Home Building Insights - Building With Breven

Episode 37: After You Build a Home — Warranty, Maintenance & What to Expect After Move-In You’ve made it through the entire  home building process —but what happens after you move in? In this episode of  Building With Breven , we break down what homeowners should expect after they  build a home , including how the  builder warranty  works, what maintenance is required, and how to avoid common...

Episode 36: Custom Home Budgeting — The 5 Decisions That Significantly Shape Your Entire Home Building Budget If you’re planning to  build a home , your budget is shaped long before construction starts. In this episode of  Building With Breven , we break down the  five biggest early decisions that influence your entire home building budget  — not specific costs, but the choices that determine how...

Episode 35: Final Walkthrough, Punch List & Closing – How to Finish Building a Custom Home This is it—the final step in the journey to  build a home . In this episode of  Building With Breven , we wrap up our 7-part mini series expanding on our most popular episode (Ep. 22) by diving deep into  Step 7: The Final Phase  of the  home building  process. If you’ve ever wondered  how to build a hom...

Episode 34: Trim Phase Explained – Interior & Exterior Finish Work in Custom Home Building In this episode of  Building With Breven , we continue our 7-part mini series expanding on our most popular episode (Ep. 22), which breaks down the full process to  build a home . This week, we dive into  Step 6: The Trim Phase —the stage in  home construction  where your  custom home  finally starts to...

Episode 33: Insulation & Drywall – How to Prepare Your Custom Home for Energy Efficiency & Interior Finishes In this episode of  Building With Breven , we officially enter  Phase 2 of the home building process ! Inspired by our most popular episode (Ep. 22), this is the fifth installment of our 7-part mini series on  how to build a custom home , and we’re diving deep into  insulation and d...

Episode 32: Mechanical Rough-Ins – Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical in Custom Home Building In this episode of  Building With Breven , we continue our 7-part mini series breaking down the full process to  build a home , step-by-step. Inspired by our most popular episode (Ep. 22), we’re diving deep into  Step 4: Mechanical Rough-Ins —a critical stage in  home building  that happens right after frami...

Episode 31: Framing, Cornice & Roof Decking – How to Build the Structure of a Custom Home If you're planning to  build a home , understanding the structural phase is essential to successful  home building . In this episode of  Building With Breven , we continue our 7-part mini series inspired by our most downloaded episode, Ep. 22, diving deeper into  Step 3: Framing, Cornice, and Roof Dec...

Episode 30: How to Build a Strong Foundation for Your Custom Home | Step 2 of the Home Building Process In this episode of  Building With Breven , we continue our 7-part mini series breaking down each step of the  custom home building  process. This week, we take a deep dive into  Step 2: Foundation —a critical phase that can make or break your entire  home construction  project. If you’re plannin...

Lot Prep Masterclass: Essential Steps to Prepare Your Land for a Custom Home | Episode 29 In this first episode of our special 7-part series expanding on our most popular episode (Ep. 22), hosts Steven Byrnes & Mike Byrnes take an in-depth look at  Lot Preparation , the critical first step in the custom home building process. You'll learn about: Land Surveying & Boundary Identification...

🏡  How Will Tariffs & a Recession Affect Custom Home Building? In this episode of  Building With Breven , we dive into two major economic factors that could shape the custom home-building industry:  tariffs and a possible recession . If you're planning to build a home in 2025 or beyond, understanding these trends is  critical  for budgeting, material costs, and project timelines. 🔍  Key topi...

Hidden costs in custom home building can surprise homeowners! Don't start construction until you hear this! In this eye-opening episode of "Building With Breven," we reveal the top 4 hidden costs that can blow your custom home budget. From unexpected site work to surprising permit fees, we're uncovering the financial pitfalls that catch many homeowners off guard. What You'll...

Thinking about building your own custom home? In this episode, we explore whether a DIY custom home build is truly possible and what it takes to succeed. We break down the pros and cons, key skills needed, and potential challenges faced when taking on a project of this scale. From managing permits and contractors to budgeting and design, find out if going the DIY route is right for you—or if hirin...

Ready to move into your dream home sooner? In this episode, we reveal expert tips and insider strategies to help you fast-track your custom home build without sacrificing quality. Discover how to streamline the pre-construction and construction processes, avoid common delays, and make smart decisions that can cut your build time by up to 40%. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or a seasoned pro...

Learn from the mistakes of others! In this episode, we delve into the story of a failed custom home build, highlighting the common pitfalls and challenges that led to its downfall. Hear firsthand accounts of budget overruns, contractor issues, design flaws, and more. Discover the crucial takeaways and practical advice to help you avoid these mistakes in your own custom home project. Tune in to ens...

Are you planning a new custom home build? Discover the must-have smart home features that will transform your living experience! In this episode, we explore the top 10 smart home technologies to integrate into your new home design. From automated lighting and security systems to energy-efficient solutions and smart kitchens, we cover the latest innovations that bring convenience, safety, and effic...

7 Essential Steps to Building Your Custom Home | Expert Guide (Ep. 22) In Episode 22 of  Building with Breven , host  Steven Byrnes  is joined by special guest  Mike  to detail the  7 Essential Steps of Building a Custom Home . Discover expert insights on: Phase 1: Lot Preparation Foundation Construction Framing, Cornice & Decking Mechanical Systems Installation Phase 2: Drywall Installation I...

Welcome to episode 21 of the Building With Breven podcast, where Steven & Bryan dive into the realm of healthy homes. In this episode, we unveil seven crucial topics every homeowner should consider for a healthier custom home build. Air Quality Optimization: Learn about cutting-edge technologies and strategies to ensure your indoor air quality is pristine, promoting respiratory health and over...

In episode 20 of the Building With Breven podcast, Bryan and Steven dig into the topic of builder pricing. Have you ever wondered how builders price such complex custom homes? With so many variables and moving parts it's no surprise that 3 different builders could all have drastically different prices for the same custom home. Tune in to this episode to learn what to look for and what questions to...

Welcome to Building With Breven, where we embark on an exciting exploration of the intricate and thrilling journey from envisioning your dream home to the exhilarating moment you finally step through the front door. In this episode, we're delving deep into the nuances of the path from custom home conception to move-in day, unraveling the secrets and insights that can transform your vision into rea...

In episode 18 of the Building With Breven podcast we are joined by Addison Oaks, owner of Addison Social Co. Addison and Steven answer the most frequently asked questions that we receive from our social media accounts. These questions address the following: Do custom home builders build on my lot or theirs? Difference between a custom home builder and a volume/production home builder? How to choos...

Welcome to Building With Breven! In this episode 17, we're delving into the key strategies for financing your custom home build. Our experts, Steven and Bryan, share invaluable insights to guide you through the financial aspects of turning your dream home into a reality. Discover proven tactics to evaluate + select the right financing options, and navigate the loan application process seamlessly....

Listen along to episode 16 of the Building With Breven podcast, where we discuss all things in the process of custom home building. We take a builder's approach to educate our listeners so they're well informed when making decisions regarding their own custom home build. In episode 16 we dive into the topic of builder value and how to compare one builder's value to another. With the help of Alex H...

Welcome to Building With Breven, where we navigate the intricate world of custom home building to empower you with the knowledge you need! 🏡💡 In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on the often mystifying realm of pricing in the custom home building process. Join us as we unravel the secrets and unveil the price tricks employed in the industry. From hidden fees to under bids, we've got...

In episode 14 of the Building With Breven podcast, we break down the pressing question "Is now a good or bad time to build a custom home?". We use graphs and tables to present factual data and ultimately answer this question from an unbiased perspective. Listen to this episode if you are hesitant on starting the custom home building process due to external fears. Supporting data for this episode:...

In episode 13 of the Building With Breven podcast, we welcome special guest Steve Iltis. Steve is a residential home designer/architect. Tune in to this episode if you're stuck at the floor plan stage and need some guidance for your new custom home. Steve is a master at transforming future homeowner's thoughts and dreams into 2D buildable plans. Check out Steve's content and information here: Stev...