Before You Build℠ Podcast podcast | Listen online for free

110 episodes

109. Where to Splurge and Save When Building a Custom Home
04/15/2026 | 13 mins.
Going over budget is one of the biggest fears I hear from people building a custom home. But here's what I want you to know …
It is possible to build within, or very close to, your budget. It all comes down to knowing where YOU should splurge and where YOU should save when building.
In this episode, I break down my simple two-rule framework for deciding where to splurge and save when building. I also share some of the best areas (in general) to invest and cut back … and why a generic list will only get you so far.
Tune in to learn my simple framework, and to find out exactly how to build your very own personalized SPLURGE + SAVE PLAN around YOUR family's priorities.
SHOW NOTES → carolineondesign.com/where-to-splurge-and-save-when-building
SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo
BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build
FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide
FREE CLASS → 4 Steps to Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
108. How to Avoid Custom Home Exterior Regrets
04/01/2026 | 15 mins.
Have you ever driven past a house and thought, something just looks off — but you couldn't quite put your finger on it? I see it all the time. And it's not just on low-cost homes … I see it on multi-million-dollar homes too.
It's not a budget problem. It's a gap in the design process that SO many people miss completely.
In this episode, I'm breaking down why some custom home exteriors end up looking awkward, and the one simple thing that prevents it. I'm also sharing my own personal story — including the moment I saw my home exterior in 3D for the first time and seriously hated it. 😬
If you're in the planning stages of your custom home build, tune into this one ... you'll be SO glad you did!
EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/custom-home-exterior-regrets
BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build
MY 3D RENDERING → carolineondesign.com/custom-home-build-must-do
FREE CLASS → 4 Steps to Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
107. Overwhelmed Building a Home? You’re Going to Be Okay!
03/25/2026 | 13 mins.
Feeling overwhelmed just thinking about building a home is one of the most common things I hear from people planning a custom build. And, honestly, it makes complete sense. You're making hundreds of high-stakes decisions you've never had to make before, on a timeline that's largely outside of your control, with A LOT of money on the line.
In this episode, I'm sharing what I've been learning from my business coach about balance — and why every single principle applies directly to your home build experience. Here's what we're covering:
Why the chaos isn't actually the problem
The two types of overwhelm you'll face during a build (and how to handle both)
What you can do right now to feel more prepared and less reactive going into your build
You're going to be okay. Promise. 🙌
EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/overwhelmed-building-a-home
BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build
FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide
FREE CLASS → 4 Steps to Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
106. Common Floor Plan Mistakes to Avoid
03/11/2026 | 13 mins.
After auditing 300+ floor plans, I can tell you this: the same mistakes keep showing up. And they're not dramatic design flaws — they're subtle oversights that are easy to miss on paper but noticeable every single day once you're living in your home.
In episode 106, I'm sharing the four most common floor plan patterns I see that lead to daily frustration and regrets — so you can catch them before construction begins.
EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/common-floor-plan-mistakes
FREE FLOOR PLAN WORKBOOK → carolineondesign.com/fp-free-workbook
BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build
FREE CLASS → 4 Steps to Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
105. Rising Construction Costs: Is Now the Right Time to Build?
03/04/2026 | 12 mins.
If you're planning on building a custom home, rising construction costs are likely scaring you a little bit … and I totally get that!
You might be wondering … Should we wait? Will prices come down? Will next year be a better time to build?
These are completely normal thoughts, and you're not alone.
But here's what most people don't fully think through … construction costs rarely drop in a meaningful, lasting way.
So instead of asking yourself, "Will it be cheaper to build if we wait?", the better question is: "Is now the right time for us to build, given our budget, our goals, and our level of preparation?"
In this episode, I'm walking you through whether waiting actually helps, and the specific questions to ask your builder to protect your budget, no matter what the market is doing.
EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/rising-construction-costs
BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build
FREE CLASS → 4 Steps to Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training

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About Before You Build℠ Podcast

Whether you’re dreaming of building a custom home in the future or you’re ready to start planning now, this show is for you! The Before You Build Podcast is your one-stop shop for actionable home-building tips and advice as well as tips for designing your dream home so that you feel equipped to design the home of your dreams that makes you (and your wallet) happy for years to come. We’ll answer all of your burning questions such as: How do I plan for building a custom home? What should I do before building a house? How do I design my new house? What mistakes should I avoid when building a house? How do I create the perfect floor plan for my family? How do I hire a builder? How do I finance my home build? And the biggest question of all, how do I bring my dream home to life without blowing the budget? Well, friends … the answer is in PLANNING for your home build long before you ever break ground.I’m your host, Carrie Barker (aka, Caroline on Design). I designed my own custom home from the ground up, inside and out. Through trial and error (psst … I built pre-Pinterest), I created my absolute dream home that is not only perfect for the way my family lives but also turned out more beautiful than I imagined. The best part … I did this all without blowing the budget and without design regrets. I cracked the code on how to bring my own dream home vision to life while sticking VERY close to budget and now I’m here to teach you everything I learned along the way so that you, too, end up with that cozy, beautiful home you envision in your head and a mortgage you’re comfy with. The short, actionable, and bingeable ‘Before You Build’ episodes will prepare YOU for a successful home build with less stress, more confidence, and joy throughout the process. And just so you know … the key to building your dream home close to budget is all in the planning you do BEFORE YOU BUILD! So let’s dive in and get started!

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