The Before You Build Podcast

Building your first custom home should be exciting, but there's one massive mistake I see first-time builders make over and over again ... and it's costing them thousands of dollars and major regrets on move-in day.

In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly what this critical mistake is and how you can completely avoid it with the right planning process.

You'll learn:

• The biggest custom home building mistake that sets everything else up for failure
• Why having Pinterest boards isn't the same as having a clear vision
• The real cost of this mistake (spoiler: it's way more than just money!)
• How to get crystal clear on your vision before you break ground

Plus, I'll share stories from my BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ clients like Sheri, who went from total panic to moving into her stunning dream home, and Mare, who came in $6,500 UNDER budget.

If you're planning to build a custom home, this episode could save you thousands in change orders and years of regret. Don't let this preventable mistake turn your dream home into an expensive lesson!

SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/custom-home-building-mistake

Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo

Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build

Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide

My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training

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 limits

You'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

Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo

Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build

Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide

My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training

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

Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo

Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build

Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide

My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training

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 stairwell
• A built-in bar feature that takes entertaining to the next level
• The underrated upgrade that made finishing our basement stress-free

Whether 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

Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo

Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build

Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide

My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training

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

Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo

Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build

Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide

My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training

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

Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo

Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build

Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide

My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training

Feeling excited (yet OVERWHELMED!) about building your dream home? You’re not alone—and you’re not doing it wrong.

In this episode, I’m walking you through 3 simple mindset shifts that will help you approach your home build with more clarity and confidence. 

Before you dive into layouts and finishes, the real foundation for your entire home build experience starts with your mindset.

We’ll cover:
 🔑 Why your home should reflect your lifestyle, not just square footage
💰 How to think about your budget in a way that feels empowering (not limiting)
🏗️ Why YOU (not your builder) should be leading the design vision

These are the exact mindset shifts I walk my students through inside my BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ program—and they can be total game-changers in how you experience your custom build.

🎧 Tune in for some quick wins, helpful perspective, and a dose of encouragement to start your home-building journey off right!

SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/before-you-build-your-home

Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo

Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build

Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide

My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training

Building your dream home? You’ve probably spent hours planning the big things—your floor plan, kitchen design, and must-have features. But what about the small details that can make or break your home’s functionality?

In this episode, I’m sharing 15 commonly overlooked details that people building for the first time regret not doing—and how you can avoid them. From outlet placement mistakes to traffic flow issues and not adding enough windows, these are the things you’ll be so glad you planned for before you build!

🎧 Listen now to avoid costly mistakes and future home-building regrets!

SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/common-custom-home-oversights

Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo

Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build

Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide

My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training

(Updated this episode 4/15/26 ... now episode 109)

Going over budget is one of the biggest fears I hear from people building a custom home. But here's what I want you to know … 

It is possible to build within, or very close to, your budget. It all comes down to knowing where YOU should splurge and where YOU should save when building.

In this episode, I break down my simple two-rule framework for deciding where to splurge and save when building. I also share some of the best areas (in general) to invest and cut back … and why a generic list will only get you so far.

Tune in to learn my simple framework, and to find out exactly how to build your very own personalized SPLURGE + SAVE PLAN around YOUR family's priorities.

SHOW NOTES → carolineondesign.com/where-to-splurge-and-save-when-building

Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo

Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build

Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide

My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training

This episode is for anyone out there who is building a lake house and, more specifically, looking for trending exterior paint colors for lake houses in 2025.

I decided to record this episode because, ironically, a significant number of my clients inside BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ are planning to build a lake house. 

For some, it’s a secondary home, but for others, it will be their primary residence.

Either way, they obviously want to get their exterior colors RIGHT!

And hey … even if you aren’t planning to build a lake house, this episode will still be very helpful because the paint color palettes are popular for home exteriors in general in 2025.

And, be sure to check out the show notes for this episode so you can see some of these colors in action (in other words … you’ll find photos of the colors on my blog).

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EPISODE SHOW NOTES: carolineondesign.com/trending-exterior-paint-colors-for-lake-houses
BLOG POST (4 STEPS TO CHOOSE PAINT COLOR): carolineondesign.com/steps-to-choose-a-paint-color
PEEL-AND-STICK PAINT SAMPLES (affiliate link): https://rstyle.me/+8h_YTkI3gg-JchgCAKrBhw

Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo

Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build

Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide

My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training