Designing and Building Mid-Illinois: 2026 Trends from Sustainable Materials to Multi-generational Homes

Summary

In 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 as reclaimed wood and recycled materials, and how these choices not only benefit the environment but also enhance the aesthetic and character of homes. The conversation also delves into the growing need for homes that accommodate multiple generations, emphasizing adaptability and planning for the future. In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of designing multi-generational homes that cater to the needs of families at different life stages. They emphasize the significance of future-proofing homes for aging populations and explore local versus national design trends, highlighting the Midwest's preference for modern farmhouse aesthetics. The conversation shifts to the balance between timeless and trendy design choices, stressing the importance of making informed decisions in home design. The hosts introduce a new realtor segment aimed at helping listeners navigate the housing market and discuss community engagement through local events and initiatives.

Takeaways

• Sustainable materials are a lifestyle shift, not just a trend.
• Multi-generational designs are becoming essential in modern homes.
• Eco-friendly choices can reduce waste and improve home aesthetics.
• Investing in sustainable materials can be cost-effective in the long run.
• Low VOC paints and recycled materials minimize environmental impact.
• Adaptable homes can accommodate aging family members.
• Recycling and upcycling materials can create unique home features.
• The demand for multi-generational living is increasing due to demographic shifts.
• Designing for the future involves planning for accessibility and adaptability. Designing multi-generational spaces enhances family interaction.
• Future-proofing homes is essential for aging populations.
• Local trends reflect a preference for modern farmhouse aesthetics.
• Timeless design choices can withstand changing trends.

www.bigdogcc.com

Produced by Big Dog Media group with Big Dog Business Coaching

Transcript

SPEAKER_02 0:00

Welcome to Design and Building Mid-Ellinois, one home at a time with Big Dog Construction.

SPEAKER_03 0:04

The podcast you didn't know you needed.

SPEAKER_02 0:06

It's Chris Hartzuck and Caitlin Morgini. Join us as we explore the stories, expertise, and project shaping the future right here in Mid-Ellinois.

SPEAKER_03 0:14

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.

SPEAKER_02 0:23

Let's go.

unknown 0:24

Big dog!

SPEAKER_00 0:26

In the military, there's no such thing as good enough. You either do the job the right way or you don't do it at all. I'm Blake Middleton of Elite Roofing Professionals and Exteriors. I'm a veteran and I brought the same mission-first mindset back to Illinois. While others talk about the way it's always been done, my team focuses on the technical precision of how a roof should be built. We use the best materials, the best technology, and a level of communication you won't find anywhere else. Your home isn't just a job, it's a commitment. Elite roofing, high standards, zero compromise, clear communication. Give us a call today.

SPEAKER_02 1:01

Hey, welcome back to Designing Building Middle Ane Home at a Time, the podcast where we talk practical remoding tips, construction insights, and do-it-yourself projects that make your home work better for you. I'm your host, Chris, with Caitlin for Genie Trader. And today we're digging into 2026 top remodeling trends. We'll cover eco-friendly materials, multi-generational designs, and how trends differ locally and how they blend timeless with trendiness. Is that a word? Sure it is, trendiness.

SPEAKER_03 1:29

100% it is.

SPEAKER_02 1:31

Awesome.

SPEAKER_03 1:31

I think I've used it.

SPEAKER_02 1:32

Well, your trendy is.

SPEAKER_03 1:34

Oh, thank you.

SPEAKER_02 1:35

Hey, if this is your first time tuning in, hey, welcome. And if you've been with us from the beginning, a big thank you for continuing the journey with us as Caitlin and I help mid-Elinois homeowners design smarter, build better, and make confident designs decisions about their homes. And let's face it, Caitlin, we are definitely still going beyond mid-Ellinois. We really are. We are. And you know, all right, we're going to do this right now because you know, last week we asked people to, hey, let us know what people would notice in your home, right? Right. We asked that question. I had somebody reach out and they were asking on their home on the exterior, which is kind of neat, why their walkout basement, okay? So walkout basement, why they only had siding in a certain portion of that basement that didn't line up with the upper part of the house. Right? Yes. Exposed concrete and the siding was over here. So I thanked them for letting us know what was going on and all that. And I went ahead and let them know that that is where the siding on that walkout part is where the wood framing is, where the wall's built, because the concrete does not go all the way across that.

SPEAKER_03 2:41

And see, I would think that it would.

SPEAKER_02 2:44

That the concrete would go all across it.

SPEAKER_03 2:45

Yeah, if it's a walkout. But then that wouldn't look right.

SPEAKER_02 2:48

Correct. So typically your concrete only goes beyond where it needs to to hold back the earth, right? To where the pressure of the earth is for strength. And then you would do traditional framing across that, right? But there are homes, we have done homes where because you have to attach treated furring strips or cleats to the concrete for the siding to attach to. And then you'd have to frame the home above out further to take care of the cleat thickness on there. Because if you look at the siding, it lays against the concrete when it comes down to it.

SPEAKER_03 3:23

Right, right.

SPEAKER_02 3:24

Well, what happened is you put the cleats, that siding below would be sticking out further than your upper.

SPEAKER_03 3:27

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 3:28

So basically the whole back of the house would be had to be framed out further out on that.

SPEAKER_03 3:32

So But see, that was a good question.

SPEAKER_02 3:34

It was.

SPEAKER_03 3:35

And I've had people reach out about the storm shelters.

unknown 3:38

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 3:38

So I mean I know. I know. See, they're just hey, we are reaching beyond.

SPEAKER_03 3:43

A lot of realtors have been thanking us for putting this information out there.

SPEAKER_02 3:49

I know. And then they're gonna be uh we're gonna be dropping a little surprise on that a little later.

SPEAKER_03 3:53

Oh, yeah, that was a little foreshadowing.

SPEAKER_02 3:55

Yep. Foreseeing, foreshadowing, foreseeing.

SPEAKER_03 3:58

Foreshadowing. I do know that.

SPEAKER_02 3:59

Foreshadowing. Look at you.

SPEAKER_03 4:01

I was good at English. I know it's hard to believe.

SPEAKER_02 4:04

And French, at least uh talking to 10. Two cat, whatever you're doing, that cat.

SPEAKER_03 4:10

I mean, you went like okay. First of all, you remembered that.

SPEAKER_02 4:14

I do. I do.

SPEAKER_03 4:15

I just like a sponge, guys.

SPEAKER_02 4:17

I am. I am a sponge for sure. Well, hey, let's give a partner shout out, our 10x partner shout out to Elite Roofing Professionals. Blake Middleton, the owner over there, veteran-owned business. Pretty awesome.

SPEAKER_03 4:31

So awesome.

SPEAKER_02 4:32

And we had some storms roll through this weekend and we had some damage.

SPEAKER_03 4:36

And he was busy.

SPEAKER_02 4:37

He was busy.

SPEAKER_03 4:38

And he posted about it. You guys have to follow his social media.

SPEAKER_02 4:41

Eliteroofing Professionals.com is our website also. Because when it comes to protecting your home or fixing your home after a storm, trust the guys and the expert at elite roofing professionals. Absolutely. They've been serving Mid-Illinois for a long time with their top-tier roofing, guttering, and siding services. They will ensure that your home stays safe and sound. The durable roofing solutions, efficient and affordable gutter guards, their skilled team brings quality and reliability to every project. Choose elite roofing professionals and experience. Excellence from the top down, which is your roof, down to the bottom where the downspouts will drain out.

SPEAKER_03 5:16

Right.

SPEAKER_02 5:17

Didn't know that, right? No, I'm just kidding.

SPEAKER_03 5:18

Well, that's a big deal.

SPEAKER_02 5:20

Call them at the local number they have and find them at Eliteroofing Professionals.com. So with that, because yes, you are right. They've been very busy social media posting.

SPEAKER_03 5:30

And they go all over the place, you guys.

SPEAKER_02 5:32

They're they're opening the office in Springfield. They have their main office in Lichfield as well. And they go, I know, down to Belleville, Hillsborough, Hillsborough, Carlinville. They're everywhere. They're like the air you breathe.

SPEAKER_03 5:47

Because they're elite. They are either like us.

SPEAKER_02 5:50

That's right. Big time. Like the big dog. That's right. Make sure I don't touch my mic. Hey, I do apologize. Oh, wait. Yes, it's so great. Last episode when the mic was creeping up my you know to my face, kind of like a bear. No, I'm not gonna go that way and say about creeping pair of panties anywhere. Because I don't wear panties. He said it and I did that. Yeah, it was funny. But anyway, I muted my mic the last seven minutes of last last week's podcast episode, and I felt really bad. And thank goodness to my business partner, Robert, who was able to make the audio work based on our other mics that we picked up on. So I'm not touching my mic today, I promise.

SPEAKER_03 6:22

Robert's a wizard. We love Robert.

SPEAKER_02 6:24

Robert is a wizard. So anyway, we're gonna talk about, like we said, right? 2026 trends, sustainable materials. And our first topic is gonna be talking about sustainable materials. It's more than a buzzword. You know, it's a lifestyle shift. We're talking about reclaimed wood beams, uh, recycled glass countertops, bamboo flooring.

SPEAKER_03 6:43

This has Tamar Day written all over it. Oh my gosh. And you know it does.

SPEAKER_02 6:46

Yes, it does. It does. I actually worked with a family to swap out old laminate countertops and with a stunning recycled glass top.

SPEAKER_03 6:53

Oh, oh, I I mean the result gorgeous.

SPEAKER_02 6:56

It's unique, it's eco-friendly. The surfaces not only look gorgeous, but reduce waste. And if you think about sustainability, check out certifications and invest in the materials that last. Uh, these choices are a win-win, better for the planet, better for your home. And one thing about those recycled glass countertops, no two look the same because you're using different, you know, recycled material in there.

SPEAKER_03 7:20

Right.

SPEAKER_02 7:20

And I've seen people chunks of blue glass, green glass, red glass.

SPEAKER_03 7:24

I'm obsessed with that.

SPEAKER_02 7:24

Yeah, it's awesome.

SPEAKER_03 7:26

In their bathroom, I I can't remember where I was, but it was a bathroom vanity. And they had that recycled glass with like a clear sink bowl, like right on top of it. It was so beautiful. Now, where would one get those things? Because that was what I would want to ask you. Like, where do you go to take it out?

SPEAKER_02 7:46

Then come talk to us. I mean, because we can take care of getting them the recycled glass countertops, right? We work with green suppliers.

SPEAKER_03 7:53

Okay. That there was my next question. Yeah, yeah. Okay.

SPEAKER_02 7:56

There are there are specific green suppliers out there. Um that that's their that's their company mission is to, you know, recycle, right? Or oh gosh, what's the other word? Up upcycle? Is it upcycle?

SPEAKER_03 8:09

Yeah. Like the actual.

SPEAKER_02 8:12

Yeah, they will take something and repurpose it into something else. Yeah, upcycling. Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 8:17

I was like, No, you were right. I thought you were thinking of a a company.

SPEAKER_02 8:22

No, no, no, no, no.

SPEAKER_03 8:23

Now I want to ask you this.

SPEAKER_02 8:24

Yes, please.

SPEAKER_03 8:26

Since these things are recycled and upcycled, if you're choosing this kind of stuff, I can see how it would be both ways. Is it more affordable or more expensive? Just asking for the common listener.

SPEAKER_02 8:40

So it it really depends on the product that you're using.

SPEAKER_03 8:42

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 8:43

And I'm gonna I'm gonna tell a little story about a client we had and how it ended up being a little less money for them on what we did, and the end result was beautiful. And that's that's the thing about upcycling and recycling, is people don't realize that it does cost money to recycle this stuff.

SPEAKER_03 9:00

Yes.

SPEAKER_02 9:01

Right? You have to pay people to pick it up or have the drop zones to drop it off, and then you have to have the facilities that will take the material, the machine, grind it, the machines, all that stuff, the upkeep on it. It does cost money to do that. But you've got to think of the bigger picture of minimizing the eco footprint that you're creating, right? Remodeling or building a home. And so that's the thing. There are some certain products that do cost a little more than your traditional product because there's there's reclaimed wood, recycled glass countertops, uh bamboo or cork flooring, low VOC paints, recycled metal fixtures, and even composite decking that's made from recycled plastics.

SPEAKER_03 9:38

Right. And the composite decking, I know we've talked about before, and we like that. That's good stuff.

SPEAKER_02 9:43

So some of those companies will literally use reground plastic in their composite to mix with the wood compos wood particles to make it.

SPEAKER_03 9:51

And I love that. I mean, doesn't that make you feel better? And like you said, even the toxins that we don't realize are omitted into our atmosphere.

SPEAKER_02 10:01

Correct.

SPEAKER_03 10:02

From things that are not, this won't be as much when you're using those eco-friendly products.

SPEAKER_02 10:09

Exactly. And that that's the low VOC, which is the off-gassing of like paints and stuff. That's what that low VOC means is you know, the off-gassing because then it's emitting the gas into the air.

SPEAKER_00 10:20

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 10:21

Epoxy coatings, concrete sealers. There used to be great concrete concrete sealers that would really make a shine on the concrete.

SPEAKER_04 10:28

Yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 10:29

And they were banned in California.

unknown 10:31

Uh-huh.

SPEAKER_02 10:31

And then they started coming across the United States and being banned elsewhere.

unknown 10:35

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 10:36

It's kind of like treated lumber. Treated lumber used to actually have arsenic in it. That's what kept it from rotting in the ground or being out in the weather. But because it wasn't friendly to kids, and that's why us contractors know when we used to get a splinter from the old treated lumber, you knew you had a splinter because the next morning it was swelled up and pushed, and you were the splinter was spitting out itself.

SPEAKER_03 10:59

So what do they use now?

SPEAKER_02 11:00

Now it's called ACQ, which is a okay, treated lumber companies. It's not as good as the old stuff, it doesn't last as long, right? I mean, that's a problem.

SPEAKER_03 11:08

Right.

SPEAKER_02 11:08

And so it's it's uh playground safe. Kids can eat it if they want, go up and gnaw on the side of the leg of the playground, right? And be fine. But it's a it's a more I don't want to say water-based product, but yeah.

SPEAKER_03 11:24

It's obviously safer, but most of the time when it's not as strong, it's not gonna work as well.

SPEAKER_02 11:30

Correct. Yep, yeah, you're absolutely right. And that's the thing too, um, and not segueing off of recycled materials, but the treated lumber, do you know how they make treated lumber? How it gets impregnated with the the stuff? Yes, it gets impregnated with the line.

SPEAKER_03 11:44

I know, but I'm just like why is my mind this way?

SPEAKER_02 11:46

Impregnated. You said impregnated. That's right. That's right. So they literally have these huge chambers that are pressure chambers that they will load full bunks of lumber in. They'll close it up and they'll pull a vacuum on that. And what that does when they pull a vacuum, it opens up the pores of the wood, and then they inject the chemical in there, and then they inject pressure. They put pressure that instead of vacuum, they put pressure, and then that gets into it sucks, it sucks into the open pores because wood is like a straw. Yeah, and it will draw, yeah, and it'll draw that material in and then it cures in there, and then out. That's why you you go to pick up a treated lumber and you'll pick up a real heavy one, it's like, oh man, that one's still full of its juice. You'll pick up a light one that's dry.

SPEAKER_03 12:35

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 12:36

So when you're picking up, you're like, well, what's wrong with this one and this one?

SPEAKER_03 12:40

It's just not all the way.

SPEAKER_02 12:41

One's wetter and one's drier. And and so that's the thing, too, when you're going to seal a new deck, you can't seal new, fresh, treated lumber because it's not all the way dry. It's wet. Right.

SPEAKER_03 12:52

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 12:52

You can't, it just won't. So it used to be that you would with the good stuff, you had to wait two, three years. Now it's like next year you better seal it because the new stuff is dried up.

SPEAKER_03 13:02

Oh, you would have to wait that long. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 13:05

Yeah. Because it was good stuff. Good stuff. Okay. But hey, I'm going to get back on recycled materials. Right.

SPEAKER_03 13:10

I want to talk about the reclaimed wood because remember how that had really started to be a trend. And it still is. I love it.

SPEAKER_02 13:18

So we actually had a homeowner uh reach out to us with a goal that wasn't about updating their space. They wanted character. They didn't want a cookie cutter remodel.

SPEAKER_03 13:26

Camera.

SPEAKER_02 13:27

They wanted something that told a story, right? And it was an older home built in the late 1800s.

SPEAKER_04 13:33

My.

SPEAKER_02 13:34

Yeah. And during the demo, we uncovered some original wood framing that had clearly been there for centuries. Yeah. Instead of hauling it off to the landfill, we actually paused and had a conversation. What if we reuse this in your design in your home? And again, that's why working with a design firm, we can stop quickly pivot and make things happen. And so what we ended up doing was reclaiming that wood, milling it down, and turning it into a stunning focal point. It was a custom range hood and open shelving on either side of it in the kitchen. So I love the open shelter. Now here's yeah, here's the cool part. Every piece had its own grain pattern. Yeah, some was thicker and tighter.

SPEAKER_03 14:12

And then were some like they probably weren't all flat.

SPEAKER_02 14:15

Well, we milled them to be. Oh, you milled them. Okay. We milled them to be flat. But they all had their own imperfections, even nail holes that we chose to keep in there because that's character. And instead of hiding that history, we highlighted the history. And when that project was done, that kitchen didn't just look good. It felt different, warm, authentic, and it was one of a kind. And that's what clients want.

SPEAKER_03 14:35

And it's a talking piece for guests.

SPEAKER_02 14:37

Yeah, because they told us later that every time someone walked into their home, uh, the first thing they would ask about was, where did you get that? And they could say, Well, it came from this very house. And I fabricated about big dog construction, but but it was, hey, hey, it was recommended by big dog.

SPEAKER_03 14:54

Correct. But guys, if you think about like, don't you love getting things from your grandparents' house that have been in their home forever? I do, you know, and it's just like that's what this kind of is. Like use what you already have. Now my house was born or born.

SPEAKER_02 15:10

Born? My house was born because it got impregnated, didn't it? Oh Lord, ladies. Here's folks. Here she goes. She's on it. She's on one.

SPEAKER_03 15:20

You had me, you had me. And then I held a baby last night at the election party. This baby was six weeks old, and I'm not kidding you. It was oh, Chris.

SPEAKER_02 15:29

You're like baby fever.

SPEAKER_03 15:31

Well, not that bad. I just I want the baby. I don't want to have the baby. I don't like you don't want to carry I don't like what it does to my body. Right.

SPEAKER_02 15:39

Okay. I knew where we were going with that.

SPEAKER_03 15:41

So anyway.

SPEAKER_02 15:42

You lost track of where you were going.

SPEAKER_03 15:43

Oh, my house. Yes, your house was born in the early 1940s. But there has been so much that we've kept. The doors.

SPEAKER_02 15:52

Yes.

SPEAKER_03 15:53

The handles. Those glass handles.

SPEAKER_02 15:56

Glass knobs, yes. Gorgeous. The gorgeous.

SPEAKER_03 16:00

Oh, oh. This is what it's coming back. It's coming back. So we were talking about reclaimed wood.

SPEAKER_02 16:04

You did have a brain fart. I told you.

SPEAKER_03 16:05

I did, I did. But see how I can keep talking to try and I saw her hair fluff her out this morning. Yeah. You know, I'll keep talking until it comes back.

SPEAKER_02 16:13

So she forgot again.

SPEAKER_03 16:15

They had reclaimed wood. The previous owners that had found, you know, I guess from the 40s. So I have these two, like, I guess you would say, cutouts in my bedroom. And I put the reclaimed wood. Now these aren't milled, so they're a little bit kind of wavy cups.

SPEAKER_02 16:31

And I like it. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_03 16:32

So they're like my shelves, and I have like my jewelry and my makeup. I mean, but see.

SPEAKER_02 16:36

She's flailing her hands. You decide those that can't see the video, she's flailing her hands.

SPEAKER_03 16:41

Robert's gonna be like, how can I put this on here?

SPEAKER_02 16:43

Yeah, how can I get this to happen? No, you know, that is true. That's what sustainable remodeling looks like, right? Using something. And we have before, we've had clients like, hey, we'll do the demo because we want to clean the studs and we want to reuse them for ball framing.

SPEAKER_03 17:02

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 17:03

Right? Which we've done that. That's fine. We can do that as long as they're not crack split and we feel the structural integrity is fine with them.

SPEAKER_03 17:08

Right, right, right.

SPEAKER_02 17:08

No problem at all, right? Usually on the reclaim stuff, it would be more cosmetic, you know, that you're gonna be given that warm feel like we did with that rangehood uh in that kitchen.

SPEAKER_03 17:18

I want to see a picture of that on that job.

SPEAKER_02 17:20

We'll have to post it sometimes, right? But the thing of that is we gave it a second life. We gave that material a second life, a repurpose.

SPEAKER_03 17:27

And again, reincarnation.

SPEAKER_02 17:29

Instead of now we're re we're impregnating, we're reincarnating.

SPEAKER_03 17:32

Bourning, we're birthing.

SPEAKER_02 17:34

Our house was born on 1887. That's when my house was born.

SPEAKER_03 17:38

I know.

SPEAKER_02 17:39

My great-great-grandfather.

SPEAKER_03 17:40

Did you probably have a lot of reclaimed stuff? Or did you completely oh no, I I was gonna say I could see you wanting cool stuff in there.

SPEAKER_02 17:46

I I went to the point where our master bedroom, uh we took, so it was a seven-bedroom house, old farmhouse, right, right. Right? Yeah, early 1900s. And so we took the two rooms on the north end of the house, removed the dividing wall, had a structural engineer involved because it's a balloon framing, a lot of technical stuff in there. And we removed the floor between the second floor and the third floor, which was the attic, full walkable attic. And so we have 18-foot tall ceiling in the master bedroom, 1212 pitch cathedral ceiling. And so I framed in and built a fireplace on the north end. So I have an 18-foot tall chimney fireplace built in there in the master bedroom with a balcony from third floor over to the house.

SPEAKER_03 18:38

How do you ever leave?

SPEAKER_02 18:40

It's hard. It's hard. But what we did, so this is this is kind of reclaimed. We we had a pin oak tree that was planted by my uncle when he was 13 with his grandmother, which would have been my great-grandmother. They planted there on the farm outside the house, and it started to die.

SPEAKER_03 18:58

Oh no.

SPEAKER_02 18:59

And this thing was like five foot diameter on the base. It was huge. It was taller than the house. My house is two and a half stories and sticking out of the ground three feet because it's raised up out of the ground. So I had the tree cut down, and a quarter mile from our house is a sawmill. So I took the heart of the tree, the the I had like 24 feet of trunk that I took down and had them cut planks for me. Then I had a kiln drying, kiln dry kiln dried, and then I used that wood which has the big saw blade marks in it. Right, right. And it it's the face of the chimney. From the mantle up. And the mantle, so in trees, they have you know your straight trunks, but then you have the part of the trunk where all the branches start going out.

SPEAKER_04 19:42

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 19:43

That's called the heart wood. That's where it's showing all the veins going out. Yeah, yeah. I took that section, I took the very middle of that and created a mantle so it has all the knot swirls in it from the mantle.

SPEAKER_03 19:54

So it's really now that's a really good idea because I would have never thought versus burning it up in a brush pot. But to use the the heart of that tree because, like you said, it's gonna give so much more character.

SPEAKER_02 20:06

Oh, it's beautiful. And it has very smart of you because it has nice splits where it needs. I mean, it's just yeah. And then stone below the mantle. One of a kind. It is truly one of the unique to you planted by my uncle with my great-grandmother, reclaimed, reclaimed it from going to the burn pile, and now it's in the home. So yeah, it's see guys. I'm tearing up on the phone.

SPEAKER_03 20:32

See, he is it make things special.

SPEAKER_02 20:34

Anyway, so that's the reclaim stuff. It's it's all about uh doing our part, right? Because guess what? The population is not going down on this planet. It keeps going up, up, up, and up, and up, and up and up.

SPEAKER_03 20:46

Especially if you have people like me. That's like with all the kids.

SPEAKER_02 20:49

Well, I thought meaning you're just like putting them out like a rabbit. Yeah, I mean can't destroy the body, folks.

SPEAKER_03 20:56

I can't. It's been too long.

SPEAKER_02 20:58

We're done. We're done doing more C sections. Well, hey, you know what? Let's roll on to we're talking about reclaiming, working in the home and stuff. Let's talk about multi-generational designs. So what what does that term mean to you, Caitlin? Multi-generational design.

SPEAKER_03 21:12

I feel like it means to me to not go with the architectural trends, but to think about what would be best for maybe the generation before you yourself and the generation after you. Am I wrong?

SPEAKER_02 21:28

You're wrong.

unknown 21:29

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 21:29

But that's okay. I failed. So no, you didn't fail. So what we're talking about was that a good guess? It was a good guess, but we're gonna be talking about that. You know, I'm glad you asked. Yeah. So multi-generational design of a home means that that home, you were you were getting there, that that home is adaptable where you're gonna have more than one generation living in it at one time.

SPEAKER_03 21:50

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 21:50

So in-laws moving in with the kids, grandparents moving in.

SPEAKER_03 21:54

Like a mother in law suite.

SPEAKER_02 21:56

Exactly. Yes. Right, exactly. And and having that in the home. So literally, especially if you're a caregiver to the parent. Right, exactly. COVID kind of changed living patterns of people. So a lot of families are living together now. Homes need to adapt. We've been adding wider doorways for walkers, wheelchairs, which we are a certified aging place specialist here through the National Association of Home Builders, and that's a mouthful.

SPEAKER_03 22:22

I know, but I'm glad to know that because people that's like a certain, I almost want to say like niche, like when people get older to build ADA compliance or whatever.

SPEAKER_02 22:34

There is a huge percentage of the United States that will be in excess of 55 years and older coming up. It's like a huge wave of older generation coming in, right? Okay.

SPEAKER_03 22:46

So I'm trying to think.

SPEAKER_02 22:47

So with certified agent in place specialists, we need to be able to adapt homes as we get older and also being a certified agent place specialist, we can make that home like we're doing a bathroom remodel. We will take and put blocking in. Well, I don't want a grab bar. I'm too young for a grab bar. No problem. But we're gonna have blocking behind that wall for when you do need a grab bar, it's there for you for sturdy application and installation. And so we we think ahead and have those things in the remodel behind the walls.

SPEAKER_03 23:15

And this is what people, like you said, this these 55-year-old group coming up. I know they're still very young. I mean, they're gonna be able to do that.

SPEAKER_04 23:23

Yes, I am yeah.

SPEAKER_03 23:24

And I think about Ryan, he's only 52. But like you some elderly people, I guess, have to leave their homes that they've lived in for years and years and years because they can't get around in it.

SPEAKER_04 23:38

Correct.

SPEAKER_03 23:38

And they probably don't know that someone like Big Jong can come in that is certified and actually make it like it would be if you were at a rehabilitation.

SPEAKER_02 23:51

So our goal is when we go into someone's home, that is, you know, one of the questions when we're interviewing and talking to them, one of the things we do is say, is this your forever home? Or is this your five to ten year plan? Right? Well, I'd like to, but I know I got those stairs I got to deal with, or the doors are pretty narrow. You know what? If you love this home and you want to be here forever, we can adapt this home to make it meet your needs and or be easily modified later when changes so that we're able to make those homes to where you can stay in until they take you out in a pine box. Not to get graphic, but I mean I know, but that's what I want. Then with the gurney to f out.

SPEAKER_03 24:31

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 24:32

And that that way it is. I mean, I I unfortunately uh I have a mother in a nursing home. She's been there for many, many, many, many, many years. And medical issues, stuff like that.

SPEAKER_03 24:44

Right, right.

SPEAKER_02 24:45

But I know she'd be much happier in a home that if she could live by herself, that she could sit down in that home by herself.

SPEAKER_03 24:51

And that's the main problem with the elder because like they could fall unless they have the life alert. You just and you wouldn't know.

SPEAKER_02 24:58

And it's too, it's it's kind of a two-way thing about, yeah, the medical, if someone is medically, yes, by themselves, then you have this multi-generational thing to where they need to move into someone's home. Right to the family's home, or maybe with friends. Do you have your best friends that are in their 80s living together? Because, hey.

SPEAKER_03 25:18

I'm gonna tell you what, if Chris goes before me, me and Megan are moving down to Siesta Key.

SPEAKER_02 25:23

Siesta Key. Okay. Sorry, Chris. Sorry, Chris, I got him in the ground the door already. My God, pine box. If you see a load of lumber show up at your house, Chris, let Caitlin get the saw and make you a coffin. Anyway, but the other part of that is is having the the family that can adapt and learn to work with, you know, as people age.

SPEAKER_03 25:46

And I think like somebody I wouldn't have thought about this for like my parents, but for my kids. And I think about I have this shed that's on my property. We have a garage too.

SPEAKER_02 26:00

But is it a she shed?

SPEAKER_03 26:02

I'm I always thought well it hey, it's drywall, it's insulated. There's a heater, there's no AC. But what I'm saying is you think about that, that could be used as part of a multi if you know it's already there.

SPEAKER_02 26:14

Intergenerational.

SPEAKER_03 26:15

But it would still need like work to look cute.

SPEAKER_02 26:18

And so here's the thing here. Oh, it's gotta look cute.

SPEAKER_03 26:21

100%. You know, you got me going big time. So you you started this with me.

SPEAKER_02 26:27

Right. But so we have here at our um at our showroom, we actually have an in-law suite or an en suite in the design of the floor plan here. And a lot of people don't even know when they walk in that there's a whole back half, which is still under the same footprint of this home. She's hands and knees.

SPEAKER_03 26:48

Okay, so when you walk in, and then here's your designer. Are you talking about this way?

SPEAKER_02 26:55

Back in the corner, yes. Yes, yes, okay. So the whole back of the house. Yeah. Has own kitchen, living area. Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_03 27:00

I did, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 27:01

Walk-in closet with washer dryer and a master bathroom.

SPEAKER_03 27:05

The bathroom's so nice. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 27:06

I mean, so and and own entrance.

SPEAKER_03 27:09

Oh, no, I didn't know that.

SPEAKER_02 27:11

Own entrance, correct. And when the showroom is done on the outside, the exterior is we just finished deciding to just put a new roof on. But we are actually going to have a deck that will connect out of their entrance around to the sunroom.

SPEAKER_03 27:24

Well, I wondered. That's a perfect spot to put that, Chris.

SPEAKER_02 27:27

Have a door on both sides of the sunroom, which is Susan's design office.

SPEAKER_04 27:31

Yes.

SPEAKER_02 27:31

Because then that creates the sunroom as a family meeting space. So the ensuite, the in-laws have their space, their private area, kids stay out, grandkids stay out, right? That's their private space. But if they want to have family time together, they walk and go into the sunroom together.

SPEAKER_03 27:48

And it's also right by the kitchen.

SPEAKER_02 27:50

It is correct. The the main family's kitchen. Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 27:52

So now I that's now that you've explained that, that it's a nice that now my parents' house is somewhat like that, where it's it's completely separated.

SPEAKER_02 28:02

Right.

SPEAKER_03 28:03

I need my house to be like that.

SPEAKER_02 28:05

Well, and so to back to your answer that you gave me, you were on the on the verge of being right because multi-generational designs also means future-proofing the home.

SPEAKER_03 28:16

Right. Even for kids.

SPEAKER_02 28:17

Comfort today and ready for tomorrow's needs. And that's where that CAPS, that certified agent place specialist, comes into place. And if you're if you're listening to us, not in this area where we can help you, literally, you can go to the National Association of Home Builders website and you can search for CAPS certification, and it'll tell you who is certified. It's it's literally training and testing. We had to take tests to be certified in this. We can adapt homes if you're in a wheelchair, raise the cabinets up. What are ADA compliances that are very serious?

SPEAKER_03 28:46

I think that those I know they're not committees, but organizations like because I taught special ed for years. So I feel like that's really taken seriously. So I like how it's listed, so known for everybody to see.

SPEAKER_02 29:04

Well, I appreciate that. The National Association of Home Builders, I mean, that's why they're there. They're not just to give creditation to collect dues. They're there to make sure that they are helping the builders across the United States be prepared. Like we said, this onslaught of 55 and older is going to be coming in, and they need places to live. They need, you know, because right now, let's face it, I know the problems that we've been seeing with the nursing homes. I've had to deal with them personally with my mother in the nursing homes. Staffing.

SPEAKER_04 29:31

Yes.

SPEAKER_02 29:32

Changing of ownership. When they change of ownerships, there's a big influx of, oh, we're going to do this, this, and this. And then within months, it's back to the same old way and proper care. And it's not of any fault of the workers because they're great. They they have to love what they do because they care about people.

SPEAKER_03 29:50

Right, right, right, right, right, right. 100%.

SPEAKER_02 29:51

Because I've seen some people in nursing homes that I I understand. I get it. So that's one of the things on that. That's multi-generational designs. And keeping that in mind for the 2026 trends, it's because of this influx of people getting older and want to stay in their homes. That's a trend. We got to start designing future-proofing the homes. Let's coin phrase that. Let's future proofing the home.

SPEAKER_03 30:14

Guys, even if you're a young couple that are just getting married and you have your five-year plan to have a child.

SPEAKER_02 30:20

Right.

SPEAKER_03 30:21

I mean, that takes a lot of proofing and preparing, guys. Just telling you.

SPEAKER_02 30:26

It does. It does because my oldest son is actually expecting in August. My son is not. Sorry, his wife is. I should clarify. Yes. I didn't tell you. I'm going to be a grandpa for the first time.

SPEAKER_03 30:36

My gosh, I'm so excited.

SPEAKER_02 30:38

Grandpa crees.

SPEAKER_03 30:39

Now, isn't now his wife is the teacher.

SPEAKER_02 30:41

Yes.

SPEAKER_03 30:42

And that was Lucas' favorite teacher. I'm going to tell you what. They are going to be the best parents in August. What a great month.

SPEAKER_02 30:49

August 9th is the expected due date. What's what's that? Is that your birthday?

SPEAKER_03 30:53

August 14th.

SPEAKER_02 30:54

Well, there you go. My youngest son's is August 18th, so he's kind of excited. Like, hey.

SPEAKER_03 30:58

And you never know. The baby could, you never know. I mean, any of those do like, I'm not coming out.

SPEAKER_02 31:02

I'm going to stay here in a while, right?

SPEAKER_03 31:03

I was two weeks late.

SPEAKER_02 31:04

It's a baby girl.

SPEAKER_03 31:05

Oh my god. Chris, are you about you are gonna lose yourself?

SPEAKER_02 31:11

I am. No, I can say shit. I'm gonna lose my shit. Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 31:14

I'm gonna cry. Like I'm really excited.

SPEAKER_02 31:15

I always wanted, I always wanted the girl. I know it's a good one. But instead of my boys, yeah, that's what I'm saying. Well, that's what I'm hoping for. So I'm gonna be the best girl granddad I can be. I will be grandpa Chris. So but anyway, yes, August 9th. I'm excited. I know. And and hold this. He's probably gonna be pissed that I'm saying this, but that's okay. But Monday they go for their 20-week ultrasound.

SPEAKER_03 31:36

So they get to see her.

SPEAKER_02 31:37

Well, they've already seen her.

SPEAKER_03 31:38

But like that 20-week is a yes, that's the they really do, they take every single picture.

SPEAKER_02 31:45

It's like a three, four-hour ordeal of all right, pose here, leg there, prop this, hold this, deep breath, you know, all that stuff.

SPEAKER_03 31:52

I know. I always loved that one.

SPEAKER_02 31:53

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 31:54

I'm just so happy for you. Yeah, no, I'm just trying for the last three or four hours.

SPEAKER_02 31:58

I know. It's like you're so emotional, Caitlin.

SPEAKER_03 32:00

I know because I get I was so happy for people that I love.

SPEAKER_02 32:04

Well, hey, moving on from babies and multi-generational homes and and all that. So, yeah, babies to grandparents all living in the same home. Literally, a home that will accommodate a newborn to an 80-year-old.

SPEAKER_03 32:16

I would love to live with my parents. Can I move back in, Don and Kath?

SPEAKER_02 32:19

Hey, uh, Donnie B and Kathy B. You got uh Katie B T wants to move back in.

SPEAKER_03 32:25

My dad would murder, but God, he does everything.

SPEAKER_02 32:28

So I'm just like you're like, I would not do squat with Chris and my dad. I'm thick. I'm done. I'm the queen.

unknown 32:35

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 32:36

Mom, let's go out to the city.

SPEAKER_03 32:37

Let's go get our nails done.

SPEAKER_02 32:39

Get our nails done, Kath. Let's go. Hey, we're gonna move on to local versus national trends.

SPEAKER_03 32:45

Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 32:45

I like local trends to national trends. So here in the Midwest, yes, we are in the Midwest, mid-Illinois. If you haven't been paying attention to our podcast intro and where we're located, mid-Illinois, that's where we're covering. So here in the Midwest, we are heart in the Midwest. We love modern farm house, warm wood, cozy textures, and practical layouts, right? Because again, take it. The house I'm living in was a farmhouse. Right. It's not a cracker box, so it's not just straight two stories square.

SPEAKER_03 33:13

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 33:14

It's the shape of a cross, actually. It's kind of a neat design. Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 33:17

That is really cool. I I did, I'm glad you clarified that. Three chimneys.

SPEAKER_02 33:21

Yeah, no, it's it's a shape of a cross. Great character.

SPEAKER_03 33:25

Mine's the shape of an L.

SPEAKER_02 33:28

Luther.

SPEAKER_03 33:29

I knew you were gonna say that.

SPEAKER_02 33:32

Sorry. But you teed me up. I had to swing. I had to swing, Katie.

SPEAKER_03 33:37

And I'm proud of you. Thank you.

SPEAKER_02 33:38

Thank you. I was I try to be quick on my feet or my seat.

SPEAKER_03 33:42

The Midwest, that's we're what we're used to. We're surrounded by farms. Farmhouse.

SPEAKER_02 33:47

Compare that to the West Coast minalism, all sleek lines, or the East Coast classic colonial vibes, right?

SPEAKER_03 33:53

You know what?

SPEAKER_02 33:54

I like that East Coast kind of Southern Well, we have a little of that East Coast vibe here. Migration went which way? East to West.

SPEAKER_03 34:03

Yeah, because we don't have, I don't feel like we have a lot of the California.

SPEAKER_02 34:07

Staten Island.

SPEAKER_03 34:09

The Californian coming our way.

SPEAKER_02 34:11

Well, I'm talking about when the country was founded. That's when um 1492, Columbus Held Ocean.

SPEAKER_03 34:17

I was just gonna say Christopher came over. He did a lot of bad things.

SPEAKER_02 34:21

Not Christopher Trader.

SPEAKER_03 34:22

He did a lot of bad things.

SPEAKER_02 34:23

Yeah, we're not going down the history lesson there. But yeah, so that's why we do have some of the homes. You know, you'll have some Victorian-looking homes. I see, and I like that. And that's East Coast colonial vibe coming this way. But because the settlers, they didn't have all the money for all the frills and fancy stuff that you'd have on the East Coast colonial. You'd have more of that farmhouse, that more that's very interesting. Over flare.

SPEAKER_03 34:48

To think about that in a historical point of view.

SPEAKER_02 34:50

Yeah. I actually have okay. This is gonna, I'm a little history test here. I'm not test. I have letters when my grandmother Hartsuk passed away, God bless her soul. When she passed away and I went through her stuff, I actually found handwritten letters. Well, obviously they would be, they wouldn't be typed from the 1800s from Hartsooks out here, actually in Greenfield. There was a there was a Hartsuk house hotel built in Greenfield by Joseph Hartsuk, and he was writing letters back to his brothers on the East Coast about what's going on and how it's going to have several letters from them back in the 1800s as they migrated. They literally migrated as settlers and started settling across. Chris. It's crazy what I have in the history of that is so cool.

SPEAKER_03 35:36

Right. I but I love all of this.

SPEAKER_02 35:38

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 35:39

I like hearing about all that.

SPEAKER_02 35:40

So that's the local, right? That farmhouse feel. We balance timeless charm with everyday functionality. Again, that functional versus flair. Um I I once worked on a home where we blended the classic farmhouse elements with a modern flare. Timeless but fresh.

SPEAKER_03 35:55

Well, that's kind of what Clara was talking about when we had her on.

SPEAKER_02 35:58

Exactly.

SPEAKER_03 35:59

At one time, which I like that look a lot too.

SPEAKER_02 36:01

Well, and and I also want to make sure, you know, because Tamara listens, I know, and I want to make sure that she knows that when her time was on here, when we beginning of the year, she was the first episode that dropped this year about what the 2026 trends were, right? And she said, Well, it's whatever works for you. And so I want to make sure this episode doesn't like contradict what she was saying. It truly is what works for you. But let's face it, there are sheep out there that want to follow the trend.

SPEAKER_03 36:24

Right. And there's also statistics that we're just here to report.

SPEAKER_02 36:28

Just the stats. Yeah. Just the stats.

SPEAKER_03 36:30

Just the stats, man.

SPEAKER_02 36:31

Just the facts, man.

SPEAKER_03 36:32

But I feel like Tamra's style, her own, like she is definitely a mixture of like three things. Would you say like she's got Victorian, she's got in there?

SPEAKER_02 36:41

Well, she's got bargain mansions.

SPEAKER_03 36:43

Modern.

SPEAKER_02 36:43

Yeah. The bargain mansions isn't a barn. It's mansions that she is, which are uh, I think the proper you know what? Let's just look this up. We got the pooder in front of us here. Let's just look up what the actual term and definition of mansion is, right? Because I think it's based on square footage, which is deemed a mansion.

SPEAKER_03 37:01

Oh, okay. And I feel like that she is just so good, even like if like her client or somebody wants a modern look, she's still good at making it completely unique.

SPEAKER_02 37:12

Yes. Yes. So yes, I was right. A mansion is generally defined as a large, impressive, and luxurious house, typically exceeding 5,000 to 8,000 square feet and beyond.

SPEAKER_04 37:23

Okay.

SPEAKER_02 37:23

Right. So my house, even though it's not luxurious, might be impressive to some. I would say it's probably luxurious. 18-foot ceilings. It's 4,400 square feet. So I'm under the threshold of the 5,000. I don't have an extra. I guess I could put an addition on.

SPEAKER_03 37:40

Do it.

SPEAKER_02 37:40

Why? Just me and my wife. Why would I do an addition? I do have a grandbaby on the way.

SPEAKER_03 37:46

Generational mansion.

SPEAKER_02 37:47

That's right. See, look at you learning future-proofing the home.

SPEAKER_03 37:52

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 37:53

Love it. Well, hey, let's roll right into timeless versus trendy, right? So balancing trends and timeless design is key. Trends like bold fixtures, add personality, but neutral palette or quality cabinetry endure the time.

SPEAKER_03 38:07

Right.

SPEAKER_02 38:07

Right. I had a client who loved trendy tile, but we paired it with a classic layout. When the trends shift, their home remains elegant, but still has that timeliness in there, right? Use trends where they're easy to update, paint the decor while entering with timeless investments.

SPEAKER_03 38:24

I screwed up, man.

SPEAKER_02 38:25

No. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Did you screw up? Did you have Chris screw up for you because Chris does the painting?

SPEAKER_03 38:30

No, I'm just kicking myself for getting the white cabinets.

SPEAKER_02 38:33

You know, like that screw up.

SPEAKER_03 38:35

Because that you know that that's not neat. You know, painting those cabinets is a B-I-T-C-H.

SPEAKER_02 38:41

Well, it depends if they're painted wood or if they're the white melamine.

SPEAKER_03 38:45

Can you come look?

SPEAKER_02 38:46

Because if there's a coating on there, then it's a white melamine.

SPEAKER_03 38:50

So then I would have to sand all that, right?

SPEAKER_02 38:52

But melamine, it's it's because usually the melamine on the doors, it is over like a sawdust wood. Right. It's not real wood. I don't think I think sawdust food.

SPEAKER_03 39:01

But see, that's what I'm saying, you guys. I went for the trend. And now I'm paying for it. So I feel like what you said keep up with the trends by simple cosmetic, superficial thanks.

SPEAKER_02 39:16

Right.

SPEAKER_03 39:17

And now I had to serve these white counters first in my life.

SPEAKER_02 39:20

Well, you don't have to. No, I don't. I'm Chris, we're gonna do a kitchen remodel.

SPEAKER_03 39:24

Get the sledgehammer.

SPEAKER_02 39:26

That's right. That's right. So the goal, a home that feels current now and still classic years later.

SPEAKER_03 39:33

Right.

SPEAKER_02 39:33

You want it to stay timeless. Relevant. Yeah. My mouth got numb from the cold iced tea I was drinking, right?

SPEAKER_03 39:42

Just like my old doors, I feel like, and those glass knobs are timeless, wouldn't you say?

SPEAKER_02 39:48

Oh yeah.

SPEAKER_03 39:48

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 39:49

Yeah, they are. They're great because you can change the door style, the color, not style. You can change the door stain, paint, you can paint the door, all that. Glass knobs are still going to carry with whatever you go with.

SPEAKER_03 40:00

Oh, I love the glass knobs.

SPEAKER_02 40:02

See?

SPEAKER_03 40:02

And they even sell them, guys. Of course they do. On Amazon. They're not the real ones. But they sure look like it because I had to get them for my addition.

SPEAKER_02 40:11

Oh, well, there you go.

SPEAKER_03 40:13

You know?

SPEAKER_02 40:13

The L, the leg of your L part of your house. It's the little L, the leg.

SPEAKER_03 40:18

Oh god. No, it's the long leg. What?

SPEAKER_02 40:20

You have an addition that was the long leg? Wow.

SPEAKER_03 40:22

Oh. I have a very unique house.

SPEAKER_02 40:25

Wow. Wow.

SPEAKER_03 40:27

Loser.

SPEAKER_02 40:28

Loser?

SPEAKER_03 40:29

That's this.

SPEAKER_02 40:30

You are. You're not a loser. Folks, she is not a loser. She is all unique in her porkiness. I mean quirkiness.

SPEAKER_03 40:37

Winner, winner, chicken.

SPEAKER_02 40:39

Oh my gosh. Speaking of winners, hey, congratulations to all of the people who ran. Um, primaries yesterday, right? All across the state. Primaries happened. And with that, we have some. First off, congrats for even stepping up to be in the public eye, right? In a political position because you are under scrutiny, you're under a microscope. Constantly, people are looking for skeletons in the closet. Let's pull it out and pull up the dirt to get people to slander them and slander that. Look, congratulations to everyone to each stepping up to do that. Right.

SPEAKER_03 41:15

For so long.

SPEAKER_02 41:16

Yes, for so long. Yeah, some so long. And or for those just initially getting into the race to start.

SPEAKER_03 41:21

Right. Taking a chance. Yeah. Taking a lead.

SPEAKER_02 41:23

Take a chance to make a difference. Right. To make a difference. And that's the key. And so we want to give, because if you guys remember from our past podcast, we actually had Quinn Ryer and Ryan Dixon, who are running for McCopin County Sheriff. We had them on our podcast. Uh let them each speak equally, which was great time. And last night or yesterday, with the results, McCopin County came in. Ryan Dixon is now the Republican nominee to run this fall.

SPEAKER_03 41:49

Yeah. So and so far he's uncontested.

SPEAKER_02 41:52

Correct.

SPEAKER_03 41:53

So I mean he very much. Could be the next McCupin County Sheriff. And we're so proud of, like you said, both of them. Congrats, Ryan, and the family.

SPEAKER_04 42:01

Yes.

SPEAKER_03 42:01

But it was very exciting because, you know, I don't think that and even even the McCupin County clerk has been posting almost every day. They have never had since they can remember this amount of votership.

SPEAKER_02 42:16

Really?

SPEAKER_03 42:17

You should go but I mean you should see the stats.

SPEAKER_02 42:19

In the primary.

SPEAKER_03 42:20

In the primary. It's good to see. It's good to see because speaking of 1800s and stuff, think of that.

SPEAKER_02 42:26

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 42:26

Everybody nobody missed that kind of stuff. All right. They got on their horse and they said, head to the poles.

SPEAKER_02 42:35

The pose?

SPEAKER_03 42:36

The poles. So that's what I'm saying. So I was glad to hear it. I mean, how do people do that? I tried it once when I was like 19 and I almost puked.

SPEAKER_02 42:51

Same. I did it when I was 16, standing on boat docks fishing.

SPEAKER_00 42:55

And you were like this?

SPEAKER_02 42:56

I was green. I was green. I was like, I'm not doing this fishing anymore. God love everyone that's doing their dip out there, but uh, this this cowboy can't do it. I know. I mean, there's a girl, she's out too.

SPEAKER_03 43:08

I tried mine at the McCoop and Canic Fair.

SPEAKER_02 43:10

Oh, is that where you did that? You dipped at the fair?

SPEAKER_03 43:13

I I maybe was 17, 18, or 19, and it was on the track.

SPEAKER_02 43:16

Did you do the pat or the pouch, or do you actually draw or grab the I mean think about it?

SPEAKER_03 43:21

When I was 19, how many years ago was it? Almost 20 years. 20 years ago. So it was the pouch, and I put it in, and I remember the pouch.

SPEAKER_02 43:27

You used the pouch. No, not the pouch, no, the just the raw tobacco.

SPEAKER_03 43:30

Yeah. That is sick.

SPEAKER_02 43:33

Wintergreen. Probably skull. Yeah, see, wintergreen skull.

unknown 43:39

Skull.

SPEAKER_02 43:40

You just you just wanted the trendy ring in your back pocket, faded ring in your back pocket.

SPEAKER_03 43:44

No, I'm pretty sure I was like, you know, trying to impress a guy. Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 43:48

That's what I knew it. Sorry, Chris. She was trying to impress me. Sorry, Chris. I was only a youthful.

SPEAKER_03 43:54

Every day, my love.

SPEAKER_02 43:55

Every day it happens. Well, hey, you know what? I want to talk about. The foreshadowing that you were mentioning earlier, right?

SPEAKER_04 44:02

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 44:03

So we are going to be bringing in and introducing a realtor segment to our podcast for our listeners, right? So exciting. I know. So we're going to bring in local realtors to help our listeners understand what they need to do to help sell their homes before they put them on the market. And also maybe hot listings that they have. So if you're in the market for even rental homes or looking to move, right?

SPEAKER_03 44:27

I'm glad that you're staying rental homes too.

SPEAKER_02 44:30

Yeah, exactly. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, investors, people want to invest. I know a lot of younger adults that are like, hey, they want to buy these. I want I want to buy my neighbor's house. Maybe it was an elderly person that lived there forever and they passed away and the kids are all across the United States and they want to sell their home, right? Right. What perfect home to buy to put a renter in, to keep an eye on it, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

SPEAKER_03 44:48

A lot of people have been young people, you're right, have been flipping homes too.

SPEAKER_02 44:52

In our smaller community, like we have, and there's a lot of small communities across rural mid-Illinois that we we cover and beyond. There are a lot of small homes out there that have a great entry point dollar-wise for someone to get in and buy it.

SPEAKER_03 45:06

And there's a lot of good realtors that I feel will go above and beyond to help get. And so again, I think but we're helping you find the good homes.

SPEAKER_02 45:17

Right. Yeah. And here's the thing too, the good realtors like that we're gonna have on our podcast here.

SPEAKER_03 45:22

Obviously, big time.

SPEAKER_02 45:24

They're in here, they're out doing their job, not to just make their commission. They're out there to get people in their first homes, to get it in their next homes. They're out there to make a difference, right? Just like at big dog construction. We're not here to sell, we're here to serve.

SPEAKER_03 45:39

Almost every realtor I have honestly met. I mean, this is like buying your home is probably the biggest investment you'll ever make.

SPEAKER_02 45:47

Yeah, it is. Well, unless you drive a real fancy car because sometimes cars can be more expensive than you're gonna do. Yeah, but but let's go get a cyber truck. I and a car. You can buy two houses.

SPEAKER_03 45:56

But you know, so I feel like a realtor has a big job. I mean, what yeah, yeah. Your first home with your infant.

SPEAKER_02 46:04

Right. Your your home with your love of my youngest son, him and his wife just closed on their first home Friday. Got out of rental homes. Now they're in, yeah, they're on their first home. All kinds of news. I know. See? Both kids are out on their own, they own their own homes. Success is your duty, and you're not sure. See, I'm done. Bring on the pine box, is that what you're saying?

SPEAKER_03 46:26

No, no, no, no. What are you trying to say, Caitlyn? I can never have that happen. Sorry, listeners.

SPEAKER_02 46:31

No, don't cry again. We want happy tears. Only happy tears on this show.

SPEAKER_03 46:34

So I'm so happy about the realtor segment.

SPEAKER_02 46:37

So, realtors, we have our eye on several. We've reached out and we've had some reach out to us. So, realtors, if you think this is a fit for you on our podcast, come on down. Come on down.

SPEAKER_03 46:49

And guys, remember, it doesn't have to just be here in Carnavalville.

SPEAKER_02 46:52

No.

SPEAKER_03 46:53

Like I had a realtor reach out to me from Staunton. So I mean, it can be Well, guess what?

SPEAKER_02 46:57

I can have a realtor reach out to me from Missouri if they want. We'll zoom their butt in.

SPEAKER_03 47:02

Well, guess what? I'll have a realtor reach out to me from Alaska.

SPEAKER_02 47:06

Well, north to Alaska then, Caitlin. Sure.

SPEAKER_03 47:09

Who wants to move there besides my husky?

SPEAKER_02 47:12

I'd love to.

SPEAKER_03 47:13

Get away from everybody.

SPEAKER_02 47:14

Alaska would be kind of cool. But anyway, I just want to go gold mining. Anyway, that's right. I'm gonna go to Porcupine Creek with Parker Schnabel.

SPEAKER_03 47:22

Is that like a Western thing reference?

SPEAKER_02 47:25

No, Gold Rush.

SPEAKER_03 47:26

Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_02 47:27

The TV show on Discovery. Gold Rush. Oh my god. Donnie B, kick her ass for you. Anyway, hey, we are so realtor segment. I'm excited about that. Hopefully in the next couple weeks, we're gonna make that happen. We also may have um a surprise special guest, someone from DC, join us. Washington, D.C., join us on a Zoom.

SPEAKER_03 47:48

We gotta we gotta get her sketched.

SPEAKER_02 47:49

We're getting that sketched because very busy out there with stuff.

SPEAKER_03 47:52

She's at the White House every day.

SPEAKER_02 47:54

At the White House every day. So we're gonna get her on here as well. Uh KD B is gonna set that. KD BT, I need to make sure I do that. KD BT.

SPEAKER_03 48:01

Hey man.

SPEAKER_02 48:02

It's all good. Hey, it's all good, man. It's all good, woman. It's all good. Yeah. It's all good. But that's gonna be uh coming up as well. And then another. We're gonna release another type of segment. Uh it's called the community segment of our podcast, where we're gonna have community uh segments discussing upcoming events across middle Illinois, interviewing event planners, charities, municipalities, or anyone else that we need to talk with about their events, right? Right. Or how they are impacting the community. Right. Uh like the squirrel bowl that we just had.

SPEAKER_03 48:32

How they're building mid-Ellinois. They are and beyond. So that even we're talking about mindset too, you guys. How are they designing and building the mindsets of people in mid-Ellinois?

SPEAKER_02 48:43

And that's that duality of the name of our podcast. Designing and building, right? Your life, Illinois, your home. Not just construction.

SPEAKER_03 48:50

Right.

SPEAKER_02 48:50

Caitlin and I are here to help with every aspect. And the big thing is that mindset change. And we have noticed so many, and we've both been involved with stuff, right? Um, like just bringing up the squirrel bowl, project third day. Right. You know, the the veterans they help, the children they help, the family and needs they help, right? Oh, there they just posted uh this was a record setting year. One million dollars. They reached one million, but this year they did over $270,000 at that event. You didn't see that post?

SPEAKER_03 49:19

Oh no, and that's terrible. I was with Jared last night.

SPEAKER_02 49:22

Over $270,000 this year. Over $270,000 at this one event.

SPEAKER_03 49:27

And here's my main thing that I like squirrel bowls so much because squirrel bowl, shooting squirrels. This is local. It is, but it reaches beyond so not just carnival, but you guys, you know that Project Third Day ba serves kid in kids in Mid-Illinois.

SPEAKER_02 49:49

And they've helped set up other chapters too, which is phenomenal.

SPEAKER_03 49:52

Bigger and bigger each year.

SPEAKER_02 49:53

And they're the CEO program.

SPEAKER_03 49:55

Yes, they're amazing.

SPEAKER_02 49:56

Right.

SPEAKER_03 49:57

And I never really knew too much about it, but when I taught, I remember receiving they'd bring in the backs every Friday and I'd say that's a good one. Hey, what kids need this?

SPEAKER_02 50:05

Right.

SPEAKER_03 50:06

Kids is um. But they would get so much.

SPEAKER_04 50:09

Right.

SPEAKER_03 50:09

And the kids made them so happy.

SPEAKER_02 50:11

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 50:11

Every kid wanted one, really.

SPEAKER_02 50:12

Yeah.

SPEAKER_03 50:13

Why wouldn't you?

SPEAKER_02 50:13

And so we want to we want to make sure those type those type of groups come in.

SPEAKER_03 50:17

And get recognized. And maybe, and this also helps you guys to think maybe you would want to get involved with one.

SPEAKER_02 50:23

Exactly. Right.

SPEAKER_03 50:25

They all need volunteers.

SPEAKER_02 50:26

And and that's the thing. We're gonna we're gonna bring awareness to probably events and organizations that a lot of people don't even aware of. You know, there are people that are not on social media.

SPEAKER_03 50:40

Right.

SPEAKER_02 50:40

But how are they listening to this podcast?

SPEAKER_03 50:43

Spotify.

SPEAKER_02 50:44

Apple, iTunes, Amazon. Yeah, because you can get our podcast you can get our podcast on any streaming service that you can do.

SPEAKER_03 50:50

Yes, you can literally type it in Google.

SPEAKER_02 50:53

Design and build Mid Illinois podcast.

SPEAKER_03 50:56

And it will come up.

SPEAKER_02 50:57

See? We're everywhere. Omnipresence.

SPEAKER_03 51:00

Effortless.

SPEAKER_02 51:01

Effortless joints. But anyway, that's what we're gonna do.

SPEAKER_03 51:03

We've got big news.

SPEAKER_02 51:04

I'm excited about the community segment. I'm excited about the community.

SPEAKER_03 51:06

I know, because you're a community person. I am and so am I, obviously.

SPEAKER_02 51:10

Community forward.

SPEAKER_03 51:10

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 51:11

I mean, that's that's the whole that's the whole thing on that. But you know, that's what we're here for. To bring whatever we can back to our our area, right?

SPEAKER_03 51:22

Right.

SPEAKER_02 51:22

Our peeps.

SPEAKER_03 51:23

And I like bringing like positivity.

SPEAKER_02 51:26

Positivity. I love that. You know what? That'd be a good note to wrap up on is positivity. Be positive. Not a blood type. It's a it's a mindset. I know that's a sad joke.

SPEAKER_03 51:36

That was really good. I was like, I don't understand how you how you think of these.

SPEAKER_02 51:40

So, you know, no negativity allowed. I wear it. Yep, love it. On the backside, it says be positive. When I tell people when it says be positive, I say it's not my blood type. So don't try to give me that if I drop, right? It's teasing.

SPEAKER_03 51:50

I'm a positive, a plus. I mean, obviously.

SPEAKER_02 51:53

A plus. Yeah. Okay, Caitlin. Anyway, hey, because every house has a story, and sometimes those little details are the beginning of the next great project. Thanks for tuning in. If you're ready to embrace these trends in your home, reach out, drop us a DM, schlip into our DM, or call us at 217-970-7340. Let's build something beautiful one home at a time. Until next time, remember, your home doesn't need perfection, it needs a plan. If you're unsure where to start, talking to a trusted local professional can save you time, money, and the stress.

SPEAKER_03 52:27

Yes.

SPEAKER_02 52:28

So thanks for listening to Designing the Building Mid-Illinois One Home at a Time. If this episode helped you, be sure to share it with a friend. And remember, good homes aren't built overnight. Stay safe, stay prepared, and keep building a better, stronger home for your family. And we will see you next time.

SPEAKER_05 52:43

Bye.

SPEAKER_02 53:14

Thanks for tuning in to this week's episode of Designing and Building Mid-Illanois, one home at a time with Big Dog Construction.

SPEAKER_03 53:20

If you enjoyed what you heard, be sure to subscribe and follow us on Facebook or any of your favorite socials.

SPEAKER_02 53:25

Check us out on our website, bigdogcc.com. Until next time, keep designing and building.

SPEAKER_03 53:31

See you soon.

unknown 53:32

Big Dog!

SPEAKER_01 53:34

This episode was produced by Big Dog Media Group, delivering powerful creative for brands and creators everywhere. If you're looking to take your podcast to the next level or just get started, Big Dog Media Group has you covered. Thanks for listening.