Groundwork: The Art & Craft of Utah Custom Homes

About Groundwork: The Art & Craft of Utah Custom Homes

Building a custom home along Utah’s Wasatch Front is an extraordinary experience, but turning a vision from raw dirt into a legacy estate takes far more than just blueprints. It takes real groundwork. Welcome to Groundwork: The Art & Craft of Utah Custom Homes, the podcast that demystifies the entire custom homebuilding and residential development journey. Hosted by Pete Codella, chief marketing officer at Gordon Milar Construction, this series pulls back the curtain on high-end residential construction across Northern Utah. Whether you’re dreaming of building your first custom home, actively planning a mountainside build, exploring property and lot development, or working as an artisan trade professional passionate about the craft, this show is built for you. What You’ll Discover Inside Each Episode Custom homebuilding can often feel daunting, complex, and full of hidden surprises. In Groundwork, we replace guesswork with transparency, actionable insights, and master-level trade knowledge: * Site Selection & Complex Topography: Understand how heavy civil excavation, slope engineering, soil conditions, freeze-thaw frost lines, and lot grading protect your home's foundation and maximize panoramic Wasatch mountain views. * Architecture & Spatial Design: Learn how top architects, drafters, and interior designers translate a family’s lifestyle into functional floor plans, tailored spaces, and timeless aesthetics. * The Invisible Building Science: Explore the modern technology behind the sheetrock, from pre-drywall 3D digital-twin scanning and advanced framing to smart electrical routing and high-performance building envelopes. * Artisan Craftsmanship & Custom Finishes: Go behind the scenes with master woodworkers, stone masons, finish carpenters, and design innovators to discover the details that define true quiet luxury. * Value Engineering & Smart Planning: Learn proven strategies for navigating municipal permitting, establishing detailed specifications, making finish selections without stress, and keeping project budgets aligned. Decades of Real Wasatch Front Experience Rooted in over 50 years of Utah homebuilding history, Groundwork is built on the belief that enduring homes start with enduring relationships. Gordon Milar Construction has spent decades shaping Northern Utah’s residential landscape by collaborating hand in hand with the region’s finest subcontractors, artisan trades, engineers, and financial leaders. In each episode, host Pete Codella sits down with these very experts, the craftspeople, builders, designers, and project leaders who make Utah’s most impressive homes a reality. You'll hear firsthand stories, lessons learned from real job sites, practical building advice, and the essential questions every prospective homeowner should ask before breaking ground. From lot acquisition and foundation pours to four-way walkthroughs and the day you receive your keys, building a custom home should be an inspiring collaboration. Subscribe to Groundwork: The Art & Craft of Utah Custom Homes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and let’s dig in. Connect with us at gmilar.com or follow @GordonMilarConstruction.

Publisher

Pete Codella

Category

arts · business · leisure

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Sept 2026

Latest episode

4 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

4 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   4 Nov 2026

   Navigating Wasatch Front Building Policies

   Welcome to Groundwork: The Art and Craft of Utah Custom Homes, where we demystify the custom homebuilding journey along Utah’s Wasatch Front. In this episode, host Pete Codella sits down with Laurel Bevans, who leads regulatory compliance, government relations, and project estimating at Gordon Milar Construction. Drawing on a multifaceted career spanning municipal planning commissions, architectural review boards, and corporate compliance, Laurel brings rare insider insight into why building policies vary dramatically from one city to the next. Pete and Laurel explore why building identical custom homes can feel radically different just a few miles down the road, how to thoroughly vet a homesite for slope, soil, and utilities before signing a contract, and how multi-department municipal plan reviews work. They also discuss the unique demographic forces shaping Utah housing, from basements and large family sizes to ADU legislation, and share practical strategies for navigating city red tape without stalling your build timeline. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Groundwork 00:32 – Meet Laurel Bevans: Regulatory Compliance & Project Estimating at GMC 01:45 – Evaluating the Dirt First: Plats, Easements & Utility Infrastructure 03:08 – Municipal Height Limits, Setbacks & Corner Lot Nuances 04:36 – Geotechnical Reports, Slope Engineering & Wasatch Soil Conditions 06:17 – Choosing a Homesite: Secured Lots vs. Client-Sourced Parcels 07:18 – Draper Mountain Slope Case Study: Mitigating Geological Movement 08:24 – Building Codes Roadmap: The ICC, State Adoption & Local City Codes 09:30 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): State Law vs. Municipal Zoning 11:15 – Utah Footprint Requirements: Why Utah Builds the Nation's Largest Homes 12:20 – Concurrent Permitting: Outside Sewer Districts & Departmental Sign-offs 13:40 – Utah Demographics: Young Population, Large Households & Land Scarcity 14:48 – The Science of Basements: Frost Lines, Footings & Economical Square Footage 16:15 – Land Constraints: Federal Acreage, Wasatch Boundaries & Rising Lot Costs 17:50 – The City Plan Check: 15-Day Timelines, Engineering, SWPPP & Fire Reviews 20:30 – Elevation Challenges: Shallow Sewer Mains & Finished Grade Rules 23:25 – Appeals & Exemptions: Discretionary Negotiations vs. Code Mandates 24:50 – Build Timelines: Why Custom Changes & Large Amenities Add Review Rounds 28:05 – Real-World Problem Solving: Overcoming Footing & Beam Deadlocks 29:35 – The #1 Rule for Buyers: Due Diligence, Relationships & Realistic Patience 31:40 – Bringing Custom Dreams to Life & Closing Reflections Connect with Gordon Milar Construction Website: gmilar.com (https://gmilar.com/) Instagram: @GordonMilarConstruction Inquiries & Consultations (call or text): (801) 406-1002 #GordonMilarConstruction #GroundworkPodcast #UtahCustomHomes #WasatchFront #CustomHomeBuilder #UtahRealEstate #Permitting #BuildingCodes #Zoning #LandDevelopment #HomeBuilding #ResidentialConstruction #CivilEngineering #SaltLakeCounty #UtahCounty

2. 

   19 Oct 2026

   The Scale & Legacy of the Utah Valley Parade of Homes

   Welcome to Groundwork: The Art and Craft of Utah Custom Homes, where we demystify the custom homebuilding journey along Utah’s Wasatch Front. In this episode, host Pete Codella sits down with Amber Hutchings, director of events at the Utah Valley Home Builders Association (UVHBA). With over 20 years in the association and 13 years at the helm of its flagship showcase, Amber pulls back the curtain on how the Utah Valley Parade of Homes evolved from a 1976 single-street showcase into a nationally renowned, bucket-list benchmark for luxury homebuilding. Pete and Amber explore the operational logistics required to manage over 400,000 ticket scans across two and a half weeks, the impact of virtual tours on out-of-state visitor growth, and how record-breaking builds, like McEwen Custom Homes’ 2026 44,000-attendee compound, elevate the entire industry. They also discuss why firm parade deadlines benefit custom homebuyers, how ticket proceeds fund over $3 million in local college endowments, and what builders need to plan 18 to 24 months in advance. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Groundwork 00:23 – Meet Amber Hutchings & The Utah Valley Home Builders Association 01:25 – Utah Valley's Rapid Growth & 20+ Years of Industry Relationships 02:40 – A National Bucket List: Out-of-State Crowds & GMC’s Alpine Build 04:10 – History of the Showcase: From 1976 Watercolors to the 40-Home Cap 05:46 – Founder Roots: The Herbert Legacy & Decades of Utah Parades of Homes 06:17 – Technology & Parade Apps: Scanning 400,000 Visits Seamlessly 08:35 – Opening Day Logistics: Traffic Flow & Working Out Glitches 09:12 – Regional Hotspots: Mapleton Expansion, Alpine & Highland 10:15 – Marathon Schedule: Why Midday-to-9 PM & 3 Weekends Work 11:05 – Record-Setting Builds: Crumbl Founders & 44,000 Visitors at McEwen 13:20 – Unifying the Trades: How Shared Deadlines Build Craft & Trust 15:02 – Homeowner Advantages: Guaranteed Timelines & Community Giving 15:52 – Endowed Scholarships: BYU, UVU, Snow College & Member Grants 16:50 – The Subcontractor Reality: Do Parade Homes Save Money? 17:35 – Year-Round Planning: Virtual Film Crews & The June 2027 Cycle 20:25 – COVID 2020 & The Virtual Parade: Fueling National Recognition 22:58 – Spotlighting GMC’s Deerfield Estate at The Cove in Alpine 23:45 – Gordon Milar Memories: Trash Hauling Roots to Sandy HQ 25:00 – UVHBA Benefits: 1,000 Members, Government Affairs & Fair Fees 26:30 – Giving Back: Cougar House & Subcontractors for Santa 28:35 – Economic Impact: Utah Housing, Interest Rates & 18-Month Lead Times 29:50 – How to Connect with UVHBA, Free CE Credits & 2027 Parade Dates Connect with Gordon Milar Construction Website: (https://gmilar.com/)https://gmilar.com (https://gmilar.com/) Deerfield Estate Tour & Details: (https://gmilar.com/news)https://gmilar.com/deerfield (https://gmilar.com/deerfield) Instagram: @GordonMilarConstruction (https://www.instagram.com/gordonmilarconstruction) Inquiries & Consultations (call or text): (801) 406-1002 Connect with the Utah Valley Home Builders Association (UVHBA) Website: (https://uvhba.com/)https://uvhba.com (https://uvhba.com) Instagram: @UVHBA (https://www.instagram.com/uvhba) Facebook: Utah Valley Home Builders Association Visit the Office: Vineyard, Utah #GordonMilarConstruction #GroundworkPodcast #UVHBA #UtahValleyParadeOfHomes #ParadeOfHomes #UtahCustomHomes #WasatchFront #AlpineUtah #MapletonUtah #CustomHomeBuilder #LuxuryHomesUtah #HomeBuilding #ResidentialConstruction

3. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Design Trends in Utah Custom Homes

   Welcome to Groundwork: The Art and Craft of Utah Custom Homes (https://gmilar.com/news/category/Podcast), where we demystify the custom homebuilding journey along Utah’s Wasatch Front. In this episode, host Pete Codella sits down with James and Desiree Bastian, founders and designers at Beljar Home + Design (https://beljar.shoplightspeed.com/). Operating from their shop and design studio in Midway, Utah, James and Desiree bring over 20 years of custom residential building experience alongside a cinematic set-design background to luxury estates across Northern Utah. Pete, James, and Desiree explore why great custom home design prioritizes personal storytelling over fleeting fads, how Utah's mountain terrain shapes architectural orientation, and the artisan craftsmanship behind their latest collaboration with Gordon Milar Construction: Château de la Fossette in Sandy. They also unpack what's driving today's luxury market, from integrated cold plunges and airy daylight basements to why building smart, intentional square footage is far better than building oversized. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Groundwork 00:27 – Meet James & Desiree Bastian (Beljar Home + Design) 01:14 – From French Farmhouses to Film Sets: Discovering Interior Design 03:00 – Storytelling vs. Trends: Why Custom Homes Need Character 05:15 – Creative Space & Finding Inspiration Across European Genres 06:33 – Designing from the Land: Scandinavian Textures & Utah Views 08:48 – Inside Château de la Fossette: The Orchards at Dimple Dell 10:14 – Blending French Bastide Architecture with Scandinavian Colonial Details 12:20 – Sourcing Old-World Materials: Reclaimed Farm Timbers & Antique Lanterns 13:28 – The Artisanal Touch: Hand-Scraped Oak Floors & 60-Year Pewter Ironwork 18:18 – Utah Parade of Homes & The Shift in Luxury Design Trends 20:00 – Wellness Rooms, Daylight Basements & Avoiding "So 2026" Fads 22:20 – Anchoring to Historical Genres to Prevent Design Expiration Dates 25:22 – Essential Advice: Why Bigger Isn't Better & Planning Intentional Square Footage 30:30 – Where to Find Beljar Home & Closing Thoughts Connect with Gordon Milar Construction Website (https://gmilar.com/) Podcast (https://gmilar.com/news/category/Podcast) Château de la Fossette details (https://gmilar.com/chateau) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/gordonmilarconstruction) Inquiries & Consultations (call or text): (801) 406-1002 Connect with Beljar Home + Design Website Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/beljarhome) Visit the Shop in Midway, Utah (https://maps.app.goo.gl/uesNrbtufjhoHm349) #GordonMilarConstruction #GroundworkPodcast #BeljarHome #UtahCustomHomes #WasatchFront #CustomHomeBuilder #InteriorDesign #Architecture #ChateauDeLaFossette #SandyUtah #TheOrchardsAtDimpleDell #ParkCityDesign #LuxuryHomesUtah #HomeBuilding

4. 

   22 Sept 2026

   Curating Curb Appeal: Old-World Stone & Wasatch Climates

   Welcome to Groundwork: The Art and Craft of Utah Custom Homes, where we demystify the custom homebuilding journey along Utah’s Wasatch Front. In this episode, host Pete Codella (chief marketing officer at Gordon Milar Construction) sits down with BayLa Anderson, stone and exterior finish specialist at Stone Connections, a family-run company with over 20 years of craftsmanship and a trusted partner of Gordon Milar Construction. Pete and BayLa discuss what every prospective homeowner needs to know about designing timeless, weather-resilient exterior curb appeal. They break down how Amish-manufactured stone withstands Utah's brutal freeze-thaw cycles, compare the maintenance and installation realities of manufactured versus natural stone, share the design process behind an 8,600 sq. ft. Alpine parade home, and explore why warm, traditional materials and earthy textures are replacing stark, cold aesthetics. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to Groundwork 00:26 – Meet BayLa Anderson & Stone Connections 02:18 – Navigating the Showroom: Texture, Grout & Natural Lighting 04:36 – Weathering the Wasatch: Freeze-Thaw Testing & ASTM C1670 Standards 06:50 – Inventory Logistics: Ohio Amish Craftsmanship to Utah Job Sites 07:44 – Case Study: The 2026 Alpine Parade Home (Genoa Volterra & Overgrouting) 11:06 – Manufactured vs. Natural Stone: Porosity, Masonry Mortar & Cost 13:28 – Emerging Exterior Trends: The Return of Warmth, Earth Tones & Timelessness 15:35 – Architectural Styles: European Transitional, Cottage Stucco & Craftsman Siding 16:40 – Exterior Longevity: Hardie Board, Stucco Cracks & Fading 17:58 – Before You Break Ground: Full-Size Brick Ledges & Utah's 4-Inch Grade Code 20:25 – Busting Exterior Myths: Stucco Versatility & Dark Accent Costs 21:52 – How to Guide Homebuyers Toward a Timeless Aesthetic 23:25 – Decision Timelines: Decisive Buyers vs. Multi-Session Design 24:26 – Where to Find Stone Connections & Closing Remarks Connect with Gordon Milar Construction Website (https://gmilar.com/) Podcast (https://gmilar.com/news/category/Podcast) GMC's 2026 Utah Valley Parade of Homes entry: Deerfield Estate at The Cove (https://gmilar.com/news/celebrating-nearly-14k-visitors-2026-utah-valley-parade-of-homes) Instagram Inquiries & Consultations (call or text): (801) 406-1002 Connect with Stone Connections Website (https://www.stoneconnections.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stoneconnections) Visit the showroom in South Salt Lake (https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wptu3Mt1AZc4tFbZ9) #GordonMilarConstruction #GroundworkPodcast #StoneConnections #UtahCustomHomes #WasatchFront #CurbAppeal #ExteriorDesign #Masonry #ManufacturedStone #NaturalStone #CustomHomeBuilder #UtahRealEstate #ArchitectureAndDesign

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