Build Smart with K Squared

Rusty Krouse

The K-Squared Construction Podcast Tired of contractor horror stories? Ready to learn why your next construction project doesn't have to be a nightmare? Join Rusty and Brenna Krouse, owners of K-Squared Construction & Design, as they pull back the curtain on the construction industry. With nearly 20 years of experience transforming homes in the Sacramento area, they're here to educate homeowners and industry professionals on how construction should actually work. From why "get three bids" is broken advice to the real reasons projects go over budget and behind schedule, Rusty and Brenna share the insights that can save you time, money, and stress on your next renovation or custom build. You'll discover: Why pre-construction planning changes everythingHow to find contractors you can actually trustWhat really drives construction costs (hint: it's not what you think)Industry secrets that most contractors won't tell youReal stories from the field - both successes and cautionary talesWhether you're planning your first remodel or you're a contractor looking to improve your process, this podcast will challenge how you think about construction and design. Stay tuned for new episodes. Because great construction starts with great planning. Hosted by: Rusty Krouse - Licensed Contractor & Owner, K-Squared Construction & Design Brenna Krouse - California Certified Interior Designer & Licensed Contractor

Episodes

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Episode 3 - Meet The Man Behind The Scenes

    Meet the Man Behind the Scenes - Jordan, VP of Construction Operations | Build Smart with K Squared Podcast #3 Ever wondered who's actually running your construction project behind the scenes? In this episode, Rusty sits down with Jordan, K-Squared's Vice President of Construction Operations, to pull back the curtain on what really happens during your remodel. What You'll Learn: Jordan's journey from property management to house flipping to high-end remodelingThe critical difference between investment construction and client-focused projectsWhy pre-construction planning takes 2-4 months (and involves 41 separate steps!)How material management prevents costly delays and mistakesThe hidden conversations with manufacturers that save projects from failureReal talk about mistakes contractors make - and how the best ones handle themKey Moments: The steam room + sauna design that would have failed catastrophicallyWhy "manage don't do" is crucial for project successHow K-Squared's 3D scanning technology revolutionized their processThe $10,000 water leak mistake and how they handled itWhat to ask when interviewing contractors about project managementJordan shares the unglamorous but essential work that happens before your first wall comes down - from coordinating with 10+ subcontractors on a single bathroom spa project to catching design flaws that Pinterest doesn't warn you about. If you're planning a remodel or wondering why some contractors seem so much more organized than others, this episode reveals the systems and processes that separate professional operations from the "chuck in a truck" approach. Mentioned in this episode: BuilderTrend software, Matterport 3D scanning, LiDAR technology, and why you should never trust a contractor who can start immediately. 🔗 Connect with K-Squared Construction: Website: [your website] Location: Greater Sacramento Area, California Previous Episodes: Episode 1: Beyond Free Estimates - Why Pre-Construction Changes Everything Episode 2: The Real Cost of "Free" Estimates Like this content? Subscribe for more insights into the construction industry and share with anyone planning a home renovation project.

    1h 21m

  2. 31 AUG

    Episode 2: "The Real Cost of Free Estimates"

    Build Smart with K Squared - Episode 2: "The Real Cost of Free Estimates" Welcome back to Build Smart with K Squared! In this episode, Rusty and Brenna Krouse dive deep into why the traditional "get three bids" approach is fundamentally broken and how it actually hurts homeowners more than it helps. What You'll Learn: The Problem with "Three Bids": Discover why comparing multiple estimates without a solid plan is like comparing apples to oranges. Rusty shares the conclusion to his undercover contractor story from Episode 1, revealing exactly what happened when he posed as a potential client to experience the typical contractor process firsthand. What Pre-Construction Really Means: Get an inside look at K-Squared's 2-4 month pre-construction process, from initial consultation and LiDAR scanning to material selection and subcontractor site visits. Learn why this investment of time upfront prevents costly surprises and change orders during construction. Real-World Examples: Hear about the flooring thickness issue that could have left clients with unsightly gaps under door casings, and how proper planning solved this problem before construction even began. Plus, the story of clients who wanted to vault their ceiling and why removing the entire roof was actually cheaper than the "simple" fix. Red Flags vs. Green Flags: Know what to watch for when hiring contractors. Red flags include promises of immediate start dates, verbal-only estimates, and requests for large upfront payments (spoiler: in California, contractors can legally only ask for $1,000 deposits, even on million-dollar projects). Green flags include detailed questioning, honest discussion of challenges, and having a clear process they can explain. The Budget Puzzle: Understand how scope and budget must balance, and why projects typically die when contractors present numbers without a collaborative process to align expectations with reality. Why Client Experience Trumps Quality: While quality should be the baseline expectation, Brenna and Rusty argue that the client experience and journey through the construction process is what truly differentiates contractors. Learn why this perspective could save you years of stress. Key Takeaway: Stop thinking of construction as a commodity purchase where the lowest bid wins. Instead, focus on finding contractors who prioritize your experience and have systems to prevent the common pitfalls that plague this industry. Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or whole-house project, this episode provides the education you need to make informed decisions and avoid the frustrations that keep most homeowners up at night. Hosts: Rusty Krouse (Builder/Owner) and Brenna Krouse (Licensed Designer/Co-owner) of K-Squared Construction and Design, serving the greater Sacramento area for nearly 20 years. Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Next Episode: "Handling Clients Who Want to Run the Show" - What happens when homeowners try to dictate the construction process and why this approach backfires.

    1h 8m
  3. Episode 1 - Introduction & Beyond Free Estimates

    23 AUG

    Episode 1 - Introduction & Beyond Free Estimates

    Episode 1: Beyond Free Estimates - Why Pre-Construction Planning Changes Everything Welcome to the K-Squared Construction podcast! Hosts Rusty and Brenna Krouse introduce themselves and share their nearly 20-year journey building K-Squared Construction and Design from a "chuck in a truck" operation to a structured, client-focused business. We tackle one of the biggest pain points in construction: why projects go over budget and over schedule. Spoiler alert - it's usually not what you think. What You'll Learn: Why "get three bids and free estimates" is a red flag for quality contractorsThe two biggest complaints clients have about contractors (and why they're often avoidable)How the traditional construction approach sets both contractors and clients up for failureWhy clients shouldn't try to lead their construction professionalA behind-the-scenes story of what it's really like when contractors give "free estimates"Whether you're a homeowner planning a renovation or in the construction industry, this episode will change how you think about the pre-construction process. We're here to educate both sides and help create better outcomes for everyone. About Your Hosts: Rusty Krouse, owner of K-Squared Construction and Design, and Brenna Krouse, California Certified Interior Designer and licensed contractor, bring decades of real-world experience and honest insights to help you navigate your next project successfully. Ready to move beyond free estimates? Let's dive in.

    2h 21m
  • 3 Episodes

About

The K-Squared Construction Podcast Tired of contractor horror stories? Ready to learn why your next construction project doesn't have to be a nightmare? Join Rusty and Brenna Krouse, owners of K-Squared Construction & Design, as they pull back the curtain on the construction industry. With nearly 20 years of experience transforming homes in the Sacramento area, they're here to educate homeowners and industry professionals on how construction should actually work. From why "get three bids" is broken advice to the real reasons projects go over budget and behind schedule, Rusty and Brenna share the insights that can save you time, money, and stress on your next renovation or custom build. You'll discover: Why pre-construction planning changes everythingHow to find contractors you can actually trustWhat really drives construction costs (hint: it's not what you think)Industry secrets that most contractors won't tell youReal stories from the field - both successes and cautionary talesWhether you're planning your first remodel or you're a contractor looking to improve your process, this podcast will challenge how you think about construction and design. Stay tuned for new episodes. Because great construction starts with great planning. Hosted by: Rusty Krouse - Licensed Contractor & Owner, K-Squared Construction & Design Brenna Krouse - California Certified Interior Designer & Licensed Contractor

Information

  • Creator
    Rusty Krouse
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Build Smart with K Squared
  • Show Website
    Build Smart with K Squared