Is there value in sharing detailed schedule with clients? How much is it worth to them? When we assign realistic costs to the time spent implementing, updating and maintaining software based solutions for schedule and budget tracking we find clients less interested in covering that amount, despite their desire for constant updates and access. Is it better to commit the time and money to a software platform or utilize lower tech solutions to keep everyone in the loop?

Find Travis & Brandon on the Web

• Travis’ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
• Travis’ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
• Travis’ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/
• Brandon’s Instagram: @joneshomeskc

What do you subcontract and what do you self perform? Can your subs complete things with the same result your crew would deliver? When building we are faced with a decision as to what work we will subcontract and what we’ll handle in-house. Some of these choices are simple (excavation, paint, etc.) but others are more nuanced, but the real trouble begins when we start talking about reaching one hundred percent completion. 

Find Travis & Brandon on the Web

Travis’ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
Travis’ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
Travis’ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/ 
Brandon’s Instagram: @joneshomeskc

History going back to the ancient Egyptians suggests that the Master Builders of that time weren’t just overseers but also designed and constructed things with their own hands. In todays residential build process things are way more specialized, so the guys discuss what it takes to be a builder these days and how each of them measure up. Spoiler: neither is willing to claim the title of “Master” despite their willingness to claim expertise as Builders.

Find Travis & Brandon on the Web

• Travis’ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
• Travis’ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
• Travis’ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/
• Brandon’s Instagram: @joneshomeskc

Ever wonder how to keep up with the latest in the construction industry? What are the best resources for continuing education? We chat about the benefits of tailoring training to individual learning preferences, whether through videos, reading, peer support, in-person learning, and more. We also explore the importance of industry events, symposiums, and local networking for ongoing professional development. Plus, we discuss the significance of sharing knowledge and resources within the community to foster continuous learning and improvement. What are your go-to resources for continuing education?

Thank you to episode sponsor Huber Engineered Wood.

Find Travis & Brandon on the Web

• Travis’ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
• Travis’ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
• Travis’ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/
• Brandon’s Instagram: @joneshomeskc

Travis and Brandon explore the idea of focusing on bigger projects to boost profits and streamline operations. They discuss the benefits of having dedicated teams for single projects, like specializing in hardwoods, which could cut down on headaches and increase revenue. Despite acknowledging the potential upsides, they also weigh the challenges of shifting their business model and express reservations about practical execution. Ultimately, they agree that finding the right balance between onsite management and self-performing tasks is key for each business's unique circumstances.

Find Travis & Brandon on the Web

• Travis’ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
• Travis’ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
• Travis’ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/
• Brandon’s Instagram: @joneshomeskc

Travis and Brandon discuss architectural plans for construction projects. They stress the importance of clear, comprehensive plans to avoid costly mistakes and ensure smooth execution. From foundation dimensions to roof construction details, they emphasize the need for precision in documentation to meet client expectations and facilitate effective communication between stakeholders. Despite differing opinions on the level of detail required, they ultimately agree to disagree.

Find Travis & Brandon on the Web

• Travis’ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
• Travis’ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
• Travis’ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/ 
• Brandon’s Instagram: @joneshomeskc

Travis and Brandon jump into a discussion on building permits and energy regulations in Kansas City, Missouri. They delve into the complexities of meeting energy code requirements, particularly regarding insulation standards and their impact on construction costs and affordability.

Exploring the trade-offs between upfront costs and long-term benefits of energy-efficient housing, they emphasize the importance of durable structures and low operational costs mandated by the energy code. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by builders in adapting to evolving building codes, but also highlights successful examples, like high school students building energy-efficient houses annually. While there's a debate on the necessity of certain specifications, consensus is reached on the importance of caring about the job and delivering quality homes to clients.

Find Travis & Brandon on the Web

• Travis’ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
• Travis’ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
• Travis’ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/ 
• Brandon’s Instagram: @joneshomeskc

In this episode, Travis and Brandon discuss complexities of inducing change within a business environment, particularly concerning team members' mindset and behavior. They share personal experiences, expressing frustration at the difficulty of fostering lasting change despite efforts to train and support individuals. The conversation revolves around whether inherent character traits can truly be altered and if sustained transformation is achievable. While they acknowledge instances of progress, they’re ultimately skeptical about the ability of individuals to fundamentally change. They emphasize the importance of aligning mindset with organizational goals, particularly in leadership roles, and highlight the necessity of recognizing the limitations of change.

Find Travis & Brandon on the Web

• Travis’ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
• Travis’ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
• Travis’ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/ 
• Brandon’s Instagram: @joneshomeskc

The majority of new home built in America this year will be constructed as speculative projects by a wide margin. Profit margins on custom homes tend to be more substantial while spec builders rely on higher speed, lower costs and greater volume to make the smaller margins more profitable. While both our hosts are known for pursuing high performance and extreme durability through building science, they differ greatly on whether or not it makes sense to build spec homes, and they discuss their individual experiences that led to those views. Brandon explains the unfortunate reality of the uninformed buyer and both hosts lament the lack of market support to align the value of better built home details with initial costs. Operational costs and health impacts being summarily dismissed in the home pricing equation have led to a race to the bottom, and the impacts to our economy and environment reflect that. This episode seeks to answer, “does it make sense to build spec homes”?

Find Travis & Brandon on the Web

• Travis’ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
• Travis’ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
• Travis’ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/ 
• Brandon’s Instagram: @joneshomeskc

Welcome to the Building Consensus Podcast where we seek common ground on the issues we face in residential homebuilding despite our different backgrounds and opposing viewpoints. Rather than just your typical resume read-off, the guys thought it might be more fun to introduce each other with some overly creative, perhaps dubious back stories. This episode gives Travis and Brandon the opportunity to pick at one another a bit before revealing the accurate versions of their paths into the building trades. With the silliness out of the way we learn who these guys really are, what they do, and then get some insight into why they so often view building problems from opposing perspectives.

Find Travis & Brandon on the Web

Travis’ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
Travis’ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
Travis’ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/ 
Brandon’s Instagram: @joneshomeskc