In this snack-sized episode of Home: The Second Story, we dive into the essential things we, as architects, look for when walking through a home with clients — especially those considering a renovation or major purchase. It's a question we get constantly: “What should I be looking for?” While we always stress that a home inspection is still critical, we share the practical, experience-based insights we bring when we tour homes ourselves.

We begin by separating needs from wants. Clients often conflate the two, but knowing the difference upfront can help manage expectations and budgets. Then, we focus on what we call the “unsexy” systems that often drive hidden costs: mechanicals, plumbing, and electrical. Looking at the age and condition of these systems — starting with the mechanical room — can give a sense of what may need immediate investment. For electrical, we talk about amperage, available panel space, and how newer codes may require upgrades.

Basements and attics are also key spaces. We check the structure, smell for mold or moisture, and look for signs of DIY work that might lead to structural issues down the line. In unfinished basements, we pay attention to sewer line elevation — something that affects whether you can add a bathroom without costly solutions like grinder pumps.

Zoning comes up frequently and is often misunderstood or overlooked. We explain how setbacks, lot coverage, and impervious surface restrictions can impact what’s actually feasible. Many clients rely on hearsay or realtor advice, but zoning laws vary by town and change frequently. We emphasize the need for an architect or zoning expert early in the process, especially since even things like window changes can be regulated in urban areas.

HOAs, historic commissions, and changing local codes all add another layer of complexity. We encourage clients to see those as design challenges rather than dealbreakers — often, with creativity and the right guidance, it’s still possible to achieve your goals.

We close by highlighting the intangible yet vital factor of "vibe." Beyond finishes or layouts, the emotional resonance of a space matters. Does it feel right? That’s something no inspection or floor plan can tell you. At the end of the day, it's about surrounding yourself with the right team to make an informed and confident decision — and knowing what’s possible before you commit.

00:00 – Intro
00:26 – Meet the Architects
01:00 – What We’re Asked When House Hunting
01:30 – The Mechanical Room: First Stop
03:00 – Electrical Panels & Modern Codes
03:48 – Needs vs Wants
04:50 – Septic Systems & Pools
05:30 – Basements: Smell & Structure
06:50 – Sewer Lines & Basement Bathrooms
07:21 – Attics: Rafters vs Trusses
08:00 – Understanding Zoning Restrictions
10:00 – Misleading Realtor Advice
12:00 – Zoning Variances & Setbacks
13:00 – Changing Zoning & Property Values
14:00 – HOA and Historic Restrictions
15:00 – Creative Design Within Constraints
15:30 – Contingencies in Real Estate Contracts
16:30 – Boston Market Speed vs Due Diligence
17:30 – The Vibe Check
18:00 – Construction Cost Expectations
18:45 – Things You Can’t Change: Location & Sun
20:30 – Keep an Open Mind: Remodel Potential
21:40 – Right People, Right Advice
22:13 – Outro & Contact Info

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

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This episode brings us a new perspective - someone who has been in their home for nearly two decades. Today, we sit down with Scott Choppin, a Long Beach, California homeowner who completed a full scrape-and-rebuild of his family home nearly twenty years ago. We explore what it means to live with your design decisions over the long term and how perspective changes when you’ve raised a family in the house you built from scratch. Scott’s project is a 4,600-square-foot Spanish-style home built on a 5,000-square-foot lot in Belmont Shore, replacing a modest 1940s house that no longer met his family’s needs.

We talk about how Scott and his wife decided that renovation wasn’t realistic and why starting over ultimately made more sense. With a growing family and limited lot constraints, we discuss how the existing footprint would have restricted the design and forced compromises that didn’t align with their goals. Scott’s comfort with new construction, shaped by his professional background in real estate development, made the decision to scrape the house easier than it might be for most homeowners. (Also, Taylor vows to bring the term "scrape" to Alabama.)

We walk through the design process, starting with a “core” family space his wife envisioned and building the rest of the house around it. We discuss how big-picture planning came first, followed by detailed decisions about room sizes, circulation, and everyday functionality. Scott shares how bringing the general contractor on early helped filter design ideas through a buildability lens and how trust played a major role in their team dynamic. He also reflects on moments of friction with the architect during construction and how those experiences shaped the process.

During construction, we hear a memorable story about severe rain, high groundwater, and a bulldozer sinking into the site—an early reminder that building a house is fundamentally about problem-solving. We emphasize the importance of asking, “What’s the plan?” rather than panicking when things go wrong, and how trust, communication, and patience are critical during setbacks.

Looking back after nearly two decades, Scott shares valuable lessons about long-term durability, maintenance, and material choices. We talk about plumbing fixtures, flooring, electrical systems, decks, and the importance of choosing well-supported brands and keeping detailed records. Scott also reflects on what he would not do again—like Juliet balconies and overly complex lighting systems—and what he still loves, including the timeless Spanish exterior and neutral interior finishes that have aged gracefully.

We conclude by emphasizing that no project is perfect, every house requires ongoing care, and thinking beyond move-in day is one of the most important lessons homeowners can take away.

(00:00) Introduction & Guest Overview
(02:10) Project Background & Timeline
(05:59) Renovate vs. Rebuild Decision
(10:51) Design Process & Core Planning
(17:22) Zoning, Setbacks & Tradeoffs
(21:06) Construction Begins & Site Challenges
(26:13) Managing Stress & Problem-Solving
(35:11) Long-Term Materials & Maintenance
(40:56) What Still Works After 19 Years
(43:12) Final Advice & Takeaways

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this snack-sized episode of Home: The Second Story, we dive into what it really means to “spend wisely” when renovating or building a home. As always, the three of us—Sheri Scott, Marilyn Moedinger, and Taylor Davis—bring our own experiences as architects into the conversation. While “wise” spending is inherently subjective, we agree that aligning financial decisions with individual priorities and long-term goals is key.

We begin by discussing the concept of a master plan. Sheri shares a real-life client example where the dream design exceeded the budget. Instead of scaling back arbitrarily, we advised investing in infrastructure now—framing, structural systems, and utilities—so future phases could happen with less disruption and cost. Taylor echoes this with a personal anecdote about living with an empty room for years, now affectionately dubbed the "pinata room," showing that delay doesn’t mean failure—it’s part of the plan.

Marilyn emphasizes that anything hidden inside walls—like plumbing, electrical, and insulation—should be done right the first time. She recalls regretting a $1,700 savings on a hand shower she ended up not installing, a mistake she wouldn’t allow a client to make today. We also talk about not skimping on features like proper windows, cast iron waste pipes, solid core doors, and HVAC systems, because these impact long-term comfort and resale.

Accessibility is another area we explore. Taylor urges including wide doorways, grab bar backing, and thoughtful bathroom layouts during initial construction. These aren’t just for older homeowners—they’re useful for carrying groceries, recovering from surgery, or accommodating guests. And they can also help with resale value. Sheri adds a personal story about having to renovate her mother’s home under duress after a sudden disability, highlighting why proactive planning matters.

We circle back to the importance of hiring architects and planning thoroughly from the start. Design fees can seem intangible at first, but we show how early investment pays off in avoiding costly errors, enabling better decisions, and reducing frustration. Planning with professionals ensures functionality and beauty are balanced, so you're not left wondering, “Why did we do it this way?”

Finally, we acknowledge that spending wisely doesn’t mean spending endlessly. We aim to help clients make decisions that serve both their lifestyles and budgets, regionally and personally. Whether it's the feel of a kitchen faucet, the quiet of a cast iron pipe, or the satisfaction of a living room that fits your family traditions, smart spending is about prioritizing what matters to you.

Have questions? Want to be on our show? Email us! admin@htsspodcast.com

Learn about our hosts:

Taylor: TPD Architecture and Design: https://tpdarchitect.com

Marilyn: Runcible Studios: https://runciblestudios.com

SherI: Springhouse Architects: https://springhousearchitects.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.