In this episode of Building, Brews, and BBQ: The House That Wisdom Built, we’re getting real about contracts — and yes, Vince is salty about it. We break down the good, the bad, and the downright ugly side of Cost Plus contracts (spoiler: we think they’re lazy, risky, and often misleading).

Whether you’re building a $500K home or a $5 million estate, the contract you choose can make or break your experience. We’re pulling back the curtain on what builders really mean when they say “Cost Plus,” why it’s become so popular (even when it shouldn’t be), and how Fixed Price contracts might just save your sanity.

We talk trust, transparency, builder accountability, and why pre-construction matters way more than most people think. If you’re starting the custom home journey — or you’re a builder navigating client expectations — you’ll want to pour a strong drink and tune in.

📥 Download the FREE Freedom Guide:

This companion resource includes bonus tips and more info on selecting the right team for your build. DOWNLOAD HERE

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm

Welcome to a laugh-filled, insight-packed episode. Vince and Nathan crack open a couple of brews (yes, even a surprising hat-tip to Miller Lite) and take a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood parts of building: the budget.

They pull back the curtain on how budgeting works in custom home building — from the emotional rollercoaster of early pricing conversations to what really drives costs (labor, materials, and professional services). You’ll learn why pre-construction is like a dress rehearsal, how to plan for unknowns, and the difference between smart splurges and cost-effective saves.

Whether you’re dreaming of your forever home or knee-deep in planning, this episode is your guide to budgeting smarter, not harder — with plenty of stories, real talk, and a little bit of builder banter.

Key topics:
• The “Jets Syndrome” and how to avoid it
• Why your builder’s pricing sticker shock is actually a good thing
• How to plan for contingencies without losing sleep
• Where to save (like light fixtures) and where to invest (like windows and outdoor living)
• The 3 biggest cost categories every homeowner should know
• What “budgeting early and often” really looks like

Pull up a chair, crack a cold one, and let’s talk money — the smart way.
Subscribe, rate, and share it with someone planning their dream build!

📥 Download the FREE Freedom Guide:

This companion resource includes bonus tips and more info on selecting the right team for your build. DOWNLOAD HERE

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm

In this bonus installment of The House That Wisdom Built series, Vince and Nathan are back to take you deeper into the power team concept they introduced in Episode 2. After an overwhelming response from listeners asking for more actionable insights, they deliver big with this episode—laying out the exact questions you should ask every key player on your custom home building team.

From your builder to your landscape architect, they unpack outside-the-box, experience-driven questions that will help you hire smarter, build better, and avoid costly surprises. Whether you’re planning a dream home or refining your current build process, this episode arms you with wisdom that can only come from years of experience (and maybe a few fly-in-the-mouth moments).

This isn’t theory—it’s the real stuff no one else is talking about.

Oh, and don’t forget to grab the FREE Freedom Guide linked in the show notes. Double bonus.

🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The top 3 questions to ask your builder (that most people never think to ask)

• How to sniff out red flags with your architect or designer early

• Why collaboration should be the #1 trait you look for in your Power Team

• How your home automation guy might be overcomplicating your life

• What most engineers get wrong in residential projects

• Practical advice on sustainability, materials, topography, and more

📥 Download the FREE Freedom Guide:

This companion resource includes bonus tips and more info on selecting the right team for your build. DOWNLOAD HERE

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm