089. Custom Home Must-Haves (Ignore the Generic Lists!)
Okay, real talk. Those generic "must-have" lists all over Pinterest and home-building blogs set you up to build a house that might have some cool features, but most likely won't even work for YOUR family's lifestyle.In this episode, I'm spilling the truth about why there are NO universal must-haves when building a custom home, and I'm sharing the four questions that'll help you figure out what YOUR family actually needs (spoiler: it's probably way different than what those lists tell you).We'll cover:Why that mudroom everyone's obsessing over might be completely pointless for your lifestyleReal stories from families who ignored the "rules" and built homes that actually work for themHow to stop second-guessing yourself and create a must-have list based on your real life, not Pinterest dreamsThe difference between features that look amazing and ones that actually make your daily routine betterBottom line ... this is YOUR custom home. YOU get to decide what goes in it based on what makes YOUR life easier and happier ... not what some blog says you "must" have.🔗 SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/custom-home-must-haves🔗 FREE HOME BUILD START GUIDE: carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide🎓 Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠: carolineondesign.com/before-you-build👉 Grab a seat in my FREE CLASS, 'The 3 Most Expensive Home Building Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)', at carolineondesign.com/free-training
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088. The #1 Custom Home Building Mistake That Could Cost You Thousands
Building your first custom home should be exciting, but there's one massive mistake I see first-time builders make over and over again ... and it's costing them thousands of dollars and major regrets on move-in day.In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what this critical mistake is and how you can completely avoid it with the right planning process.You'll learn:The biggest custom home building mistake that sets everything else up for failureWhy having Pinterest boards isn't the same as having a clear visionThe real cost of this mistake (spoiler: it's way more than just money!)How to get crystal clear on your vision before you break groundPlus, I'll share stories from my BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ clients like Sheri, who went from total panic to moving into her stunning dream home, and Mare, who came in $6,500 UNDER budget.If you're planning to build a custom home, this episode could save you thousands in change orders and years of regret. Don't let this preventable mistake turn your dream home into an expensive lesson!🔗 SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/custom-home-building-mistake🔗 FREE HOME BUILD START GUIDE: carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide🎓 Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠: carolineondesign.com/before-you-build👉 Grab a seat in my FREE CLASS, 'The 3 Most Expensive Home Building Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)', at carolineondesign.com/free-training
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087. How Construction Loans Work: A Beginner's Guide
Feeling confused about construction loans? You're definitely not alone... and you're not the only one who finds this part of home building overwhelming.In this episode, I'm breaking down how construction loans actually work so you can approach this part of your build with confidence instead of confusion.Understanding construction loans is crucial to avoiding costly surprises and timeline issues that could derail your build.We'll cover: ✅ How construction loans work (and why they're different from regular mortgages) ✅ Timeline requirements and what happens if your build goes over schedule ✅ Down payment requirements and approval criteria ✅ What to expect for payments, closing costs, and borrowing limitsYou'll walk away understanding exactly how construction loans work and how to prepare so you can secure financing and stay on track with your build timeline.Quick note: This isn't meant to replace professional lending advice—always connect with a qualified loan officer for guidance specific to your project!🔗 SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/how-construction-loans-work🔗 FREE HOME BUILD START GUIDE: carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide🎓 Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠: carolineondesign.com/before-you-build👉 Grab a seat in my FREE CLASS, 'The 3 Most Expensive Home Building Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)', at carolineondesign.com/free-training
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086. Draftsperson vs. Architect: What’s the Difference?
Not sure whether to hire an architect or a draftsperson for your custom home build? You’re not alone ... and you’re definitely not the only one confused by this decision.In this episode, I’m breaking down the real differences between an architect and a draftsperson so you can make the smartest choice for your project, your budget, and your design needs.Whether you’re looking to save money or you want a one-of-a-kind design, understanding your options is key to building a home you’ll love for decades (not one filled with regrets!).We’ll cover:✅ What each professional actually does (and how their roles are different) ✅ The cost difference between hiring an architect vs. a draftsperson ✅ A hybrid approach that could save you thousands (without sacrificing design)You’ll walk away with clarity on who to hire, how much it might cost, and what support you can expect so you can move forward with confidence.🔗 SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/draftsperson-vs-architect🔗 FREE HOME BUILD START GUIDE: carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide🎓 Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠: carolineondesign.com/before-you-build👉 Grab a seat in my FREE CLASS, 'The 3 Most Expensive Home Building Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)', at carolineondesign.com/free-training
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085. 3 Functional Custom Basement Details (That I Love!)
Thinking about finishing your basement? Whether you're building a custom home or planning a future reno, this episode shares 3 simple custom basement details that are totally worth it—and easy to overlook.From a clever built-in cooler to the one upgrade I’d do in every home from now on, I’m walking you through the little things we added that make our basement more functional, fun, and guest-friendly.These aren’t just cool ideas—they’re practical, everyday features that you’ll be so glad you planned ahead for.🎧 Tune in to learn:How to add more light to a dark basement stairwellA built-in bar feature that takes entertaining to the next levelThe underrated upgrade that made finishing our basement stress-freeWhether you're building now or just dreaming, these custom basement ideas will help you create a space you’ll love to live in.👀 Want to see this tips in action? Follow me on instagram.com/carolineondesign.🔗 SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/custom-basement-details⚒️ FREE HOME BUILD START GUIDE: carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide💡 Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠: carolineondesign.com/before-you-build👉 Grab a seat in my FREE CLASS, 'The 3 Most Expensive Home Building Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)', at carolineondesign.com/free-training
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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