Modern Craftsman

Tyler tears into the "stop buying lattes" take and runs the numbers that actually break buyers and clients. The squeeze lands on builders too - changing bids, quality, and what projects even pencil out. Show Notes: 00:00 The meme and why it's off 04:00 Life costs vs "coffee" costs 06:30 1981 starter home vs today's code & specs 07:25 Rates, prices, and the real math 10:35 How this hits builders and quality 12:05 Healthcare, childcare, and budgets 13:45 Remodel numbers that don't work 16:10 Myths Tyler hears vs reality on site 20:00 The human toll and what needs to change 27:50 Wrap-up Video Version: https://youtu.be/qJxBE_2G6t4 Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

The guys dig into the real split between self-performing and running a GC outfit and what actually moves a build when design runs headfirst into the schedule. From Bugatti-level brand lessons to field fixes (bracing, factory edges, install expectations), this one's about picking a lane and building like you mean it. Show Notes: Anderson Windows and Big Doors Promotion (0:00) Builder Trend and Client Management (2:13) Harnish Workwear and Personal Experiences (3:47) Self-Performing vs. General Contractor (5:42) Building the Bugatti of Homes (8:50) Balancing Hands-On Work and Management (17:58) Efficiency and Learning from Mistakes (19:56) Project Management and Communication (39:46) Balancing Quality and Efficiency (47:50) Personal Reflections and Future Goals (52:01) Video Version: https://youtu.be/HNd4rd6yFVQ Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "061c6004-0d19-4251-9a07-dad8047d4476" data-testid= "conversation-turn-6" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> A follow-up to the first excavator episode—now that it's seen real use. Tyler shares what's working, what surprised him, and what he'd rethink after owning and running it for a while. First excavator episode: Is An Excavator Actually Worth It? Show Notes: Initial Investment and Purchase Details (0:00) Financing and Tax Benefits (3:56) Usage and Maintenance (5:59) Cost Considerations and Insurance (32:58) Operational Efficiency and Tax Strategy (33:44) Consulting and Future Plans (37:49) Video Version: https://youtu.be/6lnrWjeBQ20 Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Pricing by square foot is how budgets blow up. Tyler breaks down the real process—scope first, design up front, WAGs, SWAGs, and contingency noted so the numbers hold once you hit the job. Show Notes: 00:00 Understanding client priorities and personal update 01:35 Consulting call and estimating process 02:54 Client communication and zoning variance 06:07 Budget creation and design iterations 07:24 Detailed budgeting and cost tracking 09:01 Handling unexpected costs and client communication 13:23 Scope of work and subcontractor coordination 17:08 Managing client expectations and budget adjustments 20:00 Pre-construction and design consulting 26:44 Contractor Coalition Summit and affordability Video Version: https://youtu.be/KqBLZFtHACs Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

They break down the real process of pricing work, from takeoffs and line-item estimates to assigning scopes and catching costly specs. They discuss using AI as an assistant, where automation helps and where human judgment wins. Site protection, allowances, and who owns scope gaps get practical attention. They also cover client fit, non-negotiables, and how expectations shape cost.

Tyler lays out why he still self-performs—from demo and drainage to framing and trim—and where he draws the line with subs, risk, and bandwidth. We get into scaling by margin instead of volume, keeping quality tight when you're the one on the tools, and how to make a good living without taking the belt off. Show Notes: 00:00 Keep the belt on and make a living 02:01 Screened porch demo grading and concrete sub 05:16 Framing plan and roof timing 09:43 One job at a time and scale by margin 15:51 Frame to finish pride and profit 20:31 Back to craft and flying the self performer flag Video Version: https://youtu.be/4n6Kb0WACPA Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

From airtight envelopes to oversized HVAC, the guys unpack the sexy internet details versus what actually survives install and warranty. They get into service cavities, exterior insulation, window boxes, and why simplifying details, coordinating early, and charging to manage risk keeps you out of trouble. Show Notes: 00:00 Perfection Doesn't Scale 04:44 Hiring: Attitude vs Skill 12:59 When a Great Fit Stops Fitting 39:54 HVAC Reality: Gear That Doesn't Fit 42:43 Energy Code vs Exterior Insulation Hype 46:34 Window Boxes, Cladding & Real Failure Points 59:24 Charge to Manage, Not to Gamble Video Version: https://youtu.be/Usr6DKMrLnI Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Dependability is the quiet backbone of every project—show up, follow through, communicate. Tyler breaks down how to be the person no one has to chase: say "no" to protect your best "yes," model reliability for your crew, build simple systems, and rebuild trust when you drop the ball. Show Notes: Dependability in Leadership and Business (0:00) Contractor Coalition Summit Announcement (1:25) Personal Commitment to Dependability (3:25) Dependability in Business and Employment (8:43) Leadership and Dependability (11:14) Maintaining Dependability to Oneself (13:46) Rebuilding Trust and Dependability (22:00) Promoting the Modern Craftsman Podcast (26:24) Video Version: https://youtu.be/HUM7j1h5UPs Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

Three elementary-schoolers sound off on work, the trades, and whether construction is "just for boys." Tyler turns their unfiltered takes into a reminder to open doors early and make the jobsite welcoming to everyone. Show Notes: 00:00 Cold open: "You're capable" 03:02 What do adults actually do at work? 06:23 What is "construction," in their words 09:31 Is construction just for boys? 11:02 Tyler on inclusion & respect on site 17:25 Starting a company: passion vs business 18:22 Advice for grown-ups about work 20:28 Behind the scenes: why Tyler recorded this Video Version: https://youtu.be/A3A8qquiiVc Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media

In this follow-up to the previous episode the guys expand on their discussion of 'buying your peace'. They get blunt about arrival fallacy, hustle-as-band-aid, and where to buy back time instead of chasing the next dollar. Show Notes: 00:00 Money vs. Life: Who's in Charge? 04:36 Arrival Fallacy: 'I'll Be Happy When…' 05:17 Fixer-Upper Reality Check 07:49 Time Tradeoffs with Young Kids 09:36 Working More = Seeing Them Less 11:20 What's 'Necessary' vs. Nice-to-Have 14:02 Non-Negotiables: Housing & Healthcare 17:22 House Math: 4% Then, 8–9% Now 18:01 When Interest Eats $40K/Year 32:40 Hustle Culture—What It's Hiding 33:49 I Hustled Because Things Were Broken 38:31 Beware Hustle "Advice" That's Selling You 51:00 Buying Back Time: Help at Home? 53:13 Everyday Chores, Real Costs (Well Water Life) 57:01 Wrap-Up: What Are You Optimizing For? Video Version: https://youtu.be/lwcq_qhXhD0 Partners: Andersen Windows Buildertrend Harnish Workwear Use code H1025 and get 10% off their H-label gear The Modern Craftsman: linktr.ee/moderncraftsmanpodcast Find Our Hosts: Nick Schiffer Tyler Grace Podcast Produced By: Motif Media