In this episode of The DREAM BuildCast, Nicholas, Alex, and Devon dive deep into the world of one- and two-family residential design, unpacking the technical, financial, and practical considerations every homeowner should know before remodeling, expanding, or finishing a space.

Building off Episode 1’s “Where Do I Start?” theme, this discussion explores how local building codes, zoning, and construction practices affect everything from finishing your attic or basement to adding a new story to your home.

In this episode, we cover:

• The differences between one- and two-family homes vs. commercial buildings under the 2021 Wisconsin Building Code.
• What you must know before finishing your attic or basement, including egress, insulation, and fire separation rules.
• The real pros and cons of going “up vs. out” when adding square footage.
• How energy efficiency standards and retroactive code updates impact homeowners.
• Basement flooding, drainage, and waterproofing tips, and how to know if your space is safe to occupy.
• Why every homeowner needs a qualified architect or structural engineer before starting a renovation.

Whether you’re a homeowner thinking about an addition, a first-time investor, or simply curious about the science behind safe residential construction, this episode is packed with real-world advice from design, engineering, and construction professionals who’ve seen it all.