The Build Better Homes Podcast is where construction expertise meets real-world experience. Co-hosted by Royal Mortier (President of PLIRIS) and John O’Shea (COO of PLIRIS), the show dives into the tools, strategies, and lessons that help builders, designers, and homeowners create smarter, stronger, and more efficient homes.
With decades of combined experience in engineering, contracting, and operations, Royal and John bring unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s construction industry. Each episode features insights into building science, team structures, design processes, and the practical details that separate successful projects from costly mistakes.
Whether you’re a builder just starting out, an industry professional looking to scale, or simply passionate about better homebuilding, this podcast will give you actionable knowledge, candid stories, and proven strategies to help you build better, every time.
The Marketing Playbook for Builders and Contractors | Royal & John ft. Mindy
In Episode 24 of the Build Better Homes Podcast, Royal Mortier and John sit down with Mindy Lepp of LEP Design to talk about marketing in the homebuilding and construction industry.
Mindy shares how LEP Design evolved from a general marketing firm into an outsourced marketing department for builders, contractors, remodelers, and other construction businesses across the country. The conversation explores what happens when a company reaches the point where word of mouth is no longer enough to support where it wants to go.
They discuss why a strong reputation still needs a credible online presence behind it, how builders can approach websites, social media, SEO, and advertising without trying to do everything at once, and why marketing strategies need to be built around the specific goals and audience of each company.
The conversation also gets into the importance of relationship building within the industry. Mindy shares her experience joining her local Home Builders Association and how consistently showing up, volunteering, teaching, and building trust eventually created opportunities that simply would not have happened overnight.
Royal and John bring their own experiences into the discussion, including how much of PLIRIS' growth still comes from builders recommending PLIRIS to other builders and John's experience growing his framing business almost entirely through word of mouth.
Key Takeaway
Word of mouth is still one of the most powerful forms of marketing in construction, but growth requires more than waiting for the next referral.
A strong online presence gives potential customers a way to validate what they have already heard about your company, while consistent relationship building keeps your business visible and trusted within the industry.
The best marketing strategy is not necessarily the loudest one. It is the one that supports where your business is today and where you want it to go next.
Connect With Us
Want to learn more about building better homes, improving your process, and navigating the changing residential construction industry?
Connect with PLIRIS and explore more episodes of the Build Better Homes Podcast: https://plirisco.com (https://plirisco.com)
17 Apr 2026
Why Most House Plans Don’t Work (And What We’re Fixing) | Royal & John
Show Notes
This episode dives into the real problem behind house plans and how the industry typically operates.
Topics Covered
Why Most House Plans Aren’t Build-Ready
Plans are often not code-compliant
Missing structural engineering
Not adapted to site-specific conditions
The Fragmented Process
Multiple vendors (designers, engineers, consultants)
Long timelines just to coordinate services
Increased costs and inefficiencies
The PLIRIS Approach (Vertical Integration)
One platform handling plans, engineering, and permitting
Streamlined workflow for builders and homeowners
Reduced coordination and faster timelines
PLIRIS Plans Relaunch
Option 1: Complete plan packages (fully build-ready)
Option 2: Purchase plans only (with option to complete later)
Tiered royalty system supporting designers
Supporting Designers
Designers receive fair compensation
Marketing exposure through PLIRIS platform
Ability to scale without managing their own sales channels
Industry Insight
Many buyers purchase plans without understanding limitations
Permitting issues often arise after purchase
Education gap in the homebuilding process
Key Takeaway
Most house plans aren’t ready to build as-is. Understanding the difference between a basic plan and a complete, build-ready plan set can save time, money, and major frustration during permitting and construction.
Connect With Us
If you're a builder, homeowner, or designer looking for a more streamlined way to handle plans and engineering, connect with us at PLIRIS.
Designers interested in joining the platform can reach out directly to be part of the upcoming launch.
Learn more or start a conversation: https://plirisco.com (https://plirisco.com)!
If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, reach out through our social platforms.
PLIRIS Socials
Company Website: https://plirisco.com (https://plirisco.com)
Facebook: @ (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054690553263)plirisco
Instagram: @pliris_plans
YouTube: @plirisplans
10 Apr 2026
Firewalls vs Fire Barriers, What Builders Get Wrong | Royal & John
In this episode, Royal and John take a deep dive into fire-rated assemblies and how they apply across different types of residential construction. From single-family homes to multifamily and townhomes, understanding the differences between fire-rated systems is essential for both safety and project execution.
Topics Covered
Rated Walls (Single-Family Homes)
Garage-to-living space separation
Under-stair protection
Slowing fire progression within a home
Fire Barriers (Plexes & Multifamily)
Separation between units
Not structurally independent
Role of fire sprinklers in modern designs
Firewalls (Townhomes / Area Separation Walls)
Structurally independent systems
Designed so one unit can collapse without affecting the other
Higher cost but enables individual ownership
Code Interpretation Challenges
Differences between code intent vs application
Real-world examples of delays and disputes
Impact on permitting timelines
Modern Solutions (Shaft Liner Systems)
Faster installation
Reduced coordination between trades
Better performance in wet environments
Material Considerations (ICF & CMU)
Using concrete walls for fire separation
Benefits in high wind / seismic zones
Trade-offs in labor and coordination
Builder Considerations
Impact on construction sequencing
Roof framing and structural layout constraints
Importance of getting permits approved quickly
Key Takeaway
Understanding fire-rated assemblies isn’t just about code compliance-it directly impacts cost, construction timelines, and overall project success.
Choosing the right system and executing it correctly can prevent delays, reduce complexity, and ensure both safety and long-term performance.
Connect With Us
If you're a builder, contractor, or developer looking for support with residential plans or structural engineering, connect with us at PLIRIS.
If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover in a future episode, reach out through our social platforms.
Learn more or start a conversation: https://plirisco.com (https://plirisco.com)
#BuildBetterHomes #ConstructionIndustry #FireSafety #ResidentialConstruction #HomeBuilding
Reach and audience
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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