PODCAST · business
Builder vs. Buyer
by birnamdesignco
The home building process is often an adversarial one. Buyers don't trust their builders and builders are annoyed by their buyers. I'm here to help mediate. Advice and tips for builders to get better happier clients, and advice to buyers to be better informed during their build.This podcast is brought to you by Adam Steiner, the owner of Birnam Design Co. a full service residential home design firm.Get in touch - birnamdesign.com/resourcesFacebook: @birnamdesigncoInstagram: @birnamdesigncoLinkedIn: Adam Steiner
Episodes
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2026 Fall Design Trends
Come see all these finishes at the parade this week! 451 Stonebridge Pkwy Valparaiso, IN 46383 September 18–27, 2026 Monday–Thursday: 12 PM–8 PM Friday–Sunday: 10 AM–7 PM
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Ep88 - What Are Design Options and Should You Pay for Them When Hiring an Architect?
https://stan.store/birnamdesigncoDoes more choice actually lead to a better floor plan—or just more confusion?In this episode, we tackle a controversial topic in custom home design: should homeowners be given multiple schematic floor plan options during the design process? As designers and...
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Ep87 - Financing Your Build w/ Cory Nichols
In this episode, Adam sits down with financial advisor Cory Nichols — a self-described “non-bro” voice in the finance world — to break down one of the biggest questions facing today’s home buyers: how do money, mortgages, and mindset collide in the real estate market? Adam and Cory kick things…
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Ep86 - How Long Should Drawings Actually Take?
In this episode, a home designer/drafter and a licensed architect team up to break down one of the most misunderstood parts of the residential design process: how long it really takes to create a full set of drawings. From early concepts to permit-ready plans, we dive into what phases take the…
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Major Announcement - New Show!
That's right, I'm starting a new podcast! Check out Small Business Talk on Youtube, Spotify or Apple!
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Ep85 Architect Vs. Drafter w/ Don Duncan
In this episode of Builder vs. Buyer, host Adam Steiner (Birnam Design Co.) sits down with Don Duncan from L4M Architecture to discuss the distinct roles of architects and drafters, exploring how each contributes to the design process. They also dive into the key differences between commercial…
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Ep84 - Building Science Master Dan Kolbert
Welcome to Builder vs Buyer, the podcast where Adam Steiner, owner of Birnam Design Co, dives deep into the world of home building and design. In this episode, Adam is joined by Dan Kolbert, an experienced builder and co-author of the influential building science book Pretty Good House. Together,...
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Ep83 - Mastering Sales in Home Building with Mary Marshall Forrest
Join us for an insightful conversation with Mary Marshall Forrest, President of the FPG Group, as we delve into the world of sales training in home building. In this engaging interview, Mary shares her wealth of experience and knowledge, offering invaluable insights into how home builders can...
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Ep82 - Subcontractor vs Contractor
Do your subs like your builder? How do you even know, how can you tell? We dive into that and much more in today's episode. I'm joined again by special guest Joe Drew of Marathon Craftsmen. Enjoy!
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Ep81 - Office to Field Communication
Welcome to "Builder vs. Buyer," the podcast where we break ground on the intricate world of home construction. I'm your host, Adam Steiner, and in each episode, we delve deep into the dynamic relationship between builders and buyers, exploring the nuances that define the construction process. In...
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Ep80 Murray Smith Birnam Audio Interview
Join us on an insightful journey into the world of home design and construction with Abbe Murray of Murray Design Company and Zach Smith of Smith Mountain Builders. In this engaging podcast, we delve deep into the intricacies of the home building process, discussing the artistry, challenges, and...
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Ep79 Don't Pick the Wrong Builder
In this episode, join us on an exciting journey through the world of home construction as we unravel the intricacies of different builder types. Explore the fascinating spectrum that spans from mass-produced marvels to tailor-made dwellings. We'll dive deep into the distinct qualities of...
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Ep78 - Mistakes We Made in Building Our Homes w/ New Co-Host
That's right! New co-host Tony Cairo! Let us know what you think!
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Ep77 - Biggest Changes in Floor Plan Trends
Today I go over the biggest changes I've seen in floor plan trends as well as answer listener questions from TikTok. Enjoy!
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Ep76 - High Performance Homes w/ Michael Maines
I recently spoke with Michael Maines of Maines Design and Co-Author of Pretty Good House. We talk high performance homes, cost in design and our shared background as engineers turned designers. Enjoy!
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Ep75 - 4 Modern Floor Plan Features and More Live Q&A
Another live Q&A from the tiktoks! Great discussion today - 4 new floor plan features I'm loving - why are all the floor plans basically the same 5 designs and more!
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Ep74 - Most Common Floor Plan Mistakes
Today I talk about common floor plan mistakes I saw from reviewing twenty some plans last month. Additionally I take some questions from TikTok and fun was had by all.
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Ep73 - Breaking Down the Design Process w/ Dory Azar
In today's episode I get to chat with Dory Azar, residential Architect. We talk all things design process - enjoy!
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Ep72 - Hidden Site Costs!
Today I break down the most common hidden site costs I've encountered. Go in to a lot purchase with eyes wide open.
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Ep71 - Live Show Talking Open Floor Plans, Pocket Doors and One Restless Pup
Today's live show was a fun one. Talked some open floor plan layout options, including ceiling height choices, window settings and more.
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Ep70 - All the Good Stuff from the Live Show
Interesting bunch of questions from the show this week. It was a fun one - check it out. And hey, thanks for listening. Gold star!
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Ep69 - Building Code Rockstar Glenn Mathewson
Glenn Mathewson from BuildingCodeCollege.com joins me today to talk about the code process and nuances that builders and buyers need to know.
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Ep68 - Getting Build-On-Your-Lot Dialed In with Matt Feigin
Today I'm joined by Matt Feigin of Design Tech Homes. They have an amazing history of on-your-lot building and Matt shares some of the strategies they've used to get there.
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Ep67 - Common Floor Framing Types - Live Q&A
Another live Q&A from the socials, along with some explanation behind the most common types of framing systems.
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Ep66 - Live Q&A From the TikToks and the Socials
On the live show we talked what I look for in a floor plan, how do you get trades to show up quicker on your site and more questions from the listeners. Enjoy!
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Ep65 - Starting a Home Building Company w/ Built By Travis
Today I was joined by Travis Howard from @BuiltByTravis on TikTok. We had a great discussion into the process he went through to start building new homes!
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Ep64 - Everyone Hates Change Orders
In this recording of the live stream, I talk change orders and why everyone hates them. As well as other home design tips.
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Ep63 - Soils, Surveys and More Ins and Outs of Home Building
Another live Q&A from with my friends on TikTok. Plenty of great info on todays show. Plus a new special offering from Birnam Design Co!
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Ep62 - When Should You Start Plans & Land Search
Today on the live Q&A I go over listener questions including when to start planning for your new home build!
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Ep61 - How to Tell A Builder No
Live Q&A with home design and floor plan tips. I discuss whether or not it's wise to purchase an online floor plan. Why would a contractor push upgrades on you and answer live questions from TikTok. Subscribe for more!
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Ep60 - Matt Blomquist w/ Build_Learn_Teach
Matt joins me today to talk about his awesome job of teaching a high school shop class where they actually build a real house! Such an awesome story and so cool to see how many professionals are willing to jump in and help with something like this. Get in touch with Matt on Instagram...
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Ep59 - Recap of the 2022 Builder's Show
In this episode I recap a few key points that stuck out to me from the 2022 International Builder's show, specifically regarding high performance design.
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Ep58 - Home Additions, Zip System and More from the Live Stream!
In this week's episode I answer listener questions live from TikTok. We talk about home additions, Zip System, slab on grade homes and more. For more updates follow along on instagram and tiktok @birnamdesignco
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Live Q&A on Home Design, Accessibility, Home Building & More
Live Q&A session where I hit listener questions. Get your home design advice here.
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Ep56 - Home Building Checklist w/ Dennis Comstock of Builder Brigade
Dennis Comstock from Builder Brigade joins me to discuss the building process, how to pick a builder and the ultimate home building checklist. Check it out!
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Ep55 - Live Stream with Lance Cayko from Inside the Firm
Lance and I talk home design, bidding projects, home building, architecture vs. engineering and more! Listen in!
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Home Building and Design Tips - Live from TikTok Facebook & Youtube!
Podcast is back baby! Today's episode is a live Q&A from TikTok, Facebook & YouTube. We cover some remodeling tips, home value, design process and more. Enjoy!
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Ep53 - Site Management w/ Jeff Borle
Jeff Borle is a pure master at project management. Today he shares some of his insights on the industry. It's a must listen for anyone getting into the industry. Check Jeff out on Instagram @sitesupjeff and his company @kennect_building_and_design out of central Alberta.
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Ep52 - I'm Back! And Why Your Builder Won't Let You Install Stuff In Your Build
Ok, let's talk some about why a builder doesn't like to let you, or your brother-in-law...or your aunt supply or install something to your new home.
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Ep51 - Empathy in Home Building w/ Byron Brooks
Today I speak with Byron Brooks of Brookwright Developments. An all around awesome human and great building mind. We discuss how to grow the builder-client relationship through helpful skills like empathy. Also, a few notes about building as a service based business.
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Ep50 - Twin Cities Parade of Homes Intro w/ Katie Elfstrom
Today I have a chat with Katie Elfstrom about one of my favorite events for housing, the Twin Cities parade of homes. Katie is the Director of Communications for Housing First Minnesota and has some great insights to share on hitting the tour!
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Ep49 - Architect to Builder Course w/ The Guys from F9 Productions!
Yup, you heard right! Today I'm joined by none other than Lance Cayko and Alex Gore of F9 Productions. They have released a course on architects learning the trade of building. In today's episode we discuss the joys and stresses of building, and how to start in the trade. Their course can be…
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Ep48 - Sticking to a Budget - Designing for Real Life
Sticking to a budget can be really tough in a custom design. Here's 15 minutes of quick tips for your next build.
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BONUS - Engitecture
Bonus episode for you this week! My buddy Greg Wiley is starting his own podcast. I'm so excited for him to start releasing episodes on the architecture, engineering and construction industry. Enjoy! Check out his podcast Engitecture on Apple or Spotify.
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Ep47 - Design for Entertaining - Designing for Real Life w/ Megan Heckard
Today I am joined by my sister, Megan Heckard, sales agent extraordinaire from Steiner Homes. Additionally, she is an extremely gracious host and great entertainer. We talk plan and feature details if you're designing a home with hosting guests in mind. Check out Steiner Homes LTD. on facebook or...
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Ep46 - Life with Pets! Designing for Real Life
Today's podcast I give a few of my top tips to design a great home around your beloved family pet. Ok, not all pets. I honestly haven't included any design feature for an animal other than a dog or cat. So today's episode focuses on those two. Listen in!
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Ep45 - How to Design for a Home Office - Designing for Real Live
Today's episode is the launch of a new mini-series, Designing for Real Life. I'm going to break down things I've seen in floor plans and designs over the years. Today I talk about home offices. In the midst of the pandemic most of us have had a taste of working from home. If that trend continues,...
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Ep44 - Winter Construction and Concrete vs. Cement
In today's episode I break down some things to look out for in winter construction. Plus a few bonus notes on concrete and cement.
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Ep43 - Lessons Learned from a Year in Business
This being my last podcast of 2020, I'm almost exactly one year into my business. Today's episode is a recap of the top 5 things I learned.
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Ep42 - Design for Comfort, Durability and the Rest Will Follow w/ Steven Baczek
Today Steven Baczek joins me for the podcast! One of the foremost minds on building science in the country, he shares his knowledge and insight into the home building world. You do not want to miss this one!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The home building process is often an adversarial one. Buyers don't trust their builders and builders are annoyed by their buyers. I'm here to help mediate. Advice and tips for builders to get better happier clients, and advice to buyers to be better informed during their build.This podcast is brought to you by Adam Steiner, the owner of Birnam Design Co. a full service residential home design firm.Get in touch - birnamdesign.com/resourcesFacebook: @birnamdesigncoInstagram: @birnamdesigncoLinkedIn: Adam Steiner
HOSTED BY
birnamdesignco
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Builder vs. Buyer have?
Builder vs. Buyer currently has 91 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Builder vs. Buyer about?
The home building process is often an adversarial one. Buyers don't trust their builders and builders are annoyed by their buyers. I'm here to help mediate. Advice and tips for builders to get better happier clients, and advice to buyers to be better informed during their build.This podcast is...
How often does Builder vs. Buyer release new episodes?
Builder vs. Buyer has 91 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Builder vs. Buyer?
You can listen to Builder vs. Buyer 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 Builder vs. Buyer?
Builder vs. Buyer is created and hosted by birnamdesignco.
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