The Insider's Guide to Custom Homes

Discover the ins and outs of financing your custom home, including the pros and cons of paying cash versus taking out a loan. Learn what to ask when picking a lender and the key documents needed for approval. Uncover how construction loan draws work and the distinctions between one-time close loans and refinancing. Get tips for staying organized throughout the loan process, ensuring a smoother journey toward your dream home!

Contracts can seem intimidating — but a well-structured agreement is one of the most powerful tools you have when building a custom home. In this episode, Rick Bell breaks down the essential components of a construction contract, what red flags to avoid, and how contracts can actually work in your favor.✅ Learn the 4 core questions every contract should answer✅ Understand change orders, draw schedules, and delay clauses✅ Hear real-world insights from 40+ years in custom homebuilding✅ Discover how Landmark Custom Homes handles General Conditions differentlyWhether you're just starting your custom home journey or already in the thick of it, this episode will help you protect your investment and build with confidence.🎧 Subscribe and share with someone who’s planning to build! Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCHConnect with Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes Resources & Links Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch Email Rick: Rick@TIGTCH.com...

In this episode, Rick Bell takes you deep inside the construction phase of building a custom home. From the rapid early progress of foundation and framing, to the slower but critical rough mechanical stages, Rick explains what to expect, how selections impact your schedule, why flexibility matters, and how to enjoy the final journey toward move-in day. Packed with real-world advice on communication, punch lists, contingency planning, and furniture timing — this episode prepares you to navigate construction with confidence.What You’ll LearnHow the construction phase typically unfolds from groundbreaking to move-inWhy construction speeds up early and slows during rough-ins and finishesHow your material selections impact the project timelineWhat 'scope gaps' mean — and how to manage real-world changesHow drywall finish levels impact final wall qualityTips for navigating punch list work and final closing stagesMindset tips for staying flexible and positive throughout the journeyGlossary of Terms Shell: The completed structure of the home, including the foundation, exterior walls, and roof framing.Rough Mechanicals: Early installation of plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC ductwork, completed before walls are closed.Scope Gap: An item or task unintentionally left out of the original project scope or budget.Drywall Finish Levels: Standards that define the smoothness of drywall; Level 4 and Level 5 are high-end finishes suitable for custom homes.Punch List: A checklist of minor issues (touchups, adjustments, cleaning) that must be completed before final move-in.Change Order: An official amendment to the construction contract documenting project changes that affect cost, schedule, or specifications.Selections: Homeowner decisions regarding design finishes such as flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and countertops. Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCHConnect with Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes Resources & Links Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch Email Rick: Rick@TIGTCH.com...

In this episode, Rick Bell walks you through one of the most important (and overlooked) concepts in custom home building: Designing to Budget. Discover how to balance dreams and dollars through each phase of the design process—from conceptual drawings to final construction documents. Learn how transparency and teamwork can keep your plans on track and your costs under control. Whether you're dreaming big or keeping it simple, this episode will help you lay a solid financial foundation for your custom home journey.Key Topics Covered:What it means to "Design to Budget"How the design process works (Concept to Construction Documents)The critical role of your builder during the design phaseHow to avoid over-designing beyond your budgetWhen and how to update budgets as the plans evolveGlossary of Terms:Allowances: Budgeted estimates for selections not yet finalized (like flooring or appliances).Builder: The licensed professional or company responsible for constructing your home.Charette: A collaborative design meeting or session where preliminary ideas are developed.Construction Documents: Final, detailed blueprints used to secure permits and build the home.Design Development: Phase where drawings gain detail like cabinet layouts, electrical plans, etc.Interior Designer: A professional who plans interior spaces, finishes, and furnishings.Preliminary Budget: An early estimate of construction costs used to guide design decisions.Schematic Design: The early phase of design showing room sizes, layout, and general structure.Transparency: Open and honest communication—critical for budget accuracy and trust.Value Engineering: Adjusting design or materials to reduce cost without compromising function or aesthetics. Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCHConnect with Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes Resources & Links Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch Email Rick: Rick@TIGTCH.com...

In this first episode of The Insider’s Guide to Custom Homes, builder Rick Bell shares what it really means to build smarter — and how to avoid common missteps from the start.🎯 You’ll learn:– What makes a custom home different from production building– Why choosing the right team early is critical– How to approach design with your budget in mind– The mindset successful homeowners bring to the processWith over four decades of experience, Rick gives practical advice for homeowners, architects, and anyone interested in how luxury custom homes come together — the right way.🧠 Full show notes and glossary terms: https://tigtch.com/episode-1🔔 Subscribe and follow to stay ahead of the learning curve — and build smarter, not harder.Let's build your masterpiece — the Landmark way. Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4LzDQNSaAk15tm1rM8J6eo 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes/id1815798115 ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TIGTCHConnect with Us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigtchpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TIGTCHPODCAST TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tigtchpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-insiders-guide-to-custom-homes Resources & Links Landmark Custom Homes: https://www.landmarkcustomhomes.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homesbylandmark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-bell-lch Email Rick: Rick@TIGTCH.com...