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Whether you’re dreaming of building a forever home, looking to create a custom vacation getaway, or looking for a home that supports your lifestyle, this podcast is for you!
Join us as we provide behind-the-scenes insights and advice for intelligent homeowners looking to renovate or build a dream home in the Monadnock Region. We’ll get into the art and science of the custom home-building industry and help you know everything you need along the way!
Cohosted by seasoned NH Builder, Paul LaRoche Owner of LR3 Development, LLC, and Emily Aborn (whose main job is to keep him from chasing shiny objects), we hope you listen, laugh, and walk away with even more ideas and dreams for your luxurious future home!
43 Episodes
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From initial vision to final awe-inspiring walkthrough, in this episode, we go behind-the-scenes to learn what goes into building an award-winning home. Taking home the New Hampshire Home Builders’ Association 2025 “Best Single Family Construction >$1M” award, this custom home is set apart from the noise, boasting breathtaking views, quiet luxury, and bold beauty. Modern luxury, intentional details, the homeowner's distinct personality, and the best of the Granite State come to...
We all know by now that bigger isn’t always better… but when it comes to building from the ground up, how do you determine the square footage sweet spot? In this episode, we break down the truth of square footage and show you the real numbers behind the decisions to go big or go home (good news: you can do both!). Let's talk square footage! Inside the episode, you'll learn: What’s the ideal range for square footage for most families that LR3 works with? How Paul helps c...
Just like every home build client is unique, every builder is too! In this episode, we get into some of the special touches that set LR3 apart as a luxury home builder in the Monadnock Region. From non-negotiables to balancing signature style with individual visions, this episode guides you in what makes LR3’s process distinct, and how to choose the right home builder for you! In the episode: How a builder’s aesthetic can influence your decision Design principles and va...
Design isn't just aesthetic; it also impacts behavior. Good design has to align with functionality needs and work seamlessly for everyday life. In this episode, Paul explores how the spaces we create shape our daily patterns, from room flow that encourages family connection to ceiling heights that influence how energized or calm we feel. This conversation covers activity zones, the psychology of open versus closed floor plans, strategic natural light placement, and how to design for your actu...
Primary residence or vacation getaway? The answer changes everything about how you build. In this episode, Paul walks through the key considerations that separate vacation/second home design from everyday living. Inside the Episode: Differences when considering a primary home vs. a second homeFeatures for vacation homes, primary homes, and future forever homes Maintenance considerations for secondary residences Designing with rental income in mind Storage need...
What are the keys to a beyond successful new build? Because you’ve heard plenty of our thoughts… we wanted to offer a fresh perspective on the matter! So, we brought in special guest, Nathan Kono, to share a peek behind-the-scenes as an LR3 client as his recent home build went seamlessly from concept to completion. Inside the episode: What made Nathan and his wife, Jackie, decide to build vs. purchase an existing home? How did they discover Paul, and what was the deciding fac...
While LR3 doesn't focus on remodels and renovations, there are instances where they accommodate these projects. In this episode, we get into what type of home remodels make a good fit for our team and how Paul helps homeowners decide between renovating or starting fresh. In the episode, you'll learn: When it's time to renovate and when to start fresh A renovation challenge people underestimate The difference in cost when considering renovating vs. new build Th...
After years of experience in the world of home building, Paul’s seen A LOT. In this episode, we get his insights and lessons learned from job-site challenges and successes. In the episode: Unexpected problems with innovative solutions An on-site decision that changed the final outcome for the better Seemingly unplanned occurrences that come up consistently for clients (perhaps not so unplanned after all) How Paul decides whether or not to stick with the plan or pivo...
One thing LR3 has done consistently well, beyond just building custom homes, is building strong relationships. In this episode, we get into the power and importance of a good builder-client relationship and how Paul LaRoche works to strengthen these relationships, right from the start. In the episode: The role of communication in a smooth project How Paul handles situations where clients don't trust the process A small thing that makes a big difference How Paul and ...
It takes a unified team of skilled individuals to bring together the vision for our LR3 custom home clients. To provide impeccable quality, excellent customer service, and a stunning result, Paul doesn’t leave it to chance! He hand-selects the best and brightest of local contractors for each and every detail of the build. This episode gives you a peek behind the scenes as to how Paul chooses and vets his local tradespeople, and the factors he considers at every step. Inside...
If you’re the hostess with the mostess or love having everyone home for the holidays, this episode is for you! We get into guest-ready features and must-haves, customized for everyone’s comfort, both inside and outside the home. Inside the episode: How your social calendar informs the custom build The features not to overlook for large gatherings and entertaining Paul’s must-have and favorite kitchen features for the avid foodies What “entertainment-friendly” ...
Sometimes "home sweet home" means more than one generation living under the same roof. From kiddos to aging parents, this episode walks you through the custom features to consider when creating a space everyone can enjoy for years to come. Inside the episode: How does the need for "multi-generational" spaces impact modern building? What are the different ages and stages a home can be customized to accommodate? What are the biggest design challenges (and solutions) for va...
Everyone’s idea of the perfect storage and organization system looks a little different. One thing we can almost all agree on is that we don’t want a home full of clutter. Custom storage solutions bring a sense of calm throughout the home with a balance of function and aesthetics. In this episode, we get into custom storage options from closets to pantries to garages, so everything has a place and everything's in it. For peace that’s visible. Inside the episode: When to cons...
Got questions about exteriors? Shades of paint, tying in nature, and which materials you can trust to go the distance, this episode is a deep dive into exterior options for your home. Paul sheds light on the difference between various exterior materials, common options for his custom home clients, and what to avoid for an exterior that stands out. How Paul helps homeowners decide between materials Factors to consider when choosing an exterior material, from investment to main...
Back in June, Paul hosted his third annual staff and family appreciation BBQ. In this episode, Emily’s got questions about why it’s so meaningful for Paul to show gratitude to those who are building this business alongside him. You’ll learn more about the business of building, get to know Paul as an entrepreneur, and learn about how his vision has evolved as we get into: Taking time to celebrate the milestones and progress as a business owner Supporting team members through c...
A well-designed roofline and intentional materials do more than keep the rain out, they play a huge role in the look and feel of your home. In this episode, we’re unpacking how roof structure, gables, and even gutters all contribute to aesthetics, performance, and long-term protection. Listen in to learn: Decisions to make around roofing materials, slopes, gutters, and more A breakdown of the different material costs, as well as durability factors to consider Everything ...
When clients first begin the homebuilding process with LR3, the beginning is exciting! Dreaming, designing, and decision-making. After the plan is finalized and in place, there's what seems to be a lull in the action before the building process begins. But what's really happening is far from a lull! In this episode, we get into the behind-the-scenes action taking place before the visible action takes place. The LR3 team seamlessly handles all the details, scheduling, and ta...
Summer is officially HERE in New England! It's time to get outside and enjoy those bonus outdoor living spaces. Patios, firepits, outdoor kitchens, pools, and more. In this episode, we talk about the custom outdoor living spaces that make life so much better. In this episode: When in the home building process to consider your outdoor living spaces Options homeowners have for features and outdoor materials Popular New England requests for outdoor spaces D...
Windows are the… well, windows to the home! They bring in light, connect us to the outdoors, shape the style of every space, and even impact comfort and efficiency. In this episode, we’re opening up the world of windows and going beyond just the view! One of the most important design decisions you’ll make in your custom home, we dive into: window styles, placement, materials, and tips to help you maximize both beauty and function. Inside the episode: Why windows are so important&n...
Yes, we had to resist the urge to sing "Electric Boogie" in this episode. Consider yourself spared. Electricity plays a part in almost every aspect of your day. In this episode, we talk about the importance of all things electric and what to consider to make yours flow easily for your lifestyle in a custom home build. Inside this electrifying episode: The stage electrical planning takes place, and what to consider when Every detail matters, from switches to outlets to layers ...
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