Designing and Building Mid-Illinois through The Big Dog Game Plan Part 2

Summary

In this episode of the Designing Building podcast, hosts Chris and Kaitlin delve into the intricacies of setting a remodeling budget, emphasizing the importance of realistic planning to avoid common pitfalls. They continue the 'Big Dog Game Plan' and discuss the three-tier budget system—Good, Better, and Best—designed to empower homeowners with choices that align with their financial means and project goals. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding costs, making informed decisions, and the value of proper planning in home renovations. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of home renovation, financial strategies, and the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs. They emphasize the significance of choosing quality over budget in home improvements, the mindset of wealthy individuals regarding money, and the necessity of writing down goals for better manifestation. 

Takeaways

• Setting a realistic remodeling budget is crucial to avoid financial pitfalls.
• Many homeowners start with the wrong budget, leading to overspending.
• Wishes don't build homes; effective planning does.
• The Big Dog three-tier budget system offers flexibility and control.
• Homeowners should understand their options to make informed decisions.
• Good budgets solve problems, while better budgets balance quality and value.
• Luxury budgets focus on long-term investments and maximizing home value.
• Ignoring hidden costs can lead to budget overruns.
• Proper planning can prevent the need for costly replacements in the future.
• Writing down goals can help manifest them more effectively.
• Supporting young entrepreneurs is crucial for community growth.
• Military service can provide valuable skills and career opportunities.
• Hidden costs in renovations can significantly impact budgets.
• Hiring licensed professionals protects homeowners from liability.

www.bigdogcc.com

Produced by Big Dog Media group with Big Dog Business Coaching

Transcript

SPEAKER_08 0:00

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

SPEAKER_06 0:04

The podcast you didn't know you needed.

SPEAKER_08 0:06

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

SPEAKER_06 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_08 0:23

Let's go.

unknown 0:24

Big dog!

SPEAKER_01 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_08 1:01

Hey, welcome back to Designing Building Mid-Illinois One Home at a Time, the podcast that you didn't know you needed, except for today. You need it, right? We are gonna be talking about the big dog game plan. Expand upon that because I'm here with my lovely co-host, Caitlin.

SPEAKER_05 1:16

Hi guys. Hi guys.

SPEAKER_08 1:18

She didn't even say trader.

SPEAKER_05 1:19

I didn't.

SPEAKER_08 1:20

Wow.

SPEAKER_05 1:20

I gotta start. I think you should say the hi at the beginning and then.

SPEAKER_08 1:25

But don't buy, don't leave yet. No, we're not leaving. Don't confuse her. Buy this. Exactly. We do not, yes. Very good. We definitely need this today because if you remember, we talked about last episode about that big dog game plan, right? Yeah. And what it goes into taking on a remodeling project like a pro. And we're going to expand upon that because we kind of teach you that we're going to give extra little things session after session after session after session, right? Of diving deeper into some of those items, right? So just a quick recap on last week. Let's see if Caitlin knows them by heart. But I got you. I got you, girl.

SPEAKER_06 1:58

Look, I'm getting hold on. Let's just maybe give me a hint on each one and see if I if I clarity before cost.

SPEAKER_04 2:06

No, you better go through.

SPEAKER_08 2:08

Realistic budget. Yeah. Define scope of the project.

SPEAKER_04 2:10

Yes, the scope of the project.

SPEAKER_08 2:11

DIY pro awareness, right? Real timeline expectations, and then choose the right partner. Those were the the six topics that we talked about last week. And now we're going to dive deep into one today, which is how to set a remodeling budget without getting burned.

SPEAKER_06 2:29

Because guys, this is very important. You know, a lot of the reasons why people aren't building from the ground up is they can't afford it. So they're trying to remodel.

SPEAKER_08 2:37

That's right. Okay.

SPEAKER_06 2:39

So make sure. And today we'll tell you how to make smart budget decisions so that you don't truly basically build a new house with your remodeling budget.

SPEAKER_08 2:50

Well, you can if you want, but you can call us, we'd be glad to help you.

SPEAKER_06 2:53

You'd be happy. But but you want to, you're you're if you're choosing to remodel because you want to save some dollars.

SPEAKER_08 2:59

That's right. That's right.

SPEAKER_06 3:00

We've got the answers for you.

SPEAKER_08 3:01

Today we do. And you know what? If today's your first time tuning in, hey, welcome. We're glad you're here. If you've been with us from the beginning, big thank you. And Caitlin will give you a hug for that for continuing the journey with us as we help mid-Illinois homeowners design smarter, build better, and make competent decisions about their homes. Plus, give our followers a little entertaining conversation and or video content to watch, which there may or may not be a future foot video coming out on our page all over social media.

SPEAKER_06 3:33

We want to make sure we help everybody, okay? And we know there might be some people.

SPEAKER_08 3:38

Foot fetish people. Yeah. I mean, might be some foot fetish people out there that just want to.

SPEAKER_06 3:42

And we've got something for everybody. We do have something for everybody. Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 3:46

We do. Yeah. We do. And you know what? I'm going to pay some bills real quick, right? We want to talk about our one of our 10x partners, a great 10x partner with elite roofing professionals, Blake Middleton over there.

SPEAKER_06 3:57

And he's so busy right now. There's been hail.

SPEAKER_08 4:00

Oh, hail.

SPEAKER_06 4:01

All around here.

SPEAKER_08 4:02

Oh, hail, big hail.

SPEAKER_06 4:03

Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 4:03

Big hail, right? Yes. Out there. And you know what? His team are all top-notch professionals over there, working their butts off to take care of your homes, work with your insurance companies as well, because that in itself can just be a pain in the ass. I'm just going to say a pain in the ass.

SPEAKER_06 4:20

Well, Lisa and Lydia were talking about it yesterday. Exactly. Yeah. Everybody knows.

SPEAKER_08 4:24

Yes, exactly. And so they're going to help you out that with your home from your roof siding, whatever you need. They're going to help you out there. And you can find them at eliteroofingprofessionals.com. That's eliteroofingprofessionals.com. Or you know what? Call Ginny. Great Ginny. Love Ginny over there at 217-851-3836. Or for those people like the big numbers, 3836. I think it depends.

SPEAKER_06 4:50

Yeah, it depends what yeah. Undergarms. See, we have something for everybody. Do you say the phone number like that?

SPEAKER_08 4:55

Or or 217-851-3836 or 217-851 or 3,836. Wow, that just blew everyone's mind. Yeah, it really did. Holy crap.

SPEAKER_06 5:09

You really have to be thinking for that.

SPEAKER_08 5:10

You know what?

SPEAKER_06 5:11

And also, Chris.

SPEAKER_08 5:12

What? Oh shit. Here we go. Yes, Kate.

SPEAKER_06 5:15

I saw if if our listeners, if any of them are in the area, if they have expertise, I saw that Blake is wanting to add to his team.

SPEAKER_08 5:23

Yes, he is hiring. Yes. He he is needing for sales, right? For sales and also for front office for someone answering the phone.

SPEAKER_05 5:32

Oh, you could work with Jenna.

SPEAKER_08 5:34

If you have a lovely voice and you'd like to answer the phone by thank you for calling elite roofing professionals, how am I we help you today? Why did that remind me of Mrs. Deppire? What did you, Mrs. Doubt?

SPEAKER_06 5:45

Because I'm a dude.

SPEAKER_08 5:46

I'm a dude. That's why. They've got a great environment over there. I actually was just talking with Blake this morning.

SPEAKER_06 5:56

Yeah. Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 5:56

It's a great team. So anyway, we appreciate elite roofing professionals being one of our 10x partners here at the Designing Building podcast. And with that, let's get right into how to set a remodeling budget without getting your ass burned.

SPEAKER_06 6:11

We don't want your ass burned, guys. I mean, unless it's by the sunshine, right?

SPEAKER_08 6:16

Well, then you might need to be tan naked. Tanning. Wait. In a swimsuit.

unknown 6:21

No.

SPEAKER_08 6:21

Mooning people. No, let's okay. Yeah, we're gonna, yeah. We're gonna get into this, right? We're gonna get into your budget because if you get this part wrong, nothing else matters because you'd be broke at the end. And we don't want that, right? And and that it's kind of like why most budgets fail. Let's just dive head into the deep end, right? Don't hold your nose, just dive in. Yeah, right. When you jump in the water, do you hold your nose?

SPEAKER_06 6:48

No. That's for amateurs.

SPEAKER_08 6:50

You kind of, you kind of, I don't know. I I apologize.

SPEAKER_06 6:52

You kind of took me as a person that you would be the nose. I am actually a very this is gonna surprise you. I am like an excellent swimmer.

SPEAKER_08 7:02

I'm I'm what about dive here, though, diving and jumping into the water?

SPEAKER_06 7:05

Oh yeah, diving I can do. The only thing I couldn't do is do a flip. I I used to, but then one time I over rotated. And I I went on my back in front of all the high school boys at the public pool.

SPEAKER_08 7:18

Yes.

SPEAKER_06 7:19

Uh never did again. And I think.

SPEAKER_08 7:21

One, you're showing off.

SPEAKER_06 7:22

I was showing off.

SPEAKER_08 7:22

You were showing off. Like, I could do a flip. Watch this.

SPEAKER_06 7:26

So I screwed off. Or screwed off. I screwed off.

SPEAKER_08 7:30

Woo.

SPEAKER_03 7:31

Okay.

SPEAKER_08 7:31

Anyway, we're jumping into the deep end with your budgets here, right? And we're gonna help you jump in with as least amount of splash as possible. Let's get a 10 out of 10 at the Olympic score here, all right? Yes. So let's get real right out of the gate. Most homeowners don't go over budget. They just start with the wrong one. Okay. They they they don't go over budget, even though their numbers are like, we spent more than what we budgeted. Well, because they started out with the wrong budget. Right. Because they underestimate what really things cost. And again, we talked dialogue.

SPEAKER_06 8:04

Should you tell them like a budget should be within a certain range so they don't get like so set?

SPEAKER_08 8:10

Well, yeah, we talked we talked last week about that. Right. Last episode. To have that budget in mind, sorry I had to liquefy the pipes there.

SPEAKER_05 8:17

Get them.

SPEAKER_08 8:18

Uh hydration. That's very key. But we talked about the range things, right? But when they're doing that range, they need to figure out their taste, right? We have people that have we have champagne taste with beer budget.

SPEAKER_05 8:33

I knew you were gonna say that.

SPEAKER_08 8:34

Yeah, you know, because it's true. Underestimating what things actually cost, right? Or oh well, 10 years ago, this only cost that. Well, yeah, well, guess what? We've had a pandemic, worldwide pandemic.

SPEAKER_06 8:48

And also we can't control it.

SPEAKER_08 8:50

We have you either want to get a whole conflict going on, and as you came in raging about the price, well, not raging about gas prices, but I was just shocked. They're just like skyrocketing, which guess what? To get materials to your house takes fuel in vehicles.

SPEAKER_06 9:03

Chris, uh right. Think it's probably gonna go up again. Thanks Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_08 9:08

Yeah, it will. Or they ignore the stuff hiding behind the walls.

SPEAKER_06 9:12

And that stuff's really is there insulation behind that wall?

SPEAKER_08 9:14

Is it an exterior wall? Is there insulation for sound tampening? Is there sound tampening material in there? Because it's between the kids' wall and the living room or between the two bedroom walls, and you don't want one room here and what the other room's doing, right? So they forget about that stuff. I need that. And and they leave absolutely no room for surprises in the budget, right? Which there will always be. Yeah, about yeah. And so when something goes wrong, and something always does, they're already upside down on their budget. They're already upside down. And so that's not a budget, that's a wish, right? And and wishes don't build homes, plans do. And so that's where people tuning into our our podcast here, right? Yeah, wishes don't build those homes.

SPEAKER_06 9:55

No, they don't.

SPEAKER_08 9:56

You gotta wish in one hand and a in the other hand, right? You can say poop.

SPEAKER_06 10:00

Well, I didn't know what it was. You gotta wish in one hand.

SPEAKER_08 10:03

You wish one hand shit in the other and see which one fills up.

SPEAKER_06 10:06

Okay, that was a Donnie thing he used to say.

SPEAKER_08 10:08

And then smack your head with one that's filled up fastest.

unknown 10:11

Oh da.

SPEAKER_08 10:12

Uh smack your head with a handful of poop. Well, guess what? This guy has no poop in this hand.

SPEAKER_06 10:18

So And you don't even need a wish because you got all the plans.

SPEAKER_08 10:21

We got the big dog game plan.

SPEAKER_06 10:23

Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 10:23

Right. So that's why, again, this isn't about gloating versus a big dog. No, it's about helping other people understand if they want to do it themselves, just follow us on this, right? And we may have a little surprise at the end of this. You don't even know about it.

SPEAKER_06 10:36

There's there's tips that we give. I'll take tips. I'll put the tip jar out.

SPEAKER_08 10:41

Give me a tip.

SPEAKER_06 10:41

Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 10:42

Never pet a burning dog. That's the best tip you're ever gonna get. It won't go well for you or the dog. No. So especially the dog. So poor Fluffy. Anyway.

SPEAKER_03 10:55

Definitely wasn't a big dog, was he?

SPEAKER_08 10:57

He's little little chihuahua. Like yesterday, you were a little feisty chihuahua. You were all squaring up to me and all right. You know what I mean. But hey, guess what? Let's talk about the budget. So we actually have the big dog three-tier budget system that we help our clients with, right? And so we just don't throw out one number. We like to build options. We do. We build out options.

SPEAKER_06 11:19

I think everybody likes to have a choice.

SPEAKER_08 11:22

Yeah, because smart homeowners and clients don't want guesses. They want control. We want to give them control of the project.

SPEAKER_04 11:28

Right.

SPEAKER_08 11:28

Right. And so here's how we break that down. We have the good, which is this job gets done, it's functional, it solves the problem. Right? So understand that.

SPEAKER_06 11:38

Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 11:38

This gets the job done, a good, good budget. It's functional and it solves the problem. Because most people are doing a remodel or uh or an addition or whatever to solve a problem. Hey, we need we got more kids than we have rooms for. We need to do that. Okay, we need another room.

SPEAKER_04 11:52

Yep, you're right, you're right.

SPEAKER_08 11:53

Then we have from good, we go to the better. And this is where most people land balanced quality, strong value, solid return on your investment. Right? Because I always tell people we're not gonna be the most expensive in town, but we're gonna give you the best product, the best, best quality at the best price we can, and that's gonna be your best value. And that's that that better, right? But then you go good, better, then obviously what would be next.

SPEAKER_06 12:21

Luxury.

SPEAKER_08 12:21

No, good, better.

SPEAKER_06 12:23

Best.

SPEAKER_08 12:23

Thank you. Thank you very much. Yes.

SPEAKER_06 12:25

Luxury.

SPEAKER_08 12:26

I was like, luxury? Where does he go? Good, better, luxury. Here goes those champagne taste.

SPEAKER_03 12:32

That's me. Get ready, Chris Trader. Yep, hi.

SPEAKER_08 12:34

Anyway, I think he knew that when he married you. It's all good. He did. So on the on the best, right? This is your long-term thinking. Higher investment up front, but built to last and maximize the value, right? This would be higher-end products, or I I want to include enough framing for that wall to handle a hundred and twenty-inch TV versus a 55.

SPEAKER_06 12:57

Or just like little things. I'm thinking, what are those one ceilings I'm seeing coming back in that go in?

SPEAKER_08 13:03

Tray ceilings. Yes.

SPEAKER_06 13:05

I want to say teacup. Or I'm just thinking, like, if you wanted to have like those, like I have those beams across, like faux beams or real beams or like that's probably going into the best.

SPEAKER_08 13:17

Correct. You're you're you're moving up in that because you don't have to have those exposed beams or the tray ceiling to have a functional room.

SPEAKER_06 13:24

Correct.

SPEAKER_08 13:25

Which is your good budget, right?

SPEAKER_06 13:26

Right. And you don't have to have a huge chandelier or whatever.

SPEAKER_08 13:30

No, you don't.

SPEAKER_06 13:32

But it increases the value of your home.

SPEAKER_08 13:34

It does increase the value of home.

SPEAKER_06 13:36

And it also increases the value of your life because you're happy. And that's really all that matters.

SPEAKER_08 13:42

The wife's happy, everyone's happy. Right? Yeah. See, I'm married on your stage. I do. No, no, I'm not. I'm not hiding. I'm doing the dishes, then putting them away properly. That's what I'm doing, right?

SPEAKER_04 13:57

I still love that.

SPEAKER_08 13:58

Yeah. Hey, I hey, you'll find out little secrets about me all along. I love the secrets. Continue following us like this. And we hope you do.

SPEAKER_06 14:05

Yeah, we do. I really do. I mean, why wouldn't you want to?

SPEAKER_08 14:07

As we dig out more stuff about Caitlin too, yeah. We find it.

SPEAKER_06 14:09

Oh, I'm an open book. Just bad thing is that are you an open book? I forget sometimes, you know. So it comes back up.

SPEAKER_08 14:16

Are you naturally blonde? I'm sorry to all blondes out there. That was not a blonde joke.

SPEAKER_06 14:21

I'm not, but I was for so long and I remember those pictures.

SPEAKER_08 14:27

No, that was just the chemicals to bleach your hair.

SPEAKER_06 14:30

It seeped into there.

SPEAKER_08 14:33

It corrupted your brain, right? So here's the key about the the big dog three-tier budget system, the good, better, best, is you're not locked into one lane. Right. Right. But when you understand your options, you make better decisions, right? Because now you're choosing not reacting. And so if you're in that good, better, or best, and again, we most most people fall into that better category. We're solving the problems, in the functional room, but they're putting a few niceties in there. Right, right, right. I like that, right? Yes. And then you get a good solid return on that. And that's what we try to help people with by putting in those allowances and so forth, if they haven't truly chose what they want. But again, working with our design team here, I was just gonna say that if you're not sure. We'll we'll design. We literally, when we talk to someone up, we want them to give us your best, best design you want. What do you want? Let's let's just lay it out there. What do you want?

SPEAKER_04 15:34

First, to see. Right.

SPEAKER_08 15:36

Right. If that fits in your financial means, then great. Let's get you the best product with the best budget, right? If it doesn't, then let's talk about, hey, maybe you don't need those foe beams, or maybe you don't need that trace ceiling, which will save this much money on the trust system, the framing, the drywalling. Maybe you don't need that chandelier, but we'll make sure we put the reinforcement in that ceiling. So down the road, that ceiling will handle a chandelier.

SPEAKER_06 15:59

And see, I'm remembering all of this when I did the remodel in my house. Like, thankfully, I have my mom that is literally that would say to me the same things that you're saying to me, but not everyone has a calf, you know? So thanks, Kath. They need you, but really that's that's serious. Like there was times when she's like, listen, like you have to pick between this and this.

SPEAKER_07 16:20

Like right.

SPEAKER_06 16:21

And I'm like, well, it was hard for me to pick. And it was almost always the ones that would go first, was like the cosmetic ones, but those are the ones that I wanted the most.

SPEAKER_08 16:31

You wanted the pretties, right?

SPEAKER_06 16:32

But is the bathtub less important? No, that's what I'm saying. That's what I had to choose from.

SPEAKER_08 16:39

But even on the bathtubs, right? There are good, better, and best in bathtubs.

SPEAKER_04 16:43

I know.

SPEAKER_08 16:44

And that and that's the thing too.

SPEAKER_04 16:45

You've got a good one.

SPEAKER_08 16:46

You can put in you can put in a functional bathtub at a lower budget price, but then you may be replacing it in three to five years.

SPEAKER_06 16:55

Right.

SPEAKER_08 16:55

If the bottom cracks or just whatever, right?

SPEAKER_05 16:59

It's too small.

SPEAKER_08 17:00

Or in this case yours was too small, right? Yeah. Yeah. So then you really you took care of the function, but not fully taking care of the functionality.

SPEAKER_06 17:08

And see, that's something I didn't even like think about at that time. I mean, you think about it, I had two kids. So now they're I mean, how many. So to think about something in three to five years when you're remodeling is something I don't think anybody probably really thinks about unless they're Chris Hudson.

SPEAKER_08 17:29

Our team here at Big Dog helps think about that too.

SPEAKER_06 17:32

And I think that's very important because it's so much money you're gonna be paying on it for your you know, well, yeah, unless you're just got all kinds of money, you just want to pour it out there.

SPEAKER_08 17:40

But you know what's funny though? Here's what's funny is this little side side note about money, right? Even if you have the money in the bank savings count, whatever to do it, m most of the wealthier people won't use their money. They will use other people's money, as in banks or whatever, to do their project and just make payments on that because they still then have their cash to do with what they want. They're they're more liquid in cash flow, right? They'll use other people's money to get their stuff they need. And when that's paid off, boom, asset, but they still have their money. So just didn't think about it. I still didn't there.

SPEAKER_06 18:20

I'm glad you said that because a lot of people think the opposite that you should pay with the cash. Like this.

SPEAKER_08 18:27

That's the Dave Ramsey way of thinking. Sorry. I'll say what I say. Oh, I got Grant Cardone, I got Grant Cardone to back me up.

SPEAKER_06 18:35

I hold on a second. Now I'm going on a whole thing because there was all this time. I remember I used to work with this couple, and they were so obsessed with Dave Ramsay. And I I just have never been and I'm Were they a younger couple? Yes.

SPEAKER_08 18:51

The he he targeted I mean very younger demographic. Oh yeah. Oh my gosh. When I would work uh trade shows and stuff, and they would have these teenagers to me, but college students that were working these that they would bring in, just work these shows. They were in their early twenties. All Dave Ramsey obsessed.

SPEAKER_06 19:08

They were obsessed.

SPEAKER_08 19:09

Oh my god, I gotta do this, I gotta do that. I can't, oh it must have been that on credit card.

SPEAKER_06 19:12

And then so like they've naturally things would would come yes, next yes, naturally things would like come up on my Facebook, you know, because our folks list you, yeah. And of Dave Ramsey, and I'm like reading this stuff and I'm like, dude, there's no way. I just I my brain could not think that way. And I'm glad that you said this because I would do that. One, because I felt I feel like when you're paying that back, my brain's saying, okay, I'm building my credit more so that I could end up getting more money in the future. Right. And then you guys taught me that thing about the cutting the bills in half. So I've started doing that.

SPEAKER_08 19:50

It's it's it's paying up. It's yeah, paying paying one extra payment a year at minimum, right? If your payments are $300 a month and you can pay $350 a month, right? Holy cow, you're really gonna now.

SPEAKER_06 20:03

Well, that one you told me, pay one, pay 13 months.

SPEAKER_08 20:06

Yeah, exactly. Yeah, it'll cut your mortgage loan like by 15 years.

SPEAKER_06 20:10

Oh, I can't believe it. Because I can do it. I think we should have like a finance episode.

SPEAKER_08 20:16

Yeah, we should. I'm gonna make a mental note of that.

SPEAKER_06 20:18

Yes.

SPEAKER_08 20:19

Actually, I'm not gonna make a mental note, I'm gonna write it down because with his fiddle, pen. Things you write, things you write down, you'll manifest quicker because you have it. All right, I'm gonna segue above budgets here again, right? I just shared this with uh one of the CEO students at the trade show this past weekend. So when you take, and because I always ask what's your targets? Oh, I want to do this and this. I said, Do you have it written down? Oh no, I got them up here. Okay, great. They're up there. But do you know that when you take your brain, transmit through your hand to write those down? So now your brain is telling your hand to physically write those down, and now your eyes are physically seeing those. And then what you really do to lock and cement that in is you read it aloud, what you just wrote. So now your ears are receiving what you said.

SPEAKER_06 21:09

So your brain is like it's I don't do it out loud. That's a very good idea.

SPEAKER_08 21:14

It locks it in your subconscious. Like now your brain made your hand write it. You're hitting all your senses.

SPEAKER_06 21:21

Do I lick it next to?

SPEAKER_08 21:26

Tastes like success.

SPEAKER_06 21:27

Oh, okay.

SPEAKER_08 21:29

That's right. We on it, we on it. Dang.

SPEAKER_06 21:32

That reading, that's a good idea.

SPEAKER_08 21:35

No, and that's and so again, Grant Cardone tells, yeah, I I I told that student that, and he's like, his eyes lit up. He's like, I get it. I get it. And we're gonna have him on our show. Yes, Sean Roach. Little little shout out to Sean Roach. He has his uh he has his marketing business called Thrive. Let me see. And that's with a Y.

SPEAKER_06 21:54

Oh my gosh.

SPEAKER_08 21:56

Little shout out to Sean Roach there. We'll tag you in the episode. Yes. So

SPEAKER_06 22:00

Oh, oh, oh. Engineering growth.

SPEAKER_08 22:02

Look at that. That's why he's gonna be on this podcast with us.

SPEAKER_06 22:05

He's precious.

SPEAKER_08 22:06

We want to talk about that.

SPEAKER_06 22:06

How old is he?

SPEAKER_08 22:08

Uh 17, 18. He's he graduates this year. Oh he's a senior.

SPEAKER_06 22:13

Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 22:13

Uh no, he's uh gonna Gillespie.

SPEAKER_06 22:16

I know it's all over.

SPEAKER_08 22:16

I think he's Gillespie. Yeah, you think I'm gonna be. Yeah. Yeah.

SPEAKER_06 22:22

But guys, we're not like Dave Ramsey, okay?

SPEAKER_08 22:24

No, and I know we got off this, but we were at the end of that budget segment about the good, better, best. And here's the other thing. I want to give another plug out to one of the other CEO students that I I dropped and talked with that was actually in my office two days ago, pitching his business and product is Jack Birsch of Jack Tony Clothing. And we're gonna be purchasing new uh custom hats for our company. Yeah, yeah. And if you look around my office, one of his hats is actually on display.

SPEAKER_06 22:50

I see it. Okay, Chris, I have been looking at that.

SPEAKER_08 22:55

Jack Tony.

SPEAKER_06 22:56

Breast cancer awareness.

SPEAKER_08 22:58

And so he takes and part of his proceeds goes to support the breast cancer.

SPEAKER_06 23:02

Why did well is he gonna come on here too?

SPEAKER_08 23:05

Oh of course.

SPEAKER_06 23:06

I was gonna say, because then we'll have to ask him why he chose this and that.

SPEAKER_08 23:10

I mean, that's so what's interesting about that hat is there was a misspelling on it. Most people won't catch it. But I told him, he's like, Well, we're selling these. I said, dude, it's unique.

SPEAKER_04 23:24

Oh, it's a one of a kind of a kind, right?

SPEAKER_08 23:28

So you charge more because it's a one of a kind. It's a one-off. Make it happen. There's one of one. I have one, I bought two, actually. I have two of one hundred.

SPEAKER_06 23:37

So You really can't notice. No.

SPEAKER_08 23:40

I and private labeled Jack Tony clothing.

SPEAKER_06 23:44

That's that's that's a step above. The private label is a step above. It is a step above. And you know it is.

SPEAKER_08 23:50

Definitely a step above. I like that that really And that's why I get involved with the CEO program teaching young entrepreneurs, people that want to take that massive action a step above everyone else in their class and make it happen.

SPEAKER_06 24:02

They're at the best.

SPEAKER_08 24:04

Yeah. Good, better bad. And so here's the thing about that is yeah, they are at the best. They're actually maybe a tick above that. Yeah. Is you know, Jack Birch of Jack Tony Clothing, he actually was gonna go into the military and until he saw what this program was doing with his business and how he can, you know, like I can make I can make a hell of a go of this. So now he's gonna be in the reserves, the Army National Guard reserves, so he can still focus on his business and grow his business right out of high school.

SPEAKER_06 24:30

I'm gonna tell you that's that's just such a perfect route to go.

SPEAKER_08 24:34

Yes.

SPEAKER_06 24:35

You know, I have thoughts about the military. Like I love them so much. Like I see how it has created my husband and to be very like on time and punctual and tough and get everything.

SPEAKER_08 24:49

You're learning.

SPEAKER_06 24:50

Yes, I'm fine. Yes. But basically, you know, I would love for my boys to go into that, but I don't want them to go like when there's a war.

SPEAKER_08 24:59

Well, when you sign up for the military, you don't know what day I know. To me, I think some so really sidetracking on this. See, this is the rabbit hole about us. We can go down a path.

SPEAKER_05 25:10

But I think this is all good stuff.

SPEAKER_08 25:11

Yeah, it is, and we'll get back onto the budget. We'll all reel us back into the budget. But on that, sometimes people will go into the military out of following family tradition. My father was in, my grandfather was in, right, my great grandfather was in, right? And I want to, I feel obligated to follow that tradition. Others feel a sense of duty.

unknown 25:35

Yes.

SPEAKER_07 25:35

You know what I mean?

SPEAKER_08 25:36

Yes. They they may not have anyone in the family that's ever been in the military, but they just feel a sense of duty to do I think that's very true.

SPEAKER_06 25:42

Right. That's what Chris did.

SPEAKER_08 25:44

Others see it as a career path. I want to get in the military, I want to do my time because I know I can be a career military person and actually work a trade and be in the military, right? Yes. Pay for the college, pay for all that, set up your your retirement, all of that, right? Yeah. And that's fine too. But when they do it, they just have to understand that they and they do when they sign up. We may go to war. I may die.

SPEAKER_07 26:11

Yeah, I know.

SPEAKER_06 26:12

You know what I mean?

SPEAKER_08 26:13

This setting. This shit may get real.

SPEAKER_06 26:15

So um But that reserves, a lot of men and women are like that that helps them with their job that they do on the street.

SPEAKER_08 26:26

And they just need one weekend of the month to go to the reserves. Yeah. Right. Yeah. And so like with your sons.

SPEAKER_06 26:32

Exact Tony, yeah.

SPEAKER_08 26:32

Yeah. So like your like your sons, you know, and and or daughters, they go to the military too. Right. It's I don't think anyone should be pressured to go into the military. No. It's if you feel like it, great. It's not the days of the draft, and I hope, pray to God it never comes back to the draft. You know what I mean?

SPEAKER_06 26:46

Because then Do you think it would? Yeah, no. I I I actually have had fears about that.

SPEAKER_08 26:52

I mean, so here, I'm gonna I'm gonna tell you some of my fears. So when the Gulf War started, I was I was that prime age of draft.

unknown 27:00

Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 27:00

And I was like I was like, oh crap. And then I was like, okay, well, I'm an only son. And oh yeah, maybe that, but at times of war though, I mean, if you're protecting your borders, you're gonna throw everything you got at it. So, but anyway, I'm just saying it's not off the table to what our career politicians would do.

SPEAKER_06 27:20

I know. I think so. But see, guys, you learn all this stuff, military.

SPEAKER_08 27:24

Uh yeah, so we're gonna roll this right back in. We just talked about the big dog three-tier budget system, right? So we'll get back on. I'm gonna get this train back on his tracks now, right? Because we kind of went off a we're back on. It's all good. Hey, we're gonna roll the budgets now talking about, you know, going from the good, better, best, the hidden costs that truly burn people.

unknown 27:42

Right.

SPEAKER_08 27:43

You can't hide from them, guys. Let's let's really talk about what blows up your budget. And that's what, you know, it's this no, it's it's the stuff nobody puts on Pinterest, right? No, not on Pinterest, but when the demo starts, you might find water damage, you might find termate damage, you might find carpenter ant infestation, or not active, but from before.

SPEAKER_04 28:06

Right.

SPEAKER_08 28:07

And those are the things that may blow up your budget right off the bat, right? So uh when we open up the walls, that wiring from 1975 might not be up to code. And in some areas, some people are like, well, I don't have a code here in McCopin County. Well, technically, everyone in the state has a code that you have to build by and go by just because there's not inspectors to to enforce it.

SPEAKER_06 28:32

I was gonna say, I mean, you guys, if you didn't go by the code, I mean, that would implicate you. I mean, what if you have a house?

SPEAKER_08 28:41

Correct.

SPEAKER_06 28:42

Then they'd come back on you. Why didn't you fix this? Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 28:44

Exactly. And that's that's the thing. That's again, that's the difference between hiring a professional and hiring a DIYer. Right. Because there are people out there, well, I'm I'm I know what I'm doing. I'm a contractor. You're just a DIYer.

SPEAKER_06 29:02

Right. You know, guys, that's really that's people can really get burnt.

SPEAKER_08 29:06

We so here at Big Dog, we we keep up with what's going on in the trades. We keep up with what's going on with the rules and laws of our state.

SPEAKER_06 29:13

And you are very serious about that.

SPEAKER_08 29:16

We we want to make sure on that. I I'm in favor of state licensure, that you have to take a test to be and be a licensed contractor to do any work in this state.

SPEAKER_06 29:26

And it's not like that?

unknown 29:27

No.

SPEAKER_06 29:28

Is it like that in any state?

SPEAKER_08 29:29

Oh, yeah. Yes, several states.

SPEAKER_06 29:31

Okay. This is Florida.

SPEAKER_08 29:33

I think you have to go, you have to, they recommend you go take preparatory test to prepare for the main test. Because it has such a low, it has such a low pass rate on the first time on that test.

SPEAKER_06 29:46

It just fours me because Illinois is like so strict with everything else. Like, did you know the teacher certification? If you you know this with your daughter-in-law, yeah, like both of them. Yeah, oh yeah. Duh. So we can go and teach anywhere else, no problem. But if anybody else wants to come into Illinois, they have to take our special test.

SPEAKER_08 30:07

Right. And even to be a substitute teacher, you have to have a bachelor's degree, right? Even to be a substitute teacher, you have to have a bachelor's degree. Yes. Other states you don't. Oh, I didn't because they want yeah, you all have to have an associate. You have a two-year-old.

SPEAKER_06 30:20

So I think they did in Illinois move that down during COVID.

SPEAKER_08 30:24

To associate.

SPEAKER_06 30:25

Or like a certain amount of hours because they couldn't find anybody.

SPEAKER_08 30:28

60, yeah, it was something like 60 hours. Exactly.

SPEAKER_06 30:30

But that's what uh that's why I'm just shocked that Illinois does not have that for contractors. Because I'm in favor of that too.

SPEAKER_08 30:36

Two licenses plumbing and roofing. That's it.

SPEAKER_06 30:40

Not electric?

SPEAKER_08 30:41

Nope. Some municipalities you have to go get an electrical license, like Springfield. You have to take a you have to take a test to get a Springfield license for electric. But anywhere else you don't.

SPEAKER_06 30:54

So let me ask you this.

SPEAKER_08 30:55

Ask away.

SPEAKER_06 30:56

Say somebody, an electrician, whatever, like or a plumber. Let's just say this. Say a plumber, he has to be licensed.

SPEAKER_08 31:04

Yes.

SPEAKER_06 31:04

What if he's not? Like what happens?

SPEAKER_08 31:07

If so, if something happens similar to like on the wire, if something happens and they're not licensed, and the homeowner thought they were licensed when they hired them, right? Or didn't know that they had to be licensed, and something happened to the home that flooded the home, pipe broke, whatever because of improper plumbing. Right, right. Then that person, the unlicensed plumber, will be liable for the damages on that home.

SPEAKER_06 31:30

Because if you're licensed, you have insurance and stuff.

SPEAKER_08 31:34

Well, you should be insured anyway. Like we're insured. We have general liability insurance, we have work comp, we have uh automobile insurance, we have all of our all of our stuff is covered. So our clients are protected, right?

SPEAKER_06 31:44

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

SPEAKER_08 31:45

But yes. So to be a licensed plumber and a licensed roofer, you have to have a bond that you have to submit that bond to the state to get your license.

SPEAKER_06 31:55

Okay.

SPEAKER_08 31:56

So I think it's a $25,000 bond. You know, it's it's different amounts, yeah. Which kind of secures and protects the whole structure of that. Right, right. And folks, listeners, if you are hiring someone, I think I've said this before and I'll continue to say it till I have no breath left. Make sure whoever you hire is insured to protect yourself. And if who you're hiring, they need to be insured to protect them as well.

SPEAKER_06 32:22

I mean, guys, I've actually just heard a recent horror story and I'll tell you more about it. But like you really do have to check.

SPEAKER_08 32:30

You do, yeah. You need to make sure.

SPEAKER_06 32:31

Someone could be so nice and a real charmer.

unknown 32:35

Yeah.

SPEAKER_06 32:36

And they're gonna screw you. I mean, the the house in shambles.

SPEAKER_07 32:40

Yep.

SPEAKER_06 32:40

When you have a two-year-old.

SPEAKER_08 32:42

Yep. There you go.

SPEAKER_06 32:43

You know, like it's upsetting.

SPEAKER_08 32:46

It is. And here's the thing. So here's where it can protect.

SPEAKER_06 32:50

You know, that's why I'm saying that's why people need to listen to the baby. You need to turn them into the babies, yeah.

SPEAKER_08 32:54

Let them hear this podcast, right? Because that it's called general liability insurance, which means if we come in to your home and something from our action of what we did causes damage, our insurance will cover that, right? So you can rest assured, hey, they've got insurance. Most of the time, we as contractors, if there is an issue, we're gonna pay for it ourselves out of pocket to get it taken care of.

SPEAKER_06 33:16

Of course. Right?

SPEAKER_08 33:17

Because then our rates go up, just like homeowners turn in damage on their homes. Right, right, right. So, but but so, but here's where it protects us as a contractor. So if we have contractors listening to this podcast, which I hope we do, yeah. Take out general liability insurance, even because if you have employees, you're not out there with that employee. And that employee may be doing something that causes an issue to the home that you don't know about, but guess what? It's your ass on the line, it's your company that's gonna have to take care of it. So that general liability helps protect you with employees because your employees are an extension of you out there doing that work.

SPEAKER_06 33:52

Right.

SPEAKER_08 33:52

So if I have an employee out there that they do something that causes damage down the road, my company is protected with insurance for that employee.

SPEAKER_06 34:00

And that's what And that has to happen.

SPEAKER_08 34:02

Yeah.

SPEAKER_06 34:03

It has to.

SPEAKER_08 34:04

And then the other part of that insurance is the workman's comp. Workman's comp doesn't pay out to a homeowner, but it lets the homeowner know that if our employee gets hurt on their property, that employee is not trying to sue that homeowner to get their medical stuff given. You know what?

SPEAKER_06 34:21

I never even thought about that way with the homeowner.

SPEAKER_08 34:26

Some people do. So we have we have people, it's like we want a certificate of insurance that shows that you have work comp on your employees because it protects them homeowner-wise, liability-wise. If you walk onto someone's property.

SPEAKER_06 34:39

But like I said, no never would have thought.

SPEAKER_08 34:41

So I'm gonna I'm gonna blow your mind and scare you to death now. If if you're if you're if your kids have friends come over and play, they're out playing in the backyard and they get hurt on your property.

SPEAKER_04 34:50

I know, I know. Guess what? Terrified.

SPEAKER_08 34:53

They can sue you. The parents can sue you.

SPEAKER_04 34:56

I know.

SPEAKER_08 34:56

Right. And if you don't have coverage on your homeowner's policy for that, they just got a new home. So anyway, back to this budget, right? Where people get to be.

SPEAKER_06 35:07

Boy, we got to get really involved in we got a lot of we got a lot of stuff.

SPEAKER_08 35:10

I told you, I told you last week when we dove into the big dog game plan as we opened up the books and dug this out of the doghouse to bring it out. We have got tons. I'm I'm peeling back for I'm letting everyone in, right? Here's our playbook.

SPEAKER_06 35:23

Well, money's so important. It is. Like you started off with this. Like if if it's if your budget is is over budget or whatever, it's that this is a very important episode. It is a lot to know.

SPEAKER_08 35:36

This is one of those save save episodes as well, right? We're hoping this whole series that we're going through is people like they can they can revert back to it and go, oh, I wouldn't need to go on that and check that out.

SPEAKER_07 35:45

So yeah.

SPEAKER_08 35:46

But yeah, so again, we've opened up the walls, we've got 1975 wiring, or we have knob and tube wiring from 1900s in there, early 1900s. You know, I my home used to have knob and tube wiring. We uncovered all the time. Materials, they get delayed, prices fluctuate, labor, it can shift depending on the scope if if the scope changes, right? And here's the hard truth. If your budget didn't plan for the unknown, the unknown is going to cost you. And this is where experience matters from us, helping you build that budget, right? Because we just don't plan for what we see. We plan for what might happen. So we kind of talked about the contingencies and stuff.

SPEAKER_06 36:25

Right. And that's the professionals. You guys have been doing it so much, you know that something is hidden under there. I think it is foolish for someone to think that they're not gonna find one thing in the house.

SPEAKER_07 36:37

Right.

SPEAKER_06 36:38

Even like you said, you might not have active termites, but that termite damage is a real thing, even like you said from before.

SPEAKER_08 36:44

I've got 30 years experience now in this industry. Yes, yes, I'm an old fart. Yeah. And so I know a lot more now than I did when I started 30 years ago.

SPEAKER_06 36:55

Right.

SPEAKER_08 36:55

A ton more, right? And I continually seen it, done it, been there, got the got the t-shirt, right?

SPEAKER_06 37:02

Yeah, so that's another thing. Like you can help people plan for what you know is inevitable.

SPEAKER_08 37:08

Right. So here's here's the here's the truth of it. This is how we help control cost without cutting corners. That's that's key, right?

SPEAKER_07 37:16

Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_08 37:17

You know, so this is where smart homeowners separate themselves. They don't cut corners, they prioritize, right? So they're not like, well, let's put in a smaller tub, that'll save us $300 here. But now they're burned several years later, like, my tub's not big enough and it sucks. I hate it, right? You know, exactly. So they prioritize. If if you're going to invest your money, put it where it matters most.

SPEAKER_06 37:43

And that's hard for some people, some people to decide. I.e. me, hi. That's what's why you guys are here.

SPEAKER_08 37:49

Structure. Don't cut corners or or don't put priority of structure lower on your list. It needs to be number one, right? Windows, kitchens, bathrooms. So on those, in each one of those categories, there are different things level of windows, type of windows, kitchens, high-end cabinetry, low-end cabinetry, middle end, whatever it is. Same with bathrooms. Small tub, big tub, cheap tub, strong tub, long warranty.

SPEAKER_06 38:17

And another thing is like say you're doing a whole thing. Maybe one bathroom is like your powder room. So you know that you might not have to put in all that.

SPEAKER_08 38:26

Yes, Caitlin has a powder room.

SPEAKER_06 38:27

Yeah, I do. Fancies.

SPEAKER_08 38:29

With the fancy room.

SPEAKER_06 38:30

You know, you save that money or allowance for something else in the house. But see, people want it all.

SPEAKER_08 38:38

And that's fine. We'll give it to them all as long as they're gonna pay for it, right? These are the things that impact the daily living, long-term durability, right, and resale value.

SPEAKER_04 38:49

Kitchen.

SPEAKER_08 38:50

Yeah, we've talked about that in the past, right? When we when we first meet a client, a new potential client, it's like, what's your long-term vision? Is this your three to five year plan of living here? Your five to ten, or is this your forever home?

SPEAKER_04 39:03

Right.

SPEAKER_08 39:03

If it's your forever home, that doesn't matter whatever amount you put in there. And I tell folks, don't worry about resale value. Let your kids worry about that when you're dead. I mean, seriously, don't worry about if this is your forever home and you wanna and you wanna spend a hundred thousand dollars on your game room, but you know it would only bring ten thousand if you were to turn around and sell it tomorrow. No, who cares if it's your forever home and you're gonna get the the the nicety of it and the the use of it, the joy of using it.

SPEAKER_03 39:32

The joy.

SPEAKER_08 39:33

And that's and that's how we help people. But if it's helpful, if it's your three to five year, no, you know, you know, our kids will graduate in five years and we're planning on moving to Boca, whatever. Yeah, wherever. Yeah. If that's the case, then we'll be like, hey, well, maybe you don't want to put 100,000 into that game room. Let's dial it back and maybe you do this.

SPEAKER_04 39:54

Right.

SPEAKER_08 39:54

And that's where we try to help people develop and design that budget. But here's where you can save on some things the cosmetic upgrades. Right. Trendy finishes. You'd I know you'd love to be, I want to keep up with what's going on on HGTV or what I saw in Pinterest.

SPEAKER_06 40:10

But realistically, I'm mad at myself for doing that a couple years ago, dudes.

SPEAKER_08 40:15

Like Dudes? Did you say dudes?

SPEAKER_06 40:17

Yeah, dudes. Like you we need to stay, you guys, timelessness is probably your best.

SPEAKER_08 40:22

And you know, Tamara gives us that stuff too. But one of the things you can save money is projects you can phase over time. What I mean by that is hey, let's let's get the room remodeled, right? Or then you can put the cabinets in along that wall when budget is ready or when you have the finances. But until then, you've got the room. You've got that extra space you need. Throw up the card tables at the family events, but then eventually you know you're gonna put in that big island you want to.

SPEAKER_04 40:48

Okay.

SPEAKER_08 40:48

Whatever that is. You can phase it and you save time. And so it's that elephant. You can eat that son of a bitch, an elephant. It's just one bite at a time. Same with the project.

SPEAKER_04 40:57

Poor elephant.

SPEAKER_06 40:58

Poor Dumbo.

SPEAKER_08 40:59

Dumbo, floppy here here, floppy here, here. But anyway, yeah.

SPEAKER_06 41:03

That's a good idea.

SPEAKER_08 41:05

People come in as like, here's our big vision of plan of what we want to do at the home. Great. We'll price it for you. Whoo, boy, that's too much. Well, great. Now let's prioritize. Is the structure your number one? Is it the windows? Is it the kitchen? Is it the bathroom? Great. Now we have your big plan, but now we're gonna bite it at a time. Let's do your, let's do your new windows. Save on the energy bills, put the money because now you're saving, you're not spending as much. You can put it in and do the bath remodel later. Let's do it and schedule it. We have we literally You're very good at this.

SPEAKER_06 41:39

And I think like just uh hearing all of this is very helpful because it is so overwhelming, especially if you're doing like a big remodel.

SPEAKER_08 41:48

Right. We I think I might have said this on past. I don't know. We've done so many episodes, I don't know. We have clients literally that we know every year they're gonna do one or two projects with us. Every year that can range from $5,000 to $50,000 every year.

SPEAKER_07 42:01

Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 42:01

They've been doing it for the past 10 years. We have people's homes that everything has been remodeled. Everything. Roof, siding, windows, patios, paint colors, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, everything. And we still do projects every year.

SPEAKER_06 42:18

Yeah. I love it. I love it too. I mean, I think that's very fun. And I mean, you're always making it better because you're learning new things every year. I'm talking about you and big dog, like learning new techniques and and I guess maybe better materials each year. I mean, I don't care too.

SPEAKER_08 42:35

Well, and and again, like we say, we don't look for a client for a one-time, we look for a client for a lifetime. We want to be part of your family for the as long as you want to be there at that home or your next home, right? Right. So you don't have to do everything at once, but you do have to do the right things first. And that's how you stay in control of your project and your money. And that's what we hope this episode today helped with that. Because at the end of the day, a budget isn't just a number, it's a strategy. It's the difference between feeling stressed or feeling confident.

SPEAKER_06 43:07

Right.

SPEAKER_08 43:08

Constant surprises or clear expectations, regret or pride in your home. And when you build it right, you just don't protect your investment, you protect your peace of mind.

SPEAKER_06 43:20

Which is so important.

SPEAKER_08 43:22

And that's the key about the budget. And that's how you work on developing a budget that where you don't get burned. So with that, I I think we've we've given a lot of great content today. I think so too. So if you're thinking about starting a remodel, don't guess your way through it. This was a surprise, right? This is a surprise. We have available a call to action right here, right? Where people will be able to download the big dog remodel game plan checklist and start planning the right way.

SPEAKER_03 43:51

She's checking it once. She's checking it twice. That's so cool.

SPEAKER_08 43:58

And if you want real guidance. Not pressure. Real guidance, not pressure. Reach out to our design team here at Big Dog, right? 217-970-7340 and talk to any one of our knowledgeable team members.

SPEAKER_06 44:10

And they're the sweetest.

SPEAKER_08 44:11

We can we can set up a time to come out and talk to you about it. And there's no obligation, right? There's no obligation. It's free to come out and talk to you about what your plan is.

SPEAKER_06 44:19

Just the finance part, you guys, is what can give you a peace of mind if you're wanting to move forward with a rebuttal. And that is something you, Chris, Caitlin. Not every contractor or business owner is this finance and budget savvy. So I feel like it's it's you get it all here. Something for everybody.

SPEAKER_08 44:40

We try. We try we try to make sure that happens, right?

SPEAKER_06 44:44

Design, budget, build.

SPEAKER_08 44:47

Right. People can come to our showroom design studio here and take a look at what we've got, what we can offer. Our staff here would love to talk to you. We are a walk-in, we are a walk-in type organization.

SPEAKER_06 45:00

The checklist will be very important and we'll release it.

SPEAKER_08 45:04

That's right.

SPEAKER_06 45:05

You download it.

SPEAKER_08 45:06

That's right. That's right. So we're excited to be able to throw that out there for everyone and what that looks like. I know, yeah.

SPEAKER_03 45:12

We're throwing it to you. We're throwing it to you.

SPEAKER_08 45:14

Damn, 10X that stuff right out there to you.

SPEAKER_03 45:16

I can't wait to see it.

SPEAKER_08 45:18

Yeah. And you know what's even gonna be more exciting is coming up in the next couple months, we're gonna have our big sign out front.

SPEAKER_05 45:24

Oh, the sign.

SPEAKER_08 45:26

Signs, signs everywhere, signs blocking of you, and making whatever.

SPEAKER_06 45:30

Look at us both singing.

SPEAKER_08 45:32

Yeah, yeah. But no, we'll be excited because then we can be like, hey, scan this QR code to download your big dog game plan checklist.

SPEAKER_06 45:39

That's a great idea, Chris.

SPEAKER_08 45:43

My mind is exploding right now.

SPEAKER_06 45:44

Some of your cute picks on there.

SPEAKER_08 45:46

There will be no foot picks. Well, there might be foot picks, so we could put the foot pic out there.

SPEAKER_06 45:50

How could we not put Payless?

SPEAKER_08 45:52

It's not Paylist, so I'm not giving Paylist any plugs here. Get that out of your mouth. No plugs to payload. I don't it's not nostalgic. We are trendsetters of our own. We are making it happen. I just happen to set the camera down and I happen to catch foot vid of someone. I'm like, what is that on the screen? And we're like, hey, I'm gonna hit record. And what do you know? We've got three sets of feet doing a little dancey diddly-doo in the middle of the floor. I love it.

SPEAKER_03 46:20

And I walked in. And I walked in. Oh, here she goes.

SPEAKER_08 46:23

Boy, I love it. Well, hey, remember, until next time, your home or remodeling project doesn't need perfection. It needs a plan. The plan starts with the big dog game plan, right?

SPEAKER_05 46:35

Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 46:36

It needs that budget. And if you're unsure about it where to start, reach out to us.

SPEAKER_07 46:40

Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 46:40

Right? Easy. We're we're we'll help you out here. And you know what? Thanks for listening to Designing Building Mid-Illinois One Home at a Time. And if this episode helped you, I sure hope it did today. I know it did. I know it did. Make sure you share it with a friend. And remember, good homes aren't built overnight. They're built with a target in mind, with a great budget, well-developed plan, and with trusted professionals. Until next time.

unknown 47:06

Bye!

SPEAKER_00 47:07

Hey there. I'm Lisa Miller, managing broker and owner of First Choice Realty Pros. We don't just help you find a house, we help you discover home. My team and I are passionate about taking care of your needs, making the process smooth, and ensuring you get the personalized attention you deserve. Ready for the next step? Call us at 217-825-3999. With First Choice Realty Pros, you've got a team that's got your back.

SPEAKER_08 48:07

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

SPEAKER_06 48:13

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

SPEAKER_08 48:18

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

SPEAKER_05 48:24

See you soon!

unknown 48:25

Big Dog!

SPEAKER_02 48:27

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.