Home Building Insights - Building With Breven

• Insulation & Drywall: How to Prep Your Custom Home for Energy Efficiency & Finishes

  Episode 33: Insulation & Drywall – How to Prepare Your Custom Home for Energy Efficiency & Interior FinishesIn this episode of Building With Breven, we officially enter Phase 2 of the home building process! Inspired by our most popular episode (Ep. 22), this is the fifth installment of our 7-part mini series on how to build a custom home, and we’re diving deep into insulation and drywall—a key transition point between rough construction and finished interiors.Host Steven Byrnes of Breven Homes breaks down what to expect during the insulation and drywall phase of your custom home construction, and what you need to check before moving forward to paint and trim.In this episode, you’ll learn:🔥 Insulation Types & StrategyThe pros and cons of fiberglass, spray foam (open & closed cell), cellulose, rigid foam board, and mineral woolWhich insulation materials best support energy efficiency in custom homesWhat to expect during energy inspections, including the pre-drywall visual inspection and the final blower door test🧱 Drywall Best PracticesWhy the pre-drywall walk is one of the most important steps in the home building processHow to review your plans and specifications before walls go upWhat to check during drywall installation to ensure quality craftsmanshipPost-drywall walkthrough tips: spotting inconsistencies and issues before paintWhether you're building your first home or managing your own custom home project, this episode gives you the insight you need to protect your investment and move through home construction with confidence.At Breven Homes, we believe homeowners should understand every major milestone in the process to successfully build a home that lasts. Knowing what to look for during insulation and drywall ensures you're building smart and avoiding problems down the road.🎧 Tune in now to get one step closer to completing your dream home!🔗 Visit buildingwithbreven.com for checklists, resources, and more tips on how to build a home.📱 Follow @brevenhomes on Instagram for behind-the-scenes videos and expert advice on home building and designing custom homes in Central Texas.

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• Behind the Walls: HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical in Home Construction

  Episode 32: Mechanical Rough-Ins – Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical in Custom Home BuildingIn this episode of Building With Breven, we continue our 7-part mini series breaking down the full process to build a home, step-by-step. Inspired by our most popular episode (Ep. 22), we’re diving deep into Step 4: Mechanical Rough-Ins—a critical stage in home building that happens right after framing and before insulation or drywall.If you want to understand how to build a home the right way, this is one of the most important (and often misunderstood) phases in the home construction process. Host Steven Byrnes of Breven Homes walks you through the key components of the mechanical rough-in phase, including plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and more.In this episode, you’ll learn:🔧 Plumbing Top-OutFixture locations and planning for long-term functionalityPEX, trunk-and-branch systems, and efficient water distributionSewer line (head) testing and water supply pressure testing❄️ HVAC Rough-InDuctwork layout: returns, supplies, plenums, and copper linesCondensate drain lines and how the system ties togetherWhat a duct blast test is and why it matters in custom homes⚡ Electrical Rough-InThe electrical walk-through with your builder or electricianPlacement of breaker panels (main and subpanels)Visual inspections and planning for future electrical needs📡 Low-Voltage SystemsSmart home prep: speakers, internet, cable, cameras, and mediaPrewiring for security, video doorbells, and future upgrades🐜 Bonus: Pest ControlWhy some homeowners install pest control systems in the framing stageWhether you’re working with a builder or managing your own custom home project, this episode will help you gain the confidence to make the right decisions when it comes to mechanical systems in your future home.At Breven Homes, we believe knowledge is power—and understanding each stage of home building helps you avoid costly mistakes and build smarter.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to approach the mechanical phase like a pro and move one step closer to completing your dream home.🔗 Visit buildingwithbreven.com for checklists, visuals, and more resources on how to build a home.📱 Follow @brevenhomes on Instagram for behind-the-scenes insights into real home construction projects and expert custom home tips.

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• Framing + Cornice + Roof Decking: How to Build the Structural Shell of a Custom Home

  Episode 31: Framing, Cornice & Roof Decking – How to Build the Structure of a Custom HomeIf you're planning to build a home, understanding the structural phase is essential to successful home building. In this episode of Building With Breven, we continue our 7-part mini series inspired by our most downloaded episode, Ep. 22, diving deeper into Step 3: Framing, Cornice, and Roof Decking.Knowing how to build a home from the ground up starts with getting the frame right—and this is especially critical for custom homes, where every detail matters.In this episode, you'll learn:What framing, cornice, and roof decking actually include in modern home constructionWhy engineering matters: structural loads, windstorm requirements, and long-term durabilityChoosing between metal framing and wood framing when you build a homeSmart framing techniques for efficient, sustainable home building (like California corners and 24” OC spacing)What “drying in” means and how cornice work ties into windows, soffits, and fasciaWeatherproofing strategies and exterior insulation best practices (also see Ep. 10)Types of roof decking and how they impact your custom home’s performanceWhether you’re hiring a builder or overseeing your own custom home project, this episode will help you better understand how to make smart, cost-effective decisions during one of the most critical phases in the home construction process.At Breven Homes, we’re committed to helping homeowners like you learn exactly how to build a home with confidence—from concept to completion.🎧 Tune in now to strengthen your knowledge and take the next step in your home building journey.🔗 Visit buildingwithbreven.com for free guides and tools to help you plan your dream home.📱 Follow @brevenhomes on Instagram for visuals, tips, and behind-the-scenes updates on real custom homes in progress.

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• Custom Home Foundation: How to Build a Strong, Lasting Base for Your Home

  Episode 30: How to Build a Strong Foundation for Your Custom Home | Step 2 of the Home Building ProcessIn this episode of Building With Breven, we continue our 7-part mini series breaking down each step of the custom home building process. This week, we take a deep dive into Step 2: Foundation—a critical phase that can make or break your entire home construction project.If you’re planning to build a home, understanding the foundation phase is essential to avoid costly mistakes and structural issues later on. Host Steven Byrnes and Mike Byrnes of Breven Homes explain everything you need to know about laying a strong, lasting base for your custom home.How engineering impacts your home’s foundationChecking house orientation and layout before pouringThe most common types of foundations in home buildingWhere to place floor plugs, plumbing, and electrical conduitHot and cold weather precautions for foundation poursIdeal foundation heights for custom homesChoosing the right type of concrete for your soil and designThe impact of floor finishes on your foundation planSmart ways to save money when building a foundationWhether you're just starting to research how to build a home or you're already deep into the home construction process, this episode will give you the expert guidance you need to make confident decisions.At Breven Homes, we believe the more you understand the home building process, the better your project outcome will be. That’s why we created this special series—to help you gain clarity on what it takes to build a home that lasts.🎧 Listen now to learn how to build a foundation that supports your vision and your investment.🔗 Visit buildingwithbreven.com for exclusive resources and tools to help you plan your custom home build.📱 Follow us on Instagram @brevenhomes for behind-the-scenes tips, project updates, and expert advice on every stage of home building.In this episode, we cover:

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• Lot Prep Explained: How to Prepare Your Land for a Custom Home Build

  Lot Prep Masterclass: Essential Steps to Prepare Your Land for a Custom Home | Episode 29In this first episode of our special 7-part series expanding on our most popular episode (Ep. 22), hosts Steven Byrnes & Mike Byrnes take an in-depth look at Lot Preparation, the critical first step in the custom home building process.You'll learn about:Land Surveying & Boundary Identification: Why surveying your lot is crucial.Tree Clearing & Site Preparation: Key considerations for effectively clearing your land.Scraping the House Pad: Proper techniques to establish a solid foundation.Excavation & Basements: Important excavation insights, including considerations for basement builds.Drainage & Topography Management: Ensuring proper water runoff and land grading.Utilities & Setbacks: Understanding utility placements and building setback requirements.Whether you're planning your dream custom home or just getting started, this episode will equip you with essential knowledge to avoid costly pitfalls.Subscribe and visit buildingwithbreven.com for more resources, and follow us on Instagram @brevenhomes for additional custom home insights.

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