Build Blog
Sharing news, trends, insights and interviews.
What We Want Every Client to Know Before We Break Ground
By the time a project “starts,” a lot has already happened. Drawings have been approved. Permits submitted. Budget reviewed. But here’s the thing: even with all that done, the tone of the build gets set long before the first hammer swings. Here’s what we want you to know before the walls come down...
Our Favorite Outdoor Spaces (And Why They Work All Year Long)
These aren’t just nice backyards. They’re built for the real stuff—freeze-thaw, muddy kids, fire pits in January, and furniture that stays where it’s supposed to. At Duet Build, we don’t design outdoor spaces. We build them to work—through every season, and every reason a family needs to use them.
Duet Build Partner Spotlight: Bespoke Cabinet Maker New Mountain Design
Ever wondered where we find the awesome custom cabinetry you see in Duet Build projects? The kitchens or home offices or bars that you literally cannot find anywhere else? We work with talented craftspeople, like the team at New Mountain Design, led by Jason McConathy, is a Granby-based boutique firm specializing in high-end cabinetry and interiors. Here, Jason reveals how and why New Mountain Design exists and what sets it apart in a world of mass-produced products.
Before You Build: Why Pre-Construction Saves Time, Money, and Your Sanity
You’ve heard the horror stories—delays, surprise costs, scope creep, and miscommunication that frustrate everyone. Truth is, most of those headaches aren’t caused mid-project. They start before the first shovel hits the ground. At Duet Build, we don’t just manage construction; we lead with strategy. Pre-construction isn’t a phase we just check off. It’s where smart, successful projects are born. Luke McNary, Project Manager at Duet Build, walks through how a strong pre-construction process protects your investment, keeps your timeline on track, and sets your team up to execute with precision.
Devon & Caleb Tobin: The New Perfect Duet
For 15 years, Caleb Tobin—husband of Duet Design founder and principal Devon Tobin—has watched his wife build a beautiful and powerful brand, under which she has run both Duet Design and, most recently, Duet Build. Now, the firms are pleased to announce Caleb’s new role as owner and president of Duet Build!
4 FAQs About Building a Custom Home
Building a custom home is a big deal—exciting, nerve-wracking, and full of decisions that you didn’t even know were things (Why are there 47 types of grout?). We get it. So, we asked Karen Hoskinson, Project Manager at Duet Build, to answer four of the biggest questions people ask before diving into a custom build or remodel. Because if you’re about to spend months (or years) making your renovation or new build happen, you should go in with your eyes wide open. Homeowners who know what to expect even enjoy the process. (It’s possible!)