Episode 42: You Bought a Fixer-Upper. Now What?

Matthew Manke of Hacin joins Sarah and Bruce to discuss what to do after buying a fixer-upper and why the best first step may be to slow down. Rather than rushing into a wish list of renovations, Matthew encourages homeowners to take time to understand the house, assess its condition, and experience how it works for their everyday lives.Drawing on his own experience renovating a fixer-upper, Matthew shares how living in a home before making major changes can often reshape renovation plans and reveal opportunities homeowners might otherwise overlook. The conversation explores what improvements are worth tackling early, when it makes sense to refresh rather than replace, and why it's important to consider long-term plans, changing family needs, and the way you actually want to live in a space before committing to a renovation. From making strategic updates to knowing what to preserve, it's a thoughtful look at how taking a little more time upfront can lead to better decisions down the road.Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc.Theme music by Sean Ryan Peters

A beautiful home should sound as good as it looks. In this episode of Builder’s Notebook, Sarah and Bruce speak with Christopher Storch of Unison Acoustics about the often-overlooked role sound plays in residential comfort. From reverberation in open-plan spaces and noise traveling between floors to vibrations from HVAC equipment and outside noise entering through windows, Christopher explains the different acoustic challenges homeowners face and why they are best addressed early in the design and construction process.The conversation explores how thoughtful planning, sound isolation, material selection, mechanical equipment placement, and proper installation details can make a meaningful difference in a home’s acoustic performance. Christopher also addresses common misconceptions about soundproofing, explains why some seemingly simple fixes fall short, and shares how architects and builders can help create quieter, more comfortable living environments without compromising design.Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc.Theme music by Sean Ryan Peters

Social media has made it easier than ever to collect beautiful ideas for our homes, but knowing what looks good in a photograph and what actually works in real life are two very different things. In this episode, Betsy Bassett, of Betsy Bassett Interiors, an interior designer with 25 years of experience, joins Sarah and Bruce to talk about the process of turning inspiration into thoughtful, livable design.Betsy discusses how she helps clients make sense of the overwhelming amount of imagery they bring to a project, looking beyond individual finishes or furnishings to identify the underlying look, feel, and patterns that truly resonate with them. The conversation also gets into the importance of understanding how people actually live, from children and pets to clutter, routines, and the everyday realities that don't make it into a perfectly styled photograph. Betsy also shares her thoughts on disposable furniture, the limitations of AI-generated design imagery, and the difference between creating something that looks great on day one and designing a home that will continue to work, and look good, for years to come.Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc.Theme music by Sean Ryan Peters

Not every renovation needs to happen all at once. In this episode, Craig Stadelmann, Project Executive at S+H Construction, joins Sarah and Bruce to discuss how thoughtful planning and strategic sequencing can help homeowners balance budgets, construction logistics and the realities of living through a renovation. The conversation explores how to prioritize projects, coordinate infrastructure and related spaces, minimize disruption and avoid unnecessary rework. Craig also shares why a collaborative master plan, developed with the homeowner, architect, designer and builder, can make phasing more cost-effective while allowing for better-informed decisions and a more manageable renovation experience.Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc.Theme music by Sean Ryan Peters

Not every renovation starts with a historic home or a mid-century classic. For homeowners living in houses built in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, the challenge is often figuring out how to transform a home that was designed to appeal to everyone into one that feels distinctly their own.In the season six premiere, Sarah Lawson and Bruce Irving sit down with Heather Souza, Principal at Flavin Architects, to explore the opportunities and challenges of renovating this often-overlooked era of housing. They discuss the characteristics of these homes - from builder-driven designs and compartmentalized layouts to generous lots, good bones, and ceiling heights worth preserving - and what makes them strong candidates for thoughtful renovation.The conversation also goes beyond aesthetics, addressing the infrastructure and material issues homeowners should understand before taking on a project, including siding, windows, water management, and other components that may be reaching the end of their useful life. Heather shares why understanding how a family actually lives in a home should come before simply opening walls, and how thoughtful interventions can create more connected spaces while still maintaining purposeful separation.Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc.Theme music by Sean Ryan Peters

In this episode, Sarah and Bruce sit down with Larry Powers of the renowned  Powers Gallery to demystify the process of incorporating art into your home. From sourcing affordable pieces and navigating consignment shops to tips on art placement, lighting, and even hanging techniques, Larry shares practical advice and stories from his decades of experience. You'll also learn how art can transform a space, why lighting matters, and how to start an art collection on any budget.Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc.Theme music by Sean Ryan Peters

In this episode, Sarah and Bruce welcome award-winning landscape designer Greg Lombardi, of Gregory Lombardi Design, who reflects on how design preferences have shifted over the past few decades - from formal, overproduced gardens to more relaxed, ecologically conscious landscapes. He shares insights on the rise of native plantings, climate resilience, and the beauty of “messy on purpose” gardens. Then, Greg shares his insight on cultural perceptions, generational change, and the evolving relationship between people and their outdoor spaces. Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc.Theme music by Sean Ryan Peters

In this episode Sarah and Bruce sit down with John Bigelow of Compass Real Estate and Bigelow/Irving to dive into the current state of the housing market and answer some of the most common questions from both buyers and sellers. From the age-old debate of whether it’s worth renovating before selling, to staging tips, first-time buyer pitfalls, and the ever-changing dynamics of bidding wars, John shares practical advice and sharp insights drawn from his years in the field including market conditions, pricing strategies, and even condo association vibes can make or break a deal. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious, this episode offers an honest and informative look at the realities of real estate today.Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc.Theme music by Sean Ryan Peters

You'll never look at paint the same way after this episode! Sarah and Bruce welcome paint aficionado Nigel Costolloe, president of Catchlight Painting, and color consultant Sue O’Connell. Together, they bring us on an inspiring journey through the art and science of painting, exploring the transformative power of color and the vital choices that shape our environments. Nigel and Sue highlight the distinction between amateurs and professionals, emphasizing how high-quality materials and techniques enhance both durability and beauty. They remind us that selecting colors is not just about pigment; it’s a reflection of psychology and the interplay of light, inviting us to create spaces that resonate with our deepest feelings.Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc.Theme music by Sean Ryan Peters

In the season five premiere, Sarah and Bruce welcome construction engineering experts Harry Berlis and Tom Fennick of McPHAIL ASSOCIATES, LLC, who intrigue with their knowledge of the history of Back Bay. Before it became brownstones and boutiques, Back Bay was precisely that—a bay. In the 1800s, Boston launched a massive land-filling project that transformed water and marsh into one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. This episode dives into the bold engineering, political will, and sheer volume of dirt that built Back Bay from the ground up and how it still stands today! Builder's Notebook is recorded and produced by JDCommunications, Inc.Theme music by Sean Ryan Peters