TSpark Talks: Peak Construction Insights

On this episode of TSpark Talks, Ben and Travis break down today’s most popular home design and renovation trends—and explain why some of them don’t hold up in the real world. From kitchen island cooktops and downdraft ventilation to curbless showers, linear drains, smart toilets, and all-in-one washer/dryer units, they weigh aesthetics against long-term functionality, cost, and maintenance. The conversation also tackles resale value, water management, social-media-driven design fads, and what homeowners should seriously consider before following the latest Pinterest inspiration.


Topics Discussed
Kitchen design trends: island cooktops, ventilation issues, and for...

As the New Year kicks off, Ben and Travis dive into how homeowners and business owners should start planning construction projects before the work—and spending—begins. This episode of TSpark Talks: Peak Construction Insights focuses on setting realistic budgets, avoiding assumption-based estimates, and why clear plans and documentation are critical to preventing costly change orders. The conversation breaks down the roles of draftspeople, architects, and engineers, explains when permits and approvals are required, and highlights how thoughtful upfront planning can save time, money, and frustration throughout the entire build process.

Topics Discussed
New Year proj...

In this Christmas episode of TSpark Talks: Peak Construction Insights, Ben and Travis tackle the most common home emergencies that pop up when family fills the house and everything’s running full tilt. From clogged sinks and overflowing toilets to tripped breakers, overloaded outlets, and HVAC systems working overtime, they break down what homeowners can safely handle themselves—and when it’s time to call a pro. Practical, no-nonsense, and delivered with humor, this episode is a must-listen before holiday hosting turns into a construction crisis.

Topics DiscussedHoliday plumbing disasters: garbage disposals, clogged sinks, and toilet...

In this episode of TSpark Talks, Travis and Ben discussed the recent cold spell that North Florida went through and how important insulation is to your home.

In today's episode, Ben and Travis discuss everything related to bathroom remodels. They talk about what a lot of trends are in the bathroom remodel world, and also how to think through future build-outs as residents age in their forever and making things ADA compliant. 

What do to with a poorly ventilated bathroom with a proclivity for mold? They discuss that too!

In this episode of TSpark Talks, Ben and Travis discuss one of TSpark's specialties: roofs! 

What should you get a new roof?
What types of roofs are out there?

They discuss these questions along with some of the warnings about when it might be too late (like if you see a brown spot on your ceiling, it's long past time for a new roof). 

All this, and more!

In this episode of the TSpark Talks podcast, Ben is gone and Travis welcomes Haley Bruce from the American Heart Association onto the show. 

They discuss all things related to health on the job sites: staying hydrated, having an AED on the site, as well as how bad gas station food and energy drinks are for you.

In Episode 6 of TSpark Talks, Ben and Travis take listeners into the wild side of construction with a storytelling episode full of bizarre job-site encounters. From copper thieves stripping an AC unit in broad daylight to contractors discovering beer-can roof flashing, the duo recounts the setbacks, headaches, and humor that come with building in Florida. They dive into animal run-ins—free-range parrots perched on heads, raccoons in crawlspaces, cats and their lingering effects, and the unmistakable smell of bat guano that can ruin a house.

The hosts also explain how materials like copper fluctuate wildly in price and wh...

In Episode 5 of TSpark Talks, Ben and Travis welcome special guest Brandi Faison of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), North Florida Education Director, to discuss how construction is transforming from the inside out.

Brandi shares her unconventional journey—from teaching math and science to leading workforce development for ABC—and highlights why skilled trades are a powerful first-choice career, not just a fallback. Together, the trio explores the need to reintroduce shop and trade programs in schools, how ABC is supporting apprenticeships, and the vital role of mentorship in attracting young talent, especially women. They also dive i...

In Episode 4 of TSpark Talks, Ben and Travis take listener questions head-on, offering practical guidance for Florida homeowners.

They start with a spotlight on workforce development, highlighting Lively Technical College’s role in training the next generation of skilled tradespeople. From there, the hosts dive into remodeling dilemmas: which materials hold up best against Florida’s humidity, how much value renovations really add, and when energy-efficient upgrades like windows, doors, and insulation may provide bigger returns. They explain which projects can lower insurance rates, such as roof reinforcements and hurricane-rated products, and stress the importance of proper permits and...

In Episode 3 of TSpark Talks, Travis and Ben tackle common homeowner misconceptions about leaks, mildew, and project costs. They recount real-world examples — from a homeowner blaming her roof for mold (when the real culprit was poorly managed ductless mini-splits) to a leaky chimney that only needed masonry repairs, not costly reflashing. The conversation shifts to project pricing, where they break down the hidden costs behind materials, labor, insurance, and overhead—explaining why a $300 tub quickly becomes a $600 project before labor even begins.

They also share their own DIY misadventures, highlighting why some jobs are better left to professionals. Roun...

In Ep. 2 of TSpark Talks, Ben and Travis dive into hurricane season realities and what homeowners need to know when storms hit. They break down key insurance terms like cash value versus replacement value, law and ordinance coverage, and why knowing your policy details can save you thousands. The guys warn about out-of-town contractors and public adjusters who pressure homeowners into risky agreements (Assignment of Benefits), stressing the importance of sticking with trusted local professionals.

They also share practical tips: keep claim hotlines saved in your phone, prepare contacts ahead of time, and don’t underestimate preventative maintenance—like...

In the debut episode of TSpark Talks, Ben and Travis sit down to share their personal journeys into the construction world and why they launched this new podcast. From framing homes in Pennsylvania to serving as a Navy Seabee, from law enforcement to running a thriving Tallahassee construction business, their stories reveal how diverse paths can lead to the same passion: building strong communities.

They discuss the importance of listening to clients, creating trust, and solving problems—skills often overlooked in the contracting world. The hosts also highlight the labor shortage in the trades, the push for apprenticeship pr...