Episodes
-
Brandon goes from @joneshomesKC to @bbuildsit and explains what drove his decision to fold his company's operations into Aarow Building as he takes on the role of Construction Manager overseeing all operations in Columbia and KC. Working for someone else can be hard after being the boss, but Brandon's gonna give it a go.
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/Brandonâs Instagram: @bbuildsit -
When do you pay a subcontractor, when do you fire them and when do they fire themselves? Jake Bruton joins the BuildConPod to sort out when deposits are appropriate, how they tie payment to scopes of work, and what procedures are best for managing subcontractor relationships on the administrative side.
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/Brandonâs Instagram: @bbuildsit -
Missing episodes?
-
Since Travis and Brandon canât agree on the proper way to waterproof the showers in their builds they sought an arbitrator. Jake Bruton joins the discussion to settle whether itâs Schluter or GoBoard, Hardie/Durock and Red Guard or whatever. Itâs a Shower Waterproofing Systems Throw Down from guys who probably need showers.
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/Brandonâs Instagram: @bbuildsit -
Lucky number 13? Maybe not...you may have noticed this is Part 1 of TOOLS. Our audio flip-flopped, so check out Episode 113 for Part 2.
There's an awful lot of brand loyalty for tools in the trades and there are good reasons for that, but thereâs also some ridiculous âteamâ mentality at play there. This episode considers what tools are the best choice and why someone might choose one over the other. Is it possible to reach consensus on who manufactures the best cordless tools for residential building?
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/Brandonâs Instagram: @bbuildsit -
Lucky number 13? Maybe not...you may have noticed this is Part 2 of our conversation about tools. Our audio flip-flopped, so check out Episode 114 for Part 1.
TOOLS! Having already parsed the cordless tools offerings based on their features and various applications, the guys dive into what hand tools they carry in their bags. Starting with the bags themselves the guys go through their preferred hammers, tapes, knives, chalk lines and pry bars in an effort to decide which are really best and why.
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/Brandonâs Instagram: @bbuildsit -
Special guests Nick Schiffer and Tyler Grace continue the conversation with Brandon and Travis they began on the Modern Craftsmen podcast in this episode, but with a specific question in mind. When does it make sense to staff up, grow your company or even start another business to serve the demand youâre seeing in the market? Or does it make sense to let those demands be served by others while owner / operators maintain limited volume to offer more focused or boutique services
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/Brandonâs Instagram: @joneshomeskc -
Working for clients with whom you have an existing personal relationship can be more complicated since thereâs more at stake beyond the build. When the way the project is going can effect the personal relationships of your spouse or your kids, you have to factor that into the risk beyond that of a regular construction project. Would we be better off avoiding this risk altogether, or is it our responsibility to care for these uniquely associated clients?
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/Brandonâs Instagram: @joneshomeskc -
Is there value in sharing detailed schedule with clients? How much is it worth to them? When we assign realistic costs to the time spent implementing, updating and maintaining software based solutions for schedule and budget tracking we find clients less interested in covering that amount, despite their desire for constant updates and access. Is it better to commit the time and money to a software platform or utilize lower tech solutions to keep everyone in the loop?
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/Brandonâs Instagram: @joneshomeskc -
What do you subcontract and what do you self perform? Can your subs complete things with the same result your crew would deliver? When building we are faced with a decision as to what work we will subcontract and what weâll handle in-house. Some of these choices are simple (excavation, paint, etc.) but others are more nuanced, but the real trouble begins when we start talking about reaching one hundred percent completion.
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
Travisâ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
Travisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/
Brandonâs Instagram: @joneshomeskc -
History going back to the ancient Egyptians suggests that the Master Builders of that time werenât just overseers but also designed and constructed things with their own hands. In todays residential build process things are way more specialized, so the guys discuss what it takes to be a builder these days and how each of them measure up. Spoiler: neither is willing to claim the title of âMasterâ despite their willingness to claim expertise as Builders.
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/Brandonâs Instagram: @joneshomeskc -
Ever wonder how to keep up with the latest in the construction industry? What are the best resources for continuing education? We chat about the benefits of tailoring training to individual learning preferences, whether through videos, reading, peer support, in-person learning, and more. We also explore the importance of industry events, symposiums, and local networking for ongoing professional development. Plus, we discuss the significance of sharing knowledge and resources within the community to foster continuous learning and improvement. What are your go-to resources for continuing education?
Thank you to episode sponsor Huber Engineered Wood.
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/Brandonâs Instagram: @joneshomeskc -
Travis and Brandon explore the idea of focusing on bigger projects to boost profits and streamline operations. They discuss the benefits of having dedicated teams for single projects, like specializing in hardwoods, which could cut down on headaches and increase revenue. Despite acknowledging the potential upsides, they also weigh the challenges of shifting their business model and express reservations about practical execution. Ultimately, they agree that finding the right balance between onsite management and self-performing tasks is key for each business's unique circumstances.
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/Brandonâs Instagram: @joneshomeskc -
Travis and Brandon discuss architectural plans for construction projects. They stress the importance of clear, comprehensive plans to avoid costly mistakes and ensure smooth execution. From foundation dimensions to roof construction details, they emphasize the need for precision in documentation to meet client expectations and facilitate effective communication between stakeholders. Despite differing opinions on the level of detail required, they ultimately agree to disagree.
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/ Brandonâs Instagram: @joneshomeskc -
Travis and Brandon jump into a discussion on building permits and energy regulations in Kansas City, Missouri. They delve into the complexities of meeting energy code requirements, particularly regarding insulation standards and their impact on construction costs and affordability.
Exploring the trade-offs between upfront costs and long-term benefits of energy-efficient housing, they emphasize the importance of durable structures and low operational costs mandated by the energy code. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by builders in adapting to evolving building codes, but also highlights successful examples, like high school students building energy-efficient houses annually. While there's a debate on the necessity of certain specifications, consensus is reached on the importance of caring about the job and delivering quality homes to clients.
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/ Brandonâs Instagram: @joneshomeskc -
In this episode, Travis and Brandon discuss complexities of inducing change within a business environment, particularly concerning team members' mindset and behavior. They share personal experiences, expressing frustration at the difficulty of fostering lasting change despite efforts to train and support individuals. The conversation revolves around whether inherent character traits can truly be altered and if sustained transformation is achievable. While they acknowledge instances of progress, theyâre ultimately skeptical about the ability of individuals to fundamentally change. They emphasize the importance of aligning mindset with organizational goals, particularly in leadership roles, and highlight the necessity of recognizing the limitations of change.
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/ Brandonâs Instagram: @joneshomeskc -
The majority of new home built in America this year will be constructed as speculative projects by a wide margin. Profit margins on custom homes tend to be more substantial while spec builders rely on higher speed, lower costs and greater volume to make the smaller margins more profitable. While both our hosts are known for pursuing high performance and extreme durability through building science, they differ greatly on whether or not it makes sense to build spec homes, and they discuss their individual experiences that led to those views. Brandon explains the unfortunate reality of the uninformed buyer and both hosts lament the lack of market support to align the value of better built home details with initial costs. Operational costs and health impacts being summarily dismissed in the home pricing equation have led to a race to the bottom, and the impacts to our economy and environment reflect that. This episode seeks to answer, âdoes it make sense to build spec homesâ?
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardtTravisâ Instagram: @catalystbuiltTravisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/ Brandonâs Instagram: @joneshomeskc -
Welcome to the Building Consensus Podcast where we seek common ground on the issues we face in residential homebuilding despite our different backgrounds and opposing viewpoints. Rather than just your typical resume read-off, the guys thought it might be more fun to introduce each other with some overly creative, perhaps dubious back stories. This episode gives Travis and Brandon the opportunity to pick at one another a bit before revealing the accurate versions of their paths into the building trades. With the silliness out of the way we learn who these guys really are, what they do, and then get some insight into why they so often view building problems from opposing perspectives.
Find Travis & Brandon on the Web
Travisâ Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/travisbrungardt
Travisâ Instagram: @catalystbuilt
Travisâ Website: https://www.catalystbuilt.com/
Brandonâs Instagram: @joneshomeskc
