In this episode, Vince and Nathan break down how to design porches, patios, and backyard zones that you will actually use. They compare fixed vs. motorized screens, explain why patio heaters belong in the plans and not as an afterthought, and map out comfortable footprints for lounge, dining, and cooking without crowding. You will hear the real talk on outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, sun and wind management, turf inlays, and whether a fireplace or a fire pit makes better sense. They also cover pool timing, features that matter, and why a separate spa often delivers more value. If you are building or renovating, this guide will save you from costly do-overs and help you create an outdoor space that feels like a true extension of your home.

What we cover

• Front porch comeback: Community, airflow, and simple upgrades that make it usable.
• Screen strategies: Fixed panels vs. motorized systems, when each makes sense, and why power and framing prep matter.
• Heat and comfort: Ceiling and wall-mount patio heaters, sleeves, clearances, controls, and why this is a mechanical-stage decision.
• Layout zones: Lounge with fireplace, dining for 8–10, and a real cooking station. Typical footprints that avoid a cramped feel.
• Outdoor kitchens: The standard kit (grill, Kamado, sink, trash, drawers, beverage cooler), plus pizza ovens and wood-fired setups.
• Deck vs. slab vs. pavers: Hardscape choices, paths, turf inlays, and maintenance tradeoffs.
• Sun, wind, bugs: Western exposure solutions, overhangs, screens, and the reality of pollen and flies.
• Pools that fit the lot: Why many pools are built with the foundation, tanning ledges, beach entries, and when a separate spa is smarter.
• Fireplace vs. fire pit: Heat, conversation flow, and where each belongs.

Pro Tips

• Plan outside like the inside. Run power, gas, water, and conduit during rough-in. Pretend the patio is a kitchen and living room.
• Oversize now, thank yourself later. A comfortable three-zone porch often needs about 16’ deep by 26’–28’ wide.
• Screens are a system. Budget for power, headers, tracks, and access panels before you frame.
• Heaters need design. Confirm gas vs. electric, amperage, sleeve kits, and control locations during the plans phase.
• Future pool? Ask for the larger gas meter and extra electrical capacity now. Stubbing lines is cheap during rough-in.
• Outdoor audio. Pre-wire landscape speakers along paths and garden beds during trenching.
• Hose bibs everywhere. Add one on the porch and any upper decks for cleaning and plant care.

Gear and ideas mentioned

• Motorized screen systems and fixed panels
• Infrared patio heaters and ceiling sleeves
• Kamado cookers, built-in grills, pizza ovens
• Turf between pavers, crushed granite paths
• Sunken fire pits and pool-adjacent cook sheds

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 House That Wisdom Built installment, Vince and Nathan dive deep into modern kitchen design—where to put the sink when your island doubles as the family table, how sculleries are turning show kitchens into entertaining spaces, and why that big beautiful range comes with real ventilation math (hello, make-up air). They weigh panel-ready vs. stainless, give a reality check on pot fillers, talk outlets, full-height slab backsplashes, hidden wireless charging, built-in coffee stations, and the unsung ergonomics (right-handed dishwasher placement!) that make everyday cooking feel effortless. Plus a quick BBQ detour: ribeyes on a Recteq with Lane’s rubs and a Miller Lite in hand. If your kitchen is on the remodel list (it usually is), this one will save you regrets—and maybe a few bucks.

What we cover

• ROI reality: Kitchen remodels routinely deliver the best bang-for-your-buck.
• Workflow 101: The classic work triangle (fridge–range–sink), when it still applies, and how scullery/working pantries are changing layouts.
• Island vs. peninsula: Where the sink really belongs now that the island is the family table.
• Ranges & ventilation: 36–48” ranges as the showpiece, big CFM hoods, and why make-up air kits matter in remodels.
• Panel-ready vs. stainless: Design vibes, durability trade-offs, and budget gotchas.
• Pot fillers: Useful tool or pricey necklace? (Spoiler: mostly jewelry unless you truly cook.)
• Backsplashes & outlets: Full-height slab looks, plug strips under uppers, sill outlets, and when pop-ups actually help.
• Countertop charging: Hidden wireless charging in stone—cool idea, with social side effects.
• Appliance strategy: Built-in coffee systems, appliance garages, warming drawers (and that closet towel-warming hack), fridge/freezer drawers, and why we’re doing fewer microwaves.
• Floors: Why site-finished, glue-down wood is winning kitchens again.
• Ergonomics that matter: Right-handed? Put the dishwasher on the right; trash on the left—small choices, seamless days.
• BBQ/Brews corner: Ribeyes on a Recteq, Lane’s Barbecue rubs (Pow Pow + Steak Supreme), and a humble nod to Miller Lite.

Pro Tips

• Start your interior design by collecting kitchen reference photos—the kitchen sets the tone for the rest of the home.
• Remodeling with a big range? Plan ventilation + make-up air early (it can change scope and cost).
• Love a tidy main kitchen? Consider a true working scullery with sink, DW, and secondary refrigeration.
• If resale is near-term, design for the next owner; if you’re staying, design for how you live.

Mentioned

• Lane’s Barbecue (Bethlehem, GA) rubs & sauces
• Recteq wood-fired grills (Evans, GA)
• Wolf/Sub-Zero smart appliance innovations
• Plug strips/“plug mold,” sill outlets, wireless counter charging

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 in our series, "The House That Wisdom Built", Vince and Nathan dive into the part of construction that quietly decides how your home feels: the electrical and lighting plan. They break down Kelvin temps (why 2700K–3000K is the sweet spot), layered lighting (ambient, task, accent), and smart choices that keep daily life simple—from motion-sensor switches in closets and pantries to outlet planning for drawers, EV chargers, and even future lifts. They also cover bathroom sconces (goodbye overhead shadows), toe-kick night lights, exterior timers/holiday circuits/path lighting, and how tools like DIGS + a lighting pro (Visual Comfort, etc.) make room-by-room walkthroughs painless and precise.

Takeaways
• Plan lighting early and in layers (ambient / task / accent)
• Match Kelvin to the room’s purpose (cozy vs. crisp)
• Do a detailed walkthrough (switch order, outlet heights, TV/bed locations)
• Add smart where it helps (motion sensors, scenes) without overcomplicating
• Pre-wire/plan for the future (EV/220, art lighting, exterior)

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