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Gets you plans permit-ready and prepare for a smooth build. The preconstruction finish line is in sight! It's almost go time, and we're going through those last checkmarks on your custom build to-do list. Today we're going to explore those last steps for permitting and site prep before you begin turning dirt. Learn the process that kick starts the first construction step.  And join us next season when we take you through each step of the construction process, milestone by milestone. Join us for Season 9, coming in November 2025!

Luxury isn't about the amount you spend or square footage, and value engineering is the key to getting the most out of your space and spend... In this episode of The Art of Custom, we break down the process of value engineering, which helps you design strategically to stay within your investment goals without sacrificing quality or style.  Learn how to balance your wants, needs and wishes with expert insights from Hibbs Luxury Homes!

Your budget sets the bar for your project, here's how to help your builder nail it.  Estimating and budgeting are among the most stressful parts of building a custom home. Hibbs Luxury Homes estimators Alexa Wagasky and Kathleen Arvin explain why cost per square foot is misleading, how allowances and soft costs work, and how to avoid budget surprises so you can build with confidence and clarity.

Your dream home should look great and live even better! Architect Chris Campbell of Walk Your Plans St. Louis joins us to discuss how walking your floor plan at full scale can transform the design process. Learn how to avoid “I wish” regrets, balance square footage with vision, and make confident design choices before construction begins.

Custom home building takes a team. In this episode, Kim and Melody explain why your builder, architect, and designer are the “dream team” for a smooth build. Learn when to bring them in, how they collaborate, and why choosing the right team early helps you avoid costly mistakes and design with confidence. *** Follow along this season as we guide you through every step of the pre-construction process and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!

Not all land is created equal. Hibbs Homes’ Chris Pedigo joins us to reveal the hidden costs and red flags of lot selection. From topography and utilities to setbacks and HOA rules, learn how to avoid surprises and choose the right lot for your dream home. Follow along this season as we guide you through every step of the pre-construction process! Subscribe and don’t miss an episode so you have the tools to build smarter!

Every successful custom home starts with a clear plan. And the very first step in that plan is defining your goals, vision and timeline.   This season of The Art of Custom is focused on all of the steps in the preconstruction process to ensure your dream home comes to life in the smoothest, most rewarding way possible.    We are kicking things off by helping you ask the questions to clarify what you’re building (and why!), aligning expectations and project plans, and helping you avoid some of the most common early misses that can cost time or money down the road. Whether you’re just starting to dream or are already scouting lots, this episode will help you set a strong foundation well before you pour the foundation. Subscribe and follow along this season as we guide you through every step of the pre-construction process!

In this episode of "The Art of Custom," we close out our journey of 20 homes for 20 years by exploring the homes that built the builder and the legacy they launched. Join us as we delve into the stories behind the Hibbs Family Home and the first Hibbs custom home. Hear from Kim and Jan Hibbs about the challenges, inspiration, and values that have shaped the company over the last two decades. 

We are taking a deep dive into the world of building homes that are expertly crafted around the people who inhabit them. From homes fine-tuned to the nuances of sensory needs to designing homes that embrace multigenerational living, we uncover the elements that define the way we live in our homes. We explore two unique homes: one designed to cater to sensory needs, offering a sanctuary that balances sensitivity and practicality, and the other, a haven for an extended family, thoughtfully designed to blend independence with shared living. These homes transcend the traditional idea of what a house should be and reflect a profound understanding of lifestyle, needs, and, above all, connection.

In today's episode we journey to the luxury resort communities of Park City, Utah, where the breathtaking landscapes of Sky Ridge and Tuhaye where our clients are taking elevated living to new heights. We delve into the art, science and challenges of building luxury custom homes in these coveted resort communities, where the foundation of every project is trust, communication, and a vision as vast as the panoramic views.

In this episode, we step inside two breathtaking estate-style homes that blend classic European architecture with modern luxury living. From the sun-warmed clay tile roof and creamy stucco of a Spanish revival home to the refined symmetry and cast stone facade of a French Georgian estate, these two home are timeless in their design and bold in beauty. Chris Peidgo joins us to share the stories behind these statement homes, from inspiration to challenges to the craftsmanship required to build homes of this scale.  Whether it's the romance of the Mediterranean or the bold luxury of French formality, this episode offers an inspiration for building a home that is meant to stand the test of time.

Building a home in an area known for it’s charm and character is a challenge. But with the right team in place, you can build something that fits right in with a 100-year-old home but has the performance, comfort, and durability of today’s cutting edge new builds. We are continuing our season of twenty houses for twenty years by looking back at two projects that were designed and built in the history-loving area of Kirkwood, MO. Learn about navigating design challenges, hear tips on materials, and prepare to be inspired to build your own charmer!

We've all heard the buzz around tariffs in the construction world. There's been a lot of chatter and it can feel pretty overwhelming. Homeowners are scratching their heads, not knowing how these tariffs might shake up their plans for 2025. Join us for this quick bonus episode as we clear the air on what's real and what's just noise when it comes to construction costs and tariffs. Plot twist: it might not be as scary as it sounds! And we will even share some tips on what proactive steps you might want to take if you're about to kick off a construction project.

In today's episode, we continue our walk through 20 Houses for 20 Year by taking a deep dive into the world of design with a discussion on two distinct yet timeless styles: Modern Mountain and Modern Farmhouse. To start the conversation, we chat with Utah client Elizabeth Sayer, who shares her family's journey building dream home in Park City. From tackling snowy driveways to finding that perfect view of Deer Valley, we explore their modern mountain family oasis. We also sit down with our talented designers, Ann Fritz and Karla Todd from the St. Louis office, to discuss how Modern Farmhouse style is ever-evolving. We discuss the Mentel home in Town & Country, MO and explore the different elements of this popular home design and how to make decisions that will keep a modern farmhouse fresh and timeless. Whether you're a fan of the sleek lines of mountain homes or the cozy charm of the modern farmhouse, this episode is packed with inspiration and tips for home enthusiasts. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and enjoy the art of design!

We’re revisiting two groundbreaking projects that left a lasting impact not just on our company, but on the global home-building community. First, we sit down with homeowners David and Thuy Smith to reflect on their decade of living in Active House USA, a cutting-edge, energy-efficient home completed in 2013. They share insights on how the home has performed over the years, the surprises they encountered when building, and how they came to be part of such an important project. Then, we take a look back at Proud Green Home, a 2016 project in Wildwood, MO, designed to meet the highest standards of sustainable construction. Built with the highest standards for indoor air quality to ease allergy and asthma issues for the client's children, this home also served as a model for green building. Both homes served as real-world learning labs for builders, architects, and students, pushing the boundaries of residential green building. That is why we chose to take a look back on them for this episode of our 20 Homes for 20 Years.