Get It Right With Undercover Architect

I’m super excited to be bringing this episode to you. Because in it, I’m going to share with you some really fantastic news if you’re designing, building or renovating your future home, and share with you some great insight into what will ultimately create that feel-good home you can’t wait to live in. SHOW NOTES: Since I started Undercover Architect in mid 2014, I’ve been able to help thousands and thousands through the website and this podcast.  In fact, the podcast is now at over 750,000 downloads, which is incredible.  And through Undercover Architect’s online programs, I’m directly helping, and have been able to personally help, over 1,600 homeowners with various aspects of designing, building and renovating their family homes. I’m always looking for what creates true enjoyment and success in residential projects. Whatever the scale or size, budget or location, what is it that really matters and makes not only the experience of building and renova

This is a special episode where I’ll be sharing how to choose the right builder and some of the mistakes I see homeowners make when it comes to selecting the builder for their new home or renovation project. SHOW NOTES: Before we jump into the episode, I want to mention a mini-course that I created a little while ago and have been super excited to see well over 100 beautiful people jump into already. It’s called ‘Choose Your Builder’, and it’s designed to give you actionable and practical information so you can be more confident when researching, interviewing and selecting your builder.  (Head here to learn more >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/choose-your-builder/) Inside, you’ll find my video workshop, “The 5C’s to Choosing Your Builder” where I give you a simple framework to remember and use as you’re looking for, and speaking with builders - plus I outline all the right questions to ask. I also have a series of short vide

Hello! I’m back with Part 2 and more of my recap of the Australian Bushfire Building Conference.  There was a consistent theme to the conference about the role you as a homeowner, living in your home, can do to ensure its bushfire resistance - that can actually have a more significant impact than its construction. Something that’s not just about its construction.  So in this episode, I’ll be talking about that. Let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: In my research for this ‘Rebuild + Build Better’ season, I saw a lot of examples where properties were only saved because someone had been there to defend them.  There was a vivid example from the recent fires where a woman returned with her family to find her home was still intact - and she was shocked because so many others were lost. As she surveyed her home, she found an area of charring on the back of the property, up the rear wall, but that

Hello! It’s been an amazing season on the podcast so far, and it’s been great to hear from those of you who have found this information helpful.  And thanks to those of you who have been reviewing the podcast so it can reach more people, and also sharing this resource with others who need to hear it. I’m so, so grateful that you’re getting this podcast out there, and to know that homeowners all over are learning how to Get it Right with Undercover Architect. In mid September, I attended the Australian Bushfire Building Conference. Held in the Blue Mountains, they opened it up to virtual attendance, which was fantastic. It was 2 days of incredible speakers, so many insights shared, and such great info, that I wanted to share it here on the podcast as well.  In this episode and the next, I’m going to be sharing the highlights and big takeaways from the Conference. There’s something here for everyone, so, let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful link

Hello! It’s the last part of my conversation with David Keane from Solve My Claim, in what’s been an amazing interview (over 5 episodes) full of such helpful information and insights into home and contents insurance, insurance claims, and how to ensure you’re protected when you need to be. Solve my Claim provides expert support and assistance to anyone struggling with their insurance claims.  And it’s been fantastic to hear members of the UA Community have been getting in touch with Solve My Claim to get the help they need - and have been sharing this incredible information with others as well. David has more great information to share in this episode. So, let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: Solve My Claim exists to provide expert guidance, to help you navigate through claims disputes and problems that can be difficult to resolve. They provide an extraordinary service to people who can often feel so worn

Hello! In this episode, I’m back with more from David Keane, Solve My Claim. Solve my Claim provides expert support and assistance to anyone struggling with their insurance claims.  David is an expert on all things home and content insurance, and he’s going to help us understand and decipher the differences between insurance policies, and what to check so we know we’re covered. This is essential listening for anyone choosing a home and contents insurance policy, or wanting to review their existing policy to ensure they’re covered properly. So, let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: David is the Director of Solve My Claim, and he has been involved in the insurance industry for more than 24 years. During this time, he was constantly amazed at how many people came to him with insurance problems, complaints, disputes and claims problems. In every instance, he was able to resolve those claims. He realised that th

I’m back with Part 2 of my conversation with Amy Beattie, Mortgage Broker and owner of Good Green Home Loans. We’re covering more info about financing your new build or renovation.  This will include talking about some of the many factors that banks and lenders consider to determine your viability, and the fact that banks can put black marks on postcodes or specific criteria that can be completely outside of your control.  All super helpful knowledge to have when you’re seeking finance for your new home or renovation, especially if your site is challenging or in a bushfire-prone area. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now. SHOW NOTES: Good Green Home Loans is here to help you find the right home loan at a great rate – using only environmentally responsible lenders who aren’t using their profit and power to support the fossil fuel ind

I’m looking forward to this episode and introducing Amy Beattie to you. Amy is a Mortgage Broker and owner of Good Green Home Loans, a mortgage broking business that puts sustainability at the forefront of its lending decisions. This is part 1 of my conversation with Amy, and in it, she shares loads of helpful information about borrowing for your renovation or new build. And especially what you need to know when your site is more challenging, or in a bushfire prone area. Let’s dive in now. SHOW NOTES: Good Green Home Loans is not your typical mortgage broking service. Good Green Home Loans is here to help you find the right home loan at a great rate – using only environmentally responsible lenders who aren’t using their profit and power to support the fossil fuel industry. Amy Beattie is a mortgage broker. However, she’s not like most mortgage brokers I know. And when I first heard about her business, Good Green Home Loans, I was so excited that it not only existed, but that it w

Hello! This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with Andy Marlow and Dick Clarke from Envirotecture. In this episode, we’re talking about Passive House, and specifically discussing the opportunity it provides to protect your indoor air quality. The bushfires and smoke pollution that many areas in Australia suffered from really tested the air filtration capacity of the Passive House system.  We’ll also be talking about the active systems you can use to create better fire protection for your home. And we’ll be talking about Andy and Dick’s other business, Passive House Design and Construct, and what it offers for those wanting to manage budget and sustainability whilst creating a passive house certified home. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now. SHOW NOTES: Let me introduce you to Dick Clarke and Andy Marlow from Envirotecture. Dick Clarke is

Hello! This is the first of 2 episodes where I’ll be sharing my conversation with Andy Marlow and Dick Clarke from Envirotecture, a building design and architecture practice in Sydney specialising in sustainable and passivhaus homes. This conversation is packed full of fantastic advice and insights into how you design a home that is affordable and sustainable, and what to do if it also needs to be bushfire resistant as well. Both Andy and Dick have such great knowledge to share - I’m really looking forward to sharing their wisdom with you. So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: Let me introduce you to Dick Clarke and Andy Marlow from Envirotecture. Dick Clarke is principal of Envirotecture, is an Accredited Building Designer with over 35 years experience, focusing exclusively on ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate buildings, as well as sustainable design in vehicles and vessels, and has received many Design Awards. Andy Marlow is a Director at Envirotecture, holds both Bachelors and

Hello! This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with architect, Julie Firkin. In this episode, we’re talking about Bushfire Community Centres, working with architects in the recovery efforts, and what it means to help someone after such a traumatic event. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation with Julie Firkin where we discussed the Bushfire Homes Scheme, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now. SHOW NOTES: For over 10 years, Julie Firkin Architects has been bringing creativity and problem-solving prowess to projects big and small in and around Melbourne. An award-winning firm, headed up by architect Julie Firkin, they pride themselves on a personal and people-focused approach to architecture. Julie has a hands-on approach to all projects and designs by visualising herself in the space which helps to create homes that are a joy to live in and spaces that are both practical and beautiful.

In this episode, I’ll be talking about what’s been done in the past to help homeowners with the design of their homes when rebuilding after bushfire. I’ll also be sharing some specific resources you can access if you need design help with your rebuild. And I’ll be introducing architect Julie Firkin to you. She’ll be sharing some insights about bushfire home design, and her involvement in a scheme established by the Victorian Government after the Black Saturday fires in 2009. So, let’s dive in. SHOW NOTES: For over 10 years, Julie Firkin Architects has been bringing creativity and problem-solving prowess to projects big and small in and around Melbourne. An award-winning firm, headed up by architect Julie Firkin, they pride themselves on a personal and people-focused approach to architecture. Julie has a hands-on approach to all projects and designs by visualising herself in the space which helps to create homes that are a joy to live in and spaces that are both practical an

This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with Jeff Dau, from Ember Bushfire Consulting.  In this episode, I’ll be talking more with Jeff about building and renovating in bushfire prone areas, or on land that has a bushfire overlay.  Specifically, we’ll be discussing how to manage a BAL 40 or BAL Flame Zone rating, understanding distances to vegetation, sprinkler systems, and some of the other strategies you can use in building well in these areas. Plus other info I know you’ll find helpful. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now. SHOW NOTES: Jeff Dau, is a Bushfire Consultant with Ember Bushfire Consulting. EMBER Bushfire Consultants are a team of qualified, accredited and experienced fire industry professionals. They are all accredited Bushfire Consultants under the Fire Protection Association of Australia accreditation scheme, and their accred

In this episode, we meet Jeff Dau, who is a bushfire consultant.  If you have a bushfire overlay, or discover any type of bushfire requirements on your land’s zoning, a bushfire consultant will be an essential team member to help shape your design, and your approach to building well. This is part 1 of my conversation with Jeff Dau, and is packed full of helpful know-how and insights.  Let’s dive in now. SHOW NOTES: EMBER Bushfire Consulting are a team of qualified, accredited and experienced fire industry professionals. They take great pride in delivering professional consulting services in a personalised, cost effective and service oriented manner. Their work is provided at the highest industry standard and they are all accredited Bushfire Consultants under the Fire Protection Association of Australia accreditation scheme. Co-Founder, Jeff Dau, has had 23 years of experience as a professional in the fire services industry. Over recent years, this has been in a range of fire safety field

This episode is Part 3 of my conversation with David Clarke from Solve My Claim. In it, David will be helping us understand some specific terminology in your insurance policy, and also how to protect yourself when making your claims. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 or Part 2, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 3 now (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: In November, 2008, we went through The Gap storms. A big Silky Oak fell on our roof and cracked it open. Rain poured in through the ceiling and window heads, over furniture and rugs, and through the timber floorboards into the garage below. A few days later, heavy rains came again, and flooded the home. Then ensued a 13 month battle with our insurer debating what was ‘flood damage’, what was ‘water damage’, what was damage made by a ‘storm-created opening’. We finally s

In this episode, we’ll be talking with David Keane, from Solve My Claim. We’re specifically talking about insurance claims, and what might happen if you don’t want to rebuild what you lost, or have only suffered partial damage to your property. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, pause this podcast, and head back do that now. We’ll be here when you get back.  Otherwise, let’s dive into Part 2 now (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: Solve My Claim provides expert support and assistance to anyone struggling with their insurance claims. Their main office is in Alice Springs, and they assist with claims across the whole nation of Australia. Solve My Claim’s director, David Keane, has been involved in the insurance industry (primarily in the area of claims management, loss adjusting and assessing services), for more than 24 years.  Solve My Claim has expertise in property, motor vehicle, business and other c

Hello! In this episode, I’m kicking off a 3-part episode conversation with David Keane from Solve My Claim. Solve my Claim provides expert support and assistance to anyone struggling with their insurance claims. And having gone through this personally, I’m so glad to introduce David Keane to you. If you ever need to purchase insurance for your home, or need to make a claim on your policy, what David will be sharing is essential knowledge so you don’t get caught out.  David is an experienced and wise voice to help you navigate what can seem confusing. And especially during the stressful time of making a claim, this is such helpful guidance. So, let’s dive in (and check resources for more helpful links and the transcript to this episode). SHOW NOTES: David is the Director of Solve My Claim, and he has been involved in the insurance industry for more than 24 years. During this time, he was constantly amazed at how many people came to him with insurance problems, complaints, disputes

Be sure to subscribe to this season, and also head to Undercover Architect’s YouTube Channel for video interviews. All interview transcripts are available at www.undercoverarchitect.com/rebuild Welcome to the first and introductory episode of Season 12, Rebuild + Build Better. This season of the podcast is a range of conversations with some fantastic experts and professionals.  And we’re diving into a range of topics related to rebuilding after bushfires, building or renovating in bushfire-prone areas, and, more generally, designing and building more resilient homes. In this introduction episode, I’m going to introduce the season give you some background information, and  highlight some of the guests we have coming up.  And I’m also going to encourage you to stay tuned, even if you aren’t rebuilding or building in a bushfire prone area, because there will be some incredible gold nuggets of advice and wisdom shared in this season that can really help anyone who is

Hello! This episode is a one-off I’m doing to catch you up on a few things that have been happening behind the scenes at Undercover Architect and to also share news on what’s on the horizon. I’ve got some super helpful info in this episode, so stay tuned. SHOW NOTES: It’s been a very strange time (COVID19, preceded by fires, floods, and where we live, plagues of insects). I hope wherever you are, and whatever has been happening for you, that you’re faring well, and staying safe through all of this. Yet, in the background of all of this, I have been passionate about creating and producing things that can be really helpful for homeowners who are planning to renovate and build, or already in the process of navigating that journey. In this episode, I update you on some fantastic help I’ve been creating over the past couple of months. Firstly, if Kitchen Design is something you need help with, and you’d like to learn the practical formula to designing a stunning kitchen yo

This, believe it or not, is our final episode for what has been an epic season called “Interior Design Basics”. So, stay tuned, as I do a wrap-up for the season, give you some extra tips and ideas for your home’s interiors, and share some other great info with you. SHOW NOTES: As I said upfront, Interior Design Basics has been an epic season … with this episode being Number 25, and it’s been running since October last year. Phwoar hey? So, let’s do a bit of a wrap-up and reminder of the episodes, and I’ll share some extra tips along the way. You can use this as a reminder of episodes you might want to relisten to, or perhaps missed during the season. Throughout this season, I also shared with you information about our online course, Interior Design 101.  It’s an amazing course, which contains the full versions of all of the interviews I conducted throughout this season, plus loads more helpful info.  What’s brilliant is that we’ve broken e