Whether you’re dreaming of building a custom home in the future or you’re ready to start planning now, this show is for you! The Before You Build Podcast is your one-stop shop for actionable home-building tips and advice as well as tips for designing your dream home so that you feel equipped to design the home of your dreams that makes you (and your wallet) happy for years to come. We’ll answer all of your burning questions such as: How do I plan for building a custom home? What should I do before building a house? How do I design my new house? What mistakes should I avoid when building a house? How do I create the perfect floor plan for my family? How do I hire a builder? How do I finance my home build? And the biggest question of all, how do I bring my dream home to life without blowing the budget? Well, friends … the answer is in PLANNING for your home build long before you ever break ground. I’m your host, Carrie Barker (aka, Caroline on Design). I designed my own custom home from the ground up, inside and out. Through trial and error (psst … I built pre-Pinterest), I created my absolute dream home that is not only perfect for the way my family lives but also turned out more beautiful than I imagined. The best part … I did this all without blowing the budget and without design regrets. I cracked the code on how to bring my own dream home vision to life while sticking VERY close to budget and now I’m here to teach you everything I learned along the way so that you, too, end up with that cozy, beautiful home you envision in your head and a mortgage you’re comfy with. The short, actionable, and bingeable ‘Before You Build’ episodes will prepare YOU for a successful home build with less stress, more confidence, and joy throughout the process. And just so you know … the key to building your dream home close to budget is all in the planning you do BEFORE YOU BUILD! So let’s dive in and get started!
115. We Unexpectedly Bought an Existing House (Say What?!)
Most people assume designing a home you love starts with choosing finishes, fixtures, and paint colors ... but after unexpectedly buying an existing house, I realized what actually matters MOST . (and yes ... considering I've spent years helping people build custom homes, this surprised me too! ) 😉 In this episode, I'm sharing the unexpected journey that led my husband and me to buy an existing home, plus the three foundational pieces you need to get right BEFORE you build, renovate, or buy a home. Whether you're building from scratch, renovating, or buying an existing home, this episode might completely change the way you think about creating a home you'll love for years to come. EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/bought-existing-house Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
114. What to Clarify Before Building a Custom Home
Knowing what to clarify before building a custom home is one of the MOST important things you can do for your budget ... and yet it's one of the most overlooked parts of the entire process. In fact, there's a specific layer of clarity that very few people talk about, even though it's one of the biggest reasons custom home projects go over budget. In this episode, I'm breaking down what it actually means to be "ready" to build, why finish selections impact your budget more than most people realize, and the four finish categories you need to clarify before you ever request a quote from a builder. SHOW NOTES → carolineondesign.com/what-to-clarify-before-building-a-custom-home Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
113. Best Exterior White Paint Colors (That Are Timeless)
If you're trying to nail down the perfect white paint color for your home exterior, this episode is for you. 🙌 I actually created this list for a blog post back in 2020 — and when I went to update it recently, I realized that every single color on that list is still just as popular today as it was six years ago. These aren't trendy whites. They're timeless ones. I actually have one of these white colors all over my own home interior … doors, trim, cabinets, ceilings, built-ins. I've been in my home almost 13 years, and I still love the color. In this episode, we'll cover: My 6 favorite exterior white paint colors (including a brand-new 2026 addition!) Why warm whites are the most versatile choice for almost any home style My favorite mess-free way to test colors before you commit Head to the show notes to see all six whites in action, plus grab links to order peel-and-stick samples so you can see exactly how they look on your home. SHOW NOTES → carolineondesign.com/best-exterior-white-paint-colors PAINT SAMPLES → (affiliate link) https://on.ltk.com/+2_jko6X3hyRqvn-8wjjMMg Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
112. Building a Custom Home on Family Property: Joanne’s Story
When Joanne decided to tear down her family's lakefront cottage and rebuild on the same lot, she knew building a custom home on a small, waterfront lot was going to be anything but simple. So she joined BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ because she knew there would be a lot to think through before breaking ground. In this episode she covers: Why she chose to tear down instead of renovate Permitting and building on a lakefront lot Designing vertically on a small footprint while planning for aging in place Staying within 5–10% of budget by negotiating and shopping vendors Catching a framing error mid-build — and why being on-site matters How an email trail saved her when a contractor "forgot" a conversation What she wishes she'd done sooner The emotional side of seeing finishes for the first time How BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ helped her walk in prepared and confident Joanne's story is proof that the right preparation changes everything. GET ALL THE BYB DETAILS → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build (and see Joanne's beautiful lake house in the show notes) SHOW NOTES → carolineondesign.com/building-a-custom-home-on-family-property Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
MVP: 5 Things I Wish I Included in my Custom Floor Plan
I built my custom home back in 2013, and I genuinely love it. The layout is cozy, functional, and still works perfectly for my family over 12 years later. However, there *are* a few things I'd do differently if I built this house again. In this MVP episode, I'm sharing 5 things I wish I had included in our custom floor plan. Tune in because these are details most people don't think about until after they've moved in, and by then, it's too late. Note: This episode was originally recorded in 2022, but the content is 100% still relevant — and I've updated the blog post with additional tips and resources. EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/wish-i-included-in-my-custom-floor-plan FREE FLOOR PLAN WORKBOOK → carolineondesign.com/fp-free-workbook Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
111. How to Create a Realistic Custom Home Budget Before Meeting a Builder
In this episode, I'm answering a question I got from someone in my free on-demand class, and honestly, it was SO good I had to share it with everyone. We're talking about how to create a realistic budget before you ever sit down with a builder — so that when you do get a quote, it actually means something. I walk you through: Why your vision has to come before your numbers (and why skipping this step is so costly) How to identify your true financial comfort zone — not just your ceiling What most people forget to include in their total build budget How to research cost per square foot in your area so you walk in informed What a SPLURGE + SAVE PLAN℠ is and how having one changes everything about that first builder conversation If you're in the planning phase right now, this episode is for you. It's the kind of prep work that makes a builder meeting actually productive — and sets you up to stay on budget from the very start. SHOW NOTES → carolineondesign.com/custom-home-budget-before-builder-meeting Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
MVP: 9 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Building a Custom Home
If you're building a home (or planning to build), you're probably worried about the typical things … you know, like staying on budget or making the right design decisions. But guess what? There are MANY other things you might not even realize you NEED to think about until you are already in the thick of building your home. Don't worry ... I've got you covered with a list of 9 things I wish I had known before building a house. Note: This episode was recorded in 2022, but the content is still 100% relevant today! I updated the blog post with additional tips and resources in May 2026. SHOW NOTES → carolineondesign.com/known-before-building Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
110. How to Prioritize Your Home Build Budget
Going over budget when building a custom home isn't inevitable. It does happen often, but it is NOT inevitable. One of the biggest causes is not knowing how to prioritize your home build budget. In this episode, I'm talking about one of the most important things you can do before you break ground … and that is to get crystal clear on YOUR family's priorities so you know exactly where to splurge and save throughout your entire build. I'm sharing the simple two-part framework I use with my clients, a personal story from my own build that perfectly illustrates why knowing your priorities BEFORE building changes everything, and everything you need to know about my brand new SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ — the tool I honestly believe should be in the hands of EVERY SINGLE PERSON building or renovating a home. Because here's the truth … you don't need an unlimited budget, you just need to know YOUR priorities. 🙌 SHOW NOTES → carolineondesign.com/how-to-prioritize-your-home-build-budget Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
109. Where to Splurge and Save When Building a Custom Home
Going over budget is one of the biggest fears I hear from people building a custom home. But here's what I want you to know … It is possible to build within, or very close to, your budget. It all comes down to knowing where YOU should splurge and where YOU should save when building. In this episode, I break down my simple two-rule framework for deciding where to splurge and save when building. I also share some of the best areas (in general) to invest and cut back … and why a generic list will only get you so far. Tune in to learn my simple framework, and to find out exactly how to build your very own personalized SPLURGE + SAVE PLAN around YOUR family's priorities. SHOW NOTES → carolineondesign.com/where-to-splurge-and-save-when-building Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
108. How to Avoid Custom Home Exterior Regrets
Have you ever driven past a house and thought, something just looks off — but you couldn't quite put your finger on it? I see it all the time. And it's not just on low-cost homes … I see it on multi-million-dollar homes too. It's not a budget problem. It's a gap in the design process that SO many people miss completely. In this episode, I'm breaking down why some custom home exteriors end up looking awkward, and the one simple thing that prevents it. I'm also sharing my own personal story — including the moment I saw my home exterior in 3D for the first time and seriously hated it. 😬 If you're in the planning stages of your custom home build, tune into this one ... you'll be SO glad you did! EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/custom-home-exterior-regrets MY 3D RENDERING → carolineondesign.com/custom-home-build-must-do Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
107. Overwhelmed Building a Home? You’re Going to Be Okay!
Feeling overwhelmed just thinking about building a home is one of the most common things I hear from people planning a custom build. And, honestly, it makes complete sense. You're making hundreds of high-stakes decisions you've never had to make before, on a timeline that's largely outside of your control, with A LOT of money on the line. In this episode, I'm sharing what I've been learning from my business coach about balance — and why every single principle applies directly to your home build experience. Here's what we're covering: Why the chaos isn't actually the problem The two types of overwhelm you'll face during a build (and how to handle both) What you can do right now to feel more prepared and less reactive going into your build You're going to be okay. Promise. 🙌 EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/overwhelmed-building-a-home Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
106. Common Floor Plan Mistakes to Avoid
After auditing 300+ floor plans, I can tell you this: the same mistakes keep showing up. And they're not dramatic design flaws — they're subtle oversights that are easy to miss on paper but noticeable every single day once you're living in your home. In episode 106, I'm sharing the four most common floor plan patterns I see that lead to daily frustration and regrets — so you can catch them before construction begins. EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/common-floor-plan-mistakes FREE FLOOR PLAN WORKBOOK → carolineondesign.com/fp-free-workbook Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
105. Rising Construction Costs: Is Now the Right Time to Build?
If you're planning on building a custom home, rising construction costs are likely scaring you a little bit … and I totally get that! You might be wondering … Should we wait? Will prices come down? Will next year be a better time to build? These are completely normal thoughts, and you're not alone. But here's what most people don't fully think through … construction costs rarely drop in a meaningful, lasting way. So instead of asking yourself, "Will it be cheaper to build if we wait?", the better question is: "Is now the right time for us to build, given our budget, our goals, and our level of preparation?" In this episode, I'm walking you through whether waiting actually helps, and the specific questions to ask your builder to protect your budget, no matter what the market is doing. EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/rising-construction-costs Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
104. 9 Tips for Designing a Functional Kitchen
After living in my custom home for 12+ years, I've learned exactly what makes a kitchen truly functional versus just pretty. In this episode, I'm sharing 9 tips for designing a functional kitchen, including: Why you need at least 42" of walking space around your island The placement trick that makes everyday tasks so much easier Why a butler's pantry and coffee bar are at the TOP of my list for my next home Two things I'd change about my current kitchen after 12+ years The most beautiful kitchen won't make you happy if it doesn't work for how your family actually lives. This episode gives you real-life lessons so you can design a kitchen that makes your daily life easier—not more frustrating. FREE FLOOR PLAN WORKBOOK → carolineondesign.com/fp-free-workbook EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/9-tips-for-designing-a-functional-kitchen Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
103. 4 Things I Would Change if I Built My Home Again
Clients and podcast listeners ask me the same question over and over: "What would YOU change if you built your home again?" After living in my custom home for almost 13 years (and now planning my NEXT build), I've really been thinking about my answer to this question. I don't have any regrets, but there ARE some tweaks I would make. In this episode, I'm sharing four things I'd change if I built again, and four things I would NEVER change. We cover : Why separate primary closets are at the TOP of my list (for my next house) The exact kitchen island size I wish I had (and why I had to forego it) How combining my mudroom and laundry room seemed smart on paper, but doesn't work in real life The one thing I added to my daughters' closets but forgot to add to my own (oops!) 😳 PLUS, four things I got 100% right and would never change Thankfully, we took the time to plan strategically BEFORE we built, so none of these are actual regrets—they're just small things I'd tweak next time. This is what I want for YOU too. This episode gives you my real-life lessons learned so you can make smarter floor plan decisions NOW—before they become permanent. FREE FLOOR PLAN WORKBOOK: carolineondesign.com/fp-free-workbook EPISODE: carolineondesign.com/change-if-built-my-home-again Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
102. What You Need to Know Before Building a Custom Home!
Wondering what you need to know before building a custom home? In this episode, I'm answering the most common questions I hear from first-time custom home builders—the practical stuff you need to know BEFORE you start. You'll learn what the first step actually is (hint: it's NOT interviewing builders!), why you need a crystal clear vision before you ever get a quote, when the right time to start planning is (way earlier than you think!), and the two BIG mistakes that almost always lead to budget overages and regrets. Plus, I'm breaking down why planning 6-12 months ahead is your secret weapon for staying close to budget and loving your finished home. 🙌 If you're just dreaming about building or actively interviewing builders, this episode gives you the roadmap to avoid the mistakes that cost people tens of thousands of dollars (or more 😳). 🎉 BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ enrollment is open RIGHT NOW through Monday, February 9th! 🎉 Get all the details at carolineondesign.com/before-you-build EPISODE: carolineondesign.com/what-to-know-before-building-a-custom-home Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
101. First-Time Custom Home Build Advice From a Real Family!
First-time custom home build advice from a REAL family who just moved into their brand new home. Patrick and Jessica share their real experience going through BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ and how this program helped them build with confidence. In this episode, we cover: How they vetted and found their amazing custom home builder How they designed for how THEIR family actually lives Why you don't need to be a design expert to make great home decisions What mattered most to THEIR family How they managed a custom home build from three hours away How BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ worked in tandem with their builder Their real budget outcome (and WHY) Their top advice for anyone planning a custom home build Patrick and Jessica are living proof that the right preparation leads to confident building decisions—even when unexpected costs pop up. Ready to Follow the Same Framework? You can follow the exact same step-by-step framework Patrick and Jessica used. Enrollment for BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ opens February 2nd and closes February 9th. JOIN BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build 😘 But first, join me for my FREE live training where I'm teaching the "4 Steps to Build Within Budget and Without Regrets." It's happening Monday, February 2nd at 10:00 am Central Time. GRAB YOUR FREE SEAT → carolineondesign.com/free-training EPISODE → carolineondesign.com/first-time-custom-home-build-advice Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
100. Why Custom Homes Go Over Budget (+ How to Avoid This!)
Nine out of ten custom homes go over budget. 😳 If you're wondering WHY, this episode will show you exactly what's happening—and how to avoid it. I'm breaking down the real reasons most builds go 10-20% (or more!) over budget. You'll learn why that initial builder quote is NOT what your home will actually cost, the exact moment most people start blowing their budget (before construction even starts!), and what the 1 in 10 who stay on budget do differently. Plus, I'm sharing Mare's story—one of my clients who came in $6,500 UNDER budget while getting everything she wanted. 💪 If you're about to build, this episode gives you the roadmap to be one of the rare few who build on budget and love their home—no regrets, no financial stress. 🎉 FREE TRAINING! 🎉 Monday, February 2nd at 10 am CT → "4 Steps to Build Your Dream Home Within Budget and Without Regrets!" FREE TRAINING: carolineondesign.com/free-training EPISODE: carolineondesign.com/why-custom-homes-go-over-budget Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
099. 3 Critical Questions to Ask Home Builders Before You Sign
Choosing the right builder can make or break your entire home-building experience, so you want to be SURE you're choosing the RIGHT builder. In this episode, I'm sharing the three most important questions to ask home builders during interviews. These aren't the typical questions you'll find online. These are the questions that will save you time, stress, and thousands of dollars. You'll learn exactly what to listen for in their answers, how to spot red flags, and the one step most people skip that reveals everything you need to know about a builder. Plus, I'll walk you through how to make your final decision using both data AND your gut instinct. If you're interviewing builders (or about to start), this episode will give you the confidence to choose the right partner for your project. EPISODE: carolineondesign.com/questions-to-ask-home-builders Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
098. Building a Home in 2026? Ask Yourself This First!
Building a home in 2026? There's ONE question you need to ask yourself that will reveal whether you're truly ready—or just winging it. In this episode, I'm breaking down the difference between "planning" (aka browsing Pinterest) and ACTUALLY being prepared for your build. You'll hear a real example from clients who showed up so prepared that their builder and electrician were blown away. Plus, I'm sharing what strategic planning actually looks like—it's way simpler than you think and way more powerful. If you've been thinking, "I'll figure it out later," this episode is your wake-up call to start NOW. Want to feel confident and prepared for your build? Join the waitlist for BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ at carolineondesign.com/before-you-build. Doors open February 2nd! EPISODE: carolineondesign.com/building-a-home-2026 Get the SPLURGE + SAVE PLANNER℠ → carolineondesign.com/splurge-blog-promo Join BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ → carolineondesign.com/before-you-build Download FREE HOME BUILD GUIDE → carolineondesign.com/home-build-guide My FREE CLASS → Build Within Budget and Without Regrets! Grab your seat at carolineondesign.com/free-training
