Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Art of Custom

From an entry that draws you in to a room that invites you to stay a while - a stunning space is not an accident. It is what happens when what seems like a tangle of details and decisions - this pull, that tile type, and the perfect fixture - come together and create a fine web of beautiful finishes that are all your own.

Joining us today are one of Hibbs Luxury Homes’s own in-house designers, Ann Fritz, and one of our Utah interior design partners, Erin Walker who is owner and principle at Erin Walker Studio. They will take us through some of the intricacies, questions, and practicalities of making your custom home selections.

You’ll learn some of the common questions designers ask to help determine design vision, how practicality is an essential component of luxury design, and how to build a cohesive design when the options are practically limitless. 

Enjoy!

Unexpected conditions are part of building a one-of-a-kind home. A weather delay, unforeseen site condition, material issue, design change, or change order doesn’t mean your custom home build has gone off track. What matters is how your builder responds.

In this episode of The Art of Custom, Hibbs Luxury Homes construction leaders Craig Johnson and Chris Pedigo join us to talk candidly about what happens when challenges arise during the custom home construction process.

You’ll also learn why documentation and approvals matter, how seemingly small design decisions can create ripple effects throughout construction, and the questions homeowners should ask when something unexpected happens.

Because measure of a successful custom build isn’t lack of problems, it is how an experienced team, a clear process, and open communication keeps your project moving toward a beautifully finished home.

Why does one home feel comfortable in every room while another has drafts, hot spots, and painful energy bills? The answer often lies in decisions hidden behind the walls.

Our team sits down with Chris Pedigo, general manager of Hibbs Luxury Homes’ St. Louis office, to explain how HVAC design, air sealing, and insulation work together to shape how a custom home feels and performs.

Learn which insulation upgrades deliver the most value, why bigger HVAC equipment isn’t always better, and how variable-speed systems, properly placed returns, air filtration, humidity control, and fresh-air systems affect everyday comfort. The team also explores climate-specific building strategies, affordable soundproofing opportunities, and what homeowners should inspect before the drywall goes up.

If you’re planning a custom home, this episode will help you ask smarter questions, invest where it matters most, and more comfort healthier air, lower energy use, and lasting performance.

It doesn’t make the mood board. It won’t show up on Instagram. But the MEP phase (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) is where comfort, performance, and livability of your custom home is decided. In this episode, we peel back the drywall and talked about how your builder’s trade relationships make this phase exceptional: the vetting process, standards that go beyond code, and what to look for during these critical walks.

What happens behind your walls determines everything about how your home feels to live in. And that invisible work becomes every day luxury, listen now and find out why!

Everyone talks about "good bones" — but do you actually know what that means when you're building from scratch?

In this episode, we are joined by Lance Berman owner of PRIMO Builders, Hibbs Homes' framing partner in Utah, to pull back the curtain on one of the most critical phases of custom home construction. Framing isn't just walls going up — it's a critical step that impact every future finish decision. From blocking for tubs and showers to the choices that can't be undone once drywall goes in, this episode is your guide to what's happening inside the sticks and behind the drywall.

In this episode, Kim and Melody talk to Craig Johnson - the Director of Construction for Hibbs in Park City, UT! Craig brings his extensive background with the unique challenges of mountain foundations while Kim shares insights from the Park City and St Louis markets. It’s one of the first visible milestones in the process, so join us and as dig deep into the first milestone of the custom building process.

What separates custom home builds that go smoothly from the ones that don't? Almost always, it comes down to what happened before the first shovel hit the ground.

In the Season 9 premiere, Kim Hibbs and Melody Meiners break down the pre-construction services agreement (PSA): what it is, why you can't skip it, and why your budget isn't real until you have land. They also walk through what a builder is doing in the weeks between contract signing and groundbreaking, and the questions every future homeowner should ask before signing anything.

Whether you're building in St. Louis, Park City, or anywhere in between, this episode gives you the context to understand why the custom home building process works the way it does and why that process is what protects you most.

Gets you plans permit-ready and prepare for a smooth build. The preconstruction finish line is in sight!

It's almost go time, and we're going through those last checkmarks on your custom build to-do list. Today we're going to explore those last steps for permitting and site prep before you begin turning dirt. Learn the process that kick starts the first construction step. 

And join us next season when we take you through each step of the construction process, milestone by milestone. Join us for Season 9, coming in November 2025!

Luxury isn't about the amount you spend or square footage, and value engineering is the key to getting the most out of your space and spend...

In this episode of The Art of Custom, we break down the process of value engineering, which helps you design strategically to stay within your investment goals without sacrificing quality or style. 

Learn how to balance your wants, needs and wishes with expert insights from Hibbs Luxury Homes!

Your budget sets the bar for your project, here's how to help your builder nail it. 

Estimating and budgeting are among the most stressful parts of building a custom home. Hibbs Luxury Homes estimators Alexa Wagasky and Kathleen Arvin explain why cost per square foot is misleading, how allowances and soft costs work, and how to avoid budget surprises so you can build with confidence and clarity.

Your dream home should look great and live even better!

Architect Chris Campbell of Walk Your Plans St. Louis joins us to discuss how walking your floor plan at full scale can transform the design process. Learn how to avoid “I wish” regrets, balance square footage with vision, and make confident design choices before construction begins.

Custom home building takes a team. In this episode, Kim and Melody explain why your builder, architect, and designer are the “dream team” for a smooth build. Learn when to bring them in, how they collaborate, and why choosing the right team early helps you avoid costly mistakes and design with confidence.

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Follow along this season as we guide you through every step of the pre-construction process and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Not all land is created equal. Hibbs Homes’ Chris Pedigo joins us to reveal the hidden costs and red flags of lot selection. From topography and utilities to setbacks and HOA rules, learn how to avoid surprises and choose the right lot for your dream home.

Follow along this season as we guide you through every step of the pre-construction process! Subscribe and don’t miss an episode so you have the tools to build smarter!

Every successful custom home starts with a clear plan. And the very first step in that plan is defining your goals, vision and timeline.

 

This season of The Art of Custom is focused on all of the steps in the preconstruction process to ensure your dream home comes to life in the smoothest, most rewarding way possible. 

 

We are kicking things off by helping you ask the questions to clarify what you’re building (and why!), aligning expectations and project plans, and helping you avoid some of the most common early misses that can cost time or money down the road.

Whether you’re just starting to dream or are already scouting lots, this episode will help you set a strong foundation well before you pour the foundation.

Subscribe and follow along this season as we guide you through every step of the pre-construction process!

In this episode of "The Art of Custom," we close out our journey of 20 homes for 20 years by exploring the homes that built the builder and the legacy they launched. Join us as we delve into the stories behind the Hibbs Family Home and the first Hibbs custom home. Hear from Kim and Jan Hibbs about the challenges, inspiration, and values that have shaped the company over the last two decades. 

We are taking a deep dive into the world of building homes that are expertly crafted around the people who inhabit them. From homes fine-tuned to the nuances of sensory needs to designing homes that embrace multigenerational living, we uncover the elements that define the way we live in our homes.

We explore two unique homes: one designed to cater to sensory needs, offering a sanctuary that balances sensitivity and practicality, and the other, a haven for an extended family, thoughtfully designed to blend independence with shared living. These homes transcend the traditional idea of what a house should be and reflect a profound understanding of lifestyle, needs, and, above all, connection.

In today's episode we journey to the luxury resort communities of Park City, Utah, where the breathtaking landscapes of Sky Ridge and Tuhaye where our clients are taking elevated living to new heights. We delve into the art, science and challenges of building luxury custom homes in these coveted resort communities, where the foundation of every project is trust, communication, and a vision as vast as the panoramic views.

In this episode, we step inside two breathtaking estate-style homes that blend classic European architecture with modern luxury living.

From the sun-warmed clay tile roof and creamy stucco of a Spanish revival home to the refined symmetry and cast stone facade of a French Georgian estate, these two home are timeless in their design and bold in beauty.

Chris Peidgo joins us to share the stories behind these statement homes, from inspiration to challenges to the craftsmanship required to build homes of this scale. 

Whether it's the romance of the Mediterranean or the bold luxury of French formality, this episode offers an inspiration for building a home that is meant to stand the test of time.

Building a home in an area known for it’s charm and character is a challenge. But with the right team in place, you can build something that fits right in with a 100-year-old home but has the performance, comfort, and durability of today’s cutting edge new builds.

We are continuing our season of twenty houses for twenty years by looking back at two projects that were designed and built in the history-loving area of Kirkwood, MO.

Learn about navigating design challenges, hear tips on materials, and prepare to be inspired to build your own charmer!

We've all heard the buzz around tariffs in the construction world. There's been a lot of chatter and it can feel pretty overwhelming. Homeowners are scratching their heads, not knowing how these tariffs might shake up their plans for 2025.

Join us for this quick bonus episode as we clear the air on what's real and what's just noise when it comes to construction costs and tariffs. Plot twist: it might not be as scary as it sounds!

And we will even share some tips on what proactive steps you might want to take if you're about to kick off a construction project.

In today's episode, we continue our walk through 20 Houses for 20 Year by taking a deep dive into the world of design with a discussion on two distinct yet timeless styles: Modern Mountain and Modern Farmhouse.

To start the conversation, we chat with Utah client Elizabeth Sayer, who shares her family's journey building dream home in Park City. From tackling snowy driveways to finding that perfect view of Deer Valley, we explore their modern mountain family oasis.

We also sit down with our talented designers, Ann Fritz and Karla Todd from the St. Louis office, to discuss how Modern Farmhouse style is ever-evolving. We discuss the Mentel home in Town & Country, MO and explore the different elements of this popular home design and how to make decisions that will keep a modern farmhouse fresh and timeless.

Whether you're a fan of the sleek lines of mountain homes or the cozy charm of the modern farmhouse, this episode is packed with inspiration and tips for home enthusiasts. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and enjoy the art of design!

We’re revisiting two groundbreaking projects that left a lasting impact not just on our company, but on the global home-building community.

First, we sit down with homeowners David and Thuy Smith to reflect on their decade of living in Active House USA, a cutting-edge, energy-efficient home completed in 2013. They share insights on how the home has performed over the years, the surprises they encountered when building, and how they came to be part of such an important project.

Then, we take a look back at Proud Green Home, a 2016 project in Wildwood, MO, designed to meet the highest standards of sustainable construction. Built with the highest standards for indoor air quality to ease allergy and asthma issues for the client's children, this home also served as a model for green building.

Both homes served as real-world learning labs for builders, architects, and students, pushing the boundaries of residential green building. That is why we chose to take a look back on them for this episode of our 20 Homes for 20 Years.

Home is a life changing concept. And over the last two decades we’ve had the honor of bringing home to so many amazing and deserving people. To celebrate this, we’re looking back on a few projects that have meant so much to not only our team, but to those who home has meant something more. For our next stop on our tour of 20 Homes for 20 Years, we explore some of the Hibbs Gives projects that we have had the honor to be a part of - including the Operation Finally Home project in Wildwood, MO and more.

From the International Builders Show, the Hibbs Homes team gives a housing market update. From what’s happening with pricing to how the existing home inventory & land will impact building in 2025. 

In this episode of The Art of Custom, we’re diving into the world of midcentury modern architecture - a style that was far from the midwestern mold when these two award-winning homes were built.

We sit down with Barbara Bolk to discuss the vision behind her Wildwood, MO home and revisit an insightful conversation with Amy DeSart, who shares her experience designing and building a midcentury modern-inspired home in the Town and Country, MO.

From clean lines and unique floor plans to the vision it required to bring this architectural style to life in a region where it had become uncommon, these Hibbs Homeowners reveal what it took to create something truly timeless.

 

Whether you're a fan of modern design or simply love hearing the stories behind unique custom homes, this episode is packed with inspiration!

We are back with a new season! To celebrate twenty years building dream homes, this season we are taking you through twenty projects that have shaped our approach to building. Learn about the process and get inspired for your build with houses one & two - dreams that were larger than life that turned into homes our clients love! Join us on our home building journey!

Curious about the ever-changing world of construction financing? In this special bonus episode, we sit down with friend of the show, Trisha McConkey, to talk about the latest in lending. From insights on recent announcements from the Fed to predictions on what may be coming - Trisha and Kim dig in and give you the dirt on how to decide when is the right time to start your build. Your dream home awaits - so let's talk construction lending in 2024! Find show notes and more on our website: Art of Custom Podcast

Too hot, too cold, or just right? Your comfort at home relies on having the right HVAC and air handling systems in place. And when you're building your home, knowing that options are available and what to consider goes a long way in making sure your home is comfortable and high performing. In this episode, we're talking all things HVAC with Brad Hill from Hill & Mehr Heating & Air Conditioning in Northern Utah.

In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned expert who has made it his mission to make the custom building process better for clients and builders. Duayne Pearce of D Pearce Constructions in Brisbane, Australia joins the show to talk about the best practices for custom home building and how he is making dream homes a reality in the land down under!

Excavation and pouring foundation might seem like the most straightforward step of the home building process, but there are different approaches. And the way your builder handles your foundation and excavation can impact the comfort, durability, performance - and pricing!

In this episode we discuss the process and how you can make your foundation as high-performing as the rest of your home.

For show notes and more visit HibbsHomesUSA.com

How many times have you thought about building your dream home and noticed it is in a spot far-far way from home? Distance doesn't have to make that dream seem unreachable - you just need the right tools to manage a long-distance relationship with your dream home building team!

In this episode, we talk with Kelly Day who is building her home in Park City, UT with our Hibbs Luxury Homes team - all while living across the country and traveling even further away for work.

Kelly and her project designer, Lydia Huffman from LH Designs, join Kim to talk about what they've learned about the process and to share tips about making that dream home far-far away feel closer than you imagined.

Find show notes and more on our website - Art of Custom Podcast

Happy Building!

While it might seem like something out of a movie, 3D printed homes are popping up around the world and here in the US. One company who is moving these incredibly efficient, sustainable building out in the residential, commercial, and defense sectors is Texas-based ICON Technologies.

Spender Padgett, Vice President of Construction Operations at ICON, joins us on this episode to discuss this incredible technology that is being used to take us to the stars and to improve living conditions right here on earth.

A dream home starts with a vision, and the journey between vision and reality starts with a roadmap. In this episode, we discuss the important steps every homeowner must take when they are planning and preparing - the homework, if you will, that will make talking to builders and architects easier. So hold onto your hard hats as we take you through those crucial steps of planning and preparing for your custom home construction project.

 

Learn more at find resources for your project HibbsHomeUSA.com

In this episode, we discuss the Lahaina Miracle House and how the choice of building materials made it resilient in the devastating August 2023 Maui Wildfire. We bring back an episode about weather-resistant materials with Chief Meteorologist Scott Connell to discuss guarding your home against severe weather events.

If you would like to help the victims of the wildfires, text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation from your phone.

Figuring out how you will fund your construction project and securing the right piece of land to build on are critical first steps in the process of building your dream home. However, the steps can feel a little murky, especially if this is your first time building a home.

Add to the confusion the recent headlines about interest rate increases, and you may be thinking your dream home vision is further away than you thought.

Before you put your construction plans on hold, Trisha McConkey from Associated Bank (four time guest and friend of the show) is here to help you figure out how to start building your home today and spend less than you would if you waited.

When you're building a new home you may not realize it, but there are many different choices when it comes to insulation types and how they function in your home's overall thermal envelope. And those choices make a big difference when it comes to your home's comfort and performance.

To help set the record straight and help you figure out what is best for your home, we break down the different insulation options and help you become an insulation connoisseur. Joining us is Mike Pruett from Goley Insulation in St Louis, who helps us answer common questions and discuss the pros and cons of different insulation types.

Visit our show notes for more information about high-performance building and to find other episodes: The Art of Custom Podcast

SEASON SIX PREMIERE: Finding the right home builder for your new home construction project starts with deciding if you want to build a custom, semi-custom, or production home. Since we exclusively build custom homes, we love the one-of-a-kind route but know that isn't the best choice for every one. So how do you decide?

To start our sixth season off with a bang, we're breaking down the different approaches to new home building, as well as the pros and cons of each. Joining us to discuss the details of each approach is Mark Rasch from Benchmark Homes in St Louis, MO.

Want more? Visit our podcast show notes for a guide to hiring a general contractor and more.

Artist Zack Smithey has been featured on several national outlets because his container home pushes the idea of making your home a work of art to a whole new level. Smithey joins the podcast to talk about his journey through home building and how he repurposed materials to make his one-of-a-kind home such a standout.

View Zack's Home

Warning: This episode mentions suicide. If you're struggling, help is out there. Listener discretion is advised.

🦇 Spooky season is here! 👻 And when you have a podcast about homes + one of the most haunted homes in America right in your backyard, you get to treat your favorite listeners to a spook-tacular Halloween special!

Join the Hibbs Homes team as we get the haunted history of the Lemp Mansion from the spirited Betsy Burnett-Belanger - keeper of the home & family's history. 

 

With the start of the school year just behind us and the holidays on the horizon, many of us are in organization mode. Since we know our listeners love organization episodes, we thought we'd bring in an expert to discuss how to plan your floor plan for better organization.

Susan Stewart, owner of Perfectly Placed Organization, joins us to talk about those trouble areas and some floor plan tips so you can maximize your organization capabilities in your next home.

Building your dream home is an exciting prospect, but there are so many parts and pieces it can feel overwhelming. So, what does your home builder manage for you, and what should you expect from design through warranty?

The Hibbs Homes team comes together to share what the members of your custom home building team does and how they help you manage the home building process.

Listen now to see behind the curtain & find out what happens when you're bringing a dream home to life!

Energy Efficiency Day 2022 is October 5, so we've put together a special episode that focuses on the benefits of building a green home!

Your host, Kim Hibbs, will take you through the latest developments in energy-efficient building practices and walk through the practical results you will see while living in your green home!

Learn about the practical ways healthier indoor air and efficient resource usage make your daily life more comfortable, and find out how green building can also help create a healthier economy.

We are taking a couple weeks off for the holiday, but the latest news about the home building market was too good to keep to ourselves. So, here's a quick bonus episode to keep you posted on what's happening in custom home building right now!

There's no place like home, and what a different story it would have been had Dorothy made it to the storm cellar in time. As more extreme weather events pop up around the country and world, builders are finding systems and techniques to protect their clients' investments - and homeowners are starting to take an interest in them.

We spoke with Chief Meteorologist Scott Connell from St Louis's NBC affiliate and Matt Belcher, friend of the show and building code developer and educator about how builders and homeowners can build more durable, healthy, and sustainable homes that will last a lifetime.

We have had the absolute pleasure of working with the Bell Family to build an adaptive, sensory-processing friendly home in Northern Utah. Today, we wanted to share their home story and some information about designing a home with neurodivergence in mind!

 

For more information, show notes and resources visit HibbsHomeUSA.com/Podcast

Realtor Alicia Cop joins the show to talk about the advantages of using a Realtor for your new home build and answer questions about the current housing market.

 

For show notes and resources, visit HibbsHomesUSA.com

Joe Schiermann, Vice President of Groundwork Mortgage, joins the podcast and explains how the current economy is impacting construction lending and helps you figure out the best way to borrow for your new home build.

 

Show notes and Resources

Building your dream home is a major step, and one that can help you achieve so many other goals! Jamie Walker from Walker Home Design in Holliday, Utah joins us to talk about the changing trends and what it means to build a happy home. 

The one question on everyone's mind lately is what does it cost to build a new home? For the most part, that cost is up to you! Finishes, complexity, land, and timing have a major impact on what you ultimately pay for your dream home.

However, having the right builder/architect team in place before you go into the design process is one of the most important ways you can manage the construction costs of your new home. By including your builder in the process, you can manage your costs and even mitigate some of the cost and timeline risks inherent in building a home that has never been built before. 

Getting your builder and your architect involved up front is one of the key ways you can Value Engineer your new home. And if this is your first time building a custom home, you might be curious what that means and how it can help you. To discuss this approach to building, we visited Jeff Day from Jeff Day Architects in St Louis, MO to host a live discussion and take questions. And today we're sharing that conversation on our podcast so you can hear it, too!

Learn more at HibbsHomesUSA.com

What makes a healthier home and why does it matter? Since the early 2000's, sustainability has pushed the fundamental way we build and live in our homes. LEED certification, passive homes, EnergySTAR, and the list goes on. With so many different approaches and terms, though, many homeowners aren't sure what they should focus on.

Today, we are talking to one of the country's leading green building experts and an architecture professor about the different approaches, projects, and benefits of building green. Join your hosts, Kim Hibbs and Melody Meiners as they take you through the world of healthy homes with guests Matt Belcher and Ryan Abendroth.

Learn More at HibbsHomesUSA.com