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When beginning the journey of renovating or building your future family home, you can have all.the.feelings.
Excited ...
about the opportunity to create a home that works for you and your family. One that reflects you, and makes your family life more convenient, organised, calm and fun.
Looking forward ...
to having a home you can welcome friends and family to, and share celebrations and good times. A home that rewards all your hard work, and is a place to feel relaxed and restored.
Hopeful you can make it all happen ...
for the budget you want to spend. For the time you have. With the vision you’ve been holding close. That you’ve got what it takes to do this. Finally. After all this dreaming and planning.
And yet ...
On the other side of this, there's this stuff
You're nervous ...
Because this is big. A big investment. A big chunk of time. A big leap of faith and trust in the people you need help from. And a big outcome in the home you’ll be living in for years to come. It’s expensive, permanent, and stuffing it up means living with long-term regrets and frustrations.
You're overwhelmed ...
Because everywhere you turn, someone is offering well-meaning advice, bundled up with a horror story or three. And (like when you get married or have a baby), everyone is telling you that this is the way you need to do it. Who do you trust, and what steps do you take?
You're uncertain ...
Because no one can tell you what it’s really going to cost. Or offer you any guarantees that things will go well. Even when they do, you’re not sure whether you can trust them. And it seems that the more you find out, the more you realise you don’t know.
It's a cocktail of feelings:
aspirations, wishes and wants ...
rolled in with fears, anxieties and stresses.
But if you dig deep, you know you really want to do this.
You need to. Whether it’s because you’re busting out of your home, or it’s driving you mental with its inability to support your daily lifestyle. Or it’s simply time to create a better lifestyle for yourself and your family. Now is the time.
And now you've decided to get serious.
Because this is a serious undertaking. Anything involving this much money, time, effort, energy, long-lasting impact on your family, a permanent building … it’s serious.
But that doesn't mean you can't have fun. In fact, it can and should be enjoyable.
Because what you’re about to do will stretch you outside of your comfort zone. And show you, that when you put your mind to something, you are capable of so much more than you realise.
That you can, and will, find your way to that future home you’ve been dreaming about, and the lifestyle it’s going to enable you and your family to lead. Both in, and beyond this home you’re envisioning.
You can do this.
AND you don't have to do it alone.
In fact, why would you?
When it is this serious, this meaningful, this impactful.
Why would you go it alone, and just ‘wing it’?
When you’ve heard the disasters, the mistakes, the blown budgets, the half-finished houses, the super-stressful experiences, the never ending debt and conflict.
You know it won’t be easy to get it right.
But it will be SO worth the effort, and it definitely can be simplified.
In fact, that’s most likely why you’re here.
H O M E
It's a little word. A pretty simple word.
But it has BIG meaning. And enduring impact.
On us. On our family. On the planet.
The process of designing, building and renovating a family home is a complex one.
Not just because of the $$ and time involved, but also because every family is different, every site is different. It involves the coordination of different team members, different agendas, rules and legislations, plus creativity and construction.
In the 25 plus years I’ve been helping homeowners with their future family homes, each project is different.
It’s had its own nuances. Its own challenges and dynamics. It’s not just the nature of design and construction. It’s about the very act of creating a home. And the memory, nostalgia, ambitions and expectations that come with that.
With all the years I’ve been doing this, and the thousands of homeowners I’ve helped and worked with …
It’s very clear what makes a great project, an enjoyable experience, a confident homeowner and a feel-good home.
What actually delivers a home that works, feels great, and you feel great in - now and into the future.
Pssst ... want to know what it is?
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There’s 4 things that make designing, building and renovating your family home
do-able, enjoyable, worthwhile,
and save you time, money and stress along the way.
The industry of renovating and building is a noisy place, with glossy magazines and glossier makeovers. You can easily lose sight of YOU as you seek inspiration and knowledge for your future home.
Beauty is more than skin-deep, and the feeling of ‘home’ runs deeper than colours, throw cushions, nice fixtures and keeping up with the Joneses. Home is not about borrowed aesthetics and hacks.
When you know how to set your goals, create your vision, ask the questions you need answers to, and have the confidence to be involved, heard and seen ... you bring your heart into your finished home.
One of the worst things you can do is start out on your renovation or building project not knowing the whole roadmap. It’s a surefire way to get lost, bamboozled, taken advantage of.
This long-term process will require zillions of decisions and staying power, whilst remembering why you’re doing this in the first place (plus all the other things you don’t want to forget).
I suspect though, you’re a ninja organiser in other areas of your life that matter, once you learned the ropes and could craft your way. With the right know-how, building and renovating can definitely be the same.
You can do hard things. But you don’t have to do them alone. And, like with anything else you’ve never done before, getting a guide to show you the way is not only sensible - it will accelerate your journey and future-proof your success.
Remember when I said every project is different? Well, having done over 250 of them (including 3 of my own), plus having 25+ years in the industry that makes them happen, means I can give you an insider’s guide to what to expect, and demand.
When it’s your family home, you most likely don’t have the chance for a do-over if you stuff it up. Getting it right the first time is the goal here. Avoiding the mistakes many make, so you can skip the heartache and drama others suffer.
You’re capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. And I’ve helped others like you overcome their overwhelm, gain clarity and confidence, and be the ambassador their future home needs.
What I know is this: you unlock what’s possible for your future home. You being informed, supported and guided gives you the confidence you need to make those dreams you have, come true.
Having a secret ally in your corner, teaching you a tried, tested and proven way forward, means you can simplify the process, and focus on what you need to: being who your future home needs to bring it life.
This knowledge, confidence, support and guidance you need for an enjoyable project and a feel-good home, is waiting for you inside …
HEART | ORGANISED | MENTORED | EMPOWERED
The ‘HOME METHOD’ Online Program gives you access to all of the information and knowledge you need to create the home you can’t wait to live in.
With insider knowledge, checklists, strategies to save you time, money and your own sanity as you renovate or build your future home.
GET EXCLUSIVE ACCESS FOR ONLY $1,950
Here’s what’s inside The HOME Method
Investing time and money in getting prepared now is a fraction of the months your project will take, how much it will cost you and the years you'll be living in your home.
BEFORE YOU START YOUR DESIGN
It can be a big mistake to dive straight into your project without getting your ducks in a row first.
Far too many homeowners have also wasted huge amounts of time and money because they started in the wrong place.
You’ll learn the key steps to make BEFORE you begin, to set up your project the best way. (And if you’ve already started, these are steps you need to cover asap!)
DESIGNING YOUR HOME
The great news is that great design doesn't cost any more than terrible design. It's about having the information you need, when you need it, so you can make decisions that create great lifestyle outcomes in your finished home.
Whether you’re DIY designing, or working with a professional, you'll learn what makes and breaks a home, and how to communicate it to all who need to know.
BEFORE YOU START CONSTRUCTION
You'll be itching to get going on site. Yet, without finalising specific decisions in your project and ticking off the necessary boxes, you can run into big cost variations during construction, or miss out on things you want.
I’ll teach you the essential steps to take to finalise your design before you commence construction, so time on site is efficient and stress-free.
CONSTRUCTION
The construction phase is where all your preparation and design gets tested, and all those choices become very permanent.
When your construction process runs smoothly, you can stay on budget, on time, and save on stress. This starts with how you choose your builder, and spend (and save) your budget during your build. You’ll learn how to stay organised as well.
![MODULE 1 EARLY CONTRACT STAGES [DEPOSIT]](https://undercoverarchitect.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MODULE-1-EARLY-CONTRACT-STAGES-DEPOSIT.png "MODULE 1 EARLY CONTRACT STAGES [DEPOSIT]")
EARLY CONTRACT STAGES [DEPOSIT]
Everything you need to know about the early stages of putting together your contract with your builder.
When do you sign? How do you know if you’re truly protected in your contract? Why do you even need a contract? All these questions are answered in this section.
DEMOLITION + PREPARING YOUR SITE
We demystify the demolition process and shine a light on hidden costs and legalities that can come with the demolition or partial demolition of a house.
And we look at what it takes to get your site or land ready for the future construction work that's about to happen.
THE SLAB OR BASE STAGE
Arguably one of the most important parts of the building process, we give you all the information you need to make informed and solid choices at the slab or base stage of your build so you don’t end up having to make expensive corrections down the track.
THE FRAME STAGE
Have you ever lived in a house where all the light switches are in bizarre positions? Or you couldn't hang things on the walls because there was no structure behind them?
In this module we give you a checklist to go through with your builder to make sure your house is fully functional before it’s too late to make changes.
![MODULE 5 LOCK IT UP [ENCLOSEDLOCKUP PART 1]](https://undercoverarchitect.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MODULE-5-LOCK-IT-UP-ENCLOSEDLOCKUP-PART-1.png "MODULE 5 LOCK IT UP [ENCLOSEDLOCKUP PART 1]")
LOCK IT UP [ENCLOSED/LOCKUP PART 1]
Did you know it can be illegal for you to go on the building site of your own home project? True story.
This module is all about protecting yourself, protecting your builder, as we race to make your home water-tight, and set up the final stages of your build to run smoothly.
![MODULE 6 THE FACADE [ENCLOSEDLOCKUP PART 2]](https://undercoverarchitect.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MODULE-6-THE-FACADE-ENCLOSEDLOCKUP-PART-2.png "MODULE 6 THE FACADE [ENCLOSEDLOCKUP PART 2]")
THE FACADE [ENCLOSED/LOCKUP PART 2]
Terrified of choosing exterior materials and colours for your home? Fear not!
In this module we share all of our tips and tricks of how to manage your budget and your build during the important stage of wrapping up your home.
![MODULE 7 FINISHING TOUCHES [FIXIT INT. FITOUT STAGE]](https://undercoverarchitect.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MODULE-7-FINISHING-TOUCHES-FIXIT-INT.-FITOUT-STAGE.png "MODULE 7 FINISHING TOUCHES [FIXIT INT. FITOUT STAGE]")
FINISHING TOUCHES [FIXIT / INT. FITOUT STAGE]
It's an exciting time as your interior selections of tiles, taps, joinery, paint colours and all those fixtures and fittings get installed into your home.
In this module we share some key strategies and tips to avoid serious disappointment in the finishing of your home.
PRACTICAL COMPLETION
In this module we talk about your rights in the finishing touches, the final builder's clean and how to get your builder to come back and fix mistakes. And how to manage those last few weeks of practical completion and handover.
CONTRACT 101: THE BUILDER + THE LAWYER
In this module we go through the nitty gritty of making sure your contract does what you want it to do and doesn’t leave you in crippling debt with a half finished house. Duayne Pearce shares his perspective from the Builder's point of view, and we have special guest Despina Priala. She’s a lawyer who specialises in property law and takes you through all things you didn’t know about your building contract ... and what can be catastrophic for your project.
YOUR MATERIAL SELECTIONS
Many get overwhelmed by ALL THE DECISIONS to be made when building or renovating. The interior choices can feel more manageable - but what about the outside?
What is durable, what is suitable, and what looks good. In this week of the course, learn the material options to consider and choose for a home that will last and look great.
COMMUNICATING YOUR CHOICES
Want to blow your budget? And suffer huge cost overruns during your project? Or be surprised and overwhelmed constantly, running around last-minute and making choices under pressure? No, I didn't think so. This bonus gives you the tools to effectively and confidently communicate your choices and avoid those costly mistakes.
SAMPLE DRAWINGS
You can build a home from 5 drawings as much as you can build it from 50. And so, it’s difficult to assess how much you should pay, or whether you’re getting the information you need to get it right on site. I’ve collated a sample set to show you the minimum package to get prepared, and what each drawing should contain.
SCHEDULING IT
Time and money are the two factors in any project that can blow out and cause massive headaches. I share how schedules are created, and how to drive your team to keep your project on budget and on time using graphic tools you can interact with.
PLUS LOADS MORE …
Checklists, templates, worksheets and a range of helpful tools to equip you for an enjoyable project experience.
... will transform your renovation or building experience - and the finished home waiting for you at the end of your journey.
And give you access to unbiased, impartial, third party advice and support for your new build or renovation, so you know what to expect, the questions to ask, and what to demand during the whole process.
Access to an amazing community of others like you also planning their renovation or new home inside our private Facebook group
Fortnightly Q & A Sessions with me to get your specific questions answered, and my help and input on your project and future home
So, to sum up
The HOME Method includes
>> A step by step guide to your overall project journey, with tools and tactics to use.
>> A deep dive into the construction phase to keep you confident and in control.
>> Loads of helpful bonuses, checklists, and guides to simplify your project overall.
>> Access to our private Facebook group and fortnightly Q & A sessions.
>> No expiry on your access, so join now, and move through at your own pace.
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What others members have to say about working with Undercover Architect in their reno or new home journey
"It gives you confidence as you go into your project. It helps you to be better prepared to ask questions to the right professionals and will hopefully save you time, money (and disappointment) in the long run - be that picking the right people, getting the floor plan that works for you, asking the right questions, and being prepared as to the whole process." - TRINA
"This has been such a fantastic steep learning curve! My husband is a plumber and even though he’s been in the construction industry forever - I’ve been, well actually you’ve been, teaching him so many things he never knew!!! Thanks for sharing your fantastic skills, experience and expertise and in such a user friendly accessible style." - SUE
"I think the combination of information presented AND a closed Facebook group of people in similar situations meant you not only had professional guidance but you had people asking questions you either hadn’t thought to ask, or were afraid were silly.
Thank you for helping me get a little bit closer to achieving my dream." - KARYN
"I just have to say I'm blown away with the information you provide. I've been binge watching and reading as much as I can for the past 2 days.
My favourite thing? The personal contact from you (Amelia) while going through the course, and your genuine desire to help and assist each person individually.
I've been spinning around and around in circles on what to do, and this course has helped me break away from that cycle and arm me with more information and process to follow in a structured way.
It's opened my eyes to things I simply did not know." - TIM
"Amelia Lee - you've created such a welcoming, unique and accessible space for people to tap into your wealth of experience, and a host of other professionals, at a time when we feel confused, vulnerable and nervous! Thank you so much." - LAURA
"We loved the way in which Amelia covered step by step processes on how to get it right in a light but very honest direct way. Her openness and honesty and wanting to help / empower and teach is wonderful.
It’s an empowering process to feel confident when going to build or renovate. Amelia is so approachable and willing to help." - CHERYL
"You have truly been such a huge help, and I can't wait to be living in our home and appreciate all the little tweaks that we made (thanks to your suggestions) to make our home more comfortable and enjoyable to live in." - FIONA
"I highly recommend this to anyone who is about to renovate/build. Amelia gives such a thorough overview of the process from start to finish.
I came away with clear action steps for each part of the build. This knowledge has empowered me and given me direction as to what needs to be done next. I was grateful for the valuable handouts and forms that will assist us in the crucial planning stage.
I believe this has enabled me to navigate the myriad of questions and options that lay ahead of us with our renovation." - JENNY
"A huge thank you for the amount of resource you have supplied. It provides a wonderful grounding in the process and design ideas, and helps enormously" - DIANNE
"It's a friendly open environment where you can ask any question relating to your build or renovation, and get honest answers from a professional architect, assistance with floor plans and products to get the most "bang for your buck." - KIMBERLEY
"Thank you so much ... The community and your guiding input was really enlightening and we got much more out of it than our initial positive expectations!"- NIGEL AND MEL
"Amelia’s expertise is second to none. Her experience in the industry and depth of knowledge is profound, while her designs and concepts are practical, thoughtful and completely user friendly. I recommend this program for not just the amateur, but also the seasoned, the professional, the consultant, the contractor or the builder – one can never have enough knowledge or insight into the renovation process." - CASSANDRA
"Your dedication to this group is truly unbelievable, your willingness to share your experiences and your general way with people." - JESSIE
"So fabulous getting your views on this Amelia. Thank you!! We may have only been in the early stages of the basic concept of what we want - but all the sessions and your direct input have helped enormously.” - DI
"With the paperwork presented and questions put forward, they asked what part of the industry I worked in LOL. The great start is all thanks to our not-so-secret Ally!" - BRONWYN
"I would highly recommend. Not only is Amelia knowledgeable in her field, she’s a real person who has done it herself! Tried and tested. The personal aspect she adds to her program makes it even better than just an APP or an online course." - TARA
Undercover Architect has been featured in ...
As a wife, and mum to 3 young kids, and as an architect and serial renovator, I know the right home design can simplify your life, and be great for your family – now and always.
I also know personally the stress, frustration, satisfaction and joy of building and renovating your home – whilst juggling the busy demands of family life.
Over the last twenty (plus!) years, I’ve trained professionally, and built extensive experience through countless projects – clients’ and my own.
I’ve learnt the lessons, so you don’t have to make the mistakes. Mistakes that can cost time, money and cause mountains of stress as you create your future home.
My goal is to simplify your project, and help you transform your home so it makes your life better – whatever your dreams, location or budget. I can’t wait to support and guide you!
Your Secret Ally,
Amelia, UA x
FAQs
Have a pressing question you need answered before joining "The HOME Method"?
If yours isn't below, please email me on [email protected] with your questions – I’ll be happy to respond!
Undercover Architect’s online courses and programs have helped over 1,600 homeowners like you
When you’re making your dream home a reality, this is how to get educated and empowered for your project, and access professional expertise and experience.
I’m here to help you achieve something you’re not sure you’re capable of, or have seen others have a horrible experience of.
You can do this - and I’m your secret ally.
Join the HOME Method now.
GET EXCLUSIVE ACCESS FOR ONLY $1,950
For Course Enrolment Terms and Conditions, please head here. Copyright to Undercover Architect 2014-2021.
With twenty years in this industry, helping hundreds of homeowners and as a client myself, I want to help you save time, money and heartache. I believe great design makes your home feel great, and you feel great in your home. You, the homeowner, are the key to unlocking what's possible for your home. Undercover Architect is your secret ally.