The Renovation Conversation: When Tearing Down Costs More Than Building New

The Renovation Conversation: When Tearing Down Costs More Than Building New

Author: Paul LaRoche & Emily Aborn July 15, 2026 Duration: 7:04
Thinking about renovating your current home instead of building new? For many homeowners, it seems like the practical choice, but the numbers often tell a different story. In this episode, Paul breaks down the hidden costs of renovation, the deal-breaker discoveries that happen once you start tearing into old homes, and when renovation ends up costing more than building from scratch. If you're on the fence between preserving what you have and starting fresh, this conversatio...

Ever find yourself sketching floor plans on a napkin or saving inspiration photos for a house that doesn't exist yet? The Craft of Custom is for anyone who feels that pull toward a home that’s truly their own. Hosts Paul LaRoche and Emily Aborn guide you through the nuanced journey of creating a personal sanctuary, whether it's a primary residence, a vacation retreat, or a renovation that finally aligns your space with your life. This isn't about generic advice; it's a deep, practical conversation focused on the unique considerations of building and designing in the Monadnock Region. In each episode, you'll hear the unvarnished realities-the art, the science, and the often-overlooked details-of the custom home industry. Think of it as a series of candid conversations with seasoned experts who help demystify the process, from initial concepts to the final walkthrough. The goal is to equip you with the insights and questions you need to navigate your project with confidence. Tune in for a podcast that treats your dream home not as a fantasy, but as a thoughtful, achievable craft.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

The Craft of Custom
Podcast Episodes
Not According to Plan is in the Plan: All About Delays & Overruns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:44
In the world of construction, delays and overruns are all but inevitable. The key is to plan and prepare for the unexpected and build things not going according to plan into the plan. In this episode, Paul shares some of…
Monadnock 101: Your Guide to Becoming a Local [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:00
We're having some FUN in this episode and sharing the unwritten rules of the Monadnock Region that every newcomer should know. Disclaimer: Many of these, Paul and Emily don't even know the answer to despite growing up he…
Design Myths to Stop Believing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:25
Is open concept always better? Should you design with resale in mind? Is custom building as expensive as you think? There are certain design "rules," that many people believe as hard-and-fast truths... but are they actua…
Landing the Lot: Selecting the land for your dream home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:02
Your lot isn't just where your home sits... it's part of the design itself. Topography, views, sun exposure, setbacks, soil conditions, utilities, and more. These constraints either limit your options or become creative,…
Is the Upgrade Worth It? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:11
Premium appliances, smart home systems, luxury finishes, high-end HVAC, the options during a custom build are endless... and the price tags can be too! But which upgrades actually deliver long-term value, and which ones…
If I Were Building My Own Home Today: Paul's Dream Build [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:57
Ever wondered what a luxury custom home builder would build for himself? In this episode, Paul gets personal and walks through his dream home from the ground up. He chooses his ideal location, and we give him complete cr…
We Are Hiring! Help us spread the word and grow the LR3 team! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:12
LR3 Development is growing! Paul's looking for just the right person to join the team as an experienced Residential Construction Project Manager. In this episode, Paul shares more about the role, what it entails, and wha…