Designing and Building Mid-Illinois with Big Dog Construction
Welcome to Designing and Building Mid-Illinois with Big Dog Construction. The podcast you didn't know you needed. Join Chris Hartsook and Kaitlin Borgini as we explore the stories, expertise and projects shaping the future right here in Mid-Illinois. Whether you're planning to build, curious about the latest trends or just love innovative ideas, we've got insights and inspiration coming your way. And some laughs too.
Episodes
28 episodes
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois through Revisiting Energy Efficient Windows
SummaryIn this episode of Designing and Building Mid-Illinois, hosts Chris Hartsook and Kaitlin Borgini Trader discuss the often-overlooked importance of windows in home improvement. They explore the best times to evaluate windows...
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42:42
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois: Realtor segment with 1st Choice Realty Pros: Tips for Home Buyers
SummaryIn this episode of Designing and Building Mid-Illinois, Chris Hartsook discusses the essential steps for home buyers with Lisa Miller and Lydia Emmons from First Choice Realty Pros. The conversation covers the importance of...
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28:37
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois featuring Robert Ferriell and the Power of the 10X Business Summit
SummaryIn this dual drop of Elevate Springfield and Designing and Building Mid-Illinois One Home at a Time, Robert Ferriell and Chris Hartsook discuss the 10X Business Summit in Fort Lauderdale. They explore the significance of th...
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25:39
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois: Realty segment with 1st Choice Realty Pros: 10 Tips for home sellers
SummaryIn this conversation, Chris and Kaitlin welcome back Lisa and Lydia from 1st Choice Realty Pros to discuss essential tips for home sellers in the mid-Illinois area. They cover various topics, including the importance of fir...
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39:30
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois: Health and Wellness Starts at Home
SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss the critical aspects of health and wellness within the home environment. They emphasize that a home is not just a physical structure but a space that significantly impacts our health and w...
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51:17
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois: Introducing our New Realty Segment with 1st Choice Realty Pros
SummaryIn this episode of Designing and Building Mid-Illinois, hosts Chris and Kaitlin welcome Lisa Miller and Lydia Emmons from 1stChoice Realty Pros. They discuss their journeys into real estate, the unique aspects of their agen...
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1:04:18
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois featuring Crystal Rivali from Willow Lane Spa
SummaryIn this episode, Chris and Kaitlin sit down with Crystal Rivali, the owner of Willow Lane Spa, to explore her journey in the aesthetics industry, the services offered at her spa, and the importance of skincare and wellness....
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49:48
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois: 2026 Trends from Sustainable Materials to Multi-generational Homes
SummaryIn this episode, Chris and Kaitlin explore the top remodeling trends for 2026, focusing on sustainable materials and multi-generational designs. They discuss the importance of eco-friendly choices in home renovations, such ...
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53:47
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois: What a Contractor Notices in the First 60 Seconds of Walking into Your Home
SummaryIn this episode, the Chris and Kaitlin discuss the key observations contractors make when entering a home for the first time. They cover various aspects such as the condition of windows, overall maintenance, flooring issues...
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42:08
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois with a Spring Home Refresh
SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss spring home updates, focusing on windows, decks, siding, and bathroom refreshes. They share expert tips on energy-efficient upgrades, maintenance, and DIY projects to enhance your home's b...
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42:07
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois with AI
SummaryThis episode explores how AI is revolutionizing disaster preparedness, storm prediction, and home safety. It covers the latest in weather forecasting, smart home integration, and structural safety measures, emphasizing the ...
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36:25
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois with Protecting Your Family When it Matters Most
SummaryIn this episode, we explore the critical importance of safe rooms and storm shelters for protecting families during severe weather events, particularly in tornado-prone areas like Illinois. The discussion covers the differe...
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41:28
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois with A Look Back to the Beginning
SummaryIn this episode of Designing and Building Mid-Illinois, hosts Chris Hartsook and Kaitlin Borgini discuss the importance of local businesses, the dynamics of shopping local, and the mindset required for success in the constr...
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31:30
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois through Exceptional Customer Service
SummaryIn this episode, Chris and Kaitlin discuss the often-overlooked aspect of customer service in remodeling and construction projects. They emphasize the importance of communication, setting realistic expectations, and the res...
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32:25
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois featuring Quinn Reiher and Ryan Dixon
SummaryOver the coming weeks, voters will be making an important decision in the race for Macoupin County Sheriff. Our goal with this episode is simple: to give you, the voter, a chance to hear directly from the candidates about t...
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1:34:59
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois through Energy Efficient Windows
SummaryIn this episode of Designing and Building Mid-Illinois, hosts Chris Hartsook and Kaitlin Borgini Trader discuss the often-overlooked importance of windows in home improvement. They explore the best times to evaluate windows...
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41:00
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois through Smart Home Tech
SummaryIn this episode, hosts Chris and Kaitlin dive into the rapidly evolving world of smart home technology. They discuss the various DIY-friendly smart home upgrades that homeowners can implement, such as smart thermostats, lig...
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25:08
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois through Planning, Prioritizing, and Knowing When to Call a Professional
SummaryIn this episode of Designing and Building Mid-Illinois, hosts Chris and Kaitlin discuss the importance of setting home improvement goals for the new year. They emphasizes the need for a clear plan to prevent costly repairs ...
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21:19
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois featuring Tamara Day with trends for 2026!
SummaryIn this episode of Designing and Building Mid-Illinois, hosts Chris and Kaitlin explore the evolving landscape of interior design with special guest Tamara Day, focusing on practical remodeling tips, DIY projects, and the l...
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53:53
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois through Interior and Exterior Design
SummaryIn this episode, Chris, Kaitlin, and Clara discuss the importance of interior design and how it can be a high-impact DIY project. They explore various design styles, the fundamentals of interior design, and practical tips f...
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48:00
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois through Family Traditions
SummaryIn this episode, Chris and Kaitlin discuss the significance of family traditions during the holiday season, particularly Christmas. They explore how these traditions shape the way homes are designed and used, emphasizing th...
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24:37
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois through Winter Energy Efficiency Tips
SummaryIn this episode of Designing and Building Mid-Illinois, hosts Chris and Kaitlin discuss practical DIY home improvement projects focusing on energy efficiency. They cover topics such as identifying air leaks, the importance ...
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38:40
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois through DIY Flooring and Lighting
summaryIn this episode of Designing and Building Mid-Illinois, hosts Chris Hartsook and Kaitlin Borgini discuss practical DIY home improvement projects that can enhance your home just in time for the holidays. They explore high-im...
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36:42
Designing and Building Mid-Illinois featuring Blake Middleton
SummaryIn this episode of Designing and Building Mid-Illinois, hosts Chris Hartsook and Kaitlin Borgini welcome Blake Middleton from Elite Roofing Professionals. They discuss high-impact DIY projects, Blake's journey in the roofin...
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54:13