In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we sit down with Trevor from Pensacola, Florida, to unpack the highs and lows of building a custom home in the aftermath of COVID. What starts as a promising project—a new build on recently purchased land near the coast—soon evolves into a cautionary tale about mismatched expectations, supply chain chaos, and the essential need for a strong, consistent advocate throughout a construction project.

Trevor and his wife worked with a talented home designer to create custom plans and brought in an exceptional interior designer early in the process. She brought a fresh, California-inspired design sensibility that stood out in their market and became a trusted partner who helped them select and source materials, even attending appliance appointments and coordinating deliveries. Trevor repeatedly credits her as a key reason the project turned out beautifully, even after she had to move back to California midway through the two-year build.

From there, however, the experience took a more difficult turn. The builder, while experienced and locally respected, operated under a cost-plus contract during a period of rapid inflation and material delays. Framing costs came in far higher than expected, and estimates proved unreliable. As the project unfolded, Trevor quickly realized that important decisions—like window selection or flooring transitions—were being left to default industry standards unless he specifically intervened. Without detailed architectural drawings or consistent oversight, small details were routinely mishandled, including clunky floor trim, awkward material transitions, and sloppy exterior caulking.

A recurring theme throughout the episode is how much falls through the cracks when you don’t have someone on your team managing the details with authority. Trevor found himself constantly on site, trying to catch issues before they became permanent. He describes the burnout he felt in the final stretch, eventually handing off decision-making to his wife, who stepped up to finish the project. Looking back, he wishes he had hired an architect to serve as an advocate from start to finish—someone who could anticipate issues, handle coordination, and push for quality without relying on the homeowner to do it all.

Despite the difficult process, Trevor and his family are happy in their home now. They take pride in the guest spaces, the playroom with custom cabinetry, and the studio above the garage surrounded by oak trees. But he’s honest about the emotional residue: for a long time, being in the home reminded them of construction stress and mistakes. Over time, though, that has faded. His biggest takeaway? You need someone on your side. An advocate—ideally an architect—who can guide the entire process, manage expectations, and protect your vision from compromise.

00:00 - Introduction to the Episode
01:08 - Meet Trevor from Pensacola
03:00 - Home Designer vs. Architect
04:55 - The Standout Interior Designer
08:09 - Choosing the Builder
11:08 - COVID Supply Chain & Lumber Costs
13:11 - Budget Blowouts with Cost-Plus Contracts
16:18 - Window Selection Regrets
23:19 - Flooring, Transitions & Trim Issues
25:08 - Communication Breakdowns
30:48 - Lessons Learned and What Trevor Would Do Differently
34:45 - Favorite Rooms and Finishes
36:52 - Hosts Reflect on the Takeaways

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

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