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PODCAST

The Craft of Custom

Paul LaRoche & Emily Aborn

Whether you’re dreaming of building a forever home, looking to create a custom vacation getaway, or looking for a home that supports your lifestyle, this podcast is for you!Join us as we provide behind-the-scenes insights and advice for intelligent homeowners looking to renovate or build a dream home in the Monadnock Region. We’ll get into the art and science of the custom home-building industry and help you know everything you need along the way!Cohosted by seasoned NH Builder, Paul LaRoche Owner

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All Episodes

10:23

Architect vs. Builder vs. Design Builder:...

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/09/30

An architect designs. A builder builds. But what happens when one firm handles both? And who do you need for YOUR project? In this episode, Paul breaks down the three approaches to custom home construction: hiring a licensed architect and separate builder, working with a design-build firm like LR3, or choosing to navigate the process without an architect. Each model has different timelines, costs, and communication dynamics. We'll walk you through how design-buil...

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10:03

Relocating to New Hampshire? Top reasons to make The...

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/09/09

LR3 is seeing folks settle into the Monadnock Region from Boston, New York, Southern Connecticut and beyond! What Paul is finding through these custom builds is that they're not only looking to escape the chaos, they're choosing New Hampshire for a number of reasons. In this episode, we discuss what often draws relocators to the area, what quality of life looks like, and what surprises them most once they arrive. With outdoor access, a more pocket-friendly lifestyle, and the intan...

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14:44

Not According to Plan is in the Plan: All About...

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/08/26

In the world of construction, delays and overruns are all but inevitable. The key is to plan and prepare for the unexpected and build things not going according to plan into the plan. In this episode, Paul shares some of the most common causes for delays in a custom home project, from supply chain realities to weather conditions. He breaks down how much to budget to ensure there are no surprises and what you should be asking before you sign on the dotted line with any builder.&nbs...

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15:00

Monadnock 101: Your Guide to Becoming a Local

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/08/12

We're having some FUN in this episode and sharing the unwritten rules of the Monadnock Region that every newcomer should know. Disclaimer: Many of these, Paul and Emily don't even know the answer to despite growing up here, so don't stress too much about how to pronounce "Contoocook" or what to call the local dump. Black fly season survival tips, hiking mishaps, the Dunkin' versus Starbucks debate, winter preparedness, and what to consider when deciding between Shaw's and Market B...

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10:25

Design Myths to Stop Believing

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/08/05

Is open concept always better? Should you design with resale in mind? Is custom building as expensive as you think? There are certain design "rules," that many people believe as hard-and-fast truths... but are they actually? In this episode, Paul debunks the myths holding your design decisions hostage. From the resale value obsession to the fear of standing out, he gets honest about which design beliefs are based on reality and which ones are just noise. If you're feeling st...

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9:02

Landing the Lot: Selecting the land for your dream home

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/07/22

Your lot isn't just where your home sits... it's part of the design itself. Topography, views, sun exposure, setbacks, soil conditions, utilities, and more. These constraints either limit your options or become creative, inspiring opportunities. In this episode, Paul walks us through how he evaluates land and transforms lots into a sense of place with distinctive features. Whether you're still searching for the perfect property or you already own land and want to understand ...

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7:04

The Renovation Conversation: When Tearing Down Costs...

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/07/15

Thinking about renovating your current home instead of building new? For many homeowners, it seems like the practical choice, but the numbers often tell a different story. In this episode, Paul breaks down the hidden costs of renovation, the deal-breaker discoveries that happen once you start tearing into old homes, and when renovation ends up costing more than building from scratch. If you're on the fence between preserving what you have and starting fresh, this conversatio...

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9:11

Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/07/01

Premium appliances, smart home systems, luxury finishes, high-end HVAC, the options during a custom build are endless... and the price tags can be too! But which upgrades actually deliver long-term value, and which ones are just expensive, shiny distractions? In this episode, Paul gets honest about what he recommends without hesitation, what depends entirely on how you actually live, and what he actively steers clients away from. This conversation helps you separate genuine ...

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7:02

The Invisible Work: The elements that separate a good...

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/06/17

Nearly 50-70% of a custom home's budget goes to work you'll never see: foundations, framing, plumbing, electrical, insulation, and all the systems that determine how your home actually performs. In this episode, Paul breaks down why these invisible investments matter more than most people realize and where to prioritize your money for long-term comfort, efficiency, and durability. This conversation shines a light on the hidden work that separates a good build from a great one. Lis...

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8:52

The Local Advantage: Why Building with Someone Who...

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/06/03

Not all builders are created equal, and local expertise matters more than you might think. In this episode, Paul breaks down why working with someone who truly knows the Monadnock Region translates to a better build. From understanding New Hampshire's specific climate challenges and soil conditions to navigating local building codes with ease, regional knowledge shows up in ways that directly impact quality, timeline, and long-term performance. We also discuss how a network of tru...

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7:57

If I Were Building My Own Home Today: Paul's Dream Build

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/05/20

Ever wondered what a luxury custom home builder would build for himself? In this episode, Paul gets personal and walks through his dream home from the ground up. He chooses his ideal location, and we give him complete creative freedom to dream, splurge, and skip out on the stuff that doesn't matter! This isn't just about Paul's dream build, it's a masterclass in values-based design. Paul reveals: The materials, features, and spatial choices that matter most after...

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7:12

We Are Hiring! Help us spread the word and grow the...

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/05/06

LR3 Development is growing! Paul's looking for just the right person to join the team as an experienced Residential Construction Project Manager. In this episode, Paul shares more about the role, what it entails, and what it takes to succeed in luxury custom home building. We get into why this is more than just a job; it's an invitation to grow your career and be part of a team that stands by quality and refuses to cut corners. Please help us spread the word by sharing the e...

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11:20

Then vs. Now: Building in 2026

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/04/22

The home-building industry has changed a lot in the past twenty years, but some principles have remained tried-and-true. In this episode, Paul shares from his two decades of construction experience as we take a look at what’s actually different, and what hasn’t changed a bit between then vs. now. Listen to hear: How long Paul has been in the industry, and what it was like when he started, vs. where it is today The biggest shift in how home construction has changed over ...

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9:44

Materials Matchmaking: Choosing Materials that Make...

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/04/08

While some materials go together like cheese and wine, not all materials play well together so nicely! The difference between a cohesive custom home and a chaotic one often comes down to thoughtful material selection. In this episode, Paul breaks down his approach to pairing finishes, textures, and tones that create harmony throughout a home. From mixing modern and rustic elements to balancing aesthetics with durability, this conversation reveals why some combinations sing while o...

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7:44

When to Walk Away Before You Begin: Builder Red Flags...

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/03/25

How do you know before breaking ground whether or not a builder is the right one for YOUR custom build? In this episode, we get into the earliest red flags so you can identify when to walk away before getting in too deep. We shine a light on vital cues to listen for when choosing the right luxury builder for your project. Inside the episode: What are the earliest red flags for a client looking to work with a builder who understands their vision? How to know whether or n...

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10:11

Behind-the-Scenes in an Award Winning Home: 2025...

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/03/11

From initial vision to final awe-inspiring walkthrough, in this episode, we go behind-the-scenes to learn what goes into building an award-winning home. Taking home the New Hampshire Home Builders’ Association 2025 “Best Single Family Construction >$1M” award, this custom home is set apart from the noise, boasting breathtaking views, quiet luxury, and bold beauty. Modern luxury, intentional details, the homeowner's distinct personality, and the best of the Granite State come to...

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10:33

How Much House Do You Need? Breaking down the real...

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/02/11

We all know by now that bigger isn’t always better… but when it comes to building from the ground up, how do you determine the square footage sweet spot? In this episode, we break down the truth of square footage and show you the real numbers behind the decisions to go big or go home (good news: you can do both!). Let's talk square footage! Inside the episode, you'll learn: What’s the ideal range for square footage for most families that LR3 works with? How Paul helps c...

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11:07

The ONE Question to Ask Your Builder Before Breaking...

The Craft of Custom ·

2026/01/28

Just like every home build client is unique, every builder is too! In this episode, we get into some of the special touches that set LR3 apart as a luxury home builder in the Monadnock Region. From non-negotiables to balancing signature style with individual visions, this episode guides you in what makes LR3’s process distinct, and how to choose the right home builder for you! In the episode: How a builder’s aesthetic can influence your decision Design principles and va...

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14:46

The Psychology of Space & Color: How design impacts...

The Craft of Custom ·

2025/12/24

Design isn't just aesthetic; it also impacts behavior. Good design has to align with functionality needs and work seamlessly for everyday life. In this episode, Paul explores how the spaces we create shape our daily patterns, from room flow that encourages family connection to ceiling heights that influence how energized or calm we feel. This conversation covers activity zones, the psychology of open versus closed floor plans, strategic natural light placement, and how to design for your actu...

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10:19

Primary Residences vs. Second Home: Considerations...

The Craft of Custom ·

2025/12/10

Primary residence or vacation getaway? The answer changes everything about how you build. In this episode, Paul walks through the key considerations that separate vacation/second home design from everyday living. Inside the Episode: Differences when considering a primary home vs. a second homeFeatures for vacation homes, primary homes, and future forever homes Maintenance considerations for secondary residences Designing with rental income in mind Storage need...

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58 results

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