Home: The Second Story

In our first mailbag episode, we answer four questions that come up all the time for homeowners who are trying to make smart decisions before starting a renovation or new build. We start with a question about whether a $300,000 renovation budget is realistic for a family hoping to update a kitchen, family room, and primary bath. We explain that there is no honest way to answer that without some level of professional input. A builder or architect needs real information before giving a meaningful number, and homeowners also need to understand that their total project budget is not the same as their construction budget. Fees, permits, furnishings, landscaping, financing, and hidden conditions all affect what is truly available for the work itself. We then talk about who homeowners should hire first when they are deciding between renovation, addition, or building new. We make the case for talking to an architect first because that early conversation helps clarify priorities, explore options, and create a path forward before anyone is locked into a builder or delivery method. We also explain that architects are not just there to draw plans. We help homeowners think strategically, assemble the right team, and stay aligned with the goals of the project from the first conversation through construction. From there, we take on the question of whether it makes more sense to renovate, add on, or move. We explain that many people assume they need more square footage- when the real issue is how their current home is being used. Sometimes the answer is a major renovation, but sometimes the better solution is reworking a few spaces, shifting furniture, or making targeted improvements. When a bigger change is needed, we talk through the factors that matter most, including neighborhood value, long term plans, emotional attachment, sustainability, and whether the house can realistically support the changes being considered. We close with a question about contingency. For older homes, we recommend setting aside more because renovations reveal unknowns the moment demolition begins. Structural issues, outdated systems, water problems, and other hidden conditions are what usually consume contingency funds. The larger point is that contingency is not optional. It is part of responsible planning. Good projects do not avoid uncertainty by pretending it is not there. They account for it early so that homeowners can move through construction with less panic and better decisions. (00:00) Intro (00:48) Q1: Is our budget realistic? (06:15) Construction budget vs total project budget (09:03) Hidden costs, systems, and phasing (13:07) Q2: Who do we hire first? (16:01) Why architects serve as a third party (23:41) Q3: Renovate, add on, or move? (24:25) Identifying what the house is really missing (28:07) When renovation makes sense financially (31:16) Time horizon, resale value, and neighborhood limits (41:41) Q4: How much contingency do we need? (43:12) Recommended contingency for old homes (46:01) Ways to reduce unknowns before construction (52:57) Final thoughts and outro Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us!  [email protected] about our hosts:Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.comSherI: 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.

Today. we talk about regrets—specifically, the kinds of regrets homeowners have after a renovation or new home build—and why having some level of imperfection is inevitable. We start by setting expectations. There is no such thing as a perfect project, and believing that a renovation will magically make life perfect only sets people up for disappointment. Design and construction happen in the real world, which is messy, imperfect, and constantly changing. Giving yourself grace from the beginning is essential.We explain that most regrets are avoidable if you have the right team, a thoughtful process, and clear communication. One of the biggest regrets we hear again and again is not doing enough at once. Many homeowners try to phase projects, only to wish later that they had just “ripped the band-aid off.” Construction never gets cheaper, and partially finished homes often feel awkward, both to live in and eventually to sell. If you’re going to do it, do it—or don’t start at all.Another common regret comes from making decisions just to “check a box,” whether for resale value or because it’s what people think they’re supposed to do. We talk about examples like double vanities, formal dining rooms, or specific layouts that don’t actually match how people live. When design choices aren’t aligned with real daily habits, regret often follows. The same goes for getting hung up on price per square foot instead of focusing on what spaces actually matter.We also warn against chasing trends, especially those driven by social media. By the time a project is built, today’s trends are already outdated. Designing around micro-trends—or flashy technology that quickly becomes obsolete—often leads to regret. Timeless design principles, on the other hand, are based on how people move, gather, and live, and those fundamentals don’t change.We stress the importance of designing not just for your life today, but for future phases as well—kids growing up, changing family dynamics, and aging in place. Another major theme is trust: trust in your architect, designer, and builder, and trust in the process. Even with 3D renderings and walkthroughs, there will always be elements you can’t fully visualize ahead of time.Finally, we emphasize speaking up. Nearly every past guest has said their biggest regret was not voicing concerns during the process. It’s never too late to ask questions or revisit decisions—until the project is over and you’ve moved in. Strong communication, a good team, and clear goals make it possible to finish a project feeling proud instead of regretful. Renovation is a roller coaster, but with the right support, it can still be joyful.(00:00) Welcome & What This Episode Is About(01:20) Letting Go of “Perfect” Expectations(02:50) The #1 Regret: Not Doing Enough at Once(05:15) Checking Boxes vs. How You Really Live(06:55) Big Decisions vs. Small, Fixable Ones(08:55) Social Media, Trends, and Timeless Design(10:55) Designing for Future Life Stages(12:30) Technology Regrets & Obsolescence(14:05) Limits of Renderings and 3D Visuals(15:25) Speak Up or Regret It Later(17:00) Regrets About the Construction Process(18:45) Fewer Regrets with the Right Team(19:47) Final Thoughts & Listener Invitation Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us!  [email protected] about our hosts:Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.comSherI: 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.

This is Taylor's final episode on Home: The Second Story, and we use the moment to pull together the biggest lessons we have heard across roughly 40 conversations with homeowners. Call your architect or designer early, before you think you need one. Waiting too long often leads to surprises, disappointments, or expensive compromises. Also, architects do far more than draw plans. We help test whether a project is even viable, weigh tradeoffs, organize decisions, and guide clients through the emotional and practical side of the process. We talk about getting the big decisions right first, including site, scope, budget, and how a family actually wants to live, because mistakes in those areas ripple through the entire project. We also make the case for letting your team be creative. When clients leave room for exploration, problem solving, and professional judgment, better ideas often emerge. Finally, we stress that a home does not need to be perfect to be deeply loved. The projects that feel most successful are not flawless. They are the ones that support real life and reflect what matters most to the people who live there. We then turn to what Taylor is focusing on next: designing homes for older adults and for people who need homes that are more flexible, accessible, and supportive over time. Aging in place is not just for very old homeowners. It matters for people recovering from injuries, living with illness, adapting to sudden physical changes, or simply wanting a home that works better for daily life. Taylor explains that good accessible design should be beautiful and often invisible. Wider doors, curbless showers, better circulation, integrated grab bars, and thoughtful planning can make a house easier to live in without making it feel clinical. We also talk about the emotional side of these conversations. Rather than framing design around decline or limitation, we frame it around freedom, dignity, hospitality, and the ability to keep doing what you love. We wrap up with both a farewell and a statement of purpose. We celebrate Taylor’s contribution to the podcast, and we leave with a strong reminder that good residential design is about making life better, now and later. More: Taylor's website: https://tpdarchitect.com/ Taylor's Aging in Place Services: https://tpdarchitect.com/services/#aging-in-place (00:00) Intro (02:00) Reflecting on lessons from 40 episodes (03:45) Tip 1: Call your architect early (05:20) Tip 2: Use your architect for feasibility and decision making (08:19) Tip 3: Get the big decisions right first (13:10) Tip 4: Let your team be creative (21:43) Tip 5: Let go of perfect (27:13) Taylor’s next chapter: designing for aging in place (32:49) Why accessible homes matter in emergencies too (37:02) Designing for hospitality, dignity, and everyday usability (44:23) How to talk about aging and accessibility in a positive way (47:55) Taylor’s thanks and farewell (51:39) Outro and where to follow the podcast Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us!  [email protected] about our hosts:Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.comSherI: 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.

Choosing the right builder is one of the most critical — and most misunderstood — parts of any renovation or new home project: . We talk through how this decision can dramatically shape the project experience and why it's not just about cost. Across our different markets — from Boston to Cincinnati to Birmingham — we each see a range of approaches homeowners take when it comes to builder selection. But no matter where you are, the principles of making a smart choice are the same.We agree that builder selection should be intentional, not impulsive. Too often, people pick a builder after a ten-minute walkthrough because the house looked nice or the builder seemed friendly. That’s not enough. We encourage clients to think of this as a relationship — because that’s what it becomes. It’s not a transaction. It's a yearlong (or longer) collaboration involving trust, communication, and alignment. That’s why we recommend interviewing multiple builders, asking real questions, checking references, and even trusting your gut. The builder’s personality, responsiveness, and willingness to engage early in the process all matter.We also talk about timing. Bringing a builder in early — even before the drawings are complete — creates what we call “front-end alignment.” This helps avoid surprises later and allows the team to sync scope and budget from day one. We stress the importance of looking at qualifications rather than just price and why the lowest bid often hides inflated costs down the road. At the same time, gut-check pricing helps homeowners feel confident that the budget is grounded in reality, especially in markets where pricing varies wildly.Finally, we remind listeners to ask tough questions: How did the builder finish past projects? Were there cost overruns? Did they communicate well? We also share red flags — like a builder who only tells you what you want to hear, or one unwilling to revisit questionable subcontractor bids. In short, selecting a builder isn’t about luck — it’s a process. And done right, it sets the tone for a successful, less stressful project.(00:00) Intro: Why Builder Selection Matters(01:08) Do You Start with Architect or Builder?(02:15) Risks of Rushing the Decision(03:36) Using Architect Networks for Builder Vetting(05:01) Importance of Early Alignment(08:00) How to Interview Builders Effectively(09:41) Questions to Ask Builder References(11:00) Trusting Your Gut in the Process(13:02) Red Flags to Watch for in Builder Behavior(14:47) Understanding Unrealistic Allowances(16:20) Price vs. Personality in Builder Selection(18:36) The Role of Gut-Check Pricing(20:00) Negotiating Subcontractor Bids(20:59) Wrap-Up and How to Reach Out Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us!  [email protected] about our hosts:Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.comSherI: 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, we talk about quality of workmanship in residential construction and why it’s such a common source of stress for homeowners. We frame the conversation around punch lists, expectations, and the reality of how construction actually unfolds on site. We explain that workmanship doesn’t suddenly appear at the end of a project—it’s the result of decisions and care taken from the very beginning, starting with framing, sequencing, and the quality of subcontractors involved.We spend time defining what a punch list is and why it matters. We describe it as the final walkthrough where finish details are checked, documented, and corrected before a project is truly complete. While punch lists tend to focus on visible issues like scratches, alignment, and functionality, we emphasize that these finish concerns are often rooted in work done months earlier. Good finish work can only be as good as the work underneath it.We also talk about how homeowners can evaluate workmanship before hiring a builder. One of the clearest indicators is the job site itself. A clean, organized, and protected site signals a quality mindset, while careless treatment of finished surfaces often points to deeper problems. Protection, planning, and respect for the work go a long way.Another major theme is mistakes—how they differ from poor workmanship, and how they should be handled. We explain that mistakes happen on every project, but the response to those mistakes is what matters. Architects play an important role as advocates and interpreters, helping homeowners understand what’s acceptable, what’s correctable, and what falls within industry standards rather than personal preference.We also address unrealistic expectations. Perfection isn’t possible in construction, and not every minor imperfection warrants correction. Having a professional involved helps homeowners decide when something truly affects performance versus when it’s simply within the normal tolerance of building. We reinforce that contractors are responsible for building according to the drawings, but catching issues earlier makes solutions easier and less contentious.Finally, we talk about alignment—between budget, builder, personality, and expectations. Hiring solely on price often leads to disappointment when workmanship doesn’t meet higher standards. Quality craftsmanship is as much about values and pride as it is about cost. When owners, architects, and contractors approach projects as collaborators rather than adversaries, the entire experience improves, and the final result reflects that shared investment.(00:00) Introduction to Workmanship(00:25) What a Punch List Is and Why It Matters(03:12) How Early Work Affects Final Quality(05:52) Job Site Cleanliness as a Quality Indicator(07:02) Mistakes vs. Poor Workmanship(09:06) Managing Expectations and Perfection(10:37) Catching Issues at the Right Time(12:54) The Role of Architects During Construction(14:27) Builders Who Care About Craft(17:49) Who Pays for Mistakes?(18:55) Price vs. Craftsmanship(20:06) Final Thoughts on Alignment and Expectations Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us!  [email protected] about our hosts:Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.comSherI: 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.