Custom home builds rarely unravel all at once — it’s often small moments of misalignment that quietly create stress. A delayed timeline, unmet expectations, or communication gaps can leave homeowners feeling uncertain about how to move forward.

This episode speaks to homeowners who sense something isn’t quite aligned during their build and are looking for clarity — particularly when expectations around price, quality, and timeline begin to pull in different directions.

Using a real client experience, we explore what happens when expectations collide — and how thoughtful communication and patience can help restore alignment and momentum.

If this conversation proves useful, you may wish to share it with someone navigating a similar experience. 

Please leave a review to help others approach the custom home building process with greater clarity and confidence.

Episode Highlights

•       What can cause expectations to collide during a custom home build

•       Why misalignment around price, quality, and timeline is more common than most homeowners expect

•       How unresolved concerns can escalate when communication breaks down

•       Why addressing issues early is more effective than relying on contractual or legal remedies

•       How patience and open dialogue can help restore trust and project momentum

Glossary of Terms

Project Timeline – The agreed schedule outlining construction phases and milestones

Selections – Homeowner’s material and finish choices.

Change Orders – Formal change to budget, scope, or schedule.

Litigation – Legal action taken to resolve disputes, often costly and disruptive for all parties 

Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH

Connect with Us

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes

Resources & Links

• Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch
• Email Rick: [email protected]...

Self-performed work is one of the most misunderstood aspects of custom home building — and when handled correctly, it can actually protect your budget, timeline, and peace of mind.

In this episode, we break down what self-performed work really means, why it’s often misunderstood, and how it can either protect or jeopardize your project depending on how it’s handled. If you’re concerned about transparency, cost control, or accountability, this conversation brings much-needed clarity.

We walk through when self-performed work makes sense, when it doesn’t, how it’s priced, and what homeowners should be asking before construction begins. 

Tune in to learn how informed decisions lead to smoother builds and better outcomes.

👉 Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone planning a custom home.

Episode Highlights

•       What self-performed work actually means — and common misconceptions around it

•       Why builders self-perform certain trades like shell, framing, or drywall

•       How self-performed work is priced under cost-plus vs. competitive bid models

•       When self-performing reduces risk, delays, and coordination issues

•       What homeowners should ask to ensure transparency and accountability

Glossary of Terms

Self-Performed Work – Work completed by a builder’s in-house team rather than outsourced subcontractors

Cost-Plus – A pricing structure where actual costs are billed plus an agreed fee

Critical Path – The sequence of tasks that directly impacts the construction timeline

Change Order – A formal adjustment to scope, cost, or schedule

Markup – Compensation covering overhead, risk, and profit 

General Contractor (GC) – The main contractor responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a construction project.

Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH

Connect with Us

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes

Resources & Links

• Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch
• Email Rick: [email protected]...

Luxury design isn’t just about finishes — it’s about creating emotional harmony the moment you walk through the door. 

In this episode, Rick Bell sits down with Goli Basiri, co-founder and principal designer of Harmen Design, to explore how thoughtful interior architecture, intuitive discovery, and purposeful design transform a home into a deeply personal living experience. Together, they discuss common design challenges and how early collaboration leads to a more aligned, seamless process.

Goli also shares her journey from physics to international award-winning designer, and how she uses technology, creativity, and architectural insight to help clients experience their future home long before it’s built.

➡️ Listen now and discover how to create a home that feels as exceptional as it looks — and share this episode with someone designing their dream space.

Episode Highlights

•       How Goli blends science, architecture, and emotion to create harmonious homes

•       What homeowners can do early to avoid rework and costly design changes

•       Why some beautifully built homes still feel empty—and how design restores soul

•       How 3D walkthrough technology transforms client understanding

•       What winning a global SBID Award means for Harmen Design’s evolution

Glossary of Terms

Enscape: A real-time 3D walkthrough tool that lets clients virtually experience their home’s layout, finishes, and lighting before it’s built.

Color Temperature (Kelvin): The warmth or coolness of light that designers use to influence mood, from soft evening ambience to bright task lighting.

Interior Architecture: The structural interior framework — like millwork, lighting layouts, and spatial flow—that shapes how a home functions and feels.

Explore Goli Basiri’s award-winning projects and design philosophy:

Website: https://harmendesign.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmen.design

Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH

Connect with Us

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes

Resources & Links

• Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch
• Email Rick: [email protected]...

What does it take to lead one of the world’s top luxury interior design firms for nearly 40 years? 
 
In this episode, host Rick Bell welcomes Jason Lynn, Partner and Vice President at The Decorators Unlimited, to explore the art of design, leadership, and legacy in a fast-evolving industry.

Jason shares his inspiring journey from U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer to global design executive — and how structure, teamwork, and mentorship have shaped the firm’s signature “white-glove” approach. Together, Rick and Jason dive into what makes The Decorators Unlimited a name synonymous with timeless design, precision, and passion, delivering seamless client experiences from blueprint to final reveal.

Whether you’re building a dream home or reimagining your space, this conversation reveals how communication, innovation, and craftsmanship come together to create homes that feel as extraordinary as they look.

🎧 If you’re dreaming of a home that reflects who you are and how you live, tune in and discover how thoughtful design can turn vision into reality.
 
Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show!

Episode Highlights

• How Jason’s Coast Guard discipline shaped his design leadership
• What drives The Decorators Unlimited’s 40-year legacy of excellence
• The power of teamwork, mentorship, and communication in luxury design
• How technology and innovation redefine the client experience
• What it means to create truly timeless interiors

Discover more of Jason’s projects:

• The Decorators Unlimited: https://decoratorsunlimited.com
• Schematic Designs: https://schematicdesigns.com

Glossary of Terms 

• CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Software programs such as AutoCAD and Revit that allow for precise 2D and 3D design of buildings.
• Renderings: 3D digital visualizations that bring designs to life before construction.

Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH

Connect with Us

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes

Resources & Links

• Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch
• Email Rick: [email protected]...

Designing a custom home should feel exciting — but for many homeowners, it quickly becomes overwhelming once hundreds of decisions, finishes, and layouts enter the picture.

In this episode, Rick Bell sits down with award-winning interior designer Jennifer Fitzpatrick, founder and principal of Studio J & Co, to bring clarity to the entire process.

They unpack Jennifer’s journey from working solo during the early days of COVID to leading a thriving 10-person design team known for sophisticated, hospitality-level designs and photorealistic renderings.

🎧 Ready to build a home that feels as good as it looks?
Hit play — and don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share the show to support the podcast. 

Episode Highlights

•  Studio J & Co’s growth from a solo venture to a 10-person luxury design studio
•  How early collaboration between architect, builder, and designer keeps projects cohesive
•  Turning inspiration into reality — concept boards, technical drawings, photorealistic renderings, and built spaces
•  Blending modern Miami aesthetics with warmth and durability for livable luxury
•  Key differences between decorators and licensed interior designers in large custom projects
•  Design trends shaping high-end residential and commercial spaces across Miami, New York, and beyond

Explore more of Jennifer's work:
Studio J & Co. – https://www.studiojandco.com

Glossary of Terms 

• Rendering: A photorealistic, digital visualization that shows clients exactly what a room will look like before it’s built.
• Technical Drawings: 2D architectural drawings showing dimensions, elevations, lighting, electrical, and all the construction details needed
• Shop Drawings: Highly detailed drawings produced by fabricators (like cabinet makers or millworkers) based on the designer’s technical plans.
• Maximalism: A design trend focused on layering rich textures, bold materials, and standout statement pieces to create a curated, luxurious look.
• Design to Budget: A collaborative process ensuring that the homeowner’s vision aligns with a realistic investment

Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH

Connect with Us

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes

Resources & Links

• Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch
• Email Rick: [email protected]...

What makes a home truly yours? 
 
In this inspiring episode, host Rick Bell sits down with world-renowned interior designer Perla Lichi — a fearless creative who’s been redefining luxury interiors for over four decades.

Known for her bold use of color, texture, and global influences, Perla shares her journey from her early days as “Purple Perla” to designing palaces in Dubai and multi-million-dollar estates across South Florida. She opens up about what “luxury” really means — and why great design always begins with understanding the person who will live in the space.

Together, Rick and Perla dive into the art and psychology behind creating spaces that feel personal, balanced, and timeless.

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring personality, harmony, and sophistication into your home — this is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in now and discover why Perla says, “I can’t do boring.”

Episode Highlights

• Perla’s creative beginnings and how her passion for art shaped her approach to interior design
• Lessons learned from decades of designing luxury homes and palaces across the globe
• How personality, lifestyle, and culture influence every design decision
• The importance of collaboration between designers, builders, and architects in creating seamless results
• The evolving role of lighting, texture, and craftsmanship in today’s definition of luxury

Glossary of Terms

• Feature Wall: A wall that serves as a focal point in a room through distinctive color, material, or design
• Coffers/Domes: Decorative recessed ceilings that add depth and architectural interest
• Backlit Stone: A translucent material illuminated from behind to create a dramatic lighting effect

Step inside Perla’s design universe:

• Perla Lichi Design: www.perlalichi.com
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homeandsoulharmony
• Instagram:
  https://www.instagram.com/perlalichi
  https://www.instagram.com/perlalichidesign
  https://www.instagram.com/the_decor_diva_by_perla_lichi

Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH

Connect with Us

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes

Resources & Links

• Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch
• Email Rick: [email protected]...

You’ve probably walked into a beautiful home that somehow just feels right — balanced, warm, and personal. That kind of magic doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of thoughtful collaboration between architect, builder, and interior designer, working together to bring structure and soul into harmony. 

As a custom home builder with over 40 years of experience, host Rick Bell has seen how the right interior designer can completely transform a project — and how the wrong choice can create unnecessary stress and compromise your vision. 

In this episode, Rick shares what to look for, what to expect, and how to choose a designer who truly understands your style and lifestyle. 

Whether you’re dreaming of your first custom home or already working with a design team, this episode will help you make informed decisions that ensure your space feels as good as it looks. 

🎯 Tune in and discover how to build your masterpiece beautifully, intentionally, and the Landmark way.

Highlights: 

• The real difference between a decorator and an interior designer
• How a designer shapes every detail of your home’s look and feel
• What questions to ask before hiring a designer
• How pricing structures and retainers typically work
• Why collaboration between builder, architect, and designer matters most

Glossary of Terms 

• Decorator – A professional who focuses on aesthetics such as color, furniture, and finishes, but typically without formal training in spatial design or construction.
• Interior Designer – A trained and certified professional who plans and executes the functional and aesthetic layout of interior spaces, often coordinating directly with architects and builders.
• ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) – A leading professional organization for interior designers that upholds design standards, ethics, and continuing education in the field.
• Retainer – An upfront fee paid to secure a designer’s commitment to a project, ensuring availability and prioritization through completion.
• Finishes – The visible materials and textures in a home, such as flooring, tile, paint, and hardware, that define its look and feel.

Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH

Connect with Us

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes

Resources & Links

• Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch
• Email Rick: [email protected]...

Ever wondered why so many custom home projects go over budget — even with careful planning?

When building a luxury home, the smallest decisions can have the biggest impact. From appliances to cabinetry, every choice shapes not just the look of your home, but the final cost as well.

In this episode of The Insider's Guide to Custom Homes, Rick Bell explains the vital role of selections and allowances — two tools that help homeowners stay organized, avoid costly surprises, and keep their dream build on track.

Rick shares real-world stories from Landmark Custom Homes projects, showing how the right approach to selections can save thousands while still delivering the beauty and quality every homeowner expects.

Whether you're just starting your design journey or deep into the build, this episode will help you make confident, informed choices that align your vision with your budget.

Tune in to learn how to plan smarter, spend wiser, and build beautifully — the Landmark way. 

What You’ll Learn

• What "selections and allowances" really mean in a custom home build
• How these tools help you control costs and reduce stress
• The real-life $40,000 lesson every homeowner can learn from
• Why timing your selections keeps your build on schedule
• How to make design upgrades without breaking your budget 

Glossary of Terms

• Selections: The individual design choices homeowners make during a custom home build — including finishes, fixtures, appliances, and materials.
• Allowances: Pre-set budget amounts assigned to specific categories (like cabinets, flooring, or lighting) to help manage spending during construction.
• Selection Schedule: A timeline outlining when each decision must be made to keep the project moving efficiently.

Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH

Connect with Us

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes

Resources & Links

• Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch
• Email Rick: [email protected]...

In this episode, Rick Bell dives into one of the most powerful — but often underappreciated — tools in custom homebuilding: the mockup. 

Whether built in the field or experienced virtually, mockups help owners, architects, and builders test details, refine designs, and avoid costly mistakes before full-scale construction begins. 

From unique roof overhangs to stone transitions and virtual walk-throughs, Rick explains how mockups bring creative visions to life while protecting budgets, schedules, and peace of mind. 

What You’ll Learn 

• Why physical mockups are critical for testing bespoke architectural details. 
• Real-world examples of mockups that revealed design and construction challenges. 
• The rise of virtual mockups and VR walk-throughs, using tools like Revit, Twinmotion, Lumion, Unreal Engine, and Meta Quest headsets. 
• How technology helps owners visualize finishes, lighting, and spatial flow—reducing decision fatigue and avoiding expensive changes later. 
• The future of mockups, including AI-driven design combinations and immersive simulations. 

Glossary of Terms

• Mockup – A small-scale or partial construction model used to test architectural details, materials, and systems
• Oil Canning – A visible waviness or rippling effect that occurs in flat metal panels, often seen in roofing or siding. 
• Reglet – A small, often metal channel or groove used to create clean transitions between dissimilar materials such as stone, stucco, or roofing. 
• Cumaru – Also known as Brazilian teak, a dense, durable hardwood often used for exterior decking and cladding. 
• Ashlar Pattern – A masonry layout in which stones are cut into uniform shapes and set in horizontal courses for a clean, structured appearance. 
• Field Mockup – A physical section of a wall, roof, or detail built on-site to test materials, finishes, or construction methods. 
• Virtual Mockup – A digital 3D model of a home that allows owners and designers to preview materials, layouts, and lighting conditions 
• VR Walk-Through – An immersive experience using virtual reality headsets that lets owners explore their future home in a realistic environment. 

Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH

Connect with Us

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes

Resources & Links

• Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch
• Email Rick: [email protected]...

In this episode of The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes, Rick Bell interviews Chris Bates, a property tax expert, to shed light on one of the least understood but most impactful aspects of owning a luxury custom home: property taxes. 

Chris explains how tax assessments are determined, the common pitfalls homeowners face, and the strategies high-net-worth families can use to manage their property tax liabilities effectively. He shares stories from his work representing clients and highlights what builders and homeowners alike should know to avoid costly surprises.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone preparing to build or purchase a luxury home, as well as professionals who want a deeper understanding of how property taxes intersect with construction and ownership.

What You’ll Learn

• Chris’s background and how he became an expert in property tax consulting.
• How property taxes are assessed on new custom homes and what can trigger reassessments.
• Common mistakes homeowners make when it comes to tax planning.
• Strategies to appeal assessments and reduce property tax burdens.
• The relationship between appraisers, municipalities, and property owners.
• Real-world examples of property tax disputes and resolutions.
• Chris’s advice for homeowners building multi-million-dollar estates.

Glossary of Terms: 

• Assessed Value: The value assigned to a property by a local tax authority for the purpose of calculating property taxes. 
• Millage Rate: The tax rate applied to the assessed value, expressed in mills (one mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value).
• Homestead Exemption: A legal provision that reduces the taxable value of a primary residence.
• Tax Appeal: The process of formally contesting a property’s assessed value.
• Comparable Sales (Comps): Recent home sales used to determine market value during assessments or appeals.

Connect with Chris Bates

• Website: https://myfloridapropertytaxes.com 
• Email: [email protected]

Listen & Subscribe

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH

Connect with Us

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes

Resources & Links

• Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch
• Email Rick: [email protected]...