Build a beautiful and functional home you absolutely , is on budget, and makes your family happy for years to come.
JOIN BYB NOW!
love
You feel confident in your decisions as you go through the home build process. You have a clear vision for your home, and you know how to explain that vision to your builder in order to make that vision a reality. And you know you’re working with a reputable builder you can trust to help you bring your dream home to life.
As you go through your build, you’re relaxed and able to make educated design decisions without second guessing yourself. You feel great about the REALISTIC budget you set with your builder, and you feel confident making decisions about where to splurge and where to save. Not only are you enjoying the building experience, but you no longer fear making costly mistakes that you might later regret.
The best part is that you feel much more IN CONTROL of the entire building process. From sticking to your budget, to working with a trusted builder, to creating a functional and cozy floor plan that is PERFECT for the way your family lives.
Instead of sleepless nights worrying about going over budget, or second-guessing your decisions, imagine if your home build experience looked like this:
Building your dream home be an exciting and pleasant experience.
can
Getting to the end of your custom home build journey and moving into a new home that you LOVE! Not to mention the remarks from friends and family about how cute or beautiful your home is.
Imagine the feeling of coming home to a functional, comfortable, homey oasis that is perfect for entertaining and hosting family over for the holidays. Think about how proud you’ll feel to invite friends and family into your happy and cozy home.
Imagine moving into your forever home knowing it will last your family a lifetime and grow with you as your family grows. Not only does your home make you happy, but your family is happier too because your house is so functional and everyone is excited to come home and hang out as a fam.
Imagine enjoying your design decisions while also knowing you made smart choices you’ll be thankful for if you ever decide to sell. You're finally able to relax now that you’re living in a home you love with a mortgage you’re comfortable with because you were able to make decisions you’re happy with while also staying within your budget.
Imagine how good you’ll feel living in your dream home and knowing that you had a part in making it happen.
just imagine...
There is nothing like the feeling you get when your dream home becomes a reality.
You choose the builder with the lowest bid to ‘save money’ but end up in a bait and switch situation
Your home build turns into a financial nightmare, and you want to literally puke when your builder tells you how over-budget you have gone
You know you need to make some sacrifices to avoid completely blowing your budget, but you have no idea where it makes sense to save or splurge
Your mind is all over the place trying to figure out your style … you just wish you had a little more confidence in your decision making and felt clearer about your vision for your home
You’re second-guessing every freakin’ design decision you make and you wish you had someone to bounce ideas off of someone OTHER than your builder who knows nothing about design or function (beyond the structural elements of the house)
You may even be feeling like it’s impossible to get that gorgeous dream home that functions perfectly for the way your family lives and makes you all so happy and comfortable, so you just want to throw in the towel
ALL of this is possible for you, but, unfortunately, if you go into your home build blindly, this is a much more likely scenario:
You’re a BUSY mama … with a busy job … and a busy social life … and never ending errands to run … and kids to shuttle around town like a personal Uber driver.
(ugh ... I can relate!)
You’re so overwhelmed with ‘real life’ that it seems almost impossible to find a little extra time to focus on preparing for your future home.
I know, I know … it can feel like a full-time job planning for your build (a job that you do NOT have time for!)
(and it can be easier than you think!)
You can avoid this reality by taking the time to PLAN for your home build in advance.
You’ve never built a custom home before (or your last custom home build was a nightmare) and you have no clue where to even start. You know you need a ‘vision’ of your home, but your head is spinning with ideas and it’s hard to know where to even start to create this ‘vision’.
You know there will be 1200ish decisions to make throughout the home build process, and you are notorious for second-guessing every decision you make in life. You are indecisive with a capital I!
You have expensive taste but you don’t want a colossal mortgage … how do you even begin to create a realistic budget without making major sacrifices?
You know that this is a huge commitment financially that cannot be easily changed, and while you dream of building a custom home, you still feel unsure if you have what it takes to actually do it.
Most of all, your biggest fear is making a ‘wrong’ decision that you’ll regret and won’t be able to change.
Not to mention…
But guess what … you don’t need to spend a ton of time planning for your home build in order to make it a success.
You just need a proven plan laid out for you with a step-by-step method to follow. Plus … you’ll save tons of time avoiding trial and error DIY planning.
You know … that dream home that is so cozy and welcoming that family and friends can’t wait to visit over the holidays … and did I mention this dream home (that everyone tells you is ‘soooo cute’) has a mortgage you are super comfy with?!
You CAN go through the home build process with confidence and excitement knowing YOU (yep, YOU!) have what it takes to bring your dream home to life.
A course and community that equips you to build a beautiful and functional dream home that you absolutely love, is close to budget, and makes your family happy for years to come.
introducing
'Before You Build' (a.k.a. ‘BYB’) provides you with a step-by-step method that will give you crystal clear direction on how to prepare for your custom home build.
Following the BYB Method, you’ll find clarity and feel confident in your ability to create a cozy, functional home that makes your family (and your wallet) happy before you even start building.
Building a solid foundation (metaphorically speaking) is the KEY to feeling confident in your design decisions, sticking to your home build budget, and creating a cozy, functional home that makes you happy. This is exactly what you’ll do following the BYB method!
You’ll also get access to support as you plan for your custom home build through live Q+A coaching calls, floor plan feedback, and a private Facebook community where you can bounce ideas off of others going through the exact same process. Plus, the done-for-you fillable spreadsheets and templates will keep you organized and feeling in control of your building experience.
The more effort you put into your home build BEFORE you even break ground, the less stress you'll feel when the decisions come at you fast and furiously, AND the happier you'll be with the results (i.e. your completed home and your mortgage).
When you follow the BYB Method, you’ll be able to:
Create a timeless, classic home that is functional for the way your family lives now and has the ability to grow with your family as your needs change
Feel all the feels when you’re at home … happy, cozy, joy, and peace … and, most importantly, financially comfortable since you were able to stick close to your REALISTIC budget (and your mortgage reflects that) without sacrificing beautiful finishes (and bonus … there’s still money left for traveling and pursuing hobbies)
Look back and feel happy with all the major decisions you made for your home (aka, no regrets or costly mistakes that are too expensive to fix!) and you are proud that you had a part in creating your dream home that is comfortable, homey, welcoming, and makes your family happy
Achieve a home that reflects YOUR family and all your special moments as well as making it a home for new memories … a home that is perfect for entertaining and you’re excited to share with family and friends (and bonus that they all think your house is gorg!)
the bottom line...
when you implement the BYB Method, you’ll have what you need to build a home that just ‘feels right’ and makes you and your family HAPPY (design-wise AND mortgage-wise).
Ready to build your home with confidence and a strategic plan to stay CLOSE TO budget?
YES! I'M READY!
Let’s dig into the details
Here’s what you’ll find inside the BYB COURSE when you join:
The BYB Method Signature Course: 5 Core Modules
step one
Get Organized for Your Build
There are MANY moving parts when building a custom home. During this step, you’ll create an organization system that will allow you to feel much more in control of your building experience.
01
step two
Clarify Your Vision for Your Future Home
When you are able to clarify and define your vision for your future custom home, it is much easier to understand what you would like to accomplish, refine these goals, and execute them (i.e. bring them to life). In this step, you’ll go in deep and truly clarify your vision for your future home. You’ll create concrete ‘Vision Statements’ that will allow you to easily (and thoroughly) convey your vision to your builder.
02
step three
Hire Your Custom Builder
Your relationship with your builder will set the tone for how smooth (or not smooth) your home build project will go, so it's essential that you choose someone whom you respect, trust, and can communicate well with. In this section, you’ll follow simple steps to ensure that you hire the BEST builder for your project.
03
step four
Create Your Realistic Budget
Creating a REALISTIC budget is CRUCIAL to staying on budget. You’ll find easy-to-follow steps that will help you successfully create a realistic budget with your builder that takes into account your vision for your home.
04
step five
Create Your Custom Floor Plan
In this step, you’ll thoroughly consider what is most and least important to you in your future home, as well as how your family will live in the home. The detailed list of guided questions will help you to create a custom floor plan that you not only LOVE(!), but is also functional and perfect for the way YOUR family lives!
05
But wait, there is more!
When you enroll in BYB, you also get ...
Live Monthly Q+A Group Coaching Calls with Carrie (12 MO.)
Get face-to-face time with Carrie (via Zoom) to ask questions, get personalized support, get feedback, and brainstorm ideas specific to YOUR home build and design dilemmas.
Personalized Floor Plan and
FRONT ELEVATION Feedback
This is your chance to get another set of (unbiased) eyes on your floor plan or front elevation! Get insight and ideas on tweaks you can make to improve the flow and functionality of your floor plan or improve your curb appeal.
Done-For-You Spreadsheet and Template Library
This template library includes done-for-you fillable spreadsheets that you can upload and save directly to your Google Drive. These spreadsheet templates will help you get organized right from the start!
and of course,
there are BONUSES to support you through your home build ...
Access to our Private ‘BYB’ Facebook Community (12 MO.)
Get access to our exclusive Facebook group. Connect in a supportive environment with other women who are also dealing with the excitement and nervousness that comes with building a home. Get feedback, encouragement, and design ideas.
THE ‘BUILDING YOUR DESIGN FOUNDATION’ Course + Workbook
The 'Building Your Design Foundation' mini course includes done-for-you research to help you as you start making design selection decisions for your new home PLUS a guided workbook to walk you through the design decision process.
$247
VALUE!
$197
VALUE!
Curated Design Boutiques + ‘Where to Shop’ RESOURCE
Get access to my carefully curated design finish 'boutiques' to make shopping for design finishes for your home easier. You’ll also find a curated list of great places to shop online for design finishes if you aren't impressed with your local options.
HOME BUILD ADVICE FROM MYSELF + OTHERS PLUS CURATED RESOURCES
Learning from others' home build experiences and 'mistakes' is an important part of helping you create a home that you love and making decisions you won't later regret. This invaluable resource includes home build advice and tips from others who have been there and done that!
$127
VALUE!
PRICELESS!
$147
VALUE!
$297
VALUE!
$1297
VALUE!
$297
VALUE!
Hey, I get it ... I like to check ‘under the hood’ before I make a purchase too!
Here’s a lil’ sneak peek inside the BYB COURSE
take a peek inside!
get IMMEDIATE access to THE BYB COURSE + COMMUNITY FOR JUST $695!
OR CHOOSE THE PAYMENT PLAN
ONE-TIME PAYMENT
5-Module Signature BYB Method Course
Live Q+A Monthly Group Calls (12 MO.)
PersonalIZED Floor Plan Feedback
Done-For-You Spreadsheet Templates
BYB Facebook Community SUPPORT (12 MO.)
‘building your design foundation' Course
Carrie’s Curated Design Boutiques
Curated Home Build Tips + Resources
JOIN BYB TODAY!
$695 x 1 PAYMENT
best value
3 LOW PAYMENTs
5-Module Signature BYB Method Course
Live Q+A Monthly Group Calls (12 MO.)
PersonaLIZED Floor Plan Feedback
Done-For-You Spreadsheet Templates
Private BYF Facebook Community (12 MO.)
‘BUILDING YOUR DESIGN FOUNDATION' Course
Carrie’s Curated Design Boutiques
Curated Home Build Tips + Resources
JOIN BYB TODAY!
$265 X 3 PAYMENTS
flexible payments
$697
$1297
$297
$147
$197
$247
$127
Priceless!
Total Value of $3000+ for ONLY
Total Value of $3000+ for ONLY
3 Low Monthly Payments!
$697
$1297
$297
$147
$197
$247
$127
Priceless!
$100 Savings when Pay in Full!
"The BYB Course helped me keep our budget front and center while allowing for splurges in the areas of our highest priorities. I joined BYB because this program provided a structured system and plan for the overwhelming project of building a home. Honestly, I loved so much about BYB (from the little details to the bigger picture stuff). It was so helpful and allowed me to communicate more effectively with our architect and builder."
- Holly
"Fortunately, I found Carrie’s blog towards the end of choosing finishes but oh how I wish I had found her sooner! I see how helpful Carrie is with ones going through the build process. I’m kind of jealous of that but so excited for the ones utilizing the BYB resource. What an awesome partner to have on your side. Sometimes you just want to show someone brick and stone choices because you can’t see straight anymore. You can’t just ask anyone for that kind of help. Sign up ! It’s like having a personal assistant for a fraction of the cost. Why wouldn’t you?!"
- Sharon
“Carrie does it again! This is such a valuable resource in helping people who are planning to build their dream home. She offers so many tips that can save people frustration during the process with things that are often overlooked … and it’s all broken down in an organized, easy-to-follow format!”
-Rachel
Success Stories from people like you!
The biggest mistake people make when building a home is thinking they can make design decisions along the way and tweak the budget along the way...
they think they can focus on one little piece of the home build at a time without having a full picture of what they want their home build experience to be like.
a mortgage that is WAY higher than they are comfortable with
Too little time to make crucial decisions
Intense stress as the decisions come fast and furiously (and the cost keeps creeping higher and higher over budget)
Minimal excitement during the process
Design regrets (lots o’ them) bc there was too little time to make decisions
Guess what ‘these’ people end up with …
This is the last thing I want to happen to you, especially because all of this can easily be avoided by going in with a plan!
hey there,
I’m not going to lie though … designing my custom home from scratch was a STRESSFUL process. There were times I wanted to give up and throw in the towel. It took a lot of trial and error, tons of hours of research, lots of headaches and stress … and very little support to get through my home build.
Honestly, I had no idea if my house was even going to turn out the way I hoped BUT all that time, effort, and research paid off in the end. I created my dream home that is not only absolutely perfect for the way my family lives , but it turned out WAY more beautiful than I even imagined it would.
I designed my own custom home from the ground up, inside and out … a home that I built ON budget and still LOVE 7 years later!
I’m Carrie Barker.
And guess what else … I was able to do it WITHOUT blowing the budget!
I cracked the code on how to bring my own dream home vision to life while sticking VERY close to budget and now I’m sharing everything I learned along the way with you. I don’t want you to go through the same (lengthy + stressful) trial and error process I went through or waste hours trying to reinvent the wheel and come up with a preparation plan from scratch.
Instead of going through this process completely on your own and piecemealing a plan together that may or may not bring you the results you want (you know, that cozy dream home that makes your family and your wallet happy), I’m sharing exactly what worked for me inside the BYB COURSE!
Ready to learn how to bring your dream home vision to life without breaking the bank?
YES! I'M READY!
Did I mention it’s RISK FREE?!
HAPPINESS 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE
The 'Before You Build' Course + Community comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. I am confident that if you follow this program and utilize the personal support, you will gain unbelievable clarity as well as create a realistic budget that will work together to completely transform the way your home build experience goes. All those ‘well-intentioned friends’ that tell you it’s inevitable you’ll go significantly over budget when building … you’ll have the tools to prove them wrong.
If you feel that this program is not a good fit for you or you don’t think the guided lessons and group support will help you transform your home build experience, we wouldn't feel right keeping your money. Simply email our team to request a refund within 7 days of purchase. We'll do the rest ... no questions asked (well, we might ask you a couple of questions about what we could have done better to improve your experience after your refund is processed, but that’s it 😉)!
Just don't be *that* person who downloads all the workbooks, reads all the lessons, and then asks for your money back. We can see that on our course platform. Plus, it's #STEALING and you aren't 'that' kind of person!
BYB is for you IF:
you are dreaming about building a custom home in the near (or far) future and want to get started on the right foot
you are early in the planning phase but you don’t yet have a builder and/or a floor plan
you want a solid plan for how to create, and stick to, a realistic home build budget
you enjoy learning from others’ experiences to help you avoid making ‘mistakes’
you want to build your dream home with a strategic plan to stay CLOSE TO budget
you have already broken ground on your home
you have already hired your builder, determined your
realistic budget, and created your floor plan
you are content to spend hours piecemealing together free content in hopes you will get the result you’re looking for (i.e. your dream home CLOSE TO budget)
you aren’t concerned about staying CLOSE TO budget while building your dream home
perfect
BYB be a good fit for you IF:
may not
Ready to build your dream home with confidence + a strategic plan to stay close to budget?!
I'M SO READY!
"I just want to thank you for providing such outstanding resources that truly breakdown what could be an overwhelming experience, as well as highlighting pieces of the process that could easily be overlooked. I want our new home to be reflective of our influence on the design/build process and your resources help me to communicate more effectively with our architect and eventually our builder."
- Holly
"The BYB Program prepared me for my custom home build by helping me understand my options, manage my expectations, and provided useful general knowledge. I thoroughly surprised my builder with the amount of preparation I had and by my ability to answer his questions on the spot which allowed him ample time to get the supplies we need. This program is awesome and I know my forever home will be awesome!"
- Logan
"The BYB program gave honest and helpful advice and guidance every time I asked for it. Watching the live Q+A call replays was very informative and helpful! I especially appreciated Carrie’s advice on how to fine-tune our floor plan to be the perfect layout for the way MY family will live in the home daily. I know anyone building a house will benefit from the BYB Program."
-Sheila
Success Stories from people like you!
your questions answered!
Frequently asked questions
Nope! Housing prices are different in different areas of the country/world, but the BYF principles are applicable no matter where you live.
While you may not need certain components of the program (such as getting organized, creating your Vision Statements, choosing a builder, creating a realistic budget you can stick to, and designing your floor plan), you’ll find the ‘Designing with Confidence’ course, home build resources, ongoing support, and personal feedback to be helpful throughout your home build.
The BYB Course is broken into bite-sized steps and lessons. You have access to all of the course materials for the 'life' of the BYB course, so there is no rush to get through the lessons. You can go at your own pace. You have access to the live Q+A calls, personalized floor plan feedback, and private BYB Facebook community for 12 months.
Of course, you have to put a little time and effort into the guided workbooks if you want the results you’re looking for (i.e your dream home within budget). Taking this time up front to get very clear about your future home decisions and budget will save you tons of time, headache, and $$$ once you are in the thick of building.
Yes, you can access this course from any device ... including your iPhone (i.e. smart phone) or iPad (i.e. tablet). The member portal is mobile-friendly :).
Nope! There are no other fees involved. You pay once (or 3 low monthly payments, if you choose the payment plan) and you get access to the content for the lifetime of the BYF Program (i.e. until I retire BYF which won't be for several years, at least).
Then you are in the PERFECT time frame to enroll in the 'Before You Build' course! The BYB Method walks you through the steps you’ll need to prepare for your build before you ever even consider breaking ground.
Yep! While I focus primarily on custom home builds, you will certainly find the BYB Method steps, resources, and personalized support beneficial as you prepare for your semi-custom home build.
Yep! You don’t need to have land yet. I’m walking you through the home build preparation process from the very beginning. While we don’t directly cover ‘finding a lot’, putting these steps into place will help you to start getting prepared as you look for land to purchase.
Yes. The BYB Method, resources, and support will be helpful during a home renovation too because you’ll need a vision for your reno, a contractor, a REALISTIC budget, and you’ll need to determine the layout of the part of your home that you are renovating. As a matter of fact, we have a couple of students that are were going through a major reno
In addition to the BYB Method core content and the resources and bonuses available immediately when you enroll in 'Before You Build', I host 1-2 live group Q+A coaching calls monthly as well provide personalized floor plan (and/or front elevation) feedback to current students.
I share LOTS of helpful information on my blog and podcast, but we go SO much deeper into the home build process inside the BYB course. You’ll learn my step-by-step BYB Method to get you the results you want (i.e. design your dream home with confidence instead of regrets PLUS a strategic plan to stay on budget). Most of the information found inside the BYB course can not be found anywhere on my blog. Not to mention, you also get unlimited personal support and feedback for 12 full months inside the BYB community.
Yes, we offer a 7 day refund policy. If you don’t feel like the BYB course is a good fit for you or you don’t find the guided lessons and support helpful in transforming your home build experience, simply email our team (hello@carolineondesign.com) to request a refund within 7 days of purchase. Please see ‘The BYB Happiness 100% Money-Back Guarantee’ above for more details.
Yes, all materials will be available to you immediately when you join. I don’t drip out content or make members wait for content ... it’s all there as soon as you join :).
You have access to the course portal for the 'life' of the BYB course, so there is no rush to get through the lessons. You can go at your own pace. You have access to the live Q+A calls and private BYB Facebook community for 12 full months.
At the end of 12 months, you will be provided the opportunity to pay monthly for continued access to the live Q+A calls and private BYB Facebook community.
Let’s recap ...
here’s everything you get inside BYB:
The BYB Method Signature Course
five core modules that will walk you through the steps to lay the groundwork for a successful home build that allows you to stay close to your realistic budget without sacrificing quality and style, confidently make decisions that you won’t later regret, and bring your beautiful, cozy, comfortable and functional dream home vision that you are proud of to life.
Live Monthly Q+A Group Coaching Calls with Carrie (12 MO.)
each month so that you can ask questions and get feedback about YOUR personal home build (kinda like hiring a designer to bounce ideas off of … for WAY less $$).
Personalized Floor Plan and FRONT ELEVATION Feedback
to give you another set of (unbiased) eyes (mine!) on your floor plan and/or front elevation and help you confidently move forward.
Done-For-You Spreadsheet and Template Library
that will make it easier than ever to plug in your own information and keep yourself organized throughout your build.
plus:
Access to our private 'BYB' Facebook group (12 MO.)
of supportive women going through the same thing as you … a custom home build. Get feedback and support as well as the opportunity to bounce ideas off of others when you’re unsure how to proceed with a decision.
The ‘BUILDING YOUR DESIGN FOUNDATION' course
so that you don’t have to do all the research on your own. I’ve already done the research for you and it’s all there for you to learn from. Plus, you’ll get the ‘Building Your Design Foundation’ guided workbook to walk you through your design selection decisions.
My personally curated design boutiques
to make shopping for design finishes for your new home a breeze.
Curated home build resources
that includes home build advice (learning from others’ who have been there and done that!) and financial tips for your build.
and these bonuses:
If you want a different home build experience than most people have, YOU NEED TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT!
Here’s the reality ...
'BUT WAIT, I'M TRYING TO SAVE MONEY FOR MY NEW HOME!'
you might be thinking ...
Save $1,400 = 2x your investment
Save $7,000 = 10x your investment
Save $14,000 = 20x your investment
Save $28,000 = 40x your investment
I GET IT ... $695 IS NO CHUMP CHANGE WHEN YOU'RE SAVING UP TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME. BUT WHAT If i told you that INVESTING $695 into the byf PROGRAM HAS THE POTENTIAL TO SAVE YOU WAY MORE money in budget overages?
would it be worth it then?
heck yes it would!
what our students are saying ...
get immediate access to the byb course + community for Just $695!
OR CHOOSE THE PAYMENT PLAN
ONE-TIME PAYMENT
5-Module Signature BYB Method Course
Live Q+A Monthly Group Calls (12 MO.)
PersonalIZED Floor Plan Feedback
Done-For-You Spreadsheet Templates
BYB Facebook Community SUPPORT (12 MO.)
‘building your design foundation' Course
Carrie’s Curated Design Boutiques
Curated Home Build Tips + Resources
JOIN BYB TODAY!
$695 x 1 payment
best value
3 LOW PAYMENTs
5-Module Signature BYB Method Course
Live Q+A Monthly Group Calls (12 MO.)
PersonalIZED Floor Plan Feedback
Done-For-You Spreadsheet Templates
BYB Facebook Community SUPPORT (12 MO.)
‘BUILDING YOUR DESIGN FOUNDATION' Course
Carrie’s Curated Design Boutiques
Curated Home Build Tips + Resources
JOIN BYB TODAY!
$265 X 3 PAYMENTS
flexible payments
$697
$1297
$297
$147
$127
$197
$247
Priceless!
Total Value of $3000+ for ONLY
Total Value of $3000+ for ONLY
3 Low Monthly Payments
$697
$1297
$297
$147
$197
$247
$127
Priceless!
$100 Savings when Pay in Full!
DISCLAIMER
Following this program will give you guidelines to create a realistic budget as well as a plan to stick to this budget. However, there is no guarantee that your personal situation will be the same as mine based on the use of the BYB Method. You agree that I am not responsible for your final home price, the success or failure of your personal and home build decisions, or any other result of any kind that you may have as a result of information presented to you through the 'Before You Build' course or our website. You are solely responsible for your results.
testimonials
I present testimonials and insights about other people’s experiences with my resources and the BYB Program for purposes of illustration only. The testimonials used are of actual resource and BYB Program users. They are not intended to represent or guarantee that current or future users will achieve the same or similar results; rather, these testimonials represent what is possible for illustrative purposes only.
Per FACEBOOK™ and Instagram™ rules, we must mention that this is in no way sponsored, administered, or associated with FACEBOOK, Inc. or Instagram, Inc.