DEMO THIS. BUILD THAT. is your exclusive backstage pass into the world of high-end home renovations. Hosted by Elizabeth Vergara of Vergara Homes — this podcast dives into the beauty, chaos, and magic behind turning dust and demo into custom luxury living. From full-gut renovations and apartment overhauls to dreamy design collabs and behind-the-scenes drama, Elizabeth brings you inside the process with real talk, top-tier guests, and design inspiration that’ll have you wanting to break down a wall or two. Welcome to the heart of the home — where things get real, and beautiful.
DEMO THIS. BUILD THAT.
Claim This Podcastby Elizabeth Vergara
6 episodes
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Podcast Overview
DEMO THIS. BUILD THAT. is your exclusive backstage pass into the world of high-end home renovations. Hosted by Elizabeth Vergara of Vergara Homes — this podcast dives into the beauty, chaos, and magic behind turning dust and demo into custom luxury living. From full-gut renovations and apartment overhauls to dreamy design collabs and behind-the-scenes drama, Elizabeth brings you inside the process with real talk, top-tier guests, and design inspiration that’ll have you wanting to break down a wall or two. Welcome to the heart of the home — where things get real, and beautiful.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/1/2025
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Recent Episodes
November 28, 2025
Ep. 05: Building Dream Spaces: Collaboration, Creativity, and Renovation Insights With Kat Gallardo
<p><strong>What if your dream home renovation turned into a nightmare—simply because you hired the wrong contractor?</strong></p><p>On this episode of "Demo This, Build That," we’re tearing down the illusions of luxury renovations and diving into the REAL challenges and wins of building (or rebuilding!) your perfect space.</p><p>Join host Elizabeth Vergara as she welcomes acclaimed interior designer, journalist, and photographer Katherine (Kat) Gallardo, a creative force who brings stories of both dazzling design and renovation disasters. Together, they reveal the surprising truths behind high-end residential projects, from the must-have creative team to the pitfalls that could cost you hundreds of thousands if you’re not prepared.</p><p>Key Highlights:</p><ul><li>Why hiring your design team from the very start can make—or break—your project</li><li>The dangers of poor contractor choices (and real client stories of what can go disastrously wrong)</li><li>Behind-the-scenes secrets of integrating architecture, décor, and technology for flawless results</li><li>The magic of custom furnishings and sourcing textiles straight from the source (hello, weaving communities in Argentina!)</li><li>The unglamorous realities of interior design—firefighting, problem-solving, and why your designer is literally saving your investment</li><li>Pro tips for due diligence, building the right team, and creating collaborative renovation chemistry</li></ul><p>This episode is a goldmine of actionable advice and compelling stories, perfect for anyone dreaming up a transformation—without the costly or stressful surprises. Listen in, get inspired, and learn what really goes into making luxury design look effortless!</p><p><strong>Episode Overview</strong></p><ul><li>00:00: Welcome & episode intro</li><li>00:40:Katherine Gallardo shares her multi-hyphenate background and approach to creativity</li><li>02:00: How interior design and construction roles work together for seamless projects</li><li>05:05: The importance of hiring your design and construction team early</li><li>07:00: Integrating décor, architecture, and tech (AV teams, lighting, custom features)</li><li>12:09: Real-life renovation nightmares and lessons learned about due diligence</li><li>17:35: Budgeting smartly and expecting the unexpected (gas risers, new regulations)</li><li>20:00:Katherine Gallardo's favorite vendors and artisan textile adventures</li><li>23:43: Why working with a designer is critical—and what they really do for your sanity and investment</li><li>28:11: What makes a project or team truly successful (hint: collaboration and honesty!)</li><li>33:02: Where to find Katherine Gallardo and closing thoughts</li></ul><p><br></p>
November 14, 2025
Ep. 04: Customer Service That Never Sleeps: The Secret to Elegance in Hardware’s Success
<p><strong>What if the difference between renovation chaos and seamless dream-home design is hidden in something as small as a doorknob?</strong></p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of "Demo This Build That," host Elizabeth Vergara sits down with Ali Moneer, owner of Elegance in Hardware, and hardware specialist Richard Carpio, to reveal the extraordinary world behind high-end hardware—and why it’s the secret weapon in luxury renovations.</p><p><br></p><p>Get ready for an inside look at what happens when over 150 years of collective expertise in hardware meets the hustle of New York City’s toughest renovation projects. You’ll discover:</p><ul><li>How Elegance in Hardware started with just three employees, a single display, and nerves of steel—and now stands as a leader serving architects, designers, contractors, and homeowners nationwide.</li><li>The essential (yet overlooked) role of customer service in hardware, with incredible stories of solving seemingly impossible challenges, from custom renovations in century-old buildings to creating bespoke doorstops for radiant-heated floors.</li><li>Why a true hardware specialist doesn’t just take your order—they guide you from design to installation, anticipate problems nobody else sees, and even pick up the phone at 4am from Hawaii to answer a client.</li><li>Major brand insights, with the team’s breakdown of why companies like Baldwin are trusted for their quality, flexibility, and style—plus the story behind packaging each door’s hardware "like jewelry for your home."</li><li>The real reason architects and designers keep coming back: free expertise that turns weeks of work into hours, and the secret language of hardware that only a select few understand.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>From troubleshooting mysteries to mixing and matching finishes on the fly, this candid conversation exposes the grit, heart, and technical wizardry that turn dust into luxury. Whether you’re planning a full gut renovation or hunting for the perfect cabinet pull, this episode will change the way you think about hardware forever.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Episode Overview:</strong></p><ul><li>00:00: Introduction & Origins of Elegance in Hardware</li><li>02:10: Building the Team & Customer Experience Philosophy</li><li>06:10: How Typical Projects Unfold (and What Makes Them Different)</li><li>09:17: Demystifying the Hardware Schedule – What Customers (and Architects) Miss</li><li>13:34: Hardware as "Jewelry for Your Home"</li><li>14:30: Conquering Challenges—Unique Solutions for Century-Old Doors</li><li>17:47: Favorite Brands & Product Flexibility Insights</li><li>19:11: Troubleshooting and Going Beyond the Sale</li><li>20:44: Mixing, Matching, and the Importance of Service Over Sales</li><li>23:22: Where to Find Elegance in Hardware—and Their 24/7 Service Mantra</li><li>24:38: Closing Thoughts & How to Connect</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Tune in and see why—in the world of luxury builds—the smallest details make all the difference.</p>
October 29, 2025
Ep. 03: Meet the New 700 Park: Where Chic Meets Functionality
<p><strong>What happens when Park Avenue tradition meets jaw-dropping modern luxury? </strong></p><p><br /></p><p>In this episode of "Demo This. Built That," we take you inside a once-dated, quintessential New York apartment that’s been transformed into a dream home—where high-end finishes, glamorous fixtures, and clever design solutions bring a bold new life to every corner.</p><p><br /></p><p>Host Elizabeth Vergara leads a behind-the-scenes tour in “700 Park audio final,” where every room tells a story of renovation magic: moody blue foyers, glitter grout in the girls’ bathroom, gold fixtures that make the powder room pop, and a master shower designed for two (complete with Samuel Heath fixtures and a bench!). From demolition drama to the selection of custom tiles and restoration hardware lights, you’ll be inspired by luxe details, practical tips, and a touch of renovation reality.</p><p>Whether you’re looking to refresh your own space or just dreaming of Park Avenue views, this episode is packed with designer secrets, storage hacks, and the satisfaction of seeing a vision come to life.</p><p><strong>Episode Timestamped Overview:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>00:00:00</strong> – Introduction and show setup</li><li><strong>00:00:10</strong> – Welcome to “Demo this. Build that.”: high end renovations go behind the scenes</li><li><strong>00:00:33</strong> – Transformation of the living room and foyer: open spaces and modern art steals the spotlight</li><li><strong>00:01:35</strong> – A look inside the palantir: gold fixtures, restoration hardware lights, luxe finishes</li><li><strong>00:02:11</strong> – Butler’s pantry: Sub Zero wine cooler, storage solutions, wet bar features</li><li><strong>00:02:44</strong> – Kitchen tour: expansive appliances, double ovens, dishwashers, entertaining-ready setup</li><li><strong>00:03:24</strong> – Master bathroom reveal: double sinks, marble, blue tile, dual shower, luxury touches</li><li><strong>00:03:56</strong> – Girls’ bathroom tour: custom crackle tile, glitter grout, brass and gold fixtures</li><li><strong>00:04:29</strong> – Guest bathroom: 3D tiles, chrome, compact but mighty design</li><li><strong>00:04:54</strong> – Closing thoughts and where to find more from Elizabeth Vergara</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Get ready for a renovation journey that proves luxury and livability don’t have to be at odds—sometimes, you really can have it all.</p>
6 total episodes available
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This podcast updates daily.
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