Modern Craftsman

Ballpark numbers can save you time or burn you when the client treats them like a contract. We get into how to give ranges, spell out what's included, and use pre construction to lock expectations before the job gets weird. Show Notes: 00:00:00 Ballpark gone wrong 00:01:09 Sponsors and newsletter 00:04:14 2026 reset and jumping back in 00:08:49 The ballpark trap 00:12:04 Handling the first call 00:26:52 What's included and what isn't 00:36:10 Explain the cost drivers 00:44:03 Test the budget early 00:46:30 Sell honesty, not a deal 00:51:51 Break scope into buckets 00:53:01 Confidence and pre con 01:07:49 TLDR and wrap Video Version:https://youtu.be/WNzfI8RgPEE   Partners:  Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Ballpark pricing doesn't start on the first call, it starts way before the client ever dials your number. Tyler talks through how to set expectations early, filter out price shoppers, and stop letting a rough number haunt the whole project. Show Notes: 00:00 The profit flip 01:06 Ballpark numbers haunt you 02:47 Getting shopped 07:52 Set expectations early 10:51 Build the funnel 13:19 Range plus assumptions 20:03 Handling sticker shock 25:02 Make more, do less 30:02 After the ballpark   Video Version:https://youtu.be/SlHAXpUbbxU   Partners:  Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Ballpark pricing can save you hours or trap you in a number you never should've agreed to. Tyler lays out how to give ranges with real context, explain the cost drivers, and use early budget talk to qualify the right clients and move cleanly into precon. Show Notes:00:00 Don't Apologize 00:44 The Ballpark Question 04:14 SWAG & Scope 07:27 Give a Range 12:07 Cost Drivers 15:47 Lead Red Flags 26:01 From Ballpark to Precon 33:49 2026 Updates Video Version:https://youtu.be/TPk5pRKa7iY   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Most builders "finish" a job and disappear, but Nick and Tyler break down how to hand off a project like an owner's manual, with the right info in the right format so clients are supported without getting overwhelmed. They get into O&M manuals, 30/90 day check-ins, and how post-build care turns into fewer headaches and more referrals. Show Notes: 00:00 Owner's manual mindset 01:36 Sponsor reads 04:22 Platform switch & shop talk 05:21 Listener question: after the keys 12:45 Closeout standards and expectations 17:08 O&M manual, what goes in it 22:06 AI and cliff notes maintenance 31:01 Maintenance cadence and check-ins 47:03 Walkthroughs and video library 55:15 Protect the work, earn referrals 1:00:15 Listener CTA & wrap Video Version:https://youtu.be/8B499q0yUE4   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Nick breaks down why his calendar can look "full" while the real priority list stays untouched, and how hiring an assistant forced him to protect time instead of feeding distractions. Tyler pushes on the bigger question: are we building systems to grow, or just cramming more into the same day for no payoff. Show Notes: 00:00 Too many balls 03:29 Inbox takeover 08:58 One thing focus 16:47 Busy vs productive 27:35 Precon time sinks 35:23 Buying your way in 44:05 Risk stories 50:33 Simple systems win 1:00:18 AI, but for what 1:06:15 Wrap and tease Video Version:https://youtu.be/6q8j-4Z0fpA   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear NAHB International Builders' Show   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Stay out of the cold with these hot budget tips as Tyler breaks down exactly how he budgets a real porch job, from the precon fee and deposit strategy to tracking every cost day by day. The big takeaway is how to communicate "extras" without panic, keep cashflow protected, and still finish strong without rushing. Show Notes:00:00 Cold office, hot topic 02:05 Precon fee and setting the budget 05:15 Deposits and staying out of the red 08:40 Daily tracking and invoice cycles 13:55 Calling out extras without change-order chaos 20:45 Reconciling budget vs real costs 27:35 Don't rush the finish 30:10 Wrap and why he won't show the spreadsheet Video Version:https://youtu.be/4woZAp_WBqU   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear NAHB International Builders' Show   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media       Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear NAHB International Builders' Show   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Builders already have thousands of jobsite photos on their phones, but most of those shots are not protecting them, selling future work, or showing what they really do. In this episode we break down a simple way to use your phone, a few habits, and better organization so your photos become insurance, a sales tool, and a real portfolio instead of digital clutter. Show Notes:  00:00:00 The Shot That Saves You 00:04:20 Meet Dave 00:08:00 How This All Started 00:10:28 Photos That Win Work 00:12:47 CYA Before You Demo 00:17:03 Your Phone Can Do This 00:23:32 Make It Look Expensive 00:39:16 Stop Losing Your Best Shots 00:57:04 Tell The Story Not Just The Build 01:02:52 The Simple Photo Playbook Video Version: https://youtu.be/iPJ7u70YeWs   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear NAHB International Builders' Show   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Nick and Tyler break down how line item budgets, tiered estimates, and value engineering actually protect you when clients start pushing on price and scope. From losing out on a five million dollar job after an eleven hour estimate to using that same work to land better projects, they talk through transparency, expectations, and how not to let your own standards wreck your profitability. Show Notes:  00:00 Cold Open, Winter 05:04 Sponsors and Setup 13:09 Cordless Tools Talk 15:19 Precon Tier 1 21:55 Dropbox Wipeout 29:54 Line Items and Trust 42:09 Cheaper Builder Choice 47:11 Cool Work vs Profit 56:35 Grass and Perspective Video Version:https://youtu.be/LfpK6nRHTUo   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear NAHB International Builders' Show   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Tyler answers a listener's question about two belt-on GCs teaming up in a 50-50 partnership and trying to keep things simple while still making real money. He breaks down how to price owner labor, define roles, track time, and protect both your margins and your friendship when you run a tiny company with two owners. Show Notes:00:00 Two owners, tiny company 05:26 Ryan's email setup 08:00 One and a half myth 10:19 Where you make money 13:00 Self perform vs subs 15:00 Pros and cons of partners 17:20 Roles, risk, resentment 19:59 Tool belt vs business 25:01 Staying niche, lean overhead 29:29 Tracking time and overhead 34:25 Protecting the friendship 38:50 IBS tickets and outro   Video Version:https://youtu.be/6b0RrhcuXT0   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear NAHB International Builders' Show   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Nick and Tyler break down how they use preconstruction to protect the architect's vision, keep clients on budget, and avoid the usual bid and bleed disaster. They get into real numbers, value engineering that is not just stripping scope, and how to track the everyday inefficiencies that quietly kill your profit. Show Notes:  00:00 Hidden inefficiencies 00:18 Precon and race recap 01:18 Sponsor break 08:47 Tyler's race story 16:12 What precon really is 18:42 Design build vs precon 22:10 Tier one pricing 29:22 Why plans don't get built 33:41 Architect types and bids 41:18 When budget kills design 47:48 Lead the client 55:49 Every business is unique 1:03:32 Pricing the unknown 1:12:08 Job costing that works 1:22:11 Wrap up Video Version: https://youtu.be/t18gP7iAiAI Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear NAHB International Builders' Show   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Tyler answers a listener email about what he'd do differently if he were starting his business today, beyond just setting up insurance, lawyers, and an LLC. He digs into why chasing "sexy" high-end projects can crush your margins, how T&M and paid pre-con changed his business, and why the less you work, the more you can actually make when your systems and numbers are dialed. The Preconstruction Course: Click Here Show Notes: 00:00 What I'd Do Differently Starting Today 03:59 Chasing Sexy Projects Instead Of Profit 08:42 Scaling Back And Resetting The Business 12:30 Dialing In Pre Con Overhead And Job Type 21:56 Forty Hours Vs Eighty Hours For The Same Pay 27:00 The Three Levers Of Profit In A Small Shop 30:28 Learn To Walk Before You Run Your Company Video Version: https://youtu.be/kpu9RmFKCwQ Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

This episode gets real about money stress, comparison, and the head noise that comes with trying to run a construction business and still show up at home. We talk through how we handle the dark season — from boundaries and better systems to finding people you can actually be honest with. Show Notes: 00:00 Intro, sponsors and setup 04:10 Why we are talking about mental health 05:35 Comparison trap and feeling behind 09:44 Money stress and your relationship with cash 16:07 Why this season hits builders so hard 24:20 Taking inventory, boundaries and time off 30:14 All in on the 45 White Oak project 35:00 Serving others without chasing every upside 45:13 Diversifying work and reducing risk 51:01 You are not alone in this 56:10 Precon course offer and wrap up Video Version: https://youtu.be/0oyG44Xtgfo Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Nick and Tyler sit down live at CCS in Chicago to walk through how they go from 100 inquiries to one real client and why risk is the number one reason people never build. They break down self-qualifying leads, budget reality checks, and using precon and VE to protect both your business and the homeowner before anyone signs. Show Notes:  00:00 Why clients don't build 04:48 Live from CCS in Chicago 05:58 From lead gen to lead conversion 09:28 Getting clients to self-qualify 18:00 When the budget and scope don't match 22:09 Using precon to de-risk the job 30:33 Converting right way Video Version: https://youtu.be/o_huhOG3FMU Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Tyler tears into the "stop buying lattes" take and runs the numbers that actually break buyers and clients. The squeeze lands on builders too - changing bids, quality, and what projects even pencil out. Show Notes:  00:00 The meme and why it's off 04:00 Life costs vs "coffee" costs 06:30 1981 starter home vs today's code & specs 07:25 Rates, prices, and the real math 10:35 How this hits builders and quality 12:05 Healthcare, childcare, and budgets 13:45 Remodel numbers that don't work 16:10 Myths Tyler hears vs reality on site 20:00 The human toll and what needs to change 27:50 Wrap-up Video Version:  https://youtu.be/qJxBE_2G6t4   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

The guys dig into the real split between self-performing and running a GC outfit and what actually moves a build when design runs headfirst into the schedule. From Bugatti-level brand lessons to field fixes (bracing, factory edges, install expectations), this one's about picking a lane and building like you mean it. Show Notes: Anderson Windows and Big Doors Promotion (0:00) Builder Trend and Client Management (2:13) Harnish Workwear and Personal Experiences (3:47) Self-Performing vs. General Contractor (5:42) Building the Bugatti of Homes (8:50) Balancing Hands-On Work and Management (17:58) Efficiency and Learning from Mistakes (19:56) Project Management and Communication (39:46) Balancing Quality and Efficiency (47:50) Personal Reflections and Future Goals (52:01) Video Version: https://youtu.be/HNd4rd6yFVQ   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media  

A follow-up to the first excavator episode—now that it's seen real use. Tyler shares what's working, what surprised him, and what he'd rethink after owning and running it for a while. First excavator episode: Is An Excavator Actually Worth It? Show Notes:  Initial Investment and Purchase Details (0:00) Financing and Tax Benefits (3:56) Usage and Maintenance (5:59) Cost Considerations and Insurance (32:58) Operational Efficiency and Tax Strategy (33:44) Consulting and Future Plans (37:49) Video Version: https://youtu.be/6lnrWjeBQ20   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Pricing by square foot is how budgets blow up. Tyler breaks down the real process—scope first, design up front, WAGs, SWAGs, and contingency noted so the numbers hold once you hit the job. Show Notes:  00:00 Understanding client priorities and personal update 01:35 Consulting call and estimating process 02:54 Client communication and zoning variance 06:07 Budget creation and design iterations 07:24 Detailed budgeting and cost tracking 09:01 Handling unexpected costs and client communication 13:23 Scope of work and subcontractor coordination 17:08 Managing client expectations and budget adjustments 20:00 Pre-construction and design consulting 26:44 Contractor Coalition Summit and affordability Video Version:  https://youtu.be/KqBLZFtHACs Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

The guys get into the messy reality of pricing—no templates, no magic—just expectations, scope, and the triangle of quality, budget, and time. We cover scope gaps, site protection, and how pre-con (plus a little AI) de-risks the job so your estimate actually matches how the work gets built. Show Notes: 00:00:00 Intro & our awesome sponsors 00:05:22 Sick kids and water bottles 00:08:51 Welcome & rapid-fire plan 00:09:51 Estimating process overview 00:13:45 Row house example & takeoffs workflow 00:17:21 Automation vs AI in estimating 00:21:17 Using AI as an assistant, not a black box 00:31:21 Who owns scope gaps 00:43:47 Site protection that actually protects 00:47:31 Client fit and non-negotiables 00:53:13 Attracting the right clients 00:56:53 Precon course & Summit invite 01:01:46 Modern Craftsman tee & sign-off Video Version: https://youtu.be/A1BPmpmv_vQ   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Tyler lays out why he still self-performs—from demo and drainage to framing and trim—and where he draws the line with subs, risk, and bandwidth. We get into scaling by margin instead of volume, keeping quality tight when you're the one on the tools, and how to make a good living without taking the belt off. Show Notes:  00:00 Keep the belt on and make a living 02:01 Screened porch demo grading and concrete sub 05:16 Framing plan and roof timing 09:43 One job at a time and scale by margin 15:51 Frame to finish pride and profit 20:31 Back to craft and flying the self performer flag Video Version:  https://youtu.be/4n6Kb0WACPA   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

From airtight envelopes to oversized HVAC, the guys unpack the sexy internet details versus what actually survives install and warranty. They get into service cavities, exterior insulation, window boxes, and why simplifying details, coordinating early, and charging to manage risk keeps you out of trouble. Show Notes:  00:00 Perfection Doesn't Scale 04:44 Hiring: Attitude vs Skill 12:59 When a Great Fit Stops Fitting 39:54 HVAC Reality: Gear That Doesn't Fit 42:43 Energy Code vs Exterior Insulation Hype 46:34 Window Boxes, Cladding & Real Failure Points 59:24 Charge to Manage, Not to Gamble Video Version:  https://youtu.be/Usr6DKMrLnI   Partners:  Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear  Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear   The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts:  Nick Schiffer  Tyler Grace  Podcast Produced By: Motif Media