Got questions about home building or renovating?

Get answers to common renovation and building questions: covering cost, design, trades, warranties, kitchen planning, and more.

Listen to the episode now.

Hello! This is Episode 361, and in it, I’m answering the questions I didn’t get to during our recent live webinars.

Whenever I host a live session, I’m always blown away by the type and curiosity of the questions that come through. They show me just how thoughtful, considered, and committed you are when it comes to getting your home right – and how much you’re navigating behind the scenes as you do it.

Sometimes, though, we run out of time before I can respond to everything. So in this episode, I’m circling back to answer the questions I didn’t get to live, but that I know many of you are wondering about too.

We’re covering a whole range of topics: from how to know if you’re adding value to your property, to managing issues with tradies, planning your kitchen design, dealing with appliances purchased too early, and getting your builder on board during pre-construction.

So whether you’re choosing materials, talking to trades, or just starting to explore what your project could look like, I know there’ll be something here that helps you feel more informed and in control.

LISTEN TO THE EPISODE NOW.

I always love seeing the kinds of questions that come through in our live webinars.

There’s always a big range, but I notice they often cluster around similar themes – like cost, your project team, and design decisions.

You might find yourself nodding along with some of these, because they’re questions you’ve also been wondering about.

Or, they might be things you haven’t considered yet, but having them put on your radar now can really help you avoid surprises later.

Here’s the topics we discuss and the questions I answer in this episode:

Considering resale and the future value of your project?

How do you confirm money spent is also adding value to the resale price of property?

Concerned about dealing with trades?

I’ve been trying to tie down details into the quote upfront with tradies so there will be minimal unexpected financial surprises further down the track, I’m confident I’m doing this in a friendly and respectful way. However they have reacted negatively to this, as if I’m being too demanding, they only want to keep it brief. How to deal with this? Or does this mean I need to look for different tradies?

Wondering what your project will cost?

What is a general cost we should be looking at as a ballpark measure (say per m2) a renovation should cost, before understanding that it may be better to rebuild.

Building in a bushfire prone area?

Do you have any additional tips for building in BAL FZ (Bushfire Attack Level Flame Zone)?

When do you need to decide on your materials, colours, lighting, etc?

I think I am now in design and pre-build. As I am designing but also choosing materials. I think part of selecting materials, colors, lighting etc. is part of design, isn’t it?

Choosing products, fixtures and finishes ahead of time?

Do you have any tips for how to approach the situation where you’ve made a decision early for things like appliances, and then there’s a problem / damage with those things when the builder unboxes it – but it’s been so long since it was purchased that you can’t get it replaced and / or it’s out of warranty?

Want to work with a builder during pre-construction?

Which builder would be willing to invest that time? Why would they do that if they didn’t have any assurance of getting the job?

Are you able to engage a builder during the design stage? I would have thought they would only engage when the design is nearing completion / complete.

Would the PAC process be easier (or cost effective) when building with a design and build group where they have their own builders? In general, what are your thoughts on design and build organisations? 

Who helps with your kitchen design?

Is an architect / designer usually the person that helps me with the kitchen design? Or do you need someone else?

Want support with understanding building codes and regulations?

Which professionals should I consult when seeking building code rulings around construction and design? (especially looking at shipping containers and tiny homes).

I hope these answers are interesting to hear, and perhaps help you feel more equipped and confident in navigating your own project.

Whether it’s understanding how to protect your budget, communicate more effectively with trades, or thinking about who can help you with the design decisions you need to make, I find that these are the kinds of questions that come up time and time again, and with good reason. 

They’re tricky, they’re important, and they can have a big impact on how your project feels and functions, both during the project process and once it’s complete.

Remember, you’re not alone in this. You can find support, help and guidance at Undercover Architect, and there’s so much you can do to feel informed, empowered, and in control as you move forward.
And if having access to this kind of Q & A and ongoing support sounds valuable, that’s exactly what you get inside HOME Method – along with a like-minded community and expert guidance to help you every step of the way in your project. I’d love to welcome you inside.

RESOURCES

Considering Resale when Designing or Renovating Your Home: Episode 252 >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-considering-resale-value-when-designing-your-home/

Read the Blog about using Square Metre Rates >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/square-metre-rates/

Season 12 of the podcast: Rebuild and Build Better >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast/season-12/

PAC Process Episodes:

• Episode 201 ‘The Process to Help Your Home Design be on Budget and Simpler to Build | PAC Process’ >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-home-design-on-budget-pac-process/ 
• Episode 202 ‘The step-by-step way to an on-budget, collaborative project | PAC Process’ >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-step-by-step-on-budget-pac-process/ 
• Episode 203 ‘How to get the best from your design process, with Aaron Wailes, GreenCoast Building Design | PAC Process’ >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-design-process-pac-process-aaron-wailes/ 
• Episode 204 ‘Working with a builder during the design process, with Duayne Pearce | PAC Process’ >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-builder-process-pac-process-duayne-pearce/ 
• Episode 205 ‘How to get it right in your renovation (a client’s point of view) | PAC Process’ >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-get-it-right-renovation-pac-process-client/ 

How to Choose a Design-Construct Company or Builder >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/podcast-how-to-choose-design-construct/

Kitchen Design Challenge Mini-Course >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/kitchen-design-challenge/

Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my signature online program, HOME METHOD >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/

Learn more about how to interview and select the right builder with the Choose Your Builder mini-course >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/choose-your-builder 

Want to create a sustainable home when building or renovating? Grab the 44 Ways to Create a Sustainable free e-guide here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/44-ways