Blueprints for Perfection: Unveiling Homebuilding Secrets and Mastering Interior Design - Episode 48

Ever wondered how the construction world manages to nail every detail when building your dream home or renovating your cozy space? That's what I, Chris Kirby, dive into in our latest episode. As a seasoned owner of three construction companies, I pull back the curtain on the intricacies of homebuilding and remodeling. We tackle the essentials, from understanding lien waivers to the importance of assessing a contractor's work – a must-know if you're a DIY enthusiast, thinking about hiring a pro, or if you're in the industry yourself.

Then, we step into the creative universe of interior design, where inspiration meets pragmatism. I share the secrets behind designing spaces that not only reflect client dreams but also adapt to the ever-changing tides of product availability. We navigate through the challenges of product selection and tight timelines, especially crucial when dealing with fixed-end-date construction loans. Whether you're a future client or a fellow contractor, this episode is brimming with key insights to help you stay on top of your game and ensure the end result is as stunning as the vision that started it all.

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

The Homebuilding and Remodeling Show. Let's go. Welcome everybody to the Homebuilding and Remodeling Show. My name is Chris Kirby and I'll be your host. I am the owner of three construction companies on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The show is about residential construction. We're going to cover topics of homebuilding and remodeling. Are you thinking of doing a remodel or building a home? Are you a contractor looking to improve your knowledge base or grow your business? Have you ever done a remodel project or built a home? There were so many things you wish you knew or that you could have done differently during the process. Then this show is for you. We break down the process of building and remodeling and how to have the best results during your project. Whether you are a DIYer looking for tips, someone looking to hire a contractor to do a project, or a contractor looking to expand your knowledge base or your business, welcome aboard. Glad to have you. Stay tuned. We kick off the show with my thoughts on homebuilding and remodeling. I'll share best practices and talk about some of our experiences in business and out in the field. These shared thoughts and lessons learned are meant to help you on your very own journey. Let's go.

Speaker 1: 1:27

Number 19 is can you provide a written lean waiver. Okay, so what is a lean and how can it be performed by a contractor? So a contractor can put a lien against your property. They can go to the courthouse and pay a certain amount to put a contractor's lien or mechanics lien or there's some different terms that are used in different areas. They can put a contractor's lien against your property for non-payment. It may be so understanding that once the work is done, if they are paid out, they should write a written lien waiver saying that we have no claim against this property anymore, we have been paid in full and we are satisfied. They have satisfied their contract and for the client, we have satisfied our contract and there is no reason for the contractor to want to put a lien against the property. Most of the time when that happens, it's for non-payment and understand the contractor has every right. Now, whether the reasoning behind the non-payment and stuff at this point is null and void, because you will have to take that up, probably in court. If there is an issue for non-payment, you may have a reason in your mind that something didn't get complete or something wasn't up to par, so you decided that you were not going to pay them out. So it's their right to do a lien and try to recoup that money or time lost or whatever it is, and at that point there's probably going to be more to it.

Speaker 1: 3:13

So number 20 is can you show me examples of any similar projects? Okay, so this one's a little different than question four, which was have you worked on similar projects? So number four is saying have you worked on similar projects? Which means have you done a kitchen? If you're doing a kitchen, this one is can you show me completed work or examples of in-work projects? And the reason being okay, I'm not the biggest fan, I'll put this in here because it is important to ask, and some contractors will be accommodating and we'll show you job sites. But if they don't, don't take it as a knock on the contractor or that they're not proud of their work. But there may be sensitive reasons, you know. Maybe the homeowner doesn't want you in their house. But it is important to ask that question because you never know if they do have empty houses or empty job sites that you can come and take a look, and that is really one of the best ways to determine how your project is going to be managed.

Speaker 1: 4:20

Maybe not turned out. You know how it's going to turn out per se, because if you go into an in-work project sometimes remodeling, this is remodeling, this is renovation so it's not always going to be, you know, just a pretty project. So the site is going to get ugly sometimes and nasty and you're going to, you know, have trash and stuff like that. However, that should be kind of managed and you shouldn't really you shouldn't walk onto a job site and it totally be trashed out bottles everywhere, cove cans or any of that type of stuff. So if that's going on, they're being a little sloppy.

Speaker 1: 5:00

You can identify that and you have a choice to make. Well, you know it's. Is it absorbing it? Is it a lot, is it too much? Is it something that you know that I want on my house or my project and my? You know the job site to look when they're doing it for me, and so, and then also you can look for quality. If you, if you want to go look at an in-work job, you can go and see who's working on it. You can see, you know what the job site sounds like, look like, smells like, and you can make sure that you know you're really vetting your contractor.

Speaker 1: 5:38

And then, from a contractor's perspective again, if they don't want you to come look at an in-work job site, there may be many reasons for that, number one being that the homeowner Really doesn't want any more people in their house. Or even if they're an away homeowner for you know, we get that a lot down here on the Gulf Coast where people aren't here and we may be working on their house. They may be out of town, it may be a condo, there's a number of reasons, but they just don't want a lot of traffic through their house. And so you know, sometimes the contractor really just can't show you an in-work project and then, after the fact, a lot of the times, people just really want to be left alone. They may give the contractor a good review, but they don't want a bunch of people coming by their house and stuff like that.

Speaker 1: 6:26

So you know, but it is a good Screening tool and you know again, not just can you show me some in Completed projects, right, but also it's you know how many have you done and you know what their experience level is. Gauge that. This is a great tool for gauging that. And now we move into shop talk. It's the portion of the show where I bring in a co-host and we cover trending topics in home building and remodeling. Hope you enjoy. Let's go I.

Speaker 2: 6:59

Knew I knew right then I hope this is what I wanted to do. Yeah, my last few years playing, I wasn't like, I was like half in and out.

Speaker 1: 7:06

So what would you say to somebody then? And if you know because I know personally, I know a lot of kids that that's it for them. I'm balling, I'm gonna, I'm going to go to college for ball, I'm going to get to the league, I hear that all the time. But as my wife is assistant principal at Robberstale and so we're very involved, we you know and and we hear that, as these kids are thinking that's, that's it, so they're not taking some of the other stuff serious, exactly, you know and I feel like that's that's what you got to come in and kind of play or the like by those resources.

Speaker 2: 7:40

I think that's a dangerous space to be in. Yeah, you know you tie everything into one, something like that. You know that's your work, that's who you are. You like that shit. You know you, that becomes your image. So when you don't have it, you have a lot of people that just crumble, you know. I mean they feel worthless. I don't feel like they got nothing else to provide to the world, to the community. So I feel like that's a dangerous mindset to have and that we definitely should be on the forefront right now. I am anyway, yeah, to provide resources to these kids and, like you know, open them up to other stuff.

Speaker 1: 8:09

Yeah, and and, and that's where the encouragement is, for, you know, the trade schools, and especially here we're about to get the new prep Academy, um, but given the kids that just necessarily ain't bookworms or, you know, book smart, but they've got, they've got to figure out a passion. That's where the trade schools come in Very good. That's where advocating for the construction trades and stuff comes into play. And I think, too, what Ryan's talking about is hey, go hard on the field or on the court, but don't let that be your only avenue.

Speaker 2: 8:45

Don't let that be. Yeah, you gotta find out who you are, what you like. I really went through that. That's what I'm saying. It wasn't as bad, but one day I really just sat down like damn, who am I? I decided this, especially when I got ready to hang it up. I'm like that's, who am I? What do I like? I didn't know, but I didn't do anything else Outside of I feel like I like construction. I like building, you know.

Speaker 3: 9:10

Yeah.

Speaker 2: 9:12

I'm investing in real estate, so it kind of just it worked out that way. I want to do this part of it. Heck yeah.

Speaker 1: 9:19

Is there any plan in the future for you as you're growing your company and you're learning more about what these schools and programs are? Is there going to be any opportunities for people to kind of give way to you, absolutely.

Speaker 2: 9:36

I mean me and Stacey actually went down to Folder to check out some of the work, like the job Freddie had there. I also have another profit that I'm like reboot now and that's what we're doing. Oh yeah, it's the B's, flay's, charlie, that's it, impact 22. So that's kind of my in-game too. Not only is it a builder, but I'm here, I'm going to invest here. I like what Baldwin County is growing. I know how it's growing and I just want to be a part of that now.

Speaker 1: 10:02

Yeah, so okay, so let's pivot a little bit and talk about advocacy and talk about Impact 22. I didn't know that, so let's talk about what it is and how we can get Impact 22 out there for you.

Speaker 2: 10:19

So that's what we did Last since 2020, I think we started 19,. We started it and we do financial liturities our main thing and I just kind of we ship this workforce development and provide resources for that.

Speaker 1: 10:34

Okay, yeah, connecting them because and I'm so glad we're on this topic you can test to this when you went from school to the NFL, you got a contract, right, and everybody don't understand, like when you get that money, what to do with it, right, and that financial literacy piece, now did they have people when you went into the league that would talk or how?

Speaker 2: 11:09

no-transcript. You have like the basic stuff that they bring out, but not in depth, it's not nearly. It's not what it should be. You know what I'm saying? I feel like it should be really like driven in and it shouldn't. At that point, when you're an adult, it don't matter to them, like so I don't blame it. I feel like. I feel like it's gotta be learned at a young age. Like so I got you.

Speaker 1: 11:29

And these kids were like this was in your ear when you were in high school, when you were, you know, and you were being hey, you gotta be smart. Here's the basics of money. Is that what you're doing? Right, right, right.

Speaker 2: 11:42

Just providing those resources. You know what I mean. Like that's what impact 22 is about. You know, bridging that gap.

Speaker 1: 11:48

And making sure that, even if they do and that's the thing I think you know having you can't have a zero mindset where you're just focused on one thing laser sharp and you can't talk about finances or you don't have time to, you know, look at anything else, because even if you do make it to the league, it only lasts every three years two, three years, so you have a long time to live.

Speaker 2: 12:16

After that, even if you played 10 years, you still were 35 and you get out 34 and you got a lot of life left. So you got to really just figure out who you are.

Speaker 1: 12:26

Absolutely. So we're gonna talk more about impact 22,. And then we're definitely gonna catch back up with you, man, sure for sure. And I'm glad you came on, because we just found out of this before and I truly believe it and I think it was just being in the Navy and seeing the diversity and how that diversity drove success and stuff like that. And you know we believe representation matters, and so for somebody like you to come on and talk to our audience, where it is heavy, you know, heavily diverse and Hispanic black in the construction industry, for them to know that you're doing impact 22, that you are in the construction industry even after going to the league, but this is what you choose to do, right? I think that's amazing, it speaks volumes to your character and we really appreciate you coming on. I appreciate y'all having me man. Yes, sir, all right, we'll see you next time. And then we'll catch back up with Ryan and we're definitely gonna have him on the show again and we'll talk a little bit more about his nonprofit impact 22. And then we'll talk about 22 builds and maybe check on the development he's got going on. So so appreciate you.

Speaker 1: 13:45

Now we're gonna move into the portion of the show where we talk interior design. We're gonna bring in an interior designer and we're gonna talk trending design and products. Hope you enjoy. Let's go. You looking, you're looking at the space too, right? And then you've done that. You've looked at the space, you've taken your notes, you've talked to the client. Now it's time to come back to the office and start putting it together. So talk to me about putting it together.

Speaker 3: 14:17

With the boards, and so I like to. I spend a lot of time on mine because I want them. If they really, really like it, I want them to be able to go buy that product immediately. So I'm not just officially throwing things out, Gotcha, Just give them, cause they do have vision boards too. Some people call them vision boards.

Speaker 1: 14:37

Vision boards.

Speaker 3: 14:38

But I'm not just trying to give you a vision, I'm trying to give you something that you can actually. That's reality.

Speaker 1: 14:42

What you're saying is when you're doing your mood boards. There are quick mood boards there are. A way to do it quickly, but you tend to take your time and put stuff that they can actually click the link or go and buy.

Speaker 3: 14:56

Right, right, I can already have a price on it. I know immediately that fits their budget and that's important, because if I add things that are crazy amount of money and that's not in their budget, they're gonna be like why did you even show me that? That's yet even a reality.

Speaker 1: 15:11

And now I'm glad you said that tip Like that. That is a good tip of the day right there, as an interior designer, is making sure that you understand the budget Right Because, like you said, people will get aggravated if you have been given a budget right and you're showing them things outside of the budget. And I've seen salesmen or sales women do that and they do it on purpose.

Speaker 3: 15:39

Right.

Speaker 1: 15:40

And it really rubs people the wrong way. Where they may be condition based or whatever it is, for whatever reason, they immediately are showing stuff outside of the budget.

Speaker 3: 15:51

And if they're turned off or they see something that maybe I have put on there and they're like, well, we wanted something a little fancier, then I can say, well, that is probably gonna be $100 more or 200. I can raise the bar in that moment, but I feel like at least it gives them a starting point to whatever budget they were wanting to stay.

Speaker 1: 16:08

Well, not only that, though. Sometimes you get the reverse, where you put together the mood board, they're happy. They come into our showroom and start looking around and say, oh, show me this in face to face, and then they see the nicer or something that they just want, right. And then that's when you have the conversation of if it's, maybe it does fit well with the project, but it is over your budget and some people. Then they just want it and they're like I will pay more Exactly, which is different than Right, and they have done that, and Kyle really I would say more than anything really sucks them in fast.

Speaker 3: 16:45

If they find a pretty tile, they're willing to. Just we'll do everything around that just so I can have that tile. If I had to go cheaper on hardware or wherever, that happens a lot too.

Speaker 1: 16:57

You said I'll do everything around that. Is there a central focus when you're planning a room?

Speaker 3: 17:03

I think it depends on the client, because everybody has different Breakfast peak, because sometimes you're working with items that were given to them, either deceased parent or-.

Speaker 1: 17:14

So it actually is a focal point and could help start the theme or the concept of the design.

Speaker 3: 17:20

Or if they're an antique collector. I'm not gonna go in there with contemporary modern ideas, so we kind of have to-.

Speaker 1: 17:27

And that's where the experience factor plays a big part, because there should never really be a no and I can't do it. It's a do you have the experience enough to work with the canvas?

Speaker 3: 17:42

And I mentioned that the other day too. There's been very few projects where, 100% of it, I've been like I would have done this exact thing in my own health, because everybody has different tastes and everybody has different whatever so likes and interests and so and anyway. But you have to work with the client and give them what they want and make it where everybody's happy.

Speaker 1: 18:06

And then moving on from mood boards to some of the current projects that we have in work, because you are actually in work on mood boards for projects how does the dust can a mood board evolve? So your original concept, can that evolve to something?

Speaker 3: 18:25

different. After the console I'll put a board together At that point. It's a lot of communication, mainly over the phone, narrowing down their lights, or I'll go ahead and meet with them in person at a stone yard or countertop.

Speaker 1: 18:41

So there's some. It's like you're physically going shopping and things right.

Speaker 3: 18:45

And then we'll have another meeting, another follow up after that concept board, mood board is put together again and then at that time we can go through it, make sure it's everything they want, or if there's some changes that they wanna make, it's I just X-Model Olivia. Phone's usually closed.

Speaker 1: 19:04

And then you gotta finalize the concept. Now let's talk about ordering and implementation. Right, we've run into this, where we had the concept, it changed. Now you've got a new mood board and then you go to shop for items because, like you said, you put a clickable link on there and maybe between time now correct me if I'm wrong, but that was month one that you did the concept. Month three you've changed a little bit. Month four that item's out of stock, right? So you finally settle with the client and then you gotta have a backup.

Speaker 3: 19:44

Right, I'm normally doing the new builds, so that does allow me for the grace period there.

Speaker 1: 19:51

first, Sure, those are periods, right, you make selections at certain periods in the build.

Speaker 3: 19:57

Right. So from point A to C or whatever, I've got months right, two, three months in between there before I'm ordering anything. So I can. But what I do is I sporadically check on those products that we have to get in the lead time.

Speaker 1: 20:14

Step two as you're doing your mood board, especially if you're on a longer project, you need to continually check on the product itself and make sure it's still in stock or the lead time right so you may have the item in stock. However, it doesn't ship for months and if you're at a point in a new build, we're moving because once we pass a certain level of inspection, there is a timeline on this. Once you're done with four-way and you start getting to the cosmetic work, you're finalizing the project, because the client, if they're doing financing or construction loan, they really do have a cap. They've got to be in by a certain date and sometimes the design can get lost in just the timeliness of the project. Thanks for joining us today. As always, we are grateful for our listeners and your continued support. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow us on social media via Facebook, instagram and TikTok, get more info at our website, wwwthethombuildingshowcom. And, as always, remember who we are the Homebuilding and Remodeling Show, music playing.