Ep. #29: Understanding Cost Plus

Ep. #29: Understanding Cost Plus

Hosts: Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill Cost Plus is one of the most misunderstood concepts in custom homebuilding. In this episode, Daniel Glauser and Tim Hill break down what Cost Plus actually means, why it serves as the foundation of Risinger Build’s process, and how it creates transparency and flexibility throughout a custom home project. The conversation covers how construction budgets are developed, why estimates evolve as design decisions become more refined, and the role contingency plays in managing the unknowns that come with building one-of-a-kind homes. Daniel and Tim also discuss the importance of trust, open-book accounting, and why bringing a builder into the design process early often leads to better outcomes. In This Episode: * What a Cost Plus contract actually is * How custom home budgets are developed * The purpose of contingency * Common misconceptions about Cost Plus * The value of transparency and open-book accounting * Why early builder involvement matters * How collaboration creates better projects Whether you’re planning a custom home or simply want a better understanding of how the process works, this episode offers a practical look at one of the most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of custom homebuilding. Subscribe and follow along as the Risinger Build team shares insights, stories, and lessons learned. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com [https://risingerbuild.com] 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Ep. #28: The Guide to Building Well: Inside Risinger Build’s New Client Guidebook

Hosts: Daniel Glauser After more than a year in the making, Risinger Build’s Client Guidebook is finally here. In this episode of Work In Process, Daniel Glauser shares the story behind the creation of Risinger Build’s new internal guidebook — a resource designed to help clients and architects better understand the custom homebuilding process and what truly drives successful outcomes.   From pre-construction and builder involvement during design to budgeting, communication, and project management, this episode unpacks some of the biggest misconceptions around custom homebuilding and why process matters more than most people realize. Whether you’re planning a custom home, collaborating with a builder, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes of architecturally driven projects, this episode offers an honest look at what it takes to build well. In this episode: * Why we created the Client Guidebook * Common misconceptions about custom homebuilding * Why pre-construction matters * The value of early architect-builder collaboration * What great project management actually looks like * Why we believe in a cost-plus model A major milestone for our team — and one we’re excited to finally share. Subscribe and follow along as the Risinger Build team shares insights, stories, and lessons learned. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com [https://risingerbuild.com] 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Ep. #27: Living with the House – The hidden phase of homebuilding

Hosts: Tim Hill and Justin Cragg A truly custom home experience doesn’t end at move-in. In many ways, that’s when it actually begins. In this episode of Work In Process, Tim Hill sits down with Risinger Build Customer Service Manager Justin Cragg to discuss one of the most overlooked — yet most critical — parts of custom homebuilding: commissioning, long-term service, and the ongoing relationship between builder and homeowner. They unpack what really happens during the final stages of a project as clients begin living in their homes for the first time — from HVAC tuning and home automation adjustments to aging wood materials, stucco cracking, leak detection systems, and the realities of maintaining architecturally driven, high-performance homes. Justin shares what it’s like stepping into projects at the finish line, coordinating trades, supporting clients years after completion, and helping homeowners navigate the complexities of truly custom homes. The conversation also explores why maintenance is inseparable from longevity — and why some of the most beautiful modern homes require the most intentional care. More than anything, this episode is about relationships: the idea that building a custom home shouldn’t end with a warranty period, but continue as an ongoing partnership between builder and client. Subscribe and follow along as the Risinger Build team shares insights, stories, and lessons learned. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com [https://risingerbuild.com] 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Ep. #26: Build HD — Designing and Executing for Performance (Part 2)

Hosts: Matt Risinger and Tim Hill What actually makes a home perform over time and why do so many fail? In Part 2 of the Build HD series, Matt Risinger and Tim Hill move from philosophy into application, breaking down the real-world decisions that determine whether a home is durable, resilient, and built to last. The conversation dives into enclosure design, including the critical control layers—air, water, vapor, and thermal—and why managing water is still the single most important factor in long-term building performance. From roof design and overhangs to window ratios, rain screens, and flashing details, they explain how small design choices compound into major performance outcomes. They also unpack the role of mechanical systems, including ventilation, humidity control, and air quality. Rather than relying on a single system to do everything, Matt and Tim emphasize the importance of integrated systems that manage temperature, moisture, and fresh air intentionally. Beyond design, the episode focuses heavily on execution—why even the best plans fail without rigorous oversight. Tim outlines three key pillars: inspect, test, and document. From jobsite quality control to performance testing and final commissioning, the discussion highlights how disciplined processes lead to predictable results. The episode closes with a broader perspective: building is not just construction—it’s stewardship. When done well, a home becomes more than a product; it becomes a long-term legacy. Subscribe and follow along as the Risinger Build team shares insights, stories, and lessons learned. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com [https://risingerbuild.com] 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild

Ep. #25: Build HD — The 100 to 500 Year Home (Part 1)

What does it actually mean to build a home that lasts 100 years—or even 500? In this episode of Work In Process, Matt Risinger and Tim Hill begin a multi-part conversation introducing the philosophy behind the Build HD standard and their goal of building homes designed to perform for generations. Rather than starting with buzzwords like efficiency or sustainability, Tim explains the three foundational principles that guide their thinking: durability, forgiveness, and resilience. When these fundamentals are designed into a home from the beginning, efficiency, comfort, and long-term performance naturally follow. Matt and Tim also discuss the environmental forces every home must contend with over time—soil movement, wind, water, heat, humidity, and even power outages—and why understanding these stressors during the planning phase is critical to long-term building performance. The conversation introduces another often-overlooked concept: serviceability. If homes are meant to last for generations, they must be designed so systems can be repaired, upgraded, and maintained without tearing the building apart. This episode lays the groundwork for the Build HD approach—rethinking residential construction with a longer time horizon and a deeper understanding of how homes actually perform over time. Subscribe and follow along as the Risinger Build team shares insights, stories, and lessons learned. Connect with Us: 📧 hello@risingerbuild.com 🌐 risingerbuild.com [https://risingerbuild.com] 📷 Instagram: Risinger Build - @risingerbuild_atx Daniel Glauser - @glauserbuilding Tim Hill - @tim_risingerbuild