Claim OwnershipThe Spruce Homes Show
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© Brad & Kaitlyn Blair
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So you're about to start your very first construction project. But what should you expect? That's a question we get all the time. The Spruce Homes Show is going to break that down for you. We want to be your go to place prior to building or renovating. By following along you will have a better grasp on what to expect before starting your construction project, making the process more enjoyable in the end. Construction projects are major financial commitments and we want to help you have a better understanding of what to expect!
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This one is going to get you thinking! If you think custom home building is complicated, wait until you listen to this one :). We are joined with Amelie Caron to talk about energy efficiency, high performance homes, and different ways to think about affordability and the investments you make into your home. If you are interested in smart building and data driven building decision, this episode is for you! We are entering into a new era of home construction, and this episode will help bring a little bit of insight into what that looks like.
Have you ever considered completing your own build or renovation? Is it coming from a point of pride or a way to save some money? On today's episode, we are joined by Dustin Sikler and Heather Fritz to talk about their personal experiences. Both have completed renovations and builds of their own - some by themselves and others with professional builders. We sit down with them to have a frank conversation about their experience and see things from their side of the table plus bring up some things to think about ourselves. If you are considering building or renovating, this is a MUST listen!
Affordability, quality, and sustainability are at the forefront of the home building conversation right now. Those three concepts are very difficult to combine in our worlds current climate and it’s critical that we have people on our side advocating for us (as builders and consumers). In today’s episode we talk with the Saskatoon & Region Home Builder’s Association to understand the importance of the work they do for us as home buyers (locally, provincially and federally) and also to understand the importance of building or renovating with reputable companies that are part of a local association!
On today's episode we are VERY excited to welcome a special guest, Kerri Tucker! Kerri is a real estate agent here in Saskatoon and has a very personal story about the risks of radon. On this episode Brad and Kerri talk about what radon is and why you NEED to be aware of it. We live in a province that contains high radon exposure, so being educated and aware is important. Enjoy this episode and share it with everyone you know to get this important message out there!
In today's episode, Brad and Kaitlyn talk about the top ten things they would consider including in a custom home. The joys of custom building is that you get to design a home that is beautiful, functional and comfortable. We consider all three of these in our top 10. We'd love tp hear what you would include - find us on Instagram and comment with your top inclusions!
We are in a very different place than last year's market update. With interest rates being a major topic of conversation and the media pushing the severity of a looming recession, fear in the market has definitely become a reality. But is now the time to push the construction of your custom home another calendar year? Maybe. Or maybe not. We can't tell you that for sure, but in today's episode we do discuss what we are seeing in the residential construction industry and how that may impact your decision moving forward. Although we don't have a crystal ball, we do hope you can take a couple nuggets from today's episode to help your decision making!
Are you building an infill now or in the future? If so, this episode is for you! We curated a list of things that you should be aware of prior to building. Some of these things may add cost to your project and others may add time. Either way, you will want to be aware of these so that when the time comes, you are prepared. From site conditions to permit times, we go in depth about each item so that you can be informed!
When you are building a custom home, it is critical that a solid design system is in place. This is where the interior and exterior design pulls together with the architectural design and the entire home becomes cohesive. Without a solid process details can get missed, pricing can get out of hand and communication can break down. In this week's episode, Kaitlyn breaks down what our Design Process looks like and gives you some insight into what it would look like to work with Spruce Homes!
After living in the house we built for three years, there have been some lessons learned. Things that we would do the same, and things that we would do differently. Living in a house you built gives a new perspective and helps better guide clients through their build. To kickoff Season 2, we wanted to start light and talk through the things that we have learned and maybe help guide you as you start thinking about your new home. Enjoy!
Whether you are planning on building your dream home or doing an extensive renovation to create one, financing plays a crucial role. While it may not be a glamorous topic, we all need to organize our "Benjamins" before starting a project. On this episode Brad is joined by a special guest, Ron Quaroni to break down what construction financing looks like - both from the perspective of custom building as well as renovations. If you're starting your construction journey, play this episode a couple times to be sure you grab all the concepts and nuggets that are thrown your way!
Hint: it's far from straightforward...
This week we have a special guest from Durabuilt Windows & Doors. Daniel Serrano joins Brad to give some insight into a part of your home that often gets overlooked - windows. Windows play a crucial part in the comfort and feeling of your home but also play a vital role in efficiency. Sit down with Brad and Danny before you start designing your next project to think more about your new window selections and how they can impact the overall comfort and performance of your house!
This week, we decided to go off topic and mix in something different - working with your spouse. It's something that we have a first hand perspective on that most don't. This episode is a fun way to bring you inside the realities of blending marriage and business. Whether you are thinking of going into business with your significant other or you are just looking for some laughs at our expense, give this episode a listen!
Whether you are building a new home or starting a renovation project, trust is crucial! But how do you know you can trust them? Other than gut feel, what are tangible things that you can do in order to create a sense of peace before you make a decision? In todays episode, Brad lists six tangible things you can do before you sign that construction contract. Whether you do one or all of them, you will have a better insight into how the builder operates and will help you feel confident moving forward!
Are you dreaming of your big project? One thing you should think through while you are day dreaming is the contract structure you would like to see. Exciting, hey? Different contract types have benefits and drawbacks. There is no right or wrong way to do it, but depending on your personality type you may lean one way or the other. In today's episode, we walk through a few pro's and con's of fixed price and cost plus pricing to help you be better prepared for when ink hits paper!
Whether you are buying land for an acreage or a lot in the city, there are a few things that you should think through prior to your purchase. On today's episode, Brad talks about what some of those things are and argues why it's important to get your builder involved early. If a new build is in your future, this episode is a must listen!
Selecting the right paint sheen can be a crucial part of how the finish turns out. Different sheens are made for different purposes - some hide imperfections really well while others are really durable. Considering the usage of each space (and material), as well as the imperfections that may come to light are important factors to consider while selecting sheens. In todays short episode, Kaitlyn breaks down each sheen, the benefits of each and where you should consider using them!
Do you expect to pay for pricing on your construction projects or are you looking to get that for free before you decide to move forward with a project? On today's episode, Brad talks about the pro's and con's of free estimates and why you should actually seek out builders that charge for pricing upfront. It's counterintuitive based on the norm, but it's worth a listen!
Energy efficiency is taking more and more of a centre seat to the building conversation. But you know what isn't? Air leakage. Insulation and solar seem to guide the efficiency conversation and air leakage takes a back seat. What people don't realize is how important air leakage really is. Beyond potential moisture issues it can cause, air leakage can drastically decrease the efficiency of the materials you use. Today's episode tackles the importance of managing air leakage and how you can use technology to build a better house for less money. Tune in!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! We are only days away from Christmas so we thought it would be fun to talk about some of our favourite Christmas memories and how they tie into design. Join us in our light hearted conversation and hear some personal stories from Kaitlyn's first Canadian Christmas all the way back to some of our fondest childhood Christmas memories. We hope you guys enjoy this one and have a very special 2021 Christmas. God Bless!
Prepare for your mouth to water! Join Kaitlyn and our special guest, Ashley Quick (Certified Sports Nutritionist), as they chat about Ashley's favourite holiday recipes for entertaining! You'll want to have a pen and paper handy for this episode so you can try these holiday favourites on your family too! Looking to watch your figure over the holidays??? Listen through to the end and Ashley will share her favourite tip on how NOT to over indulge during holiday gatherings!
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