One of the biggest problems I see with clients who are building a home for the first time is they do not have a good understanding of how long it takes to design a custom home and how long it takes to get the pieces in place so that design work can start. www.n3architecture.com  Resources: - 5 Tips to Start Your Project - Book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects https://n3architecture.com/resources

Designing custom homes you see many mistakes that a homeowner might make, especially when they are not working with an architect. Here are 10 of those mistakes that I have learned to avoid in the projects that I design.  www.n3architecture.com  Resources: - 5 Tips to Start Your Project - Book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects https://n3architecture.com/resources

#042: Today we are going to be talking about why it is important to get a survey for your property before, or at least concurrently with the start of design work. This applies to both new construction and addition projects. I will describe why the survey is important, what should be included on the survey, approximately how much it should cost you and how early in the project you should be contacting a surveyor. Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential...

#041: Today we are going to be talking about purchasing land for your new home. How do you know that what you want to build will be even possible? How do you know that you made the right decision on which lot to purchase? Listen to this episode for some tips and mistakes I see people making when buying land. Consider purchasing a copy of my book: The Homeowner's Guide to Residential Design and Construction Projects. It is available as a PDF download through my website or in a paperback...

#040: Today I speak with Doug Reigle and Shannon Cawley of the Henry Co. about the products they offer, all about Blueskin and about the importance of a building envelope. Visit the Henry Website for more information visit n3 architecture for more information If you are an architect or architecture student, you need to be part of the EntreArchitect Community - visit the resources for architects page of my website for more information Intro music by Purple Planet Music

#039: Today we are continuing the series on getting started on your project and we are talking about hiring an architect. When should you hire an architect? How do you find an architect, how do you find the right architect? What questions should you ask before hiring an architect? These questions and more are covered in this episode. visit n3 architecture for more information If you are an architect or architecture student, you need to be part of the EntreArchitect Community - visit the...

#038: Today I am giving tips on what you should be thinking about, planning for and tasks you should be completing during the pre-planning stage of your project. visit n3 architecture for more information If you are an architect or architecture student, you need to be part of the EntreArchitect Community - visit the resources for architects page of my website for more information Intro music by Purple Planet Music

#037: Today we are talking all about countertops, the different materials, pros and cons for each, cost, durability and much more visit n3 architecture for more information If you are an architect or architecture student, you need to be part of the EntreArchitect Community - visit the resources for architects page of my website for more information Intro music by Purple Planet Music

#036: Today I am going to be discussing the pros and cons of purchasing online stock house plans - when it makes sense to purchase and when it doesnt. As someone who has dabbled in putting stock plans up for sale online I can give you some behind the scenes information on what you can expect to receive and also what will be missing. visit n3 architecture for more information If you are an architect or architecture student, you need to be part of the EntreArchitect Community - visit the...

#035: Today we are talking with Terry Alsberg the CEO and inventor of the warmboard radiant heating system. Terry will discuss the benefits and features of warmboard and why it is superior to all other radiant heating systems. Forget everything you think you know about radiant heating. Warmboard is a fully engineered system that uses routed panels topped with conductive aluminum allowing the radiant heating to be a whole house heating system and not just something that warms up the floors....

#034: Today we talk with Erika Deady, who is the architectural representative for Pella Windows based out of the Greenfield, MA office. Erika tells us all about the innovative products that Pella has released and why Pella Windows stand above the competition. She also shares some helpful information for homeowners to consider before moving forward with window replacement, or when choosing windows for a new home. This is an episode that you do not want to miss. visit n3 architecture for...

#033: Today we are going to be talking all about attic renovations and the things that you need to consider before undertaking such a project. From access and headroom to life safety, windows, storage and insulation I cover many of the key components that are required to turn an attic into habitable space. We also check in on the status of projects 47 and 48 visit n3 architecture for more information If you are an architect or architecture student, you need to be part of the...

#032: I can't count how many times I am called by a homeowner who wants to undertake a major renovation / addition project and through talking with them I learned that they have either replaced their windows, siding, or roofing in the recent years. I cannot stress enough how bad of a decision this is. If you are even considering a major renovation / addition project and you can get by, even for a year or two with your old siding, windows or roofing and then replace them as part of the...

#031: Lately I have been asked a few times about my background and while I don't really enjoy talking about myself too much I figured it was past due to give you some of my origin story and how I got into architecture. I am also starting a new segment where we will be following two different projects from start to finish and I can share the process and maybe even some of the obstacles along the way. visit n3 architecture for more information If you are an architect or architecture...

#030: Most homeowners are not familiar with the phases of a project, and nor should they be - if you have never gone through a major construction project how would you know what the steps are, how would you know what is expected? In this episode I run through the phases of a typical residential project and let you know some of the mistakes I see people making during each of the phases. visit n3 architecture for more information If you are an architect or an architecture student, you need...

In this episode I discuss the pros and cons for multi-generational living as well as some tips to design or renovate your space so that it will be a pleasant experience for all.

#028: The Value of an Architect - with Matt Varley In this episode I talk with Matt Varley, principal architect of Bottega Miscellanea - an architecture and interior design firm based in Storrs Connecticut. Matt and I speak about the value of an architect, things homeowners should consider and share stories from our careers.  This episode is a must listen for all homeowners who are thinking about taking on a project. Bottega Miscellanea...

#027: Rising Lumber Costs - Consider Advanced Framing The cost of lumber in the spring of 2020 is skyrocketing, many people are canceling, postponing or rethinking their projects. I feel this is an opportunity to re-think the way we build and implement advanced framing strategies. Advanced framing is nothing new, it has been around for decades, but there are still some people who are skeptical. Maybe they remember some poorly built houses in the 60's or maybe they are just ingrained with...

#026: Designing a Homes Entry, Mudroom and Guest Bathroom. In this episode I discuss several things that you should be considering when you are designing the entry into your house including the mudroom and where to place the guest bathroom. visit www.n3architecture.com for more information email: [email protected] with any questions you have Intro music by: Purple Planet Music

#025: How to Design a Bedroom Today I talk about how I go about designing a bedroom and discuss some of the decisions that need to be made as you are designing your house and your bedroom around the way that you want to live. vist n3architecture.com for more information email: [email protected] for any questions you may have Intro music by: Purple Planet Music

#024: Embodied Carbon Today we take an introductory look at what is embodied carbon, specifically within the world of architecture and construction and discuss some of the ways that you can begin to make a difference. visit www.n3architecture.com for more information Intro music by: Purple Planet Music

023: Life Happens - Sometimes life gets a little hard. Between all the various commitments we have there comes a point when you have to take a step back and recharge the batteries. I am currently at this point. The podcast isnt going anywhere but there will not be another episode for another week or two as I take care of other obligations in my life. Stay tuned for some good episodes that I am currently planning and some interviews that will provide even more value.  Thanks,  Chris

#022: Stories from the Jobsite Construction is not perfect, mistakes happen, personalities clash and sometimes things can get tense. Here are some stories that have happened on some projects that I have worked on. visit www.n3architecture.com for more information Intro music by: Purple Planet Music

#021: Sustainable Forestry. Learn about how forestry practices effect the environment, natural ecosystems and how certified, sustainable forestry can help.  visit www.n3architecture.com for more information Intro music by: Purple Planet Music

#020: The Phases of Design I have been talking with many clients lately, who do not know what the phases of design are. I cover the various phases and what to expect in this episode.