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The Awakened Homeowner

The Awakened Homeowner

By: William W. Reid
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Welcome to The Awakened Homeowner Show— your go-to podcast for real talk about designing, remodeling, and building your dream home! Hosted by William Reid, who's helped coordinate the design and construction of hundreds of new homes and remodels, this show is packed with insider secrets and smart strategies to help you crush your home goals. Building or remodeling can feel like a wild ride — but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. Here, you’ll get expert home remodeling advice, practical new home construction tips, and a full scoop on building a custom home without losing your mind (or your budget). We’ll walk you through renovation planning, share step-by-step home remodeling guides for homeowners, and spill the tea on common home building mistakes and how to avoid them. Thinking about diving into a remodel or new build? Find out exactly what to know before starting a home renovation and how to navigate the home building process like a pro. This podcast pairs perfectly with William’s new book, The Awakened Homeowner — a must-read if you’re serious about creating a space that feels like home and makes smart financial sense. Whether you're sketching ideas on a napkin or knee-deep in construction dust, The Awakened Homeowner gives you the best tips for building a new custom home, real-world advice, and all the encouragement you need to stay inspired. Ready to turn your home dreams into a reality? Hit subscribe and let's make it happen!Copyright 2025 William W. Reid Art
Episodes
  • The Electrical Trap That Costs Homeowners Thousands in Change Orders
    Aug 23 2025

    Electrical and lighting design is the often-overlooked nervous system of

    your home that can make or break your daily living experience. In this

    comprehensive episode, Bill Reid exposes the "permit push" problem

    and reveals why inadequate electrical planning leads to change order

    nightmares. Learn when to hire an electrical engineer versus using your

    architect, how to avoid the all-electric trap, and the essential load

    calculations that prevent service upgrade surprises. This episode provides the

    blueprint for creating electrical systems that enhance your lifestyle rather

    than frustrate it.

    • Watch: www.youtube.com/@TheAwakenedHomeowner
    • Listen: https://podcast.theawakenedhomeowner.com/listen
    • Read: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1MDRPK7
    • All Platforms: https://books2read.com/u/bpxj76
    • Free Story: The Tale of Two Homeowners
    • https://the-awakened-homeowner.kit.com/09608e1727
    • Visit: https://www.theawakenedhomeowner.com/
    • Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theawakenedhomeowner/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theawakenedhomeowner/
    • Contact: Email: wwreid@theawakenedhomeowner.com

    Mentioned in this episode:

    The Awakened Homeowner Book

    The Awakened Homeowner Book

    Show More Show Less
    58 mins
  • The Design Build Trap: Why Your Home's Respiratory System Needs Early Planning
    Aug 16 2025

    Host Bill Reid continues his miniseries on design professionals by diving

    deep into the critical world of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems,

    focusing specifically on HVAC design. This comprehensive episode reveals why

    your home's respiratory system requires early planning and proper coordination

    to avoid costly mistakes and construction nightmares.

    Key Timestamps & Topics:

    [00:00:00-00:02:00] Introduction to MEP Systems Transitioning

    from structural engineers to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and

    when to consider MEP engineers for high-end projects

    [00:02:00-00:05:00] The Respiratory System Concept Understanding

    HVAC as your home's respiratory system and the challenges of tight construction

    for energy efficiency

    [00:05:00-00:10:00] The Design Build Trap Explained How poor

    planning leads to structural compromises, ceiling drops, and storage loss when

    HVAC is treated as an afterthought

    [00:10:00-00:16:00] Coordinated Design Build Solution The proper

    approach involving early HVAC consultation, plan coordination, and reflected

    ceiling planning

    [00:16:00-00:19:00] The Permit Push Problem Why inferior

    architects and draftspeople create problems by deferring HVAC design until

    construction


    [00:19:00-00:27:00] Taking Control: Questions to Ask Essential

    questions for homeowners to ensure proper HVAC coordination and avoid red flags


    [00:27:00-00:31:00] Two Paths to Success Comparing independent

    mechanical engineers vs. coordinated design build approaches


    [00:31:00-00:37:00] Practical Takeaways & Your Home's Future

    Action steps for homeowners and the long-term impact of proper HVAC infrastructure planning

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    Mentioned in this episode:

    The Awakened Homeowner Book

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Avoiding the Assumption Trap: Smart Homeowner's Guide to Structural Engineering
    Aug 9 2025

    In this comprehensive episode, Bill Reid explores the critical role of structural engineers in home design and construction, breaking down the misconceptions homeowners have about who does what in the building process.

    Key Segments with Timestamps

    [00:00:00 - 00:02:00] Introduction: The Doctors of Your Home

    • Overview of the four-part mini-series

    • Introduction to structural engineering as the "skeletal system"

    • Common misconceptions about architect responsibilities

    [00:02:00 - 00:06:00] The Architect-Structural Engineer Partnership

    • How architects and structural engineers collaborate

    • Educational backgrounds and licensing similarities

    • Early consultation importance in the design process

    [00:06:00 - 00:14:00] Working Without an Architect

    • When residential designers and interior designers need structural engineers

    • Key questions to ask non-architect designers

    • Understanding load-bearing wall determinations

    [00:14:00 - 00:24:00] The Assumption Trap

    • Resolvable vs. unresolvable assumptions

    • Real-world examples of costly assumption mistakes

    • The accountability gap in traditional project delivery

    [00:24:00 - 00:35:00] Engaging with Structural Engineers the Right Way

    • Three options for hiring structural engineers

    • Why the "architect manages" approach is preferred

    • Questions to ask your architect about their engineer relationships

    [00:35:00 - 00:44:00] Fundamentals of Structural Engineering

    • The three pillars: lateral forces, transfer loads, and uplift

    • Understanding shear walls and their importance

    • What structural engineers actually deliver

    [00:44:00 - 00:52:00] Common Pitfalls and Critical Questions

    • Red flags to watch for during the design process

    • Essential verification questions for homeowners

    • How structural engineers charge for their services

    • Watch: www.youtube.com/@TheAwakenedHomeowner
    • Listen: https://podcast.theawakenedhomeowner.com/listen
    • Read: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1MDRPK7
    • All Platforms: https://books2read.com/u/bpxj76
    • Free Story: The Tale of Two Homeowners
    • https://the-awakened-homeowner.kit.com/09608e1727
    • Visit: https://www.theawakenedhomeowner.com/
    • Follow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theawakenedhomeowner/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theawakenedhomeowner/
    • Contact: Email: wwreid@theawakenedhomeowner.com

    Mentioned in this episode:

    The Awakened Homeowner Book

    The Awakened Homeowner Book

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
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