In this episode in our series, "The House That Wisdom Built", Vince and Nathan dive into the part of construction that quietly decides how your home feels: the electrical and lighting plan. They break down Kelvin temps (why 2700K–3000K is the sweet spot), layered lighting (ambient, task, accent), and smart choices that keep daily life simple—from motion-sensor switches in closets and pantries to outlet planning for drawers, EV chargers, and even future lifts. They also cover bathroom sconces (goodbye overhead shadows), toe-kick night lights, exterior timers/holiday circuits/path lighting, and how tools like DIGS + a lighting pro (Visual Comfort, etc.) make room-by-room walkthroughs painless and precise.

Takeaways
• Plan lighting early and in layers (ambient / task / accent)
• Match Kelvin to the room’s purpose (cozy vs. crisp)
• Do a detailed walkthrough (switch order, outlet heights, TV/bed locations)
• Add smart where it helps (motion sensors, scenes) without overcomplicating
• Pre-wire/plan for the future (EV/220, art lighting, exterior)

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm

In this special episode, Vince and Nathan sit down with the renowned architectural designer William T. Baker. From growing up in Nashville with a furniture-designer father, to shaping Atlanta’s architectural landscape, to designing authentic American-style homes in China, Bill shares stories from his remarkable 40-year career. He opens up about lessons learned on job sites, the influence of travel on his designs, and why perseverance matters in architecture and life. Bill also talks about his current project—what may become the largest, most expensive home in Buckhead and what it means to end a career on such a monumental note.

If you’ve ever been curious about timeless design, Atlanta’s architectural heritage, or what it takes to build homes that last for centuries, you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation.

GUEST: William T. Baker

WEBSITE: https://www.wtbaker.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/williamtbakerhomes

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm

In this episode of Building Brews & BBQ, Vince and Nathan tackle the “mechanical phase” of building a custom home—plumbing, HVAC, and all the hidden systems that make a house work. Learn why this stage feels like nothing is happening, the common mistakes that can cost homeowners big, and pro tips to make your home quieter, more comfortable, and built to last.

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm

In this episode of The House That Wisdom Built, we dive into one of the most exciting (and misunderstood) stages of home construction: framing.

This is where months of planning finally take shape—literally. Walls go up, rooms take form, and homeowners start to seetheir home come to life. We break down the difference between stick-built and prefab framing, why engineered lumber matters, and the structural realities of big windows, wind loads, and squeaky floors.

We also talk through real-world tips: when to walk the house, what to look for, where to block (yes, even for your toilet paper holder), and why early planning saves time, money, and headaches down the road.

Plus, we share a favorite tradition: the “Framing Party” — where friends and family leave messages on the studs before the drywall goes up.

If you’re building a home—or dreaming of it—this is the episode that connects the dots between the blueprint and the real thing.

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm

Before you pour concrete or raise walls, the real work starts in the dirt. In this episode of The House That Wisdom Built, Vince and Nathan break down the basics of grading, site prep, and foundations — the stuff that sets the tone (and budget) for everything that follows.

They cover what most people overlook in the early stages of a build, from drainage and topography to soil surprises and slab types. If you’re building new or tearing down to rebuild, this is the episode that helps you start on solid ground.

Topics Covered:

– What grading really involves (and why it matters)

– Managing water flow on tight lots

– The cost of skipping soil tests

– Slabs, stem walls, and full basements

– Foundation types and when to use them

Subscribe for more episodes that unpack the real process behind custom home building

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm

Demo Day gets all the glory—but before the dust flies, there’s some serious groundwork to be done. In this episode of Building Brews & BBQ, Vince and Nathan walk through everything that should happen before the sledgehammer swings. From permits and site prep to managing neighbors and expectations, this one’s packed with the kind of wisdom that can save your project—and your driveway.

You’ll hear:

• Why Demo Day is more emotional than most people expect
• How to protect your floors, walls, and sanity
• The real reason to host a “Donuts & Demo” event (and how it helps keep the city off your back)
• What happens when you don’t pull the right permits (hint: red tags)
• Pro tips on asbestos, mold, utility shutoffs, and avoiding DIY disaster
• The difference between building with the neighborhood vs. against it

Plus: How one simple idea from a fellow builder—inviting the neighbors in for donuts—might be the best investment you make all project long.

Send us your favorite demo clip, and let us know—would you show up for donuts and destruction?

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm

In this episode of Building Brews and BBQ, we’re talking about one of the most exciting – and often overlooked – milestones in any home build: the pre-construction handoff. Vince and Nathan walk through what this pivotal moment looks like, why it matters, and how it can set the stage for a smoother build experience.

From “Co-Construct Happy Hours” to sharing the full design board with homeowners, we unpack how the handoff from pre-construction to construction shapes the next phase of your project. It’s a moment for celebration, but also a critical opportunity to ensure everyone’s on the same page before the first shovel hits the dirt.

We also dive into the emotional rollercoaster that begins with construction, complete with laughs and real talk about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re building your dream home or just curious about what really happens behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insights

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm

In this episode of Building Brews and BBQ, Vince and Nathan get into the murky waters of permitting, inspections, and everything that can delay your build before a single nail is hammered. From confusing digital portals to costly tree ordinances, we’re talking about the bureaucratic maze that frustrates homeowners and builders alike.

Why does it take three months to get a permit in some cities? Why can’t you remove that tree—on your own property? And why does it feel like your builder disappeared after design approval? This episode answers all of that and more.

We’re pulling no punches and shedding light on the not-so-fun phase of pre-construction—because if you’re not prepared for the red tape, your dream home might hit more road blocks than you expect.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro

2:00 – The Permitting Black Hole

9:00 – From Donuts to Portals: Losing the Human Touch

17:00 – Tree Ordinances & the $300K Penalty

24:00 – Drainage, Setbacks, and the Disappearing Pool Space

31:00 – “But the City Approved It!” (And Why That Doesn’t Matter)

35:00 – Final Takeaways: What You Need to Know

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm