Lot Prep Masterclass: Essential Steps to Prepare Your Land for a Custom Home | Episode 29

In this first episode of our special 7-part series expanding on our most popular episode (Ep. 22), hosts Steven Byrnes & Mike Byrnes take an in-depth look at Lot Preparation, the critical first step in the custom home building process.

You'll learn about:

• Land Surveying & Boundary Identification: Why surveying your lot is crucial.

• Tree Clearing & Site Preparation: Key considerations for effectively clearing your land.

• Scraping the House Pad: Proper techniques to establish a solid foundation.

• Excavation & Basements: Important excavation insights, including considerations for basement builds.

• Drainage & Topography Management: Ensuring proper water runoff and land grading.

• Utilities & Setbacks: Understanding utility placements and building setback requirements.

Whether you're planning your dream custom home or just getting started, this episode will equip you with essential knowledge to avoid costly pitfalls.

Subscribe and visit buildingwithbreven.com for more resources, and follow us on Instagram @brevenhomes for additional custom home insights.

🏡 How Will Tariffs & a Recession Affect Custom Home Building?

In this episode of Building With Breven, we dive into two major economic factors that could shape the custom home-building industry: tariffs and a possible recession. If you're planning to build a home in 2025 or beyond, understanding these trends is critical for budgeting, material costs, and project timelines.

🔍 Key topics we cover:
✅ How rising tariffs could impact the cost of materials like lumber, steel, and imported finishes
✅ The likelihood of a recession and what it means for home financing, interest rates, and demand
✅ Strategies to protect your budget and lock in pricing before costs escalate
✅ What builders and homeowners should prepare for in the coming months

🎧 Whether you're a future homeowner, builder, or investor, this episode gives you the insights needed to navigate uncertainty and make smart decisions.

📲 Subscribe now to stay ahead of the trends in custom home construction!

#CustomHomeBuilding #HomeConstruction #HousingMarket2025 #Tariffs #Recession #HomeBuildingCosts #BuildingWithBreven

Hidden costs in custom home building can surprise homeowners! Don't start construction until you hear this! In this eye-opening episode of "Building With Breven," we reveal the top 4 hidden costs that can blow your custom home budget. From unexpected site work to surprising permit fees, we're uncovering the financial pitfalls that catch many homeowners off guard.

What You'll Learn:

• Why land preparation could cost you up to $50,000 more than you planned
• The truth about permit and impact fees in Central Texas municipalities
• How utility connections can drain your budget (and the $10,000 surprise you need to know about)
• The design changes that could skyrocket your costs mid-construction

Featuring expert insights and real-life examples, this episode is a must-listen for anyone considering building a custom home in Central Texas. Don't let hidden costs derail your dream home project – arm yourself with the knowledge to build smart and stay on budget.Subscribe now and join us as we demystify the custom home building process and help you avoid costly surprises. Your dream home awaits – let's build it right!

#CustomHomeBuildingTips #CentralTexasHomes #HiddenCosts #DreamHomeBuilding #ConstructionBudget

Thinking about building your own custom home? In this episode, we explore whether a DIY custom home build is truly possible and what it takes to succeed. We break down the pros and cons, key skills needed, and potential challenges faced when taking on a project of this scale. From managing permits and contractors to budgeting and design, find out if going the DIY route is right for you—or if hiring professionals is the smarter choice.

Keywords: DIY custom home build, build your own home, custom home project, DIY home building challenges, self-build home, home construction advice, manage home build, home building skills, hiring contractors vs DIY, custom home tips.

Ready to move into your dream home sooner? In this episode, we reveal expert tips and insider strategies to help you fast-track your custom home build without sacrificing quality. Discover how to streamline the pre-construction and construction processes, avoid common delays, and make smart decisions that can cut your build time by up to 40%. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or a seasoned pro, these actionable insights will help you bring your vision to life faster and more efficiently. Tune in to learn how to navigate key decisions, optimize your build, and get your custom home project completed on schedule!

Learn from the mistakes of others! In this episode, we delve into the story of a failed custom home build, highlighting the common pitfalls and challenges that led to its downfall. Hear firsthand accounts of budget overruns, contractor issues, design flaws, and more. Discover the crucial takeaways and practical advice to help you avoid these mistakes in your own custom home project. Tune in to ensure your dream home becomes a reality, not a nightmare.

Keywords: failed custom home build, custom home pitfalls, home building challenges, budget overruns, contractor issues, design flaws, home building advice, avoid home build mistakes, custom home project tips, successful home construction.

Are you planning a new custom home build? Discover the must-have smart home features that will transform your living experience! In this episode, we explore the top 10 smart home technologies to integrate into your new home design. From automated lighting and security systems to energy-efficient solutions and smart kitchens, we cover the latest innovations that bring convenience, safety, and efficiency to your everyday life. Tune in for expert insights, practical tips, and a vision of the ultimate smart home. Don't miss out on creating a home that’s future-ready!

Keywords: smart home features, custom home build, automated lighting, smart security, energy-efficient home, smart kitchen, home automation, future-ready home, new home design, top smart technologies.

7 Essential Steps to Building Your Custom Home | Expert Guide (Ep. 22)

In Episode 22 of Building with Breven, host Steven Byrnes is joined by special guest Mike to detail the 7 Essential Steps of Building a Custom Home. Discover expert insights on:

Phase 1:

• Lot Preparation

• Foundation Construction

• Framing, Cornice & Decking

• Mechanical Systems Installation

Phase 2:

• Drywall Installation

• Interior Trim Work

• Final Punch-Out & Closing (Key Handover)

Avoid costly pitfalls and confidently navigate your home-building journey. Subscribe, share, and visit buildingwithbreven.com for more expert home-building resources.

Follow us on Instagram: @brevenhomes

Thanks for listening!

Welcome to episode 21 of the Building With Breven podcast, where Steven & Bryan dive into the realm of healthy homes. In this episode, we unveil seven crucial topics every homeowner should consider for a healthier custom home build.

1. Air Quality Optimization: Learn about cutting-edge technologies and strategies to ensure your indoor air quality is pristine, promoting respiratory health and overall well-being for you and your family.

2. Natural Lighting Solutions: Discover how strategic design choices can maximize natural light exposure, fostering a brighter and more energizing atmosphere while reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

3. Energy Efficiency (Low Air Leakage = less pollutants): Discover how we use energy efficient products and practices to improve the livability of our homes.

4. Moisture Control: Learn how we control the water in and around your home to prevent moisture related issues.

5. Water Filtration Systems: Take a deep dive into advanced water filtration systems, ensuring that the water you use for drinking, bathing, and cooking is pure and free from contaminants, safeguarding your family's health.

6. Healthier Home Building Products: Uncover the latest innovations in healthy home building products that also contribute to a more sustainable and comfortable living environment.

7. Smart Home Products: Finally, scratch the surface of the smart home products as we discuss few of the many available products on the market.

   
   

   Bonus: We discuss the importance of creating dedicated spaces within your custom home that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and holistic wellness, fostering a balanced and rejuvenating lifestyle.

Join us as we explore these essential topics, empowering you to make informed decisions for a healthier and happier custom home build. Tune in now and embark on the journey to a brighter, healthier future for you and your loved ones.

Don't forget to subscribe to Building With Breven for more insightful episodes on building the home of your dreams while prioritizing your health and well-being.

In episode 20 of the Building With Breven podcast, Bryan and Steven dig into the topic of builder pricing. Have you ever wondered how builders price such complex custom homes? With so many variables and moving parts it's no surprise that 3 different builders could all have drastically different prices for the same custom home. Tune in to this episode to learn what to look for and what questions to ask, in regards to pricing, as you narrow down builders for your custom home build.