Paul Evans joins host Beverly Smirnis for a candid conversation on what true customer service looks like in the building industry. For Paul, great customer service begins with taking ownership, regardless of who made the mistake. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations with homeowners, being honest, and guiding them toward what they truly need. His bottom line? A satisfied customer isn’t enough. You want a loyal customer!

Ever wondered what it really takes to build your own home—and whether you could pull it off yourself? In this episode of Building Savvy Bottom Line, host Beverly Smyrnas chats with Patrick Harrington of Blue Sky Consulting and Construction Services to unpack the rising trend of homeowners stepping into the role of general contractor.

With years of experience as a custom builder, Patrick offers honest, practical insights into what works, what doesn’t, and how he guides clients through the maze of permits, subcontractors, and construction choices. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about taking control and having the final say on every detail, every step of the way.

Whether you're planning your own build or simply curious about how the construction landscape is shifting, this episode delivers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at a more empowered approach to homebuilding.

Learn more about Blue Sky Consulting at www.blueskyhouston.com.

Having represented both builders and property owners, Attorney Matthew Motes brings a balanced perspective to construction law. He emphasizes that avoiding disputes often comes down to the “devil in the details” of your builder contract. In this episode, he unpacks key topics including the benefits of arbitration, Cost-Plus versus Fixed Fee payment structures, the Texas Trust Funds Act, structural warranties, homeowner maintenance obligations, builder insurance policies, and subcontractor agreements. Clear communication and upfront alignment on expectations are essential—because the more both parties understand the process, the smoother the experience will be.

Paul Evans, a six-year voting member of the International Code Council board, takes us behind the scenes of how residential building codes are crafted and adopted across Texas. He unpacks the intent behind these codes—and why pushing requirements too far can backfire. Paul also explains how most builders lean into performance-based models that not only cost less but often exceed standard code benchmarks.

Realtor Cliff Kessler, a top producer at the prestigious Allie Beth Allman & Associates in Dallas, shares his journey from California to Texas and what makes the Lone Star State such a great place to live. In this episode, Cliff discusses his passion for helping newcomers discover the opportunities that brought them here and thrive in their new communities.

Specializing in new home sales, Cliff brings a wealth of expertise to every stage of the process—whether clients are buying a lot to build their dream home, purchasing a spec home, or remodeling an existing property. His keen insight into the preferences of Texas transplants also helps builders tailor and market their homes to meet the evolving demands of today’s buyers. To learn more about available homes and connect with Cliff, visit his website: www.alliebeth.com/bio/cliffkessler.

Home designer and Zero Energy Ready Home Instructor Armando Cobo highlights the importance of highly detailed home plans in preventing costly foundation, structural, and mechanical issues. However, he cautions that there’s no single solution that fits every project. Success isn’t just about choosing the right products—it’s about how they’re applied and installed. Cobo emphasizes that building a high-performance home costs only one to three percent more than one built to baseline code—a small investment that pays for itself quickly.

Jay Conner, founder of MLAW Engineers, and his daughter, Olivia Conner Garcia, explore the challenges and innovations shaping foundation engineering in Texas. Drawing from their extensive expertise, they discuss the vital role of soil testing in foundation design and the impact of water management on long-term performance. They also introduce Smart Slab, their groundbreaking technology that monitors and adjusts moisture levels beneath foundations, helping to prevent movement and cracking.