The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes
Episode 2: Design to Budget

In this episode, Rick Bell walks you through one of the most important (and overlooked) concepts in custom home building: Designing to Budget. Discover how to balance dreams and dollars through each phase of the design process—from conceptual drawings to final construction documents. Learn how transparency and teamwork can keep your plans on track and your costs under control. Whether you're dreaming big or keeping it simple, this episode will help you lay a solid financial foundation for your custom home journey.

Key Topics Covered:

• What it means to "Design to Budget"
• How the design process works (Concept to Construction Documents)
• The critical role of your builder during the design phase
• How to avoid over-designing beyond your budget
• When and how to update budgets as the plans evolve

What You'll Learn:
You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of how to manage your custom home design process without busting your budget. Rick shares insider tips from over four decades of experience to help you avoid costly pitfalls and make smarter decisions during every step of the design phase.

Glossary of Terms:

• Allowances: Budgeted estimates for selections not yet finalized (like flooring or appliances).
• Builder: The licensed professional or company responsible for constructing your home.
• Charette: A collaborative design meeting or session where preliminary ideas are developed.
• Construction Documents: Final, detailed blueprints used to secure permits and build the home.
• Design Development: Phase where drawings gain detail like cabinet layouts, electrical plans, etc.
• Interior Designer: A professional who plans interior spaces, finishes, and furnishings.
• Preliminary Budget: An early estimate of construction costs used to guide design decisions.
• Schematic Design: The early phase of design showing room sizes, layout, and general structure.
• Transparency: Open and honest communication—critical for budget accuracy and trust.
• Value Engineering: Adjusting design or materials to reduce cost without compromising function or aesthetics.