When Sustainability Meets Real Life: The Perfect Home, with Shauna

Hello! This is Episode 364, and in it, HOME Method member, Shauna, is back with Part 2 of our conversation about building her new family home. In this episode, we dive deeper into the long-term view Shauna took with this home, and how that shaped her decisions around budget, investment, and design. And you’ll hear how she tested her thinking along the way, continually asking herself if her choices were still delivering a better result than the alternatives. [For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/364] If you haven’t listened to Part 1 of my conversation, be sure to head ot Episode 363, where you’ll hear Shauna introduce her project, and discuss how she embarked on her design process balancing sustainability goals, her budget and a complex site. You can find it at www.undercoverarchitect.com/363 In this episode, we explore how Shauna navigated her decision to go with a Design-Build builder, and how she set herself up for success in that relationship. She followed my guidance on risk awareness, and you’ll hear the smart ways she ensured clear communication, transparency, and alignment right from the start. Shauna shares how she handled the contract and construction process, and the tools and mindset that helped her manage changes, call out errors, and advocate for what she needed, without fear of how she’d be seen or friction in her communication. And we also talk about how she decided where to invest her time and energy, and the thoughtful, strategic trade-offs she made to suit her lifestyle, family needs, and values, while still achieving a high-performing and deeply satisfying home. As someone who has the benefit of living now in her finished home and being aware of what she’s achieved, as well as her key learnings along the way, I know Shauna has a wealth of knowledge and information to share with you that will be hugely beneficial for your project - whether you’re building new or renovating. Remember, if you’d like to grab a full transcript of this episode, plus links to some helpful resources, you can find that by heading to www.undercoverarchitect.com/364. Now, let’s dive in! RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/364 Accessing my free '44 Ways' E-Book will simplify sustainability and help you create a healthy, low tox and sustainable home. You can download your free copy here >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/ways Access the support and guidance you need to be confident and empowered when renovating and building your family home inside my flagship online program >>> https://undercoverarchitect.com/courses/the-home-method/ Just a reminder: All content on this podcast is provided by Undercover Architect for reference purposes and as general guidance. It does not take into account specific circumstances and should not be relied on in that way. You should seek independent verification or advice before relying on this content in any circumstances, including but not limited to circumstances where loss or damage may result. The views and opinions of any guests on the podcast are solely their own. They may not reflect the views of Undercover Architect. Undercover Architect endeavours to publish content that is accurate at the time it is published, but does not accept responsibility for content that may or has become inaccurate over time.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.