesn’t exist. There is no magic pill.

But that doesn’t mean your project has to be a disaster, or you have to resign yourself to a journey of nightmares, budget blowouts, and a horrible experience.

Renovating and building can certainly be simplified. You can certainly minimise stress and avoid headaches and pitfalls, and have an enjoyable experience. And, when you get it right, it is all SO worth it.

But first you need to know something really important. Knowing this is how you can stay sane during your renovation or building project.

And this is WHO you will be when you renovate or build your home. Because WHO you will be, and HOW you’ll behave in your project may take you by surprise. And it fundamentally impacts your project and how well it goes.

There’s 3 things to remember when it comes to understanding reasons why stress happens and takes homeowners by surprise:

there is a huge amount of emotion caught up in the whole idea of ‘home’ – and our attachment to it – and creating change to ‘home’ comes with its own cocktail of emotions that we totally underestimate the power of
when renovating or building, you’re not only dealing with dreams, hopes and fears, but also status and personal identity, and that clouds rational judgement, no matter how balanced you try to remain
people are people first, and emotions can get out of hand as people differently under stress – even if you’re dealing with businesses as you renovate or build, everyone is a person first and their behaviour can be impacted by what they’re going through personally

Here’s how to save your sanity, and avoid these stress-making mistakes. Listen to the episode now.

The doors to my 6 week  online  program, "How to Get it Right in Your Reno or New Home" will be opening soon. 

This online program is a supercharged way to get the education and information you need to understand the process of renovating or building your home. Plus get my help and advice on your project. 

I share key lessons I've learnt from over 250 of my projects, many more that I've studied and analysed, and more than 2 decades of industry experience.  

To be the first to know when the doors open to "How to Get it Right" - head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/waitlist and pop in your email address now. 

FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Know how to ask for what you want in your reno or new build - Episode 2 (Season 5 - Mistakes Many Make) Jan 22, 2018

Show notes

Do you know how to ask for what you want in your renovation or building project? And be sure you’re getting what you paid for?

One of the most frequently asked questions, or challenges that homeowners share with me is “I have no idea where to start”.

Also, many homeowners tell me also that there are 3 big fears or areas of concern around renovating and building – and these may sound familiar to you. These fears are …

how much the project will cost, and whether the budget will blow out
how long the project will take, and how much of their own time it will take up
how much stress the project will cause them

Are these fears that you have about your project?

In all my experience of working with homeowners who are renovating or building their home, there’s one thing I see REALLY work for them. Both in dealing with those fears, and in helping them get started really effectively and efficiently.

And it’s this: They know how to ask for what they want.

Why is this important? Well, when you know how to ask for what you want with your reno or new home, you:

don’t waste money on getting advice from the wrong people or starting the process in the wrong way
don’t waste time on design, or consultations for your project that aren’t on budget, possible for your home or area, or a good fit for you and your family
get started with the right team for you, who support you, keep you informed and help you manage your risk – and stress as a result

Now, let me be clear – knowing how to ask for what you want does not mean you have to:

solve every problem for your project
design the whole thing yourself
get it all quoted and costed all by yourself
pick every item, material, fixture and finish on your own

However, knowing how to ask for what you want DOES mean you start your project with some prior knowledge. Knowledge which will help you

be a super savvy and informed homeowner and client
be able to interview your potential team and not get taken for a ride
communicate with that team effectively from the get-go
not waste money
not waste time
make those first steps the best steps for you and your project – so you get started efficiently and minimise stress along the way.

Knowing how to ask for what you want is one of the very early things you can do to have confidence in your project, and feel more in control – rather than beholden to and blindly trusting everyone you’re speaking to.

Trust is really important with those you bring on board – but it should be informed trust, backed by due diligence, not blind trust based on hope and crossed fingers.

Listen to the episode now.

The  doors to my 6 week  online program, "How to Get it Right in Your Reno or New Home" will be opening soon. 

This online program is a supercharged way to get the education and information you need to understand the process of renovating or building your home. Plus get my help and advice on your project. 

I share key lessons I've learnt from over 250 of my projects, many more that I've studied and analysed, and more than 2 decades of industry experience.  

To be the first to know when the doors open to "How to Get it Right" - head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/waitlist and pop in your email address now. 

FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don’t get lost down a Google Rabbit Hole - Episode 1 (Season 5 - Mistakes Many Make) Jan 15, 2018

Show notes

Hello! And welcome to 2018 and the first episode this year on the "Get it Right" podcast. And the first episode of Season 5: Mistakes Many Make.

Is renovating or building your home on your agenda for this year?

Well, you know Undercover Architect is packed full of useful information so you can get it right. And what's in store this year is no exception. I have some fantastic content planned for you, and loads of great things to share.

Today's episode is all about helping you save time.

Do you know, time is the only finite resource we really have? It's like that saying - "We all have the same 24 hours as Beyonce". Which actually cracks me up, because I think that 24 hours in the life of Beyonce would look markedly different to 24 hours in my life ... but that's not really the point of the saying is it?

What it's trying to say is that, we all have 24 hours a day ... and how we use them then determines what our days look like, where we get to, the kind of person we are, and what we might accomplish along the way.

Given this is the first episode of 2018 ... I want to help kick your reno or building plans up a gear, and actually get this project done. And doing that starts with HOW, and WHERE you do your research.

In this episode, I share 3 mistakes that many homeowners make as they search online for help when renovating or building.

And I also give you 3 tips to improve your searching, and find information and advice that will move your project forward – and make you more confident and less stressed.

Listen to the podcast now.

Grab your free pdf e-guide “My top 25 online resources when designing building or renovating your home”

Head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/top25 to request your free copy now.

The doors to my 6 week online program, "How to Get it Right in Your Reno or New Home" will be opening soon. This online program is a supercharged way to get the education and information you need to understand the process of renovating or building your home. Plus get my help and advice on your project.

I share key lessons I've learnt from over 250 of my projects, many more that I've studied and analysed, and more than 2 decades of industry experience.

All so you can understand the pitfalls and mistakes to avoid, can skip the heartache and drama, and know that your effort, investment and planning will all be worth it in your beautiful finished home. And I'm there, alongside you for your 6 weeks membership to answer your questions and really rocket launch you further along in your project.

To be the first to know when the doors open to "How to Get it Right" - head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/waitlist and pop in your email address now.

FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wrapping up 2017 on “Get it Right” - Episode 5 (Interlude) Dec 18, 2017

Show notes

In this episode, I wrap up 2017 on the “Get it Right” podcast, and share what’s coming up in 2018.

I thought it would be worthwhile, so if there’s anything you want to go back and revisit or refresh, this can act as a reference and an index for you.

There’s a LOT of information, ideas and inspiration that gets put out each year in Undercover Architect, so this last episode for 2017 will help you find quickly what will be useful for you.

Believe it or not, this is Episode 59 of the Get it Right podcast. Just over a year ago, the very first episode was sent live, and every week since then, there’s been a fresh episode every Tuesday morning. I’ve been told that only 2% of podcasters get to episode 100, so we’ve still got a little way to go to that benchmark!

Listen to the podcast now to hear more, and also learn what’s coming up in 2018. And head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/waitlist to learn when the doors will be opening to “How to Get it Right in Your Reno or New Home”.

FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Undercover Architect answers your questions - Episode 4 (Interlude) Dec 11, 2017

Show notes

I get LOADS of questions … some on the blog, some via email, some on social media and lots and lots inside my online courses.

I find inside my online programs that with everyone in a community, asking questions (and getting my answers), it’s incredibly useful in everyone learning far more collectively than they would 1:1. It’s amazing.

And I also regularly run a survey to understand more about you, as a member of the UA Community. If you’ve ever opted in for one of my free PDF guides, you may have seen me ask you “What is your single biggest challenge when it comes to building or renovating your home”.

I ask people to be as specific as possible – and get some fantastic questions or challenges described … which then help me help you more with what I do in Undercover Architect.

You may have these questions as well. Or perhaps these are questions you haven’t got to yet, or haven’t even thought of yet … or may have never thought of.

So, I’ve got 3 questions to share with you – and some detailed responses to help you if you’ve been wanting answers to these questions too.

Question / Challenge 1:

A member of the UA Community is torn between going via project home route or have their new home architecturally designed. They’d prefer not to have a project home but there’s uncertainty on what their budget can buy them if going through the architect route. And so this is holding them back from making a choice.

Question / Challenge 2:

Another member of the UA Community asked: What’s the difference between building approval and CDC / DA approval or are they the same thing?

Question / Challenge 3:

A member of “How to Get it Right in Your Reno or New Home” asked this: After we have an idea of our design (in app form). Who do we need to consult with next and in what order - the structural engineer, the geotechnical engineer, surveyor or the draftsperson? Obviously, we don't want to go back and forth any more than necessary! And be spending money on fees.

Listen to the podcast now for my answers to these questions, and help for you to take action on your project. And head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/waitlist to learn when the doors will be opening to “How to Get it Right in Your Reno or New Home”.

FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How to get started on planning a renovation or building project - Episode 3 (Interlude) Dec 04, 2017

Show notes

How do you get started on planning a renovation or building project?

And how do you avoid procrastinating for so long that you never actually get started?

I love this quote by Christopher Parker ... “Procrastination is like a credit card: it's a lot of fun until you get the bill.”

We can, and often do, dress up procrastination as 'planning'. And often what it actually is instead fear, confusion and overwhelm.

So, my aim with this episode is to help you recognise if you're procrastinating. And to help you move instead into PREPARING and PLANNING your project.

In this episode, I show you how you can tell the difference between preparing and procrastinating ...

I share with you how "preparing" feels ...
and then what can go wrong and might make you slip into procrastination ...
and then how to get it right so you can be productive with your time ...
and some key action tips you can put in place now to get prepared for your reno or building project.

Now, if you’re in the UA Community, it’s generally because:

You’re super invested in getting a great outcome for your new or renovated home
You’re aware that there’s a bunch of stuff you don’t know, and you’re worried about what that gap in knowledge might cost you extra in time, money and stress
You feel there’s so much at stake, and you’re navigating this unknown territory with nerves and concerns.
It seems that the more you find out, the more you realise you don't know.
You want to be involved in your project, and have a voice in the process, and so you’re seeking to equip yourself with the know-how, tools, tips and strategies to do this

Ultimately, you don’t want to be another disaster story.

And you don’t have to be – and that’s why both you and I are here.

Undercover Architect is all about helping you avoid the mistakes and heartache that many deal with renovating and building. So you can skill yourself up in what you need to know to make your home great, and have a successful project.

BUT …

You still haven’t started your project, have you?

So let’s talk about what’s might be holding you back. And how you can switch that around so renovating or building your home doesn’t only become a possibility ... It actually becomes an achievable dream that you can stop delaying, and start doing sooner.

Sound good? I think so too …

Listen to the podcast now.

FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renovate? Or Knockdown-Rebuild? Here’s help with your decision - Episode 2 (Interlude) Nov 27, 2017

Show notes

Trying to make the decision whether to renovate, or to knockdown-rebuild can prevent people from starting their project for months, or even years, as they juggle all the options and are unable to choose one way or the other.

If this is you, and you’re trying to make the decision whether to renovate your existing home, or to start again and build a new home, this podcast will help you choose.

I share 3 deciding factors you can use, if you’re juggling whether to renovate or demolish your existing home and build new. Here’s a sneak peak:

Deciding Factor #1: Is knocking the house down to build a new one even an option in your area?

That can be a super fast way to determine if building a new home is possible at all for you.

Deciding Factor #2: Is the orientation of the existing home is generally workable?

If your home doesn’t work for the movement of the sun, and getting it to do this will require huge structural change, it may be simpler to start again with a new build with a layout designed to suit your site and the sun’s movement.

Deciding Factor #3: Does the real estate value check tell you anything?

Is your area a new home area? Or a renovated old home area? And how do values compare? What does this tell you about whether you’ll overcapitalize or not?

And I also share 3 strategies you can get started with to determine whether to renovate or knockdown-rebuild – here’s they are in summary.

Strategy #1:Do some due diligence on your existing home.

Try to uncover all the potential challenges you’ll have in renovating it and bringing it up to current building requirements.

Strategy #2:Be realistic about the cost of building new.

Include all the various costs in creating a finished home. Often those prices you see advertised don’t include driveways or floor coverings, and have base level fixtures and light-bulbs for lighting.

Strategy #3: Consider getting a soil test and survey done.

These are processes you’ll need done anyway, and they can highlight any challenges a renovation or new build may pose, so your estimates can reflect your real situation.

I hope you find this episode helpful if you’re grappling with whether to renovate or build new.

It can be a challenging choice to make and it’s one that many homeowners get in touch with me about, and deliberate over for a very long time. So now you can use these deciding factors and strategies to help you with making your choice.

Listen to the podcast now.

FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Planning a holiday design, renovation or building project? Here’s 7 tips to get ready. - Episode 1 (Interlude) Nov 20, 2017

Show notes

If you're listening to this around its time of release, it's late November, and there's less than 5 weeks until Christmas. And even less time to the start of school holidays! AArrrggh - where is the year going hey?

So, if you're planning some work on your place over the holidays, I want to share with you some tips. Because NOW is the time to get ready.

And if you're not listening at the time this episode was released, and it's say, August or some other month ... then these are still good checks for you to do before you hit 'go' on any project at home. Whether you're planning anything big or small, these tips will help minimise the headaches in getting it done.

So let's dive in! Let me share 7 tips to help you get sorted, so you can use your time effectively, to get work done this time of year. Because now is the time to get yourself ready.

Tip#1: Check who else will be on holidays

So you don't get caught out like I did and have to scramble for suppliers or tradespeople mid-project.

Tip #2:Make room for some holiday time

Don't wear yourself out so much on getting your project done, that you forget to actually relax in your holiday.

Tip #3:Work towards the big picture

You'll be better served ensuring that all work you're doing on your project is heading towards a masterplan vision for it - rather than having to undo work down the track.

Tip #4: Tick all the boxes

Don't forget to do things legally so you don't get into trouble with your local council, approvals and rules and regulations.

Tip #5: Plan what you'll get through - and be realistic.

Create a plan of how much you can actually get through, so you don't finish your holiday with a half-done job, and feeling disappointed you've not got done what you wanted to, because your expectations were actually too high.

Tip #6: Make the most of it, while it's still just on paper

When your home reno or new build is still lines on a page, you have a precious window of opportunity to be sure you've got it right - before all those lines become permanent choices you have to live with.

Tip #7: Be patient - and look for the silver lining.

Can't get done what you want to? Look for other opportunities in your project. Tick off tasks you can do, and get yourself super prepared for future ones. You'll save time, money and stress in the long run.

Listen to the podcast now.

FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does a Builder do? | With Duayne Pearce of D Pearce Constructions - Episode 11 (Season 4) Nov 13, 2017

Show notes

Let’s dive into the role of Builder on your project. Duayne Pearce is a Brisbane-based licensed Builder, with over 20 years experience.

Now Duayne is someone, like me, who is passionate about helping educate homeowners about how to get the best outcomes from their building or renovation project. So, Duayne and I first connected on social media and I’ve followed Duayne for a while now. He creates these great short videos that he shares on his facebook page to show things to be aware of and mistakes to avoid in your project – usually shot on site as he uncovers previous work that’s not been done well. This is the first time Duayne and I have met in person, so it’s great to have him joining me on this episode.

So Duayne is half the force behind D Pearce Constructions, which is award-winning construction company based in Scarborough, Queensland. That’s on the outskirts of Brisbane for those who don’t know where Scarborough is.

He and his wife Camille, run the business. They specialise in quality high-end residential renovations and new builds, and have worked with many of Queensland's best architects and trades.

Their mission is to be acknowledged as an industry leader by building well-designed, functional homes. And this is where I really connect with Duayne, because he gets the power of design in creating a great lifestyle for a homeowner in their finished home.

Duayne has completed over 70 residential projects, varying from small renovations to large architectural homes. The company has also received many awards, and Duayne himself was recognized with the Queensland Master Builders Rising Star Award in 2010.

Duayne believes that building should be an enjoyable process. He’s passionate about creating positive experiences for builders and clients. In addition to building quality homes, Duayne also facilitates free consumer seminars called “Build Your Knowledge”. So these seminars help homeowners understand the building process, and ask questions from someone who does it everyday.

He also runs networking and information events for builders called Builders Unite. These events are focused on helping builders connect with each other, and improve their processes via networking and exchanging feedback.

So, perhaps you can see now why I thought he was the perfect builder to get on this last episode of Season 4, Know Your Team.

It’s great to sit down with Duayne and talk about the role of the Builder. I hear so often from homeowners their nerves around choosing the right builder for them. And so it’s super critical to know what to look for, how to choose, and how to be sure you’re finding the best fit for you and your project. Duayne helps us, from his perspective, understand how to do this well.

This is about the WHO, the WHAT, the WHEN and the WHY of using a Builder for your renovation or building project.

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

FOR RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST CLICK HERE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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