In this episode of Home: The Second Story Podcast, we sit down with Greg from Central Kentucky to unpack the twists and turns of his custom home build during the height of COVID. We begin by learning why Greg and his wife chose to relocate to Kentucky — wanting to be closer to family and create a calm, settled place for their four young children. With prior experience building two homes through production builders and Greg’s background in commercial construction, they felt confident enough to tackle a custom build without an architect, trusting a local builder recommended by their realtor.

As we dive deeper, Greg shares how quickly that confidence faded. Due diligence turned out to be the biggest lesson learned. Early on, they relied on the builder to handle both the design and construction. Instead of detailed construction documents, they received rough plans that left too much open to interpretation. Because of supply chain delays and poor planning, the house sat framed but unfinished through an entire Kentucky winter, leading to stress over moisture damage and scheduling nightmares.

Greg describes the reality of acting as his own project manager while juggling a full-time job and a growing family. He and his wife took on tasks like creating finish schedules, selecting materials, and coordinating with trades. As the builder struggled to manage trades and schedules, Greg’s frustration grew — not because he didn’t know better, but because he didn’t want to create conflict. Eventually, they stripped work from the builder’s scope just to get the house livable, closing with only a certificate of occupancy and managing painting, trim, and cabinetry themselves through local contractors.

Despite the setbacks, Greg reminds us that there’s still satisfaction in seeing their vision come to life — a spacious home with personal design touches and a serene lot for their boys to run free. Looking back, he underlines the importance of vetting everyone thoroughly — from the builder to every subcontractor — and not assuming base competence without proof. He urges anyone taking on a custom home to ask hard questions up front, check references, understand local trades, and accept that a true custom build demands both time and contingency.

We wrap up recognizing that while this experience was rough, it didn’t have to be. Working with the right professionals, asking tough questions, and having a plan with enough budget and schedule buffer can keep a custom build from becoming a cautionary tale. For Greg and his family, the stress ultimately paid off in a home they now love — but they’ll need a few more years (and bourbons) before doing it again.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this snack-sized episode, we dig into the design selections process—what it is, when it should happen, and how to navigate it without losing your mind. Selections refer to everything from fixtures and finishes to materials, colors, and even the tiniest details like shower hardware. While the process might seem straightforward, we’ve found that it’s one of the most underestimated and overwhelming parts of a residential project.

We kick things off by addressing the myth that you can wait until construction starts to choose your finishes. All three of us agree: that’s a recipe for disaster. Waiting leads to rushed decisions, missed coordination opportunities, and unnecessary stress. Ideally, selections should be nearly complete before construction begins—especially for custom homes where every finish is chosen from scratch. That early clarity helps avoid delays and ensures smooth coordination with trades, especially for electrical and plumbing rough-ins that need precise placement information.

Taylor shares an anecdote about a friend’s renovation that stalled due to indecision. In contrast, her clients who made selections early had far fewer issues. Sheri notes that while many of her projects still begin construction before final selections are made, that approach requires a tightly managed process with little room for changes. Marilyn points out how timeline pressure is even more intense in her complex renovations, where rough-ins happen just weeks after demolition. For her, having all selections finalized early is non-negotiable.

We also explore how to tailor the process to different clients. Some love going to showrooms, others want curated choices. Part of our job is understanding decision-making styles—especially when working with couples who may differ dramatically in how they process choices. Marilyn mentions a worksheet in her residential workbook (linked below) that helps clients identify how they make decisions, which guides how we support them throughout.

On the technical side, we discuss how we track and organize selections. From massive Google Sheets to old-school binders and detailed fixture schedules, we all have systems that allow for internal review and clear communication with builders. We emphasize the importance of sign-offs, version control, and not relying on texts or post-its for critical information. It’s about building in checks and balances so nothing gets lost in translation.

We wrap by agreeing on a few golden rules: start with limited, natural materials like stone or wood, and always leave paint for last. Paint is flexible—tile and stone are not. And perhaps most importantly: don’t text your architect about hardware changes at 6 a.m. on a Saturday. You'll hear who has experienced that.

Find Marilyn's worksheets at her shop: https://www.runcibleshop.com/

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we talk with architect Jeff Sties about his recent home renovation in Charlottesville, Virginia. Jeff, an experienced residential architect, shares what it was like to be both the designer and the homeowner for a project involving the demolition and rebuild of a deteriorating sunroom attached to a 1957 brick rancher. After 25 years in the house, Jeff and his wife decided to make long-needed upgrades, aiming to stay in their home through retirement.

We discuss how living in the home for so long helped Jeff identify what truly needed attention—like hydrostatic pressure issues, a failing porch, and an outdated kitchen. Jeff explains how his architectural experience informed decisions such as adding a pass-through window for ventilation and view, using standing seam metal roofing for a shallow pitch, and extending eaves for better solar control.

One major theme throughout the conversation is budget control. Jeff expected to go over budget and planned accordingly. To manage costs, he and his wife performed significant sweat equity—handling their own painting, buying materials directly, and even building a gabion retaining wall with salvaged demolition materials. He gives us a clear picture of what it’s like to be deeply involved in every phase, from designing detailed drawings to supervising subpar subcontractors.

Jeff also dives into the practicalities of contracting. He chose a cost-plus model with a contractor who offered a flat project management fee and was flexible enough to let the homeowners self-perform parts of the job. Still, Jeff cautions that this level of involvement is only feasible for someone with this level of experience, and even then, it’s challenging.

We reflect on how this personal project will improve Jeff’s work with clients, especially in understanding the emotional and financial intensity of home renovations. He emphasizes that great drawings and clear scopes are essential and that homeowners must stay engaged throughout the build to ensure quality.

Jeff’s favorite part? Knowing the critical issues have been resolved—no more water in the basement or structural worries. His wife? She loves the kitchen. Together, they’ve created a space that’s practical, beautiful, and built to last.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we talk with Scott and Cindy from Charleston, South Carolina, about their recent home addition and renovation experience. The project began just before the pandemic in January 2020 and wrapped up in August of that year. Originally a modest 1,000 square foot, three-bedroom, one-bath home, the renovation doubled the space to over 2,000 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths.

Cindy moved into Scott’s long-time home, and with both working remotely, space constraints became the catalyst for the project. They worked with Sheri (who is also Scott’s sister) and engaged in a collaborative design process that unfolded quickly. Despite challenges like navigating a difficult permitting process and finding a reliable contractor during a construction boom, they managed to stay on track with only one change order—additional insulation.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of trusted networks. Their builder was a recommendation through friends, which helped streamline the process. However, they still had to actively manage the project, including prompting the builder’s project manager to stay on top of timelines. Delays in cabinet orders and miscommunication about move-in dates led to five temporary relocations during construction.

The couple highlighted that they might have torn down and rebuilt entirely if they had known the complexities involved in renovating a prefab 1970s home. Still, the outcome has left them with a home they truly love. They emphasized having clear communication, aligning on preferences before making decisions, and maintaining a team mindset. Their coordinated approach made decision-making smoother and helped navigate bumps along the way.

Despite the difficulties, they’re thrilled with the transformation. From an eye-catching facade to a kitchen designed for entertaining, the renovation gave them a home that feels tailor-made for their lifestyle. They credit a strong design, clear drawings, and Sheri’s firm but fair project oversight for helping bring their vision to life.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this snack-size episode of Home: The Second Story, we dive into tile—how to choose it, what to look out for, and the actual conversations we’re having with clients during the selection process. We start by grounding the discussion in what types of tile are available—ceramic, porcelain, stone, concrete—and how the location in the home helps determine the best fit. A shower floor needs very different performance qualities than a kitchen backsplash, and that’s where we begin the conversation with our clients.

We talk about size trends, especially the growing popularity of large-format tiles, which can be stunning but require proper floor engineering to prevent cracking. Grout comes up early and often—clients either love it or hate it. The good news is, grout technology has come a long way. Proper bath ventilation, newer formulations, and thoughtful layout planning can make grout maintenance much easier than it used to be.

From a design standpoint, we emphasize how tile adds texture, color, and customization to a space. But it's not all fun and games—functionality, safety, and long-term wear matter. We often work on aging-in-place projects, so slip resistance, surface glare, and visual accessibility become critical factors in tile decisions. Mosaic patterns, for example, may look great but can be disorienting for clients with vision impairments.

We rely heavily on trusted tile showrooms and reps to guide both us and our clients. These partnerships help streamline the process, especially when clients want to change shapes or colors midstream. Price is another big topic, and we encourage homeowners not to focus just on square foot costs but on where the tile will go. A $150/sq ft tile might be feasible in a small area like a bar backsplash, but less practical in a full shower.

Labor plays a huge role in tile cost and outcome. We advise always doing a dry lay, thinking carefully about transitions and edge details (hello, Schluter!), and planning for layout alignment—especially with plumbing fixtures and cabinetry. Even budget tile can shine if installed in a thoughtful pattern. Drawing tile layouts, aligning grout with niches and fixtures, and storyboarding during framing are all strategies we use to ensure beautiful, functional outcomes.

We wrap by encouraging listeners to work closely with their builders or tile reps if they don’t have a designer. Installation quality can make or break a tile project, so vetting your tile subcontractor is essential. There’s so much more to explore in the world of tile, and we’re definitely not done talking about it.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we sit down with Martin, a homeowner from New Orleans who recently undertook a full gut renovation of his early-1900s home. What started as a kitchen and bathroom update turned into a complete interior overhaul, taking the house down to the studs. Martin shares how his historic neighborhood, building codes, and local governance shaped what he could and could not do with his 120-year-old home. This includes the HDLC, which luckily for him, did not apply to his side of the street.

We learn about the impact of local knowledge. Martin’s team — his architect, contractor, and interior designer — all brought vital expertise, not just in design but in navigating the humid, termite-prone climate of New Orleans. He explains how important it was to plan for moisture, termites, and drainage, and how ignoring those realities can spell disaster later. The conversation reveals how Martin’s house went through decades of additions, from a porch removal to a spiral staircase that eventually forced a rethinking of the entire layout. Removing that staircase alone triggered cascading design changes that ultimately transformed the scope of the build.

Martin admits that while his architect’s attention to detail made the project possible, he underestimated the importance of involving a landscape architect from the start. The lack of one led to frustrating misses, like concrete planters that didn’t quite fit and last-minute improvisations for utilities. He underlines the value of a clear budget from day one — not having one wasted time and caused sleepless nights as costs rose and scope shifted. He urges future homeowners to anchor their dreams to a realistic budget early and to be prepared for the emotional ups and downs that come with any major renovation.

We follow Martin’s path through a contractor switch — a tough but necessary move when the first builder couldn’t align on a clear estimate or timeline. He emphasizes how crucial it was to find a contractor experienced with historic houses in his specific neighborhood. Trust and local reputation made all the difference, ensuring the project stayed aligned with local techniques and challenges.

Despite the anxiety and stress, Martin circles back to the reward: walking into a home that truly works for his family. He paints a picture of the foyer with its local art, the intentional smell that greets visitors, and the kitchen that brings people together — the real heart of their home. As he tells it, the payoff is that snapshot of friends and family gathering, the kids growing up in a home designed with care, and a renovation that, in the end, feels worth every bit of chaos.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this snack-size episode of Home: The Second Story, we dive into the world of construction contract structures—a topic many homeowners find confusing but absolutely essential to understand. We break down the two main contract types: fixed price (or stipulated sum) and cost-plus (often referred to as time and materials), exploring how each affects cost, transparency, and risk.

From Marilyn’s background as a contractor, we hear that contracts are essentially about who carries the risk. In a cost-plus setup, the owner takes on the risk—and reaps any potential savings if material prices drop. In contrast, a fixed-price contract shifts that risk to the contractor, who may build in a cushion to protect against unexpected costs.

We talk about markup structures and how they vary between contractors. A critical point we emphasize is that not all percentages are created equal—one contractor’s 12% markup might include overhead and profit, while another’s 18% could only reflect profit. This makes it essential to ask what’s included in the markup when comparing bids.

Another key topic is allowances in hybrid contracts. These are line items for unknowns—like what's behind a wall during renovation—and act as mini cost-plus agreements inside a fixed-price contract. Interestingly, while allowances often cover things like tile and appliances, Marilyn notes she always wished they’d be used for unknown site conditions instead—since tile choices can be made upfront.

We also highlight control estimates, which provide a baseline for cost-plus contracts. They’re not binding but offer owners a framework for budgeting. Marilyn reminds us these estimates are often required by consumer protection laws, not just construction best practices.

In terms of billing, fixed-price contracts result in streamlined invoices showing progress against the agreed amount. Cost-plus contracts, on the other hand, provide detailed receipts for every purchase and expense, which architects or owner’s reps typically review before payment.

We touch briefly on change orders, clarifying that in cost-plus contracts, they don’t exist—the contractor builds as directed. In fixed-price arrangements, change orders formalize any scope changes, whether due to material availability, homeowner decisions, or contractor requests. We suggest keeping a change order log to track who initiated each one.

Lastly, we stress that asking questions is not only allowed—it’s encouraged. Homeowners should feel empowered to understand where their money is going but should also respect the realities of construction work. The success of any contract, we agree, depends on clear communication, realistic expectations, and detailed upfront planning.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we talk with Kelly Settle about her home renovation journey in Springboro, Ohio. Kelly initially planned a modest kitchen update, simply new cabinets and an island. But as we dug into the space with her, the scope evolved into a transformation that redefined how her family uses their home. Working with Sheri, Kelly was able to go beyond surface updates and create a space that works with the way she lives.

This was a renovation in a standard development home. Kelly and her husband had been there for over two decades and were at a crossroads: sell or stay. With a tough market in 2021, they chose to invest in their existing home. What began as a simple kitchen update turned into a full reimagining of the first floor, including integrating unused rooms into the kitchen layout. The original dining room was repurposed, the pantry enlarged, and they added a substantial island for entertaining and everyday use.

Kelly’s journey highlighted the importance of collaboration. Sheri brought creative ideas that initially surprised Kelly—like moving the refrigerator to the old dining room space—but ultimately improved function dramatically. They incorporated a sentimental butcher block table into a coffee bar, anchoring the design around a meaningful piece.

We also discussed how her budget grew from the initial estimate but stayed disciplined once the full scope was set. One challenge was the delay in flooring due to supply chain issues, which left them living on plywood for weeks. That experience underscored the importance of anticipating the unexpected in renovations.

Kelly offered advice she wished she'd had—like taking architectural plans to the appliance store to explore better equipment options. A bigger stove would’ve been a smarter choice with the space they had. She also emphasized how the design now supports how they want to live: cooking more, entertaining more, and staying in the home longer than they originally planned.

By rethinking their space rather than expanding it, Kelly’s family has gained functionality and beauty. The renovation turned what could have been a simple update into a lifestyle upgrade. Her story is a clear example of how even “just a kitchen” renovation can have deep, lasting impact when guided by thoughtful design.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.