Before you pour concrete or raise walls, the real work starts in the dirt. In this episode of The House That Wisdom Built, Vince and Nathan break down the basics of grading, site prep, and foundations — the stuff that sets the tone (and budget) for everything that follows.

They cover what most people overlook in the early stages of a build, from drainage and topography to soil surprises and slab types. If you’re building new or tearing down to rebuild, this is the episode that helps you start on solid ground.

Topics Covered:

– What grading really involves (and why it matters)

– Managing water flow on tight lots

– The cost of skipping soil tests

– Slabs, stem walls, and full basements

– Foundation types and when to use them

Subscribe for more episodes that unpack the real process behind custom home building

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm

Demo Day gets all the glory—but before the dust flies, there’s some serious groundwork to be done. In this episode of Building Brews & BBQ, Vince and Nathan walk through everything that should happen before the sledgehammer swings. From permits and site prep to managing neighbors and expectations, this one’s packed with the kind of wisdom that can save your project—and your driveway.

You’ll hear:

• Why Demo Day is more emotional than most people expect
• How to protect your floors, walls, and sanity
• The real reason to host a “Donuts & Demo” event (and how it helps keep the city off your back)
• What happens when you don’t pull the right permits (hint: red tags)
• Pro tips on asbestos, mold, utility shutoffs, and avoiding DIY disaster
• The difference between building with the neighborhood vs. against it

Plus: How one simple idea from a fellow builder—inviting the neighbors in for donuts—might be the best investment you make all project long.

Send us your favorite demo clip, and let us know—would you show up for donuts and destruction?

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm

In this episode of Building Brews and BBQ, we’re talking about one of the most exciting – and often overlooked – milestones in any home build: the pre-construction handoff. Vince and Nathan walk through what this pivotal moment looks like, why it matters, and how it can set the stage for a smoother build experience.

From “Co-Construct Happy Hours” to sharing the full design board with homeowners, we unpack how the handoff from pre-construction to construction shapes the next phase of your project. It’s a moment for celebration, but also a critical opportunity to ensure everyone’s on the same page before the first shovel hits the dirt.

We also dive into the emotional rollercoaster that begins with construction, complete with laughs and real talk about the highs, lows, and everything in between. Whether you’re building your dream home or just curious about what really happens behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insights

Building Brews & BBQ
Instagram: @buildingbrewsandbbq
YouTube: YouTube.com/@BuildingBrewsandBBQ

Hosts:
Vince Longo
longocustombuilders.com
Instagram: @longocustombuilders

Nathan Walters:
massarossa.com
Instagram: @massarossa

Produced by:
Michael Newman
michaelnewmanfilm.com
Instagram: @michaelnewmanfilm