PODCAST · leisure
The Before You Build Podcast
by Caroline On Design
If you're thinking about building a custom home or remodeling an existing home, this show is for you! The Before You Build Podcast is your one-stop shop for practical planning advice, smart decision-making, and actionable tips to help you build or remodel with clarity, confidence, and within your budget. We'll answer all of your burning questions such as: How do I plan for building a custom home? How do I plan a home remodel? What should I do before building a house? What should I do before remodeling my home? How do I create the perfect floor plan for my family? How do I hire the right builder or remodeling team? How do I finance my project? 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 intentional planning long before the work ever begins. 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
Episodes
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116. What to Consider Before Building a House (or Renovating)
Most people think planning a home starts with floor plans, Pinterest boards, and picking out beautiful finishes. But what if that's actually the wrong place to start? The most important decisions happen long before you ever choose a countertop or paint color. In this episode, I'm sharing the…
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115. We Unexpectedly Bought an Existing House (Say What?!)
Most people assume designing a home you love starts with choosing finishes, fixtures, and paint colors ... but after unexpectedly buying an existing house, I realized what actually matters MOST. (and yes ... considering I've spent years helping people build custom homes, this surprised me too! )…
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114. What to Clarify Before Building a Custom Home
Knowing what to clarify before building a custom home is one of the MOST important things you can do for your budget ... and yet it's one of the most overlooked parts of the entire process. In fact, there's a specific layer of clarity that very few people talk about, even though it's one of the...
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113. Best Exterior White Paint Colors (That Are Timeless)
If you're trying to nail down the perfect white paint color for your home exterior, this episode is for you. 🙌 I actually created this list for a blog post back in 2020 — and when I went to update it recently, I realized that every single color on that list is still just as popular today as it…
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112. Building a Custom Home on Family Property: Joanne’s Story
When Joanne decided to tear down her family's lakefront cottage and rebuild on the same lot, she knew building a custom home on a small, waterfront lot was going to be anything but simple. So she joined BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ because she knew there would be a lot to think through before breaking…
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MVP: 5 Things I Wish I Included in my Custom Floor Plan
I built my custom home back in 2013, and I genuinely love it. The layout is cozy, functional, and still works perfectly for my family over 12 years later. However, there *are* a few things I'd do differently if I built this house again. In this MVP episode, I'm sharing 5 things I wish I had...
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111. How to Create a Realistic Custom Home Budget Before Meeting a Builder
In this episode, I'm answering a question I got from someone in my free on-demand class, and honestly, it was SO good I had to share it with everyone. We're talking about how to create a realistic budget before you ever sit down with a builder — so that when you do get a quote, it actually means...
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MVP: 9 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Building a Custom Home
If you're building a home (or planning to build), you're probably worried about the typical things … you know, like staying on budget or making the right design decisions. But guess what? There are MANY other things you might not even realize you NEED to think about until you are already in the...
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110. How to Prioritize Your Home Build Budget
Going over budget when building a custom home isn't inevitable. It does happen often, but it is NOT inevitable. One of the biggest causes is not knowing how to prioritize your home build budget. In this episode, I'm talking about one of the most important things you can do before you break ground…
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109. Where to Splurge and Save When Building a Custom Home
Going over budget is one of the biggest fears I hear from people building a custom home. But here's what I want you to know … It is possible to build within, or very close to, your budget. It all comes down to knowing where YOU should splurge and where YOU should save when building. In this...
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108. How to Avoid Custom Home Exterior Regrets
Have you ever driven past a house and thought, something just looks off — but you couldn't quite put your finger on it? I see it all the time. And it's not just on low-cost homes … I see it on multi-million-dollar homes too. It's not a budget problem. It's a gap in the design process that SO many...
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107. Overwhelmed Building a Home? You’re Going to Be Okay!
Feeling overwhelmed just thinking about building a home is one of the most common things I hear from people planning a custom build. And, honestly, it makes complete sense. You're making hundreds of high-stakes decisions you've never had to make before, on a timeline that's largely outside of…
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106. Common Floor Plan Mistakes to Avoid
After auditing 300+ floor plans, I can tell you this: the same mistakes keep showing up. And they're not dramatic design flaws — they're subtle oversights that are easy to miss on paper but noticeable every single day once you're living in your home. In episode 106, I'm sharing the four most…
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105. Rising Construction Costs: Is Now the Right Time to Build?
If you're planning on building a custom home, rising construction costs are likely scaring you a little bit … and I totally get that! You might be wondering … Should we wait? Will prices come down? Will next year be a better time to build? These are completely normal thoughts, and you're not…
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104. 9 Tips for Designing a Functional Kitchen
After living in my custom home for 12+ years, I've learned exactly what makes a kitchen truly functional versus just pretty. In this episode, I'm sharing 9 tips for designing a functional kitchen, including: Why you need at least 42" of walking space around your island The placement trick that...
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103. 4 Things I Would Change if I Built My Home Again
Clients and podcast listeners ask me the same question over and over: "What would YOU change if you built your home again?" After living in my custom home for almost 13 years (and now planning my NEXT build), I've really been thinking about my answer to this question. I don't have any regrets…
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102. What You Need to Know Before Building a Custom Home!
Wondering what you need to know before building a custom home? In this episode, I'm answering the most common questions I hear from first-time custom home builders—the practical stuff you need to know BEFORE you start. You'll learn what the first step actually is (hint: it's NOT interviewing...
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101. First-Time Custom Home Build Advice From a Real Family!
First-time custom home build advice from a REAL family who just moved into their brand new home. Patrick and Jessica share their real experience going through BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ and how this program helped them build with confidence. In this episode, we cover: How they vetted and found their…
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100. Why Custom Homes Go Over Budget (+ How to Avoid This!)
Nine out of ten custom homes go over budget. 😳 If you're wondering WHY, this episode will show you exactly what's happening—and how to avoid it. I'm breaking down the real reasons most builds go 10-20% (or more!) over budget. You'll learn why that initial builder quote is NOT what your home will...
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099. 3 Critical Questions to Ask Home Builders Before You Sign
Choosing the right builder can make or break your entire home-building experience, so you want to be SURE you're choosing the RIGHT builder. In this episode, I'm sharing the three most important questions to ask home builders during interviews. These aren't the typical questions you'll find…
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098. Building a Home in 2026? Ask Yourself This First!
Building a home in 2026? There's ONE question you need to ask yourself that will reveal whether you're truly ready—or just winging it. In this episode, I'm breaking down the difference between "planning" (aka browsing Pinterest) and ACTUALLY being prepared for your build. You'll hear a real…
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097. How to Visualize Furniture in Your Floor Plan (+ Spoak Review)
You might think your floor plan is done once the room sizes are sketched out. But here's what most first-time builders don't realize ... you can't really know if those dimensions work until you see how your actual furniture fits in each space. In this episode, I'm sharing a tool I discovered (and...
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096. Custom Home Planning: Use Your Next Gathering as Free Research
The next time you host (or attend) a gathering (whether it's Thanksgiving next week 😉, a birthday party, or just family visiting for the weekend), you're sitting on free research for your custom home planning. In this episode, I'm showing you how to turn those hosting moments into valuable...
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095. Lighting and Electrical Planning with Jenn Smith
Planning to build a custom home? Lighting and electrical planning is one of the most important (and most overlooked) parts of the design process. And here's the thing ... it's not something you can figure out "later." It needs to happen before your electrician shows up on site and your walls go…
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094. The Real Reason People Blow Their Home Build Budget (+ How Not To!)
Building a custom home? You've probably heard this advice: "Whatever your builder quotes you, expect to pay 30 to 35 percent more." Here's the truth: going over budget is NOT inevitable. In this episode, I'm breaking down the real reason people blow their home build budget and showing you exactly...
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093. My Honest DesignShop Review
Curious what DesignShop IS ... and if it's worth it for your custom home build? In this episode, I'm sharing my honest review after ordering 13 different material samples – countertops, tile, cabinet hardware, wallpaper, and more. I'll walk you through what I ordered, how much I spent, the sample...
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092. 3 Home Build Budget Busters That Cost Thousands! (+ How to Avoid Them)
Are you worried about going over budget on your custom home build? You're not alone—but what if I told you budget overruns aren't inevitable? In this episode, I'm sharing the 3 biggest budget busters that cost home builders TENS OF THOUSANDS in overages (we're talking $15K-$50K+ mistakes!), plus…
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091. Building a Custom Home With Your Spouse (Without Killing Each Other!)
Building a custom home with your spouse doesn't have to be stressful or dramatic. It can actually bring you closer together ... and I'm sharing exactly how to make that happen. Learn the simple strategy that helped me get along great with my husband throughout our build and has helped hundreds of...
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090. The #1 Question Before Planning Your Custom Home
Planning your custom home? Before you dive into Pinterest boards and floor plans, there's one crucial question that will determine whether you truly love your home for decades to come. In this episode, I'm sharing the most important consideration when planning your custom home ... and it's…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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084. The Secret to a Confident Home Build (That Most People Overlook)
You might think building a confident home starts with picking finishes or trusting your builder to guide you. But here’s the truth most people don’t hear (until it’s too late): the real secret is planning—real, intentional planning—long before construction begins. In this episode, I’m pulling…
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083. What to Do When Your Builder Says 'No'
Possibly you haven’t started building yet—but here’s a heads-up: at some point during your build, your builder’s going to say, “We can’t do that.” Sometimes that “no” is legit. But other times? It’s just not standard. In this episode, I’m walking you through a real story of a homeowner who…
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082. 3 Mindset Shifts Before You Build Your Home
Feeling excited (yet OVERWHELMED!) about building your dream home? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong. In this episode, I’m walking you through 3 simple mindset shifts that will help you approach your home build with more clarity and confidence. Before you dive into layouts and...
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081. 15 Common Custom Home Oversights (and How to Avoid Them!)
Building your dream home? You’ve probably spent hours planning the big things—your floor plan, kitchen design, and must-have features. But what about the small details that can make or break your home’s functionality? In this episode, I’m sharing 15 commonly overlooked details that people…
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080. Where to Splurge + Save When Building a Custom Home
(Updated this episode 4/15/26 ... now episode 109) Going over budget is one of the biggest fears I hear from people building a custom home. But here's what I want you to know … It is possible to build within, or very close to, your budget. It all comes down to knowing where YOU should splurge and...
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079. Trending Exterior Paint Colors for Lake Houses 2025
This episode is for anyone out there who is building a lake house and, more specifically, looking for trending exterior paint colors for lake houses in 2025. I decided to record this episode because, ironically, a significant number of my clients inside BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ are planning to build a...
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078. 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Home
Sticking to budget when building all starts with avoiding three common mistakes that I see people make ALL. THE. TIME. These mistakes can lead to significant budget overages (especially mistake #3!). BUT … I’m not gonna let them happen to you! These are all 100% avoidable ... and I'm so glad…
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077. Building Your Dream Home in 2025?
If you plan on building your dream home in 2025 (or 2026 or even 2027), you're in the right place! I'm here to help YOU bring your dream home to life … within budget and without regrets. 😘 This podcast is a great place to start ... The short, binge-able episodes are full of actionable home-build...
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076. How to Get Accurate Quotes Without a Floor Plan
One of the most important keys to staying on budget while building is getting accurate home construction quotes BEFORE you hire your builder. However, it can be a little tricky to get quotes when you most likely don’t even have a floor plan when you’re interviewing builders. So, how do you get...
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075. A Custom Home Build MUST DO!
Building a custom home is a HUGE investment in both time and money. Obviously, you want to get it RIGHT! I want this for you, too, so I’m giving you a huge tip in this episode … stay tuned because this is a custom home build MUST DO! EPISODE SHOW NOTES:...
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074. The Key to Confidence when Building a House
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about your upcoming home build and you don’t know how you can possibly feel confident designing an entire house, this episode is for you. All it takes to feel confident is to have CLARITY before building your house. There’s a reason that ‘Clarifying Your Vision’ is…
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073. My Top Floor Plan Regret (What I'd Change if I Could)
This episode is a little different than my typical episode … it’s more of a personal explanation of my top floor plan regret that I have for my own custom home. Although this is a personal story about my own home build experience, I know it will help anyone out there who is toying with the idea…
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072. Floor Plan Design with ChatGPT
I recently decided I was going to try to create a floor plan design with ChatGPT. I was looking online at different floor plans, and I found things I liked about each one, and then I thought, "Well, why don't I just create my own, and I'll have ChatGPT do it?" I thought I could plug everything…
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071. The BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ Movement (How I HELP!)
My business coach recently asked me, 'What movement would you love to create for the people you serve?' In other words, how do I want to help YOU and others who are building their dream homes? I had SO many thoughts automatically run through my brain. I knew these things deep down, but I haven't...
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070. Benefits of Planning Before Building
In this episode, we’re talking about the MANY MANY MANY benefits of planning before building your house. I see these benefits first-hand with my home build experience, as well as with my clients as they go through and complete the home build process. I’ve started a movement to get people to PLAN...
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069. 11 Floor Plan Mistakes to AVOID!
Are you starting to work on your custom floor plan and want to make sure you do it right? (i.e., you want to avoid making costly floor plan mistakes that you’ll later regret.) If so, tune in! In this episode, we’ll cover common mistakes people make when creating a custom floor plan (or tweaking a...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
If you're thinking about building a custom home or remodeling an existing home, this show is for you! The Before You Build Podcast is your one-stop shop for practical planning advice, smart decision-making, and actionable tips to help you build or remodel with clarity, confidence, and within your budget.
We'll answer all of your burning questions such as: How do I plan for building a custom home? How do I plan a home remodel? What should I do before building a house? What should I do before remodeling my home? How do I create the perfect floor plan for my family? How do I hire the right builder or remodeling team? How do I finance my project?
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 intentional planning long before the work ever begins.
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
HOSTED BY
Caroline On Design
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Before You Build Podcast have?
The Before You Build Podcast currently has 119 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Before You Build Podcast about?
If you're thinking about building a custom home or remodeling an existing home, this show is for you! The Before You Build Podcast is your one-stop shop for practical planning advice, smart decision-making, and actionable tips to help you build or remodel with clarity, confidence, and within your...
How often does The Before You Build Podcast release new episodes?
The Before You Build Podcast publishes regularly with 119 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Before You Build Podcast?
You can listen to The Before You Build Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Before You Build Podcast?
The Before You Build Podcast is created and hosted by Caroline On Design.
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