Episode 16: Mockups — Why They Matter

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 in This Episode: 

• Why physical mockups are critical for testing bespoke architectural details. 
• Real-world examples of mockups that revealed design and construction challenges. 
• How mockups can uncover issues like material transitions, water penetration, or even oil-canning in roof panels. 
• 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. 

Why It Matters: 

Mockups—whether physical or virtual—give you confidence that what’s on paper will translate into the home you’ve envisioned. They help protect your investment, eliminate uncertainty, and ensure that your masterpiece truly reflects your lifestyle and design goals. 

Listen & Subscribe: 

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115
▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCH
🌐 Website: https://tigtch.com/

Glossary of Key Terms

• Mockup – A small-scale or partial construction model used to test architectural details, materials, and systems before full-scale implementation. 
• 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 before construction. 
• VR Walk-Through – An immersive experience using virtual reality headsets that lets owners explore their future home in a realistic environment. 
• Decision Fatigue – The mental exhaustion caused by making too many choices; mockups help reduce this by visualizing options clearly. 
• Enscape, Twinmotion, Lumion – Visualization software programs used to create realistic renderings and walk-throughs from architectural 3D models. 
• Unreal Engine / Unity – Advanced platforms originally developed for video games, now used to create highly interactive and realis