One Year of Interviews: Best Advice, Biggest Lessons

In this one-year anniversary episode of *Home: The Second Story*, we look back at what the podcast has taught us about homeowners, custom projects, and the conversations people need before they begin. The show started as a way to let past clients talk to future clients, because a homeowner’s voice lands differently than advice from an architect. Over the past year, that format has expanded to include homeowners, industry professionals, snack episodes, and mailbag questions. The goal is still the same: help people understand what a custom home or renovation really feels like before they are deep in it. One big lesson is that people want help at the beginning. The most downloaded episodes are about how to start, what a project costs, and how to assemble the right team. Those questions come up constantly because early uncertainty is hard to sort through with Google or AI alone. A real professional can give context. A number like $400 per square foot may be a starting point, but every project depends on the site, access, soil, scope, location, and team. We also talk about the emotional side of construction. Renovations often start with excitement when demo begins, then crash when the house is stripped down and unrecognizable. New construction has a similar letdown after the foundation and framing go up quickly, then the project slows while trades begin their work. These moments are normal, but they can feel alarming to homeowners who have never been through them. Part of our job is technical, but part of it is helping people feel steady when the project gets stressful. Another theme is that *problems are not the real issue*. The real issue is *how the team responds* when problems happen. Good architects, builders, designers, trades, and suppliers make the project safer because they know how to gather facts, make a plan, and keep moving. That is why starting strong matters. Who you choose in the beginning shapes the entire experience. We also talk about knowing yourself. Homeowners often overestimate what they can take on and underestimate how much coordination a custom project requires. Picking finishes is only one part of the work. The real value is in making sure every piece fits together, works over time, and supports the way the family actually lives. A custom home should be custom. It should not be built around resale fears or assumptions about what a house is supposed to have. After one year, the podcast has shown us that the same questions and emotions come up across the country. People are trying to make homes that support family, work, aging parents, kids, gatherings, privacy, and everyday life. The details may change by region, but the experience is familiar.  Finally, we invite homeowners and industry professionals to come on the show. There are many good people in this industry ready to help homeowners get the details right. (00:00) Intro (02:41) Adding industry professionals to the mix (02:48) Reaching 20,000 downloads (04:37) Why starting and cost episodes perform best (06:56) Why online answers can miss project context (08:51) The emotional side of home projects (14:35) Helping clients process bad news (15:57) What homeowners wish they knew earlier (21:22) Assembling the right team (22:35) Trusting the vibes when choosing people and places (25:17) Resale value versus lifestyle investment (28:13) Why custom should actually be custom (29:23) Why mailbag episodes are useful (32:13) Outsourcing the wrong things (32:52) Undervaluing your own time (35:52) Why design work is more than picking finishes (38:45) Collaboration and execution (39:05) Why hiring professionals can save money (43:01) Invitation for future guests (44:44) Closing and contact information Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us!  [admin@htsspodcast.com](mailto:admin@htsspodcast.com) Learn about our hosts: Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.