The Before You Build Podcast

We're talking all about where to add timeless interior design finishes as well as where to add trendy finishes when you are building or designing your new home. Are you building or renovating a house and you find yourself thinking … ‘ there are so many decisions and I’m afraid I'll make the wrong one!’ OR ‘what if I make a trendy decision and end up hating it in two years?’ You are NOT a...

In episode 15, we’re talking allll about how to finance your home build with a construction loan. This isn’t the most exciting topic BUT a construction loan is something you really *need* to understand when building a house … unless you have enough disposable income sitting around to pay for your new build! If that’s the case, I’m super happy for you! For the rest of us, however, it’s important to...

Building a custom home is likely one of the most expensive projects (if not THE most expensive project) you’ll take on in your life. So it’s very important that you are familiar with how custom home builders charge so that you don’t have any financial surprises during your build. In this episode, I’m going to give you an overview of how custom home builders charge their clients. Hopefully, this wi...

There are MANY decisions when building a new home and one of the *most* important decisions you’ll make is choosing your builder because your relationship with your builder sets the tone for your entire home build experience. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to choose your custom home builder, including an overview of what determines a GOOD builder and several questions you should be asking E...

There are many moving parts when building a custom home. The sheer amount of decisions can be paralyzing. However, the whole process can be MUCH less overwhelming if you feel organized and in control. In this episode, we’ll cover six EASY tips to keep your thoughts, ideas, and documents organized while building your house. The good news is that you can implement these tips immediately! EPISODE → c...

If you’re excited to build your dream home but you're also terrified that you'll make design decisions that you might later regret, I have good news for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the crucial first step to designing your dream home. Completing this first step will give you SO much more confidence in your ability to get to the end of your home build and feel great about your design...

Are you preparing to build a custom home and you’re feeling a lil bit nervous that you’ll make design decisions you might later regret? Maybe you're looking for guidance on how to avoid making the ‘wrong’ choices? You’re in luck because I’m going to share 3 common mistakes people make that lead to design regrets … lots of regrets, unfortunately. I see these mistakes far too often and I do NOT...

If you're planning to build a home for the first time, I imagine that going over budget when building your home is one of your biggest concerns. This fear is very valid considering most people do (unfortunately) go over budget when building a home. However, this doesn’t have to be YOUR story! In this episode, I’ll share why *most* people go over budget when building a home. Just remember that...

Are you in the process of creating your custom floor plan and want to learn from others’ experiences so you can avoid making any ‘mistakes’? You’re in luck because I’m sharing five things I wish I included in my custom floor plan. Honestly, there is very little I would change about my custom home.   Our floor plan is cozy, functional, and perfect for the way my family lives, and I’m still happy wi...

Do you really need to hire an architect to design your custom home? The (very) short answer to this question is no , but obviously, there are many factors that go into this decision. If you google this question, you’ll notice that many of the articles are written by either an architect or a custom builder … so take their advice with a grain of salt. In this episode, I’ll share my unbiased opinion...

Are you dreaming about building a custom home in the near future, but you have no clue if you should buy your land OR create your floor plan first? You aren’t alone … this is a common question. My (very) short answer is to choose your land before you create your floor plan.  Listen to this episode to find out WHY I recommend this. EPISODE →  carolineondesign.com/should-i-buy-land-or-create-floor-p...

One of my blog readers recently asked me, “is there a way to find out what the average construction cost per sq ft would be?” I’ll share my answer below about how to determine the cost to build a house but first, it’s important to note that there are MANY variables that come into play when it comes to determining home build costs. You can find general estimates and other general indicators, but th...

Are you starting to work on your custom floor plan and you want to make sure you do it RIGHT? (i.e. you wanna avoid making costly floor plan mistakes that you’ll later regret) If so, keep listening! In this episode, we’ll cover common mistakes people make when creating a custom floor plan (or tweaking a stock plan) . Unfortunately, I even see some builders (and the occasional architect) make these...

If you're building a home (or planning to build), you're probably worried about the typical things … you know, like staying on budget or making the right design decisions. But guess what? There are MANY other things you might not even realize you NEED to think about until you are already in the thick of building your home. Don't worry ... I've got you covered with a list of 9 t...

Are you planning on building a home in 2022? If so, I imagine you’re feeling a little freaked out by the uncertainty and volatility in the current home build market. Believe me ... you are NOT alone! I hear this fear OFTEN from my blog readers as well as members inside my private 'Before You Build' home build prep program. I get it … it’s a tough market right now. There is constant uncer...

Have you been dreaming about building a home for years and you were kinda hoping that 2022 would be your year to build a custom home? Maybe now you’re feeling a little confused about whether this is actually a good time to build given the current home build climate (which let’s just be real … it’s CRAZY, to say the least) ? Let me reassure you that you are NOT alone in questioning if this is the r...

Welcome to the Before You Build Podcast   where we cover all things planning BEFORE you build your dream home.  Whether you’re dreaming of building a custom home in the future or you’re ready to start planning right now, this show is for you. The Before You Build Podcast is your one-stop shop for actionable home-building tips as well as advice for designing your home so that you feel equipped to b...