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

About this episode

In this episode, Amelia Lee discusses the insights from Michael's new build experience, focusing on budget, solar shading, and teamwork.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Amelia Lee

Guest: Michael

Topics covered

• new build
• construction
• solar shading
• teamwork
• homeowner education
• design collaboration

Keywords

• new build
• construction stress
• solar shading
• homeowner confidence
• design collaboration

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: HOME Method

Places: Western Australia

More episodes of Get It Right with Undercover Architect

• 44 Ways #08: Future Proof Your Design with Accessibility · June 11, 2026 · 16 min
• 44 Ways #07: Create an Efficient Structural Design, Collaboratively · June 8, 2026 · 19 min
• 44 Ways #06: Choose an Aligned Team · June 4, 2026 · 21 min
• 44 Ways #05: Design a Smaller (Smarter) Home · June 1, 2026 · 18 min
• 44 Ways #04: Know Your Climate Zone · May 28, 2026 · 16 min
• 44 Ways #03: Naturally Heat + Cool Your Home · May 25, 2026 · 16 min