Lessons from a New Build: Budget, Solar Shading and Teamwork, with Michael

Hello, this is Episode 392, and this is Part 2 of my conversation with HOME Method member, Michael, about his recently completed new build in regional Western Australia.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/392]

In the last episode, we spoke about the journey from lock up through to handover, the detailing decisions, and what it’s been like to finally move in and live in the home after more than five years of planning and building. If you want to catch up on Part 1, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/391.

And is the third instalment we’ve had from Michael about his project. You can catch previous updates in Episodes 323 and 324, discussing earlier parts of the project. And then Episode 347 and 348, where Michael discussed documentation, approvals, pricing, contracts and commencing construction. Check out those episodes to hear loads of helpful insights and information.

In this episode, we talk about the stress of construction - or in Michael’s case, the lack of it. We unpack how selecting the right designer and builder created a collaborative environment rather than an adversarial one. And we explore the role that preparation and education played in building his confidence as a homeowner.

Michael also shares the details of how their original external solar sunshading evolved during construction, what they learned about winter sun angles and summer heat, and the very real tension between performance, aesthetics, durability and budget. If you’re trying to balance eaves, hoods, louvres, waterproofing and cost, it’ll be useful to hear how Michael and his team have navigated this.

We talk about the completion of the workshop and studio, a part of the project that was initially going to be staged, and why Michael decided to proceed and have it finished in tandem with the home.

And finally, Michael reflects on what he would say to someone earlier in their project. His advice about design time, questioning assumptions, understanding your budget, and sticking fast to what matters most will be super helpful to hear.

Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, you can find it plus other helpful links by to www.undercoverarchitect.com/392.

Now, let’s dive in!

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/392

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