In this snack-size episode of Home: The Second Story, we dive into tile—how to choose it, what to look out for, and the actual conversations we’re having with clients during the selection process. We start by grounding the discussion in what types of tile are available—ceramic, porcelain, stone, concrete—and how the location in the home helps determine the best fit. A shower floor needs very different performance qualities than a kitchen backsplash, and that’s where we begin the conversation with our clients.

We talk about size trends, especially the growing popularity of large-format tiles, which can be stunning but require proper floor engineering to prevent cracking. Grout comes up early and often—clients either love it or hate it. The good news is, grout technology has come a long way. Proper bath ventilation, newer formulations, and thoughtful layout planning can make grout maintenance much easier than it used to be.

From a design standpoint, we emphasize how tile adds texture, color, and customization to a space. But it's not all fun and games—functionality, safety, and long-term wear matter. We often work on aging-in-place projects, so slip resistance, surface glare, and visual accessibility become critical factors in tile decisions. Mosaic patterns, for example, may look great but can be disorienting for clients with vision impairments.

We rely heavily on trusted tile showrooms and reps to guide both us and our clients. These partnerships help streamline the process, especially when clients want to change shapes or colors midstream. Price is another big topic, and we encourage homeowners not to focus just on square foot costs but on where the tile will go. A $150/sq ft tile might be feasible in a small area like a bar backsplash, but less practical in a full shower.

Labor plays a huge role in tile cost and outcome. We advise always doing a dry lay, thinking carefully about transitions and edge details (hello, Schluter!), and planning for layout alignment—especially with plumbing fixtures and cabinetry. Even budget tile can shine if installed in a thoughtful pattern. Drawing tile layouts, aligning grout with niches and fixtures, and storyboarding during framing are all strategies we use to ensure beautiful, functional outcomes.

We wrap by encouraging listeners to work closely with their builders or tile reps if they don’t have a designer. Installation quality can make or break a tile project, so vetting your tile subcontractor is essential. There’s so much more to explore in the world of tile, and we’re definitely not done talking about it.

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Home: The Second Story, we sit down with Martin, a homeowner from New Orleans who recently undertook a full gut renovation of his early-1900s home. What started as a kitchen and bathroom update turned into a complete interior overhaul, taking the house down to the studs. Martin shares how his historic neighborhood, building codes, and local governance shaped what he could and could not do with his 120-year-old home. This includes the HDLC, which luckily for him, did not apply to his side of the street.

We learn about the impact of local knowledge. Martin’s team — his architect, contractor, and interior designer — all brought vital expertise, not just in design but in navigating the humid, termite-prone climate of New Orleans. He explains how important it was to plan for moisture, termites, and drainage, and how ignoring those realities can spell disaster later. The conversation reveals how Martin’s house went through decades of additions, from a porch removal to a spiral staircase that eventually forced a rethinking of the entire layout. Removing that staircase alone triggered cascading design changes that ultimately transformed the scope of the build.

Martin admits that while his architect’s attention to detail made the project possible, he underestimated the importance of involving a landscape architect from the start. The lack of one led to frustrating misses, like concrete planters that didn’t quite fit and last-minute improvisations for utilities. He underlines the value of a clear budget from day one — not having one wasted time and caused sleepless nights as costs rose and scope shifted. He urges future homeowners to anchor their dreams to a realistic budget early and to be prepared for the emotional ups and downs that come with any major renovation.

We follow Martin’s path through a contractor switch — a tough but necessary move when the first builder couldn’t align on a clear estimate or timeline. He emphasizes how crucial it was to find a contractor experienced with historic houses in his specific neighborhood. Trust and local reputation made all the difference, ensuring the project stayed aligned with local techniques and challenges.

Despite the anxiety and stress, Martin circles back to the reward: walking into a home that truly works for his family. He paints a picture of the foyer with its local art, the intentional smell that greets visitors, and the kitchen that brings people together — the real heart of their home. As he tells it, the payoff is that snapshot of friends and family gathering, the kids growing up in a home designed with care, and a renovation that, in the end, feels worth every bit of chaos.

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this snack-size episode of Home: The Second Story, we dive into the world of construction contract structures—a topic many homeowners find confusing but absolutely essential to understand. We break down the two main contract types: fixed price (or stipulated sum) and cost-plus (often referred to as time and materials), exploring how each affects cost, transparency, and risk.

From Marilyn’s background as a contractor, we hear that contracts are essentially about who carries the risk. In a cost-plus setup, the owner takes on the risk—and reaps any potential savings if material prices drop. In contrast, a fixed-price contract shifts that risk to the contractor, who may build in a cushion to protect against unexpected costs.

We talk about markup structures and how they vary between contractors. A critical point we emphasize is that not all percentages are created equal—one contractor’s 12% markup might include overhead and profit, while another’s 18% could only reflect profit. This makes it essential to ask what’s included in the markup when comparing bids.

Another key topic is allowances in hybrid contracts. These are line items for unknowns—like what's behind a wall during renovation—and act as mini cost-plus agreements inside a fixed-price contract. Interestingly, while allowances often cover things like tile and appliances, Marilyn notes she always wished they’d be used for unknown site conditions instead—since tile choices can be made upfront.

We also highlight control estimates, which provide a baseline for cost-plus contracts. They’re not binding but offer owners a framework for budgeting. Marilyn reminds us these estimates are often required by consumer protection laws, not just construction best practices.

In terms of billing, fixed-price contracts result in streamlined invoices showing progress against the agreed amount. Cost-plus contracts, on the other hand, provide detailed receipts for every purchase and expense, which architects or owner’s reps typically review before payment.

We touch briefly on change orders, clarifying that in cost-plus contracts, they don’t exist—the contractor builds as directed. In fixed-price arrangements, change orders formalize any scope changes, whether due to material availability, homeowner decisions, or contractor requests. We suggest keeping a change order log to track who initiated each one.

Lastly, we stress that asking questions is not only allowed—it’s encouraged. Homeowners should feel empowered to understand where their money is going but should also respect the realities of construction work. The success of any contract, we agree, depends on clear communication, realistic expectations, and detailed upfront planning.

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.