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    Home & Garden

    The Before You Build Podcast

    If you’re thinking about building a custom home or remodeling an existing home, this show is for you! The Before You Build Podcast is your one-stop shop for practical planning advice, smart decision-making, and actionable tips to help you build or remodel with clarity, confidence, and within your budget.

    We’ll answer all of your burning questions such as: How do I plan for building a custom home? How do I plan a home remodel? What should I do before building a house? What should I do before remodeling my home? How do I create the perfect floor plan for my family? How do I hire the right builder or remodeling team? How do I finance my project? 

    And the biggest question of all, how do I bring my dream home to life without blowing the budget? Well, friends … the answer is in intentional planning long before the work ever begins.

    I’m your host, Carrie Barker (aka, Caroline on Design). I designed my own custom home from the ground up, inside and out. Through trial and error (psst … I built pre-Pinterest), I created my absolute dream home that is not only perfect for the way my family lives but also turned out more beautiful than I imagined. The best part … I did this all without blowing the budget and without design regrets.

    I cracked the code on how to bring my own dream home vision to life while sticking VERY close to budget, and now I’m here to teach you everything I learned along the way so that you, too, end up with that cozy, beautiful home you envision in your head and a mortgage you’re comfy with.

    The short, actionable, and bingeable Before You Build episodes will prepare YOU for a successful building or remodeling project with less stress, more confidence, and a plan to stick to budget. And just so you know … the key to creating a home you love without blowing the budget is all in the intentional planning you do BEFORE YOU BUILD! So let’s dive in and get started!

    Advertise

    Copyright: © 2024 Before You Build℠ Podcast

    • Apple Podcasts
    • Google Play
    • Spotify

    Latest Episodes:
    108. How to Avoid Custom Home Exterior Regrets Apr 01, 2026
    Show notes

    Have you ever driven past a house and thought, something just looks off — but you couldn't quite put your finger on it? I see it all the time. And it's not just on low-cost homes … I see it on multi-million-dollar homes too.

    It's not a budget problem. It's a gap in the design process that SO many people miss completely.

    In this episode, I'm breaking down why some custom home exteriors end up looking awkward, and the one simple thing that prevents it. I'm also sharing my own personal story — including the moment I saw my home exterior in 3D for the first time and seriously hated it. 😬

    If you're in the planning stages of your custom home build, tune into this one ... you'll be SO glad you did!

    EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/custom-home-exterior-regrets

    MY 3D RENDERING → carolineondesign.com/custom-home-build-must-do

    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



    107. Overwhelmed Building a Home? You’re Going to Be Okay! Mar 25, 2026
    Show notes

    Feeling overwhelmed just thinking about building a home is one of the most common things I hear from people planning a custom build. And, honestly, it makes complete sense. You're making hundreds of high-stakes decisions you've never had to make before, on a timeline that's largely outside of your control, with A LOT of money on the line.

    In this episode, I'm sharing what I've been learning from my business coach about balance — and why every single principle applies directly to your home build experience. Here's what we're covering:

    • Why the chaos isn't actually the problem
    • The two types of overwhelm you'll face during a build (and how to handle both)
    • What you can do right now to feel more prepared and less reactive going into your build

    You're going to be okay. Promise. 🙌

    EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/overwhelmed-building-a-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



    106. Common Floor Plan Mistakes to Avoid Mar 11, 2026
    Show notes

    After auditing 300+ floor plans, I can tell you this: the same mistakes keep showing up. And they're not dramatic design flaws — they're subtle oversights that are easy to miss on paper but noticeable every single day once you're living in your home.

    In episode 106, I'm sharing the four most common floor plan patterns I see that lead to daily frustration and regrets — so you can catch them before construction begins.

    EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/common-floor-plan-mistakes

    FREE FLOOR PLAN WORKBOOK → carolineondesign.com/fp-free-workbook

    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



    105. Rising Construction Costs: Is Now the Right Time to Build? Mar 04, 2026
    Show notes

    If you're planning on building a custom home, rising construction costs are likely scaring you a little bit … and I totally get that!

    You might be wondering … Should we wait? Will prices come down? Will next year be a better time to build?

    These are completely normal thoughts, and you're not alone.

    But here's what most people don't fully think through … construction costs rarely drop in a meaningful, lasting way.

    So instead of asking yourself, "Will it be cheaper to build if we wait?", the better question is: "Is now the right time for us to build, given our budget, our goals, and our level of preparation?"

    In this episode, I'm walking you through whether waiting actually helps, and the specific questions to ask your builder to protect your budget, no matter what the market is doing.

    EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/rising-construction-costs

    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



    104. 9 Tips for Designing a Functional Kitchen Feb 18, 2026
    Show notes

    After living in my custom home for 12+ years, I've learned exactly what makes a kitchen truly functional versus just pretty.

    In this episode, I'm sharing 9 tips for designing a functional kitchen, including:

    • Why you need at least 42" of walking space around your island
    • The placement trick that makes everyday tasks so much easier
    • Why a butler's pantry and coffee bar are at the TOP of my list for my next home
    • Two things I'd change about my current kitchen after 12+ years

    The most beautiful kitchen won't make you happy if it doesn't work for how your family actually lives.

    This episode gives you real-life lessons so you can design a kitchen that makes your daily life easier—not more frustrating.

    FREE FLOOR PLAN WORKBOOK → carolineondesign.com/fp-free-workbook

    EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/9-tips-for-designing-a-functional-kitchen

    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



    103. 4 Things I Would Change if I Built My Home Again Feb 11, 2026
    Show notes

    Clients and podcast listeners ask me the same question over and over: "What would YOU change if you built your home again?"

    After living in my custom home for almost 13 years (and now planning my NEXT build), I've really been thinking about my answer to this question.

    I don't have any regrets, but there ARE some tweaks I would make.

    In this episode, I'm sharing four things I'd change if I built again, and four things I would NEVER change.

    We cover:

    • Why separate primary closets are at the TOP of my list (for my next house)
    • The exact kitchen island size I wish I had (and why I had to forego it)
    • How combining my mudroom and laundry room seemed smart on paper, but doesn't work in real life
    • The one thing I added to my daughters' closets but forgot to add to my own (oops!) 😳
    • PLUS, four things I got 100% right and would never change

    Thankfully, we took the time to plan strategically BEFORE we built, so none of these are actual regrets—they're just small things I'd tweak next time.

    This is what I want for YOU too.

    This episode gives you my real-life lessons learned so you can make smarter floor plan decisions NOW—before they become permanent.

    FREE FLOOR PLAN WORKBOOK: carolineondesign.com/fp-free-workbook
    EPISODE: carolineondesign.com/change-if-built-my-home-again

    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



    102. What You Need to Know Before Building a Custom Home! Feb 04, 2026
    Show notes

    Wondering what you need to know before building a custom home?

    In this episode, I'm answering the most common questions I hear from first-time custom home builders—the practical stuff you need to know BEFORE you start.

    You'll learn what the first step actually is (hint: it's NOT interviewing builders!), why you need a crystal clear vision before you ever get a quote, when the right time to start planning is (way earlier than you think!), and the two BIG mistakes that almost always lead to budget overages and regrets.

    Plus, I'm breaking down why planning 6-12 months ahead is your secret weapon for staying close to budget and loving your finished home. 🙌

    If you're just dreaming about building or actively interviewing builders, this episode gives you the roadmap to avoid the mistakes that cost people tens of thousands of dollars (or more 😳).

    🎉 BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ enrollment is open RIGHT NOW through Monday, February 9th! 🎉 Get all the details at carolineondesign.com/before-you-build

    EPISODE: carolineondesign.com/what-to-know-before-building-a-custom-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



    101. First-Time Custom Home Build Advice From a Real Family! Jan 28, 2026
    Show notes

    First-time custom home build advice from a REAL family who just moved into their brand new home.

    Patrick and Jessica share their real experience going through BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ and how this program helped them build with confidence.

    In this episode, we cover:

    • How they vetted and found their amazing custom home builder
    • How they designed for how THEIR family actually lives
    • Why you don't need to be a design expert to make great home decisions
    • What mattered most to THEIR family
    • How they managed a custom home build from three hours away
    • How BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ worked in tandem with their builder
    • Their real budget outcome (and WHY)
    • Their top advice for anyone planning a custom home build

    Patrick and Jessica are living proof that the right preparation leads to confident building decisions—even when unexpected costs pop up.

    Ready to Follow the Same Framework?

    You can follow the exact same step-by-step framework Patrick and Jessica used. Enrollment for BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ opens February 2nd and closes February 9th.

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

    But first, join me for my FREE live training where I'm teaching the "4 Steps to Build Within Budget and Without Regrets." It's happening Monday, February 2nd at 10:00 am Central Time.

    GRAB YOUR FREE SEAT → carolineondesign.com/free-training

    EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/first-time-custom-home-build-advice


    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



    100. Why Custom Homes Go Over Budget (+ How to Avoid This!) Jan 21, 2026
    Show notes

    Nine out of ten custom homes go over budget. 😳

    If you're wondering WHY, this episode will show you exactly what's happening—and how to avoid it.

    I'm breaking down the real reasons most builds go 10-20% (or more!) over budget.

    You'll learn why that initial builder quote is NOT what your home will actually cost, the exact moment most people start blowing their budget (before construction even starts!), and what the 1 in 10 who stay on budget do differently.

    Plus, I'm sharing Mare's story—one of my clients who came in $6,500 UNDER budget while getting everything she wanted. 💪

    If you're about to build, this episode gives you the roadmap to be one of the rare few who build on budget and love their home—no regrets, no financial stress.

    🎉 FREE TRAINING! 🎉 Monday, February 2nd at 10 am CT → "4 Steps to Build Your Dream Home Within Budget and Without Regrets!"

    FREE TRAINING: carolineondesign.com/free-training

    EPISODE: carolineondesign.com/why-custom-homes-go-over-budget

    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



    099. 3 Critical Questions to Ask Home Builders Before You Sign Jan 14, 2026
    Show notes

    Choosing the right builder can make or break your entire home-building experience, so you want to be SURE you're choosing the RIGHT builder.

    In this episode, I'm sharing the three most important questions to ask home builders during interviews. These aren't the typical questions you'll find online. These are the questions that will save you time, stress, and thousands of dollars.

    You'll learn exactly what to listen for in their answers, how to spot red flags, and the one step most people skip that reveals everything you need to know about a builder. Plus, I'll walk you through how to make your final decision using both data AND your gut instinct.

    If you're interviewing builders (or about to start), this episode will give you the confidence to choose the right partner for your project.

    EPISODE: carolineondesign.com/questions-to-ask-home-builders

    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



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