The Craft of Custom

Weather, delays, material surprises, and contractor scheduling...  A lot of things are outside the builder's control during the custom build process.  In this episode, Paul gets honest about everything that can throw a project off track, from weather and supply chain disruptions to utility companies and site conditions you discover once you start digging.  He shares how LR3 prepares for the u...

Some of the best lots never even make it to the MLS.  In this episode, Paul breaks down how land brokers work, what makes a property attractive to a builder versus a homeowner, and how much of his acquisition happens off-market.  If you're serious about building custom, understanding the broker relationship changes everything about your search strategy.  You'll learn how LR3 goes about e...

How much does timing matter when it comes to building your custom home?  When is the best season to break ground? Pour the concrete? Frame a home?  In this episode, you'll learn all the tricks of the trade and how building a custom home in New Hampshire in spring looks completely different from building in winter or fall.  Paul breaks down how weather impacts different phases of construction,...

An architect designs.  A builder builds.  But what happens when one firm handles both?  And who do you need for YOUR project?  In this episode, Paul breaks down the three approaches to custom home construction: hiring a licensed architect and separate builder, working with a design-build firm like LR3, or choosing to navigate the process without an architect.  Each model has different timelines, c...

LR3 is seeing folks settle into the Monadnock Region from Boston, New York, Southern Connecticut and beyond! What Paul is finding through these custom builds is that they're not only looking to escape the chaos, they're choosing New Hampshire for a number of reasons.  In this episode, we discuss what often draws relocators to the area, what quality of life looks like, and what surprises...

In the world of construction, delays and overruns are all but inevitable. The key is to plan and prepare for the unexpected and build things not going according to plan into the plan.  In this episode, Paul shares some of the most common causes for delays in a custom home project, from supply chain realities to weather conditions.  He breaks down how much to budget to ensure there are no surprises...

We're having some FUN in this episode and sharing the unwritten rules of the Monadnock Region that every newcomer should know.  Disclaimer: Many of these, Paul and Emily don't even know the answer to despite growing up here, so don't stress too much about how to pronounce "Contoocook" or what to call the local dump.  Black fly season survival tips, hiking mishaps, the Dunk...

Is open concept always better? Should you design with resale in mind? Is custom building as expensive as you think?  There are certain design "rules," that many people believe as hard-and-fast truths... but are they actually?  In this episode, Paul debunks the myths holding your design decisions hostage.  From the resale value obsession to the fear of standing out, he gets honest about w...

Your lot isn't just where your home sits... it's part of the design itself.  Topography, views, sun exposure, setbacks, soil conditions, utilities, and more. These constraints either limit your options or become creative, inspiring opportunities.  In this episode, Paul walks us through how he evaluates land and transforms lots into a sense of place with distinctive features.  Whether you...

Thinking about renovating your current home instead of building new?  For many homeowners, it seems like the practical choice, but the numbers often tell a different story.  In this episode, Paul breaks down the hidden costs of renovation, the deal-breaker discoveries that happen once you start tearing into old homes, and when renovation ends up costing more than building from scratch.  If you&apo...

Premium appliances, smart home systems, luxury finishes, high-end HVAC, the options during a custom build are endless... and the price tags can be too!  But which upgrades actually deliver long-term value, and which ones are just expensive, shiny distractions?  In this episode, Paul gets honest about what he recommends without hesitation, what depends entirely on how you actually live, and what he...

Nearly 50-70% of a custom home's budget goes to work you'll never see: foundations, framing, plumbing, electrical, insulation, and all the systems that determine how your home actually performs.  In this episode, Paul breaks down why these invisible investments matter more than most people realize and where to prioritize your money for long-term comfort, efficiency, and durability.  This...

Not all builders are created equal, and local expertise matters more than you might think.  In this episode, Paul breaks down why working with someone who truly knows the Monadnock Region translates to a better build.  From understanding New Hampshire's specific climate challenges and soil conditions to navigating local building codes with ease, regional knowledge shows up in ways that direct...

Ever wondered what a luxury custom home builder would build for himself?  In this episode, Paul gets personal and walks through his dream home from the ground up.  He chooses his ideal location, and we give him complete creative freedom to dream, splurge, and skip out on the stuff that doesn't matter!  This isn't just about Paul's dream build, it's a masterclass in values-based...

LR3 Development is growing!  Paul's looking for just the right person to join the team as an experienced Residential Construction Project Manager.  In this episode, Paul shares more about the role, what it entails, and what it takes to succeed in luxury custom home building. We get into why this is more than just a job; it's an invitation to grow your career and be part of a team that st...

The home-building industry has changed a lot in the past twenty years, but some principles have remained tried-and-true.  In this episode, Paul shares from his two decades of construction experience as we take a look at what’s actually different, and what hasn’t changed a bit between then vs. now.  Listen to hear:  How long Paul has been in the industry, and what it was like when he started, vs. w...

While some materials go together like cheese and wine, not all materials play well together so nicely!  The difference between a cohesive custom home and a chaotic one often comes down to thoughtful material selection.  In this episode, Paul breaks down his approach to pairing finishes, textures, and tones that create harmony throughout a home. From mixing modern and rustic elements to balancing a...

How do you know before breaking ground whether or not a builder is the right one for YOUR custom build? In this episode, we get into the earliest red flags so you can identify when to walk away before getting in too deep.  We shine a light on vital cues to listen for when choosing the right luxury builder for your project.  Inside the episode:  What are the earliest red flags for a client looking...

From initial vision to final awe-inspiring walkthrough, in this episode, we go behind-the-scenes to learn what goes into building an award-winning home.  Taking home the New Hampshire Home Builders’ Association 2025 “Best Single Family Construction >$1M” award, this custom home is set apart from the noise, boasting breathtaking views, quiet luxury, and bold beauty.  Modern luxury, intentional d...

We all know by now that bigger isn’t always better… but when it comes to building from the ground up, how do you determine the square footage sweet spot?  In this episode, we break down the truth of square footage and show you the real numbers behind the decisions to go big or go home (good news: you can do both!).  Let's talk square footage! Inside the episode, you'll learn:  What’s the...

Just like every home build client is unique, every builder is too! In this episode, we get into some of the special touches that set LR3 apart as a luxury home builder in the Monadnock Region.  From non-negotiables to balancing signature style with individual visions, this episode guides you in what makes LR3’s process distinct, and how to choose the right home builder for you!  In the episode:  H...

Design isn't just aesthetic; it also impacts behavior. Good design has to align with functionality needs and work seamlessly for everyday life. In this episode, Paul explores how the spaces we create shape our daily patterns, from room flow that encourages family connection to ceiling heights that influence how energized or calm we feel. This conversation covers activity zones, the psychology...

Primary residence or vacation getaway?  The answer changes everything about how you build. In this episode, Paul walks through the key considerations that separate vacation/second home design from everyday living.  Inside the Episode:  Differences when considering a primary home vs. a second home Features for vacation homes, primary homes, and future forever homes  Maintenance considerations for s...

What are the keys to a beyond successful new build? Because you’ve heard plenty of our thoughts… we wanted to offer a fresh perspective on the matter! So, we brought in special guest, Nathan Kono, to share a peek behind-the-scenes as an LR3 client as his recent home build went seamlessly from concept to completion.  Inside the episode:  What made Nathan and his wife, Jackie, decide to build vs. pu...

While LR3 doesn't focus on remodels and renovations, there are instances where they accommodate these projects.  In this episode, we get into what type of home remodels make a good fit for our team and how Paul helps homeowners decide between renovating or starting fresh.  In the episode, you'll learn:  When it's time to renovate and when to start fresh  A renovation challenge peopl...