Built to Last

Maintenance isn’t optional—it’s essential. In this episode, we talk through what homeowners should be doing to protect their home after move-in and why it matters more than most people realize. Joined by a maintenance expert, we break down simple habits that prevent costly repairs down the road. If you want your home to perform the way it was built to, this is where it starts.

You’ve made it to the finish line—but what happens next? In this episode, we walk through the final homeowner walkthrough and break down what your 1-year builder warranty actually covers. From punch lists to post-move-in expectations, this is the part of the process that ensures your home performs the way it should. If you want to know what to look for—and what matters most—this episode is for you...

If you’ve been thinking about building—or buying—now is the time to pay attention. In this episode, we sit down with the Maykus Homes sales team to walk through what’s available now, what’s coming soon, and where opportunities are opening up. From move-in ready homes to future developments, this is your inside look at what’s on the horizon. And if you’re not sure where to start, we’ll point you in...

You’re two weeks out from move-in—and while your home may look finished, behind the scenes it's organized chaos. Crews are hustling, punch lists are growing, appliances are arriving, and there’s a mad dash to wrap up dozens of final details before you get the keys. It’s loud, it’s messy, and it’s one of the most intense phases of the entire construction process. In this episode of Built to Last ,...

The exterior of your home doesn’t stop at the walls—it flows into the landscape, the pathways, and the spaces that surround it. In this episode of Built to Last, host Eric Schwarze, Director of Construction at Maykus Homes, is joined by Kristina Arnold of MDM Landscapes to explore the art and science of landscape design. From curb appeal and plant selection to drainage, irrigation, and creating fu...

Appliances are where style meets function—and where daily living meets lasting performance. In this episode of Built to Last, host Eric Schwarze, Director of Construction at Maykus Homes, sits down with Christie Hipson from The Jarrell Company to talk about choosing the right appliances for your custom home. From built-in refrigerators and luxury ranges to panel-ready dishwashers and smart ovens,...

Lighting does more than just brighten a space—it defines mood, highlights design details, and brings a custom home to life. In this episode of Built to Last, host Eric Schwarze, Director of Construction at Maykus Homes, is joined by Marlo Henry of Fort Worth Lighting to talk through what homeowners should know when selecting lighting for their home. From architectural placement and fixture trends...

While your new home is taking shape on the inside, there’s a lot happening on the outside too — and it’s just as important. In this episode of Built to Last, host Eric Schwarze, Director of Construction at Maykus Homes, is joined by builder Eason Gregg to break down everything that happens on the exterior of your home, including brick, stone, stucco, siding, exterior paint, gutters, driveways, sid...

When it comes to exterior materials that deliver on both performance and beauty, brick still stands the test of time. In this episode of Built to Last, host Eric Schwarze, Director of Construction at Maykus Homes, is joined by Reggie Barnes from Acme Brick to explore the benefits, varieties, and lasting value of brick in residential construction. From regional trends and color palettes to energy e...

In this episode of Built to Last, host Eric Schwarze, Director of Construction at Maykus Homes, is joined by builder and President of Maykus Homes, Eason Maykus to walk homeowners through the most detailed part of custom home construction — from paint through carpet installation. They break down each step, including paint, countertops, hardware, electrical and plumbing trim, and even those final t...

With so many materials, colors, and finishes available, choosing countertops and tile can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Built to Last, host Eric Schwarze, Director of Construction at Maykus Homes, is joined by Jessica Burns of Arizona Tile to break down the pros, cons, and design considerations of today’s most popular countertop and tile options. From quartz vs. q...

Wood floors are timeless—but which type is best for your home, and where should you use it? In this episode of Built to Last, host Eric Schwarze sits down with flooring expert Scott Johnson of East Gate Flooring to break down everything homeowners need to know about choosing the right floor. From understanding hardwood grades and plank sizes to knowing where wood is a good idea—and where it’s not—...

What happens after your home is framed and the rough-ins are done? In this episode of Built to Last , host Eric Schwarze sits down once again with Maykus Homes builder Bubba Gregg to walk homeowners through yet another stage of home construction. From sheetrock and texture to trim, paint, cabinetry, and more—Bubba breaks down the sequence, decisions, and quality checks that turn a bare structure i...

Is your home losing energy—and money—through the walls, attic, or even around your windows? In this episode of Built to Last, host Eric Schwarze sits down with insulation expert April Tallman to dig into one of the most important and misunderstood systems in your home: insulation. From spray foam to batt to blown-in options, April breaks down what every homeowner should know about keeping their ho...

Ever wonder what really goes into the heating and cooling systems in your home? In this episode of Built to Last, host Eric Schwarze sits down with Clark Costa from Village Gate Supply to break down the essentials of HVAC systems for homeowners. From energy efficiency to smart thermostats, seasonal maintenance tips to equipment lifespan—this 10-minute power-packed conversation brings clarity to th...

Welcome to Built to Last with your host Eric Schwarze! In this episode, we discuss the crucial "seconds" stage of custom home building with Bubba Gregg of Maykus Homes. What exactly is “seconds”? This phase includes plumbing top out, electrical rough-in, HVAC rough-in, low voltage wiring, and even fire suppression systems. We’ll discuss why this stage is essential to the integrity and functionalit...

Join host Eric Schwarze on Built to Last as he talks with Shelley Balo from Huber Engineered Woods. In this episode, they discuss two of Huber’s standout products—Advantech flooring systems and Zip System—both designed for durability and performance. Shelley explains how these innovative materials are changing the way homes are built, offering superior moisture resistance, strength, and efficiency...

Join host Eric Schwarze on Built to Last as he sits down with Matt Eytcheson from Merge Windows and Doors. In this episode, they discuss the crucial role that windows and doors play in both the aesthetics and performance of your home. From energy efficiency to durability and design, they’ll explore how choosing the right windows and doors can enhance your home’s longevity. Whether you're building...

Join host Eric Schwarze on Built to Last , where he sits down with homebuilder Bubba Gregg of Maykus Homes. In this episode, they talk the essential process between picking up the construction permit and pouring the slab—covering everything from site preparation to foundation work. Whether you're a future homeowner or an aspiring builder, this episode will provide valuable insights into what happe...

In this episode of Built to Last, host Eric Schwarze sits down with guest Cammie Schwarze to discuss Buildertrend, the project management system used by Maykus Homes. Cammie shares how Buildertrend helps streamline communication and keeps everything organized between subcontractors, vendors, builders, and homeowners. This tool enhances efficiency and ensures smooth project flow from start to finis...

In this episode of Built to Last, guest host Cammie Schwarze is joined by Maykus Homes, Director of Construction, Eric Schwarze.  Eric walks us through the essential steps that occur between signing the contract and picking up the permit, focusing on the preparation of engineering and energy plans, plumbing layouts, HVAC plans, and the like. Whether you're a homebuilder, homeowner, or just interes...

Join us for an insightful conversation on the art of custom home design with two talented designers, Jan Maykus and April Littmann. In this episode, we discuss their unique journeys, design philosophies, and the creative process behind crafting personalized, functional, and beautiful homes. From navigating the design process to balancing aesthetics with practicality, Jan and April share expert ins...

Designing Dream Homes with Exurb Studio – In this episode, we delve into the world of custom home design with Josh Archer and Austin Fleming from Exurb Studio.  They will talk about how they capture a homeowner's vision while balancing form and function. We explore how they collaborate with homeowners and builders to create both unique custom homes and market-ready spec designs. Whether you're pla...

In this episode of Built to Last, Mark Goodwin, President of the Mortgage Unit at First National Bank, shares decades of expertise on financing custom homes. From preparing to buy a home to pre-approval of construction loans and everything in between, Mark breaks down the custom home mortgage process with clarity and practical advice.  Find Mark at: www.mortgagemoneyman.com www.maykus.com 817-308-...

Explore the process of building homes that foster meaningful connections and lifelong memories with Maykus Homes. From navigating the challenges of home buying to customizing dream homes, this episode highlights the dedication and pride behind every Maykus Home.