The Spruce Homes Show

This one is going to get you thinking!  If you think custom home building is complicated, wait until you listen to this one :).  We are joined with Amelie Caron to talk about energy efficiency, high performance homes, and different ways to think about affordability and the investments you make into your home.  If you are interested in smart building and data driven building decision, this episode is for you!  We are entering into a new era of home construction, and this episode will help bring a little bit of insight into what that looks like.

Have you ever considered completing your own build or renovation?  Is it coming from a point of pride or a way to save some money?  On today's episode, we are joined by Dustin Sikler and Heather Fritz to talk about their personal experiences.  Both have completed renovations and builds of their own - some by themselves and others with professional builders.  We sit down with them to have a frank conversation about their experience and see things from their side of the table plus bring up some things to think about ourselves.  If you are considering building or renovating, this is a MUST listen!  

Affordability, quality, and sustainability are at the forefront of the home building conversation right now.  Those three concepts are very difficult to combine in our worlds current climate and it’s critical that we have people on our side advocating for us (as builders and consumers).  In today’s episode we talk with the Saskatoon & Region Home Builder’s Association to understand the importance of the work they do for us as home buyers (locally, provincially and federally) and also to understand the importance of building or renovating with reputable companies that are part of a local association!

On today's episode we are VERY excited to welcome a special guest, Kerri Tucker!  Kerri is a real estate agent here in Saskatoon and has a very personal story about the risks of radon. On this episode Brad and Kerri talk about what radon is and why you NEED to be aware of it.  We live in a province that contains high radon exposure, so being educated and aware is important.  Enjoy this episode and share it with everyone you know to get this important message out there!  

Living in Saskatchewan, we often get questions about building through the winter.  Should you? Shouldn't you?  How does the process change and how can that affect both quality and pricing?  In todays episode, Brad dives into some of those questions and gives you some answers, busts some myths about off season building and gives some general takeaways to consider!  

In today's episode, Brad and Kaitlyn talk about the top ten things they would consider including in a custom home.  The joys of custom building is that you get to design a home that is beautiful, functional and comfortable.  We consider all three of these in our top 10.  We'd love tp hear what you would include - find us on Instagram and comment with your top inclusions!

We are in a very different place than last year's market update.  With interest rates being a major topic of conversation and the media pushing the severity of a looming recession, fear in the market has definitely become a reality.  But is now the time to push the construction of your custom home another calendar year?  Maybe.  Or maybe not.  We can't tell you that for sure, but in today's episode we do discuss what we are seeing in the residential construction industry and how that may impact your decision moving forward.  Although we don't have a crystal ball, we do hope you can take a couple nuggets from today's episode to help your decision making! 

In our last episode in "Our Process" series, we are talking about construction.  What does the experience look like from your side of the table during construction?  Brad walks through what our process looks like and gives some insight into what you can expect.  From communication to problem solving, the construction experience is a critical piece of the puzzle to ensure that you have the best custom home building experience possible!

Are you building an infill now or in the future?  If so, this episode is for you!  We curated a list of things that you should be aware of prior to building.  Some of these things may add cost to your project and others may add time.  Either way, you will want to be aware of these so that when the time comes, you are prepared.  From site conditions to permit times, we go in depth about each item so that you can be informed!

When you are building a custom home, it is critical that a solid design system is in place.  This is where the interior and exterior design pulls together with the architectural design and the entire home becomes cohesive.  Without a solid process details can get missed, pricing can get out of hand and communication can break down.  In this week's episode, Kaitlyn breaks down what our Design Process looks like and gives you some insight into what it would look like to work with Spruce Homes!

If you are building a custom home, change orders are likely going to be part of the process.  You want to get your home just right and often times throughout construction you may want to tweak a few things from the original plan.  That's ok!  But you also don't want changes to get out of hand where costs sky rocket and the experience becomes stressful or frustrating.  Although eliminating change orders completely may be unrealistic, there are definitely ways to reduce them so that you can enjoy the ride.  Today's episode tackles some practical ways to do just that so that everything can go as smooth as you expect!

Have you ever talked to someone who built a custom home and heard about surprise costs that jumped up along the way?  It's not a pleasant experience!  It's an important thing to keep in mind - there is always a potential for cost over runs throughout the project.  Different contract types can protect you from some overruns, but even with a fixed price contract there are always scenarios where costs can pop up on you.  To help prepare you (both financially and mentally) for some of those possibilities, we sit down and talk about a short list of things that could potentially add cost to your build even AFTER you’ve signed a contract.  

After living in the house we built for three years, there have been some lessons learned.  Things that we would do the same, and things that we would do differently.  Living in a house you built gives a new perspective and helps better guide clients through their build.  To kickoff Season 2, we wanted to start light and talk through the things that we have learned and maybe help guide you as you start thinking about your new home.  Enjoy!   

Once you finish your project and move it, you want it to feel like home.  Part of that feeling is making sure the furniture fits with your new space.  In this episode, Kaitlyn discusses things to think through when you are furniture shopping, tips, and trends we are seeing for 2022.  If you are in the planning stages of a build or renovation this is something you will want to consider sooner rather than later!

You're planning to build a custom home, but you have no idea what it will cost.  Where do you start?  Unfortunately, the answer isn't as straight forward as you would like, but we on this weeks episode we break down what our Pricing Process looks like.  From inspiration, to floor plans, to pricing, we walk with you through the entire journey to get you to that answer - what will it cost!?   

Whether you are planning on building your dream home or doing an extensive renovation to create one, financing plays a crucial role.  While it may not be a glamorous topic, we all need to organize our "Benjamins" before starting a project.  On this episode Brad is joined by a special guest, Ron Quaroni to break down what construction financing looks like - both from the perspective of custom building as well as renovations.  If you're starting your construction journey,  play this episode a couple times to be sure you grab all the concepts and nuggets that are thrown your way!  

Hint: it's far from straightforward...   

One of the ongoing conversations we are having these days revolves around pricing.  Where is it now and where is it going?  At the moment, there are a few macro-economic factors at play that are impacting the overall market.  There are a ton of complexities and the the world is ever-changing.  In this episode, Brad goes over some of the macro events and dives into how they are impacting us here at home.  Would he build right now, or would he hold off?  Listen to this episode to find out his thoughts!

This week we have a special guest from Durabuilt Windows & Doors.  Daniel Serrano joins Brad to give some insight into a part of your home that often gets overlooked - windows.  Windows play a crucial part in the comfort and feeling of your home but also play a vital role in efficiency.  Sit down with Brad and Danny before you start designing your next project to think more about your new window selections and how they can impact the overall comfort and performance of your house!   

This week, we decided to go off topic and mix in something different - working with your spouse.  It's something that we have a first hand perspective on that most don't.  This episode is a fun way to bring you inside the realities of blending marriage and business.  Whether you are thinking of going into business with your significant other or you are just looking for some laughs at our expense, give this episode a listen!

Whether you are building a new home or starting a renovation project, trust is crucial!  But how do you know you can trust them?  Other than gut feel, what are tangible things that you can do in order to create a sense of peace before you make a decision?  In todays episode, Brad lists six tangible things you can do before you sign that construction contract.  Whether you do one or all of them, you will have a better insight into how the builder operates and will help you feel confident moving forward!

Are you dreaming of your big project?  One thing you should think through while you are day dreaming is the contract structure you would like to see.  Exciting, hey?  Different contract types have benefits and drawbacks.  There is no right or wrong way to do it, but depending on your personality type you may lean one way or the other.  In today's episode, we walk through a few pro's and con's of fixed price and cost plus pricing to help you be better prepared for when ink hits paper!

Whether you are buying land for an acreage or a lot in the city, there are a few things that you should think through prior to your purchase.  On today's episode, Brad talks about what some of those things are and argues why it's important to get your builder involved early.  If a new build is in your future, this episode is a must listen!

Selecting the right paint sheen can be a crucial part of how the finish turns out.  Different sheens are made for different purposes - some hide imperfections really well while others are really durable.  Considering the usage of each space (and material), as well as the imperfections that may come to light are important factors to consider while selecting sheens.  In todays short episode, Kaitlyn breaks down each sheen, the benefits of each and where you should consider using them! 

Do you expect to pay for pricing on your construction projects or are you looking to get that for free before you decide to move forward with a project?  On today's episode, Brad talks about the pro's and con's of free estimates and why you should actually seek out builders that charge for pricing upfront.  It's counterintuitive based on the norm, but it's worth a listen! 

Energy efficiency is taking more and more of a centre seat to the building conversation.  But you know what isn't?  Air leakage.  Insulation and solar seem to guide the efficiency conversation and air leakage takes a back seat.  What people don't realize is how important air leakage really is.  Beyond potential moisture issues it can cause, air leakage can drastically decrease the efficiency of the materials you use.  Today's episode tackles the importance of managing air leakage and how you can use technology to build a better house for less money.  Tune in!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! We are only days away from Christmas so we thought it would be fun to talk about some of our favourite Christmas memories and how they tie into design.  Join us in our light hearted conversation and hear some personal stories from Kaitlyn's first Canadian Christmas all the way back to some of our fondest childhood Christmas memories.  We hope you guys enjoy this one and have a very special 2021 Christmas.  God Bless!

Prepare for your mouth to water! Join Kaitlyn and our special guest, Ashley Quick (Certified Sports Nutritionist), as they chat about Ashley's favourite holiday recipes for entertaining! You'll want to have a pen and paper handy for this episode so you can try these holiday favourites on your family too! Looking to watch your figure over the holidays??? Listen through to the end and Ashley will share her favourite tip on how NOT to over indulge during holiday gatherings!

Christmas time is here and we all love decorating for the holidays!  But decorating is all about creating that feeling - it's more than just the decor.  On this episode, Brad and Kaitlyn talk about creative things you can do to create that holiday feeling in your own home and the personal touches that they add throughout the holiday season that add that extra flare of Christmas spirit!

You are paying good money for your custom home, right?  And you have high expectations for the experience and end product, correct?  I hope that's the case and that would be our expectation too!  With that expectation, there are certain things that your builder requires to make that happen - time, people, planning, and profits!  Today we talk about why you should be rooting for your builder to be profitable and the impact that it has on you.  We know that money is always a touchy subject, but it shouldn't be!  It's all around us and it has a direct impact on your experience as a client.  

Everybody knows what an "Inspo Photo" is - a photo that you see online or in a magazine that gives you creative ideas for your space.  The challenge is how to use those photos.  In todays episode we talk about the pros and cons of inspo photos and things to consider when surfing the web for inspiration.  If you are simply dreaming about your next house, currently planning your build or in the middle of a project this episode is for you!   

Slot scheduling - what the heck is that and why do I care??  Maintaining the quality of construction takes time and it takes effort.  Your builders time management is an important aspect to make sure that your project is finished to the level you expect.  Slot scheduling is a system that helps with that.  On today's episode Brad helps break down what slot scheduling is and why it impacts your next project!  Whether you are planning to build or renovate, this will be valuable to understand! 

When you're building or renovating there are countless places to spend your money.  There are always compromises to be made and the decision is different for everyone, but today we talk about where we would splurge and where we would save.  Your family dynamic always plays a big role but we give you some things to think about before you start your big project!

The decision to buy, build or renovate is always a tricky question, but in a hot market it can be even tougher.  Today, Brad is joined by Dustin Sikler and Heather Fritz to discuss how to navigate that decision.  Whether you are looking to add space to your existing home or build new from scratch, the three of them discuss how to get to a decision you can be confident in by being patient, doing your research and seeking advice.  In the end, there are no right or wrong answers, but it is important to feel good about your decision!

For anyone about to start a construction project, this one is for you!  In episode 11, Brad breaks down how he would interview a builder if he was in a clients shoes.  Seeing things from both sides of the table and considering his experience over the past 6 years he lays out questions he would ask, topics he would discuss and how to get to the most the most important thing - Trust!  

Wanna know something cool?  You DON'T necessarily go to school just to get into a new career.  Both Spruce Homes designers broke into their design careers with no schooling.  Together, Kaitlyn and Brooke talk about their experience getting into the world of design and the steps they took to get there.  If you are looking for an inspiring story of two women killing it, this one is for you!

Why are prices so high!?!?!  This is a question I get asked and think about almost weekly now-a-days.  There are a ton of complexities to this question and the answers are ever-changing.  In this episode, Faith Atteberry sits down with us to discuss some of the overarching reasons prices got to where they are, helps gives some insight into what will need to happen for prices to settle and other challenges that our current market has created.  Do we think that prices are going to continue to rise?  Are they going to crash back to where they were?  Or is this our new status quo?  Listen to this episode to find out our thoughts!

Growing a business is hard work.  It's a lot of heavy lifting and learning on the fly.  We have been no different.  On today's episode, Brad & Kaitlyn talk about where Spruce Homes started, where they are today and how they got from A to B.  They share a couple stories and discuss lessons learned through their time in business so far.  If you are looking for "the scoop", give this episode a listen!

It's interesting when you look back how the way you grew up impacts how you function as an adult.  In this episode, Brad and Kaitlyn talk through how their childhoods moulded them into who they are today and the unique path that brought them to be self-employed.  If you are interested in learning the people behind the people, this episode will be right up your alley!

Building, renovating or simply replacing your flooring?  Give this episode a listen! Together, Brad and Ryan Ketchum from Flooring Superstore talk all things flooring.  Ryan gives insights into how to spot quality products, he discuss's the impact freight has had on timelines and pricing, helps us understand how flooring and lifestyle mesh, and much more.  Listen to this episode before you go select your flooring and it will gear you for what to look for and questions to ask!   

What are the most important parts of your build?  Of course they're all important, but we would argue the beginning (structural) and the end (finishing).  The importance of the last three weeks is often over looked.  It's when everything comes together, when everything gets touched up, and when everything gets made "just right".  There is always more to that finishing stage then you think and in this episode, Brad is joined by Spruce Homes' carpenter Scott Muller to discuss why the last stage of your build should NOT be rushed!

We're in the 21st century and technology is here to stay!  Like other industries, we are now able to leverage technology to help build a better house all while creating a better experience for you, the client.  On this episode Brad is joined by our Project Manager, Adam to discuss how we use technology to be better.  From scheduling to logs to change orders, they all help to make the process more seamless.  If you're curious about behind the scenes organization that happens in construction and get an understanding of how it helps bring a better experience to you, make sure to listen!

If you're trying to get the best price possible getting quotes from multiple contractors makes sense, right?  Well, maybe...  If price is your ONLY objective then you are probably on the right track.  But if you are looking for more than that, simply pricing multiple contractors isn't the way to go.  Instead, you need to interview multiple builders and understand which one fits you the best.  The reason simply pricing multiple contractors won't get you what you're looking for is because of the complexity of construction.  Beyond price, there are a lot of other factors to consider:

• Different contractors price differently
  • Your floor plans may not match your budget
• Quality difference's between contractors is inevitable 
• Allowance items likely won't all be the same
• Service is different with each contractor
• Personalities are different
• Warranty programs will differ 
• Build experience won't all be the same

In this episode, we talk about the nuances of each of these and why interviewing builders is more important than simply pricing.

Your house is more then that - it's your home.  It's where you spend a large part of your time and where lifetime memories are made.  To make those memories even more special, we believe your home should portray your personality.  But how do you do that?  In this episode, Kaitlyn walks us through how she brings personality to a space in both permanent and temporary ways.  She talks about compromising, taking your time and being patient, and getting out of your comfort zone!