Custom Built

Katie GO

Home renovations are stressful enough on their own, but when you throw in the challenges of everyday life, it can feel downright overwhelming. That’s where your host, Katie GO, comes in. She’s here to guide you through the renovation process and inspire you to take control, creating not just the home but the life of your wildest dreams.

  1. 05/11/2025

    Sawdust and Soul work: What My Dad Taught Me About Building with Heart

    Send us a text In this episode of Custom Built, I’m sharing something close to my heart: lessons I learned from my dad—a larger-than-life Navy veteran, woodworker, and the person who taught me what true craftsmanship and joyful living look like. Losing him nine years ago reshaped how I show up as a home builder and designer. We’ll talk about why the energy behind your project matters, the difference between work done out of love versus obligation, and how passion shows up in the details—from a handmade library to a giraffe-shaped stool he built me as a kid. You’ll hear how these lessons translate into practical design choices: build for how you actually live, elevate the spaces where people naturally gather (hello, kitchen!), and don’t be afraid to evolve your home as your life changes. I’ll also share how to choose the right team—craftspeople who are solution-oriented, excited about the materials, and treat your project as a privilege. When you partner with people who still love their craft, you feel it in the finished space. If you’re ready to create a home that reflects who you are—now, not someday—this episode will help you trust your instincts, honor your story, and choose collaborators who bring your vision to life with care. Join the waitlist for The Blueprint Collective. Doors open soon and seats are limited: https://www.katiego.com/joinus  If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show and share it with a friend who’s dreaming about their own custom build. Your support means the world, and I’m grateful you’re here.

    23 min
  2. 29/10/2025

    Permits & Inspections Demystified

    Send us a text In this episode of Custom Built, we’re demystifying one of the most daunting parts of a renovation: permits and inspections. If the mere thought of dealing with your local jurisdiction makes you want to hide, this conversation is for you. I’m pulling back the curtain on the entire process to show you why it’s a powerful tool for your project’s success, not just a bureaucratic hurdle. I’ll walk you through the typical inspection sequence—from foundation and framing to MEPs (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and finals—so you know exactly what to expect and when. More importantly, I’ll share how a great builder strategically plans for these milestones to keep your timeline on track, and why a contractor who hesitates to pull permits is a major red flag. This episode is all about transforming your view of inspections from a source of stress to your greatest safety net. If you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is built safely, correctly, and with a clear paper trail, this episode will give you the confidence to navigate permits like a pro. Join the waitlist for The Blueprint Collective. Doors open soon and seats are limited: https://www.katiego.com/joinus  If this episode helped calm your fears about the process, please follow the show and share it with a friend who’s starting their build journey. Your support helps more homeowners build with confidence—and I’m so grateful you’re here.

    24 min

About

Home renovations are stressful enough on their own, but when you throw in the challenges of everyday life, it can feel downright overwhelming. That’s where your host, Katie GO, comes in. She’s here to guide you through the renovation process and inspire you to take control, creating not just the home but the life of your wildest dreams.