Building Brews and BBQ

Vince and Nathan dig into the trim details that quietly make or break a custom home. From choosing paint-grade vs. stain-grade, MDF vs. poplar, door construction, wall paneling, and “level 5” drywall, to why sconces, outlets, beams, and mantels must be planned months earlier than you think—this episode shows how trim decisions shape the entire build and the budget. Key Takeaways Decide early : Tri...

Flooring is one of the last things installed but one of the first things you should decide. Vince and Nathan walk through smart flooring choices for new builds and remodels—how thickness impacts stair code and transitions, why engineered wood often wins, where LVP and epoxy make sense, the truth about tile and radiant heat, and why you should stop scrolling Pinterest after you pick. Plus, a few co...

In this episode, Vince and Nathan break down how to design porches, patios, and backyard zones that you will actually use. They compare fixed vs. motorized screens, explain why patio heaters belong in the plans and not as an afterthought, and map out comfortable footprints for lounge, dining, and cooking without crowding. You will hear the real talk on outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, sun and wind m...

In this House That Wisdom Built installment, Vince and Nathan dive deep into modern kitchen design—where to put the sink when your island doubles as the family table, how sculleries are turning show kitchens into entertaining spaces, and why that big beautiful range comes with real ventilation math (hello, make-up air). They weigh panel-ready vs. stainless, give a reality check on pot fillers, tal...

In this episode in our series, "The House That Wisdom Built", Vince and Nathan dive into the part of construction that quietly decides how your home feels: the electrical and lighting plan. They break down Kelvin temps (why 2700K–3000K is the sweet spot), layered lighting (ambient, task, accent), and smart choices that keep daily life simple—from motion-sensor switches in closets and pan...

In this special episode, Vince and Nathan sit down with the renowned architectural designer William T. Baker. From growing up in Nashville with a furniture-designer father, to shaping Atlanta’s architectural landscape, to designing authentic American-style homes in China, Bill shares stories from his remarkable 40-year career. He opens up about lessons learned on job sites, the influence of travel...

In this episode of Building Brews & BBQ , Vince and Nathan tackle the “mechanical phase” of building a custom home—plumbing, HVAC, and all the hidden systems that make a house work. Learn why this stage feels like nothing is happening, the common mistakes that can cost homeowners big, and pro tips to make your home quieter, more comfortable, and built to last. Building Brews & BBQ Instagra...

In this episode of The House That Wisdom Built , we dive into one of the most exciting (and misunderstood) stages of home construction: framing. This is where months of planning finally take shape—literally. Walls go up, rooms take form, and homeowners start to see their home come to life. We break down the difference between stick-built and prefab framing, why engineered lumber matters, and the s...

Before you pour concrete or raise walls, the real work starts in the dirt. In this episode of The House That Wisdom Built , Vince and Nathan break down the basics of grading, site prep, and foundations — the stuff that sets the tone (and budget) for everything that follows. They cover what most people overlook in the early stages of a build, from drainage and topography to soil surprises and slab...

Demo Day gets all the glory—but before the dust flies, there’s some serious groundwork to be done. In this episode of Building Brews & BBQ , Vince and Nathan walk through everything that should happen before the sledgehammer swings. From permits and site prep to managing neighbors and expectations, this one’s packed with the kind of wisdom that can save your project—and your driveway. You’ll h...

In this episode of Building Brews and BBQ , we’re talking about one of the most exciting – and often overlooked – milestones in any home build: the pre-construction handoff. Vince and Nathan walk through what this pivotal moment looks like, why it matters, and how it can set the stage for a smoother build experience. From “Co-Construct Happy Hours” to sharing the full design board with homeowners,...

In this episode of Building Brews and BBQ , Vince and Nathan get into the murky waters of permitting, inspections, and everything that can delay your build before a single nail is hammered. From confusing digital portals to costly tree ordinances, we’re talking about the bureaucratic maze that frustrates homeowners and builders alike. Why does it take three months to get a permit in some cities? W...

In this episode of Building, Brews & BBQ, Vince and Nathan tackle one of the most misunderstood aspects of homebuilding: design. From bold trends to timeless finishes, they break down how to make smart design decisions—whether you’re building a custom home or selecting finishes from a showroom. They explore:  • How to balance trendy choices with lasting style  • Where to splurge and where to s...

In this episode of Building, Brews, and BBQ: The House That Wisdom Built,  we’re getting real about contracts — and yes, Vince is salty about it. We break down the good, the bad, and the downright ugly side of Cost Plus contracts (spoiler: we think they’re lazy, risky, and often misleading). Whether you’re building a $500K home or a $5 million estate, the contract you choose can make or break your...

Welcome to  a laugh-filled, insight-packed episode. Vince and Nathan crack open a couple of brews (yes, even a surprising hat-tip to Miller Lite) and take a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood parts of building: the budget. They pull back the curtain on how budgeting works in custom home building — from the emotional rollercoaster of early pricing conversations to what really drives costs...

In this bonus installment of The House That Wisdom Built series, Vince and Nathan are back to take you deeper into the power team concept they introduced in Episode 2. After an overwhelming response from listeners asking for more actionable insights, they deliver big with this episode—laying out the exact questions you should ask every key player on your custom home building team. From your builde...

This episode of Building Brews and BBQ features Carmin Francisco, Senior Design Consultant at California Closets, as she and Vince dive into the art of custom organization. They cover everything from luxury closet must-haves to creative solutions for awkward spaces, pantry designs, and even garage transformations. Carmin shares expert insights on how to personalize every corner of your home, avoid...

In this episode of Building, Brews & BBQ , Vince Longo and Nathan Walters dive into one of the most critical yet often overlooked aspects of home building—assembling your power team. From interior designers and architects to engineers and landscape architects, they break down why building a home isn’t a solo journey and how having the right professionals in place from the start can save you ti...

“The House That Wisdom Built” is a new series from Building Brews and BBQ, where hosts Vince Longo and Nathan Walters share over 50 years of home-building and renovation experience. Whether you’re planning a custom home or a major remodel, this episode lays the groundwork—helping you define your why, set priorities, and create a budget that works. 🔨 In This Episode: ✔️ The top 3 (or 5!) things to...

Join Vince Longo and Nathan Walters on Building Brews and Barbecue's premiere introduction of our new series, "The House That Wisdom Built". Our hosts share their passion for turning the daunting process of building or remodeling a home into a fun, informative, and ultimately successful journey. Building Brews & BBQ Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingB...

In this episode, we dive into the world of hardwood flooring with Michael Keroack, founder of Authentic Hardwood Flooring. With nearly four decades of experience, Michael shares expert insights on choosing the right wood, the impact of grain patterns, the differences between site-finished and pre-finished floors, and why selecting your flooring early in the design process is crucial. Whether you’r...

In this episode of Building, Brews, and BBQ, we sit down with Rodolfo Castro, the creative director of Castro Design Studio, to explore how personal stories and thoughtful collaboration shape his architectural process. Rodolfo shares insights into creating homes that reflect individuality and purpose, emphasizing the importance of natural light, a strong design team, and thoughtful pre-planning. A...

Join us for episode 1 of Building, Brews, and Barbecue , where hosts Vince Longo and Nathan Walters sit down with Eric Joy, Vice President of Georgia Home Theater Group. With over 30 years of experience integrating cutting-edge technology into luxury homes, Eric shares the secrets to creating seamless, invisible smart home systems. Discover why pre-wiring is the foundation of a truly smart home, h...

Welcome to Building Brews and BBQ. In this "trailer episode", hosts Vince Longo and Nathan Walters kick things off with an introduction to who we are, what we’re about, and give you a taste of what's to come. Join us as we discuss our podcast that brings together the best of home building, design, and of course, great food and drinks. From architects and interior designers to builde...