Good Morning Sweet Friends,

It’s a cool October morning here in Kentucky. While I sit here at my desk drinking my coffee out of my Rosemary Beach coffee mug, I am reminded of early mornings driving around to my favorite places to look for hidden treasures. For the most part like everyone else, it’s the thrill of the find. Sometimes, okay, a lot of the time, when I am out, I find things that intrigue my interest, and they end up coming home with me. There are days when I go out on a mission, looking for that specific antique piece I’ve been on the prowl for, like a vintage mirror. I am usually fairly particular about what I am looking for so I can’t stop looking until I find that one thing that is simply perfect, which is how I have been able to find my honey holes.

Where to look for Honey Holes?

Here it goes, but please don’t judge me. I will grab my purse and head out with a set amount of money in mind, and somehow, I always go over budget. Junking is my favorite thing to do. It’s like a rush to me. You know, digging through piles of stuff to see what you can find! There is a place near me called Grandma’s Attic. Since the Covid19 pandemic, she has not been open and that just breaks my heart. This lady has an old house piled sky high with all kinds of vintage finds. You can make an offer on anything and most-of-the-time you can get a fantastic deal.

Goodwill is another place to find pieces of dishes or whatever you are on the hunt for, believe it or not. I have about ten stores within forty miles of where I live. My husband and I will take one day out of the month and hit all of them. If one doesn’t have anything we just go to the next one. This is where I found my antique jelly cabinet for $20 dollars! So, don’t think that just because it isn’t an antique shop that you won’t find something really special!

Peddler Malls are another honey hole. For those of you who don’t know, here in the country we have thrift store malls. Yes, ma’am! It is a warehouse that is filled with booths that anyone can rent out for a set price each month. You can actually call the owner of the rental booth that you find your items in and get a better deal. I have found, if they are wanting to make a sale, they will work with you! I have found all sorts of valuable items in the local peddler mall for 50%-75% cheaper than antique store pricing!

No matter where you go, always barter with the vendors. If you can’t strike a good deal, they will usually give you 10% off or you can walk away from the sale, and I have no problem with doing that. I have found that I will find exactly what I want somewhere else or on a day when I am not looking for that particular item, I end up finding it. Patience is key to finding the good stuff!

Consignment shops are in every small town in the United States. If you are from out of town, pull up google maps and search for consignment shops near me. You might end up finding a honey hole of your own.

Yard sales, and estate sales are also amazing places to hit! I mark my calendar every year for the famous 127-mile yard sale that runs down a rural highway near where I live. We pack up for a day trip and pull an empty trailer behind the truck and spend an entire day out on a rural stretch of highway, picking through miles of yard sales! People collect all kinds of things in a lifetime. Some things will surprise you and some have even shocked me! So many times, I have found that people don’t realize that what they consider junk is really treasure for an antique collector.

Flea Markets are neat places as well; a lot of walking is involved, but well worth it. We have found so many cool items at flea markets, and for a great price you can leave with a basket full of finds. I hope you have found these ideas to find honey holes near you to be helpful. Use the comments section to share your honey hole ideas as well.

Decorating a barndominium is easy when you know what style you like. If you plan to decorate your barndo with a vintage vibe then you have to find a honey hole. Farmhouse barndominiums typically have lots of shiplap and woods and whites décor. Antiques are perfect for this look. I like to combine new items and old items together to create my own style. 

Below you will find a list of some specific places I go for great finds, near me!

Happy Hunting Sweet Friends and be blessed!

Arlene

Some of my favorite honey holes; The Rusty Rooster, Bardstown. KY; Somewhere In Time & The Red Brick Cottage, Radcliff. KY; The Side Tacks, Benny’s Barn, The Green Top, Glendale. KY  

Dear Beloved Friends,

I hope this message finds you all in good spirits. Today, I’m thrilled to dive into the exciting topic of holiday entertaining – an art form that I’m absolutely passionate about! While I could easily talk for hours about this subject, I’ll try to keep it concise for now.

Is it just me, or do you find yourself eagerly planning your next event or gathering from the moment you know it’s on the horizon? Even if the date is six months away, I can’t help but envision the details: the perfect color scheme, the ideal ambiance that I want to create in my mind’s eye, and the mood I hope to set for all our guests to enjoy.

As you embark on the journey of planning, it’s essential to ask yourself some guiding questions. Do you envision a tranquil and formal dinner with close friends, or perhaps a more laid-back gathering with soft background music, fostering lively conversations? These considerations become especially important when you have first-time guests, as we all know how silence can sometimes lead to a touch of awkwardness at gatherings.

When it comes to preparing the meal, it’s crucial to be well-acquainted with your guests’ food preferences and dietary restrictions. Always inquire about food allergies, as this information can be a lifesaver when you need to prepare food in advance. Personally, I’m not one to procrastinate and prefer to have everything well-organized ahead of time.

And let’s not forget a crucial tip for any host or hostess – having essentials like Benadryl in your medicine cabinet can be a literal lifesaver! Imagine a scenario where a guest unknowingly has an allergic reaction to something as innocuous as cinnamon sticks at your holiday party. In my house, we take every precaution to ensure our guests’ safety and well-being.

My dear friends, holiday entertaining is an art that we can all master with a bit of thoughtfulness, planning, and consideration for our guests. Let’s create unforgettable moments together!

Providing a warm and gracious Southern welcome is something I hold dear. I believe in creating an atmosphere where our guests feel cherished from the moment they step onto our property to the instant they bid their farewells. This sense of warmth and inclusivity begins right at our front door.

Whether you reside in a grand two-story farmhouse, a charming barndominium, or even a cozy tiny home, there’s an art to being an exceptional host or hostess. Being a Southern girl at heart, I take immense pride in the tradition of Southern hospitality, and I’m sure many of you can relate to the sentiment.

In my Southern upbringing, it’s all about doing things in a way that makes guests feel truly special. The magic begins with that initial greeting at the front door, and it extends throughout the entire visit. Southern hospitality isn’t confined to a specific type of dwelling; it’s a state of mind and a way of life.

Now, I must admit that I’m a devoted user of the word “y’all.” It’s a quintessentially Southern phrase that brings a certain charm to our conversations. Of course, not everyone in the South embraces this colloquialism, but for me, it’s a cherished part of my Southern identity, and I find it adds a touch of warmth and familiarity to any gathering.

So, whether you’re hosting in a sprawling Southern mansion or a cozy cottage, remember that the essence of Southern hospitality is all about making every guest feel cherished, valued, and right at home. Y’all know what I mean, don’t you?

It’s all in the vibes. I love to add fresh flowers in my home or greenery to my front door basket, it brings a bit of the outdoors inside. Here’s a secret for you, just before guests arrive, I add a touch of room spray to my front door hanging basket; essential oil blends work well too and are half the cost of room spray! So, when my guests open the front door, (because guests let themselves in, around here) the breeze pulls scent right into your home, giving them that welcoming aroma that they will associate with your house. It is a proven fact that certain smells trigger that “feel good” emotion in people’s bodies and I always want my guests to have that good feeling of comfort when they step foot through my door!

Hold onto your seat, Becky, because here comes another nugget of wisdom: the key to successful hosting is not to overdo it and, most importantly, to be yourself. We’ve all stepped into homes where every nook and cranny seemed to scream “overdone,” instantly rendering us uncomfortable and overwhelmed. Trust me, that’s not the atmosphere you want to create for your guests. So, let’s take a moment to reflect on those times when you felt similarly uncomfortable and what contributed to that feeling.

Picture this: you enter someone’s home, and the first thing they ask is for you to remove your shoes. It can be a bit awkward, can’t it? While maintaining a clean environment is essential, there’s a balance to strike. After all, nothing beats the comfort of sinking into a well-cushioned chair or sharing hearty laughter with friends. These simple pleasures are what truly etch the fondest memories.

Now, here’s a real-life story for you: someone once sat down at one of my gatherings and, you won’t believe it, broke a chair! It happens, and when it does, don’t let it ruffle your feathers. Just brush it off with a smile and reassure them that it’s replaceable. After all, it’s the people and the moments that matter most.

I hope you’ve found these insights and tips helpful for your upcoming holiday gatherings. Remember, the heart of entertaining lies in being yourself, providing comfortable seating, and fostering an atmosphere filled with joy and laughter. So go ahead, add a dash of these ideas to your next gathering, and here’s to creating cherished memories with your dear friends.

Wishing you the happiest of times as you embark on your entertaining journey,

Warmest regards

Building a barndominium can be an exciting experience, but first-time builders often underestimate how much planning, coordination, and project management are involved in the construction process.

At BuildMax.com, we work with homeowners across the country building modern farmhouses and barndominiums using both traditional and steel framing systems. One of the biggest factors in a successful project is understanding potential challenges before construction begins.

Here are some of the most common issues first-time barndominium builders should be prepared for.

1. Construction Delays Can Create Additional Problems

Many first-time owner-builders assume construction will move faster than it actually does. In reality, delays are common due to:

• Weather
• Permitting
• Contractor scheduling
• Labor shortages
• Material lead times
• Financing delays
• Site preparation issues

When projects stall during framing or before dry-in, construction materials can remain exposed to outdoor conditions much longer than intended.

This is especially important for steel framing systems.

Extended exposure to rain, snow, humidity, standing water, mud, or coastal air can lead to temporary surface oxidation or light rust staining on exposed galvanized steel components.

While this type of oxidation is generally cosmetic and not typically structural, prolonged exposure should still be avoided whenever possible.

2. Getting the Structure “In the Dry” Is Critical

One of the most important phases of any construction project is getting the home dried in as quickly as practical.

This includes:

• Roofing installation
• Exterior siding and weather barriers
• Flashing systems
• Window and door installation

The sooner the structure is enclosed, the better protected the framing materials will be from ongoing weather exposure.

Many first-time builders make the mistake of:

• Ordering materials too early
• Not scheduling crews in advance
• Failing to coordinate roofing and siding timelines
• Underestimating labor availability

Proper scheduling and contractor coordination are essential to protecting the structure during construction.

3. Owner-Builder Projects Require Active Management

Many barndominium buyers choose to act as their own general contractor to save money. While this can work well, it also creates additional responsibilities.

Owner-builders are typically responsible for:

• Hiring subcontractors
• Scheduling inspections
• Coordinating deliveries
• Managing timelines
• Protecting materials onsite
• Ensuring work quality
• Maintaining proper site conditions

Without strong project management, delays and construction issues can compound quickly.

Although you can owner-build your barndominium, BuildMax strongly recommends using the manufacturer’s installation crew or hiring an installer experienced with light gauge steel framing systems. Steel framing installation can be more complex than many first-time builders anticipate, and inexperienced installers may contribute to delays, improper sequencing, framing issues, or extended exposure of materials to weather conditions before the structure is dried in.

Using qualified installers familiar with cold-formed steel systems can help improve construction efficiency, reduce installation errors, and better protect the structure during the building process.

4. Moisture Management Is Extremely Important

Moisture is one of the biggest long-term threats to any structure regardless of framing type.

Improper moisture management can lead to:

• Mold and mildew
• Interior damage
• Foundation issues
• Material deterioration
• Corrosion on exposed metal components
• Reduced building performance

To help reduce moisture-related problems:

• Maintain proper drainage around the structure
• Install gutters and downspouts
• Ensure proper ventilation
• Address leaks quickly
• Avoid standing water around framing materials

Steel framing systems perform best when properly enclosed and protected from prolonged moisture exposure during construction.

5. Not All Contractors Understand Steel Framing

Steel framing is becoming more popular, but some contractors may have limited experience working with cold-formed steel systems.

This can lead to:

• Improper installation
• Delays during assembly
• Coordination issues
• Framing modifications onsite
• Poor sequencing between trades

Before starting construction, homeowners should verify that installers and contractors understand the specific framing system being used.

Experienced installers and proper planning can significantly reduce project complications.

6. Environmental Conditions Matter

Certain climates can increase exposure risks during construction, including:

• Coastal areas with salt air
• High-humidity regions
• Areas with heavy rainfall or snow
• Muddy or poorly drained sites

These conditions can accelerate surface oxidation on exposed steel materials if structures remain uncovered for extended periods before dry-in.

Proper storage, handling, and timely enclosure are especially important in these environments.

7. Unrealistic Expectations Cause Frustration

Social media and online videos often make barndominium projects look fast and simple. In reality, every construction project involves challenges.

Even well-planned projects can experience:

• Weather delays
• Change orders
• Contractor conflicts
• Inspection issues
• Scheduling adjustments

Understanding this upfront helps homeowners better prepare financially and emotionally for the building process.

Final Thoughts

Barndominiums can provide exceptional durability, design flexibility, and long-term value when properly planned and constructed. However, first-time builders should understand that successful projects require strong coordination, realistic timelines, and proper moisture management throughout construction.

For steel-framed projects specifically, extended exposure to outdoor elements before dry-in can lead to temporary surface oxidation or cosmetic rust staining on exposed galvanized steel components. While this is often cosmetic rather than structural, minimizing weather exposure remains an important part of protecting the structure.

The best way to avoid problems is to plan ahead, work with qualified professionals, coordinate schedules carefully, and get the structure enclosed as quickly as possible during construction.

In recent times, the housing market has experienced an unprecedented surge in activity, setting records that haven’t been seen in years. Across the nation, houses are hitting the market and, astonishingly, disappearing within a mere week on average! While this is undoubtedly great news for homeowners looking to sell their properties, it presents a considerable challenge for those in pursuit of their ideal new home. The fierce competition in a housing market that struggles to meet the soaring demand is making the prospect of constructing your own dream home all the more enticing. As we delve into the intricacies of the current housing market, you’ll come to understand why the present moment might just be the perfect opportunity to embark on your journey to create your own unique barndominium. Here’s why…

3 types of building methods to choose from saves you more

Everyone likes options and here at BuildMax we give you options that save you tons of money. Lumber prices may be lower but steel prices are still on the rise. The option to stick build a barndominium or use a metal building package is a huge benefit. If you are not completely stuck on a steel frame you can always stick build the house and use metal siding and a metal roof. This method could save you a lot of money and you won’t be able to tell the difference in the finished product. A lot of the cost savings in stick building verses using steel is that even when you steel frame the house you still have to frame the exterior walls. Many parts of the nation use pole barn or post frame construction to save even more money, the options are endless. You could even use ICF and pour concrete walls, to build your barndominium, bet you didn’t see that one coming.

The tumultuous ride of building material prices took us to astronomical heights during the Fall and Winter of 2020. However, as of the time of writing this article, there’s a notable trend of these prices considerably stabilizing. To illustrate, let’s consider a sheet of 7/16″ OSB, which once reached an exorbitant $65.00 during the peak of the Covid epidemic. Today, that same sheet of OSB plywood is priced at a much more reasonable $17.00. This positive shift in lumber prices across the board is making the prospect of constructing a stick-built barndominium exceedingly appealing.

But the question arises: can a stick-built barndominium hold its own against a steel counterpart? The answer is a resounding yes! BuildMax, for instance, offers barndominium floor plans designed to accommodate three different construction methods while maintaining a consistent overall aesthetic. This means that regardless of whether you opt for wood or steel, you can achieve a stunning and equally appealing barndominium design.

Interest rates remain at historically low levels, and this consistent trend has become somewhat of a norm in recent years. However, the pressing question is: how long can we realistically expect this to last? History shows that interest rates tend to fluctuate, often catching many individuals off guard when they begin to rise. It’s important to recognize the significant impact even a one-point rise in interest rates can have on your financial obligations. To illustrate this, consider borrowing $300,000 at a 4.5% interest rate, which would result in paying $247,000 in interest over time. In contrast, a 5.5% interest rate would require you to repay $313,000 in interest – a substantial $60,000 difference. Given the current low interest rates, now presents an ideal opportunity to embark on your barndominium project.

Furthermore, as the barndominium trend continues to gain momentum, there’s an abundance of choices available when it comes to selecting the perfect design for your new home. At BuildMax, we offer a wide array of stock barndominium floor plans, and we’re equally equipped to craft custom barndominiums from scratch. Many of our clients approach us with nothing more than an idea or a Pinterest board in hand, and our seasoned house plan designers collaborate closely with you to bring your dream barndominium to life. Even if you opt for one of our existing plans, we provide the flexibility to tailor it to suit your family’s unique needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone or text to kickstart the journey toward making your barndominium dream home a reality sooner than you may think.