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 confusion.Understanding construction loans is crucial to avoiding costly surprises and timeline issues that could derail your build.We'll cover: ✅ How construction loans work (and why they're different from regular mortgages) ✅ Timeline requirements and what happens if your build goes over schedule ✅ Down payment requirements and approval criteria ✅ What to expect for payments, closing costs, and borrowing limitsYou'll walk away understanding exactly how construction loans work and how to prepare so you can secure financing and stay on track with your build timeline.Quick note: This isn't meant to replace professional lending advice—always connect with a qualified loan officer for guidance specific to your project!🔗 SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/how-construction-loans-work🔗 FREE HOME BUILD START GUIDE: carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide🎓 Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠: carolineondesign.com/before-you-build👉 Grab a seat in my FREE CLASS, 'The 3 Most Expensive Home Building Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)', at carolineondesign.com/free-training
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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 choice for your project, your budget, and your design needs.Whether you’re looking to save money or you want a one-of-a-kind design, understanding your options is key to building a home you’ll love for decades (not one filled with regrets!).We’ll cover:✅ What each professional actually does (and how their roles are different) ✅ The cost difference between hiring an architect vs. a draftsperson ✅ A hybrid approach that could save you thousands (without sacrificing design)You’ll walk away with clarity on who to hire, how much it might cost, and what support you can expect so you can move forward with confidence.🔗 SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/draftsperson-vs-architect🔗 FREE HOME BUILD START GUIDE: carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide🎓 Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠: carolineondesign.com/before-you-build👉 Grab a seat in my FREE CLASS, 'The 3 Most Expensive Home Building Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)', at carolineondesign.com/free-training
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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 walking you through the little things we added that make our basement more functional, fun, and guest-friendly.These aren’t just cool ideas—they’re practical, everyday features that you’ll be so glad you planned ahead for.🎧 Tune in to learn:How to add more light to a dark basement stairwellA built-in bar feature that takes entertaining to the next levelThe underrated upgrade that made finishing our basement stress-freeWhether you're building now or just dreaming, these custom basement ideas will help you create a space you’ll love to live in.👀 Want to see this tips in action? Follow me on instagram.com/carolineondesign.🔗 SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/custom-basement-details⚒️ FREE HOME BUILD START GUIDE: carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide💡 Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠: carolineondesign.com/before-you-build👉 Grab a seat in my FREE CLASS, 'The 3 Most Expensive Home Building Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)', at carolineondesign.com/free-training
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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 back the curtain on what it actually means to “plan ahead”. We’ll talk through the kind of behind-the-scenes decisions that make all the difference when it comes to building a home you truly love—and how skipping this step can leave you feeling rushed, overwhelmed, and full of regrets.You’ll learn how to start your plan right now, even if you have no clue where to begin.🔗 SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/secret-to-a-confident-home-build ⚒️ FREE HOME BUILD START GUIDE: carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide 💡 Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠: carolineondesign.com/before-you-build👉 Grab a seat in my FREE CLASS, 'The 3 Most Expensive Home Building Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)', at carolineondesign.com/free-training
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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 dropped something she really wanted (and still regrets it 😳)—and how YOU can avoid the same fate. You’ll learn exactly what to say, what to ask, and how to advocate for the things that matter most… *before* you're caught off guard.🔗 SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/when-your-builder-says-no⚒️ FREE HOME BUILD START GUIDE: carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide 💡 Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠: carolineondesign.com/before-you-build👉 Grab a seat in my FREE CLASS, 'The 3 Most Expensive Home Building Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them!)', at carolineondesign.com/free-training
Whether you’re dreaming of building a custom home in the future or you’re ready to start planning now, this show is for you! The Before You Build Podcast is your one-stop shop for actionable home-building tips and advice as well as tips for designing your dream home so that you feel equipped to design the home of your dreams that makes you (and your wallet) happy for years to come. We’ll answer all of your burning questions such as: How do I plan for building a custom home? What should I do before building a house? How do I design my new house? What mistakes should I avoid when building a house? How do I create the perfect floor plan for my family? How do I hire a builder? How do I finance my home build? 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 PLANNING for your home build long before you ever break ground.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 error (psst … I built pre-Pinterest), I created my absolute dream home that is not only perfect for the way my family lives but also turned out more beautiful than I imagined. The best part … I did this all without blowing the budget and without design regrets. I cracked the code on how to bring my own dream home vision to life while sticking VERY close to budget and now I’m here to teach you everything I learned along the way so that you, too, end up with that cozy, beautiful home you envision in your head and a mortgage you’re comfy with. The short, actionable, and bingeable ‘Before You Build’ episodes will prepare YOU for a successful home build with less stress, more confidence, and joy throughout the process. And just so you know … the key to building your dream home close to budget is all in the planning you do BEFORE YOU BUILD! So let’s dive in and get started!
Canada - english