# The Break Room **URL:** https://forum.houzz.com/c/the-break-room/25.md [Latest](https://forum.houzz.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forum.houzz.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forum.houzz.com/tags.md) --- ## [About the The Break Room category](https://forum.houzz.com/t/about-the-the-break-room-category/381)
**Author:** [@Hurley](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Hurley)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2025, 4:03pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/about-the-the-break-room-category/381 "2025-07-02T16:03:55Z")
The Break Room is your place to talk with other design and construction industry professionals about those topics that don’t fit cleanly into our other, more specific topic categories. Please introduce yourself, share a… --- ## [Introducing COPPERKESH: handcrafted copper lighting and fixtures](https://forum.houzz.com/t/introducing-copperkesh-handcrafted-copper-lighting-and-fixtures/1436)
**Author:** [@copper\_kesh](https://forum.houzz.com/u/copper_kesh)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 8:51pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/introducing-copperkesh-handcrafted-copper-lighting-and-fixtures/1436 "2026-10-13T20:51:22Z")
Hi everyone, this is COPPERKESH. We offer made-to-order copper and brass lighting, including pendant lights and wall sconces, along with sinks and other kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Custom sizes and finishes are avail… --- ## [Introduction to The Renovation Gents](https://forum.houzz.com/t/introduction-to-the-renovation-gents/1358)
**Author:** [@Parrish\_Nored](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Parrish_Nored)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2026, 11:29pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/introduction-to-the-renovation-gents/1358 "2026-09-01T23:29:38Z")
Looking to connect with other build design firms. We are currently at the two-year mark of client-facing work with our design-build firm. We are in a major growth phase—working strictly on a referral basis and backed up… --- ## [Construction and furnishing presentations... Together or separate?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/construction-and-furnishing-presentations-together-or-separate/1348)
**Author:** [@Hearth\_Homes\_Interiors1](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Hearth_Homes_Interiors1)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2026, 5:31pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/construction-and-furnishing-presentations-together-or-separate/1348 "2026-07-31T17:31:50Z")
Hi all, I wanted to ask about your approach to presentations — do you typically present construction and furnishings together, or handle them as separate presentations at different phases of the project? I ask because … --- ## [Congratulations to the Best of Houzz 2026 winners!](https://forum.houzz.com/t/congratulations-to-the-best-of-houzz-2026-winners/1195)
**Author:** [@Hurley](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Hurley)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2026, 7:22pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/congratulations-to-the-best-of-houzz-2026-winners/1195 "2026-02-11T19:22:48Z")
Please join me in sending congratulations out to all who have received Best of Houzz awards this year! You can view the winning designs here: Best of Houzz Award Winners --- ## [Are you on Instagram?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/are-you-on-instagram/1086)
**Author:** [@Hurley](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Hurley)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2026, 7:30pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/are-you-on-instagram/1086 "2026-02-08T19:30:47Z")
If you are on Instagram and want to connect with other Houzz Pros to support each other drop your username below! (While you are here, also be sure to follow @houzz and @houzzpro for the latest research, trends, event c… --- ## [How is everyone sharing/creating a scope for your install team without showing pricing?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/how-is-everyone-sharing-creating-a-scope-for-your-install-team-without-showing-pricing/1160)
**Author:** [@Aubre\_Fox](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Aubre_Fox)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2026, 6:12pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/how-is-everyone-sharing-creating-a-scope-for-your-install-team-without-showing-pricing/1160 "2026-01-07T18:12:07Z")
We are used to printing a scope for our job binder, but are struggling finding where or how to do this, we can’t just print the estimate without the totals because it shows the payments still at the bottom. --- ## [What's in your construction starter kit?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/whats-in-your-construction-starter-kit/1082)
**Author:** [@Hurley](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Hurley)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2025, 2:59am UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/whats-in-your-construction-starter-kit/1082 "2025-12-05T02:59:38Z")
Aside from the training and skills - and talent, what goes in your construction starter kit? This could be anything from the perfect vehicle, particular tools or your favorite jacket. What are you putting in your kit? --- ## [What's in your interior design starter kit?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/whats-in-your-interior-design-starter-kit/1081)
**Author:** [@Hurley](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Hurley)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2025, 6:57pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/whats-in-your-interior-design-starter-kit/1081 "2025-11-20T18:57:15Z")
Aside from the obvious talent and training required, what are a few things you would put in your starter kit? This can be tools, inspiration items - or even your coffee order. Let’s hear it! --- ## [What's the biggest surprise you've encountered on a job site?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/whats-the-biggest-surprise-youve-encountered-on-a-job-site/1079)
**Author:** [@Elizabeth\_Fabozzi1](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Elizabeth_Fabozzi1)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2025, 9:00pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/whats-the-biggest-surprise-youve-encountered-on-a-job-site/1079 "2025-11-17T21:00:52Z")
Unexpected things happen on job sites all the time, some are frustrating, some are funny, and others turn into stories you never forget!! What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever run into on a job? It could be anything…… --- ## [How do you stay motivated during challenging times?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/how-do-you-stay-motivated-during-challenging-times/1022)
**Author:** [@Elizabeth\_Fabozzi1](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Elizabeth_Fabozzi1)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 23, 2025, 4:49pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/how-do-you-stay-motivated-during-challenging-times/1022 "2025-10-23T16:49:23Z")
Running a design or construction business isn’t always smooth sailing… We all hit those moments where motivation dips or the workload feels endless. What helps you push through? Do you take a step back, focus on a win, … --- ## [Where do you go for inspiration?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/where-do-you-go-for-inspiration/1013)
**Author:** [@Elizabeth\_Fabozzi1](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Elizabeth_Fabozzi1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2025, 9:39pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/where-do-you-go-for-inspiration/1013 "2025-10-20T21:39:25Z")
Every pro has their go-to place when they need a creative boost! Whether it’s a walk through a newly finished job site, flipping through design magazines, scrolling Houzz projects, or just stepping away from the desk to … --- ## [What Advice Would You Give your 20-Year-Old Self?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/what-advice-would-you-give-your-20-year-old-self/1015)
**Author:** [@Elizabeth\_Fabozzi1](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Elizabeth_Fabozzi1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2025, 9:37pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/what-advice-would-you-give-your-20-year-old-self/1015 "2025-10-20T21:37:32Z")
If you could go back to the start of your career… Before the long days, client calls, and change orders, what would you tell your younger self about building a business in this industry? Would it be about managing clien… --- ## [How has tech changed your day-to-day?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/how-has-tech-changed-your-day-to-day/1014)
**Author:** [@Elizabeth\_Fabozzi1](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Elizabeth_Fabozzi1)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2025, 5:31am UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/how-has-tech-changed-your-day-to-day/1014 "2025-10-16T05:31:38Z")
From digital plans and project management tools to 3D scans, drones, and AI-powered Estimating; Technology keeps reshaping how we build. How has tech changed your day-to-day? Share what’s made the biggest difference on… --- ## [So apparently HGTV thinks we all have magic wands 🪄](https://forum.houzz.com/t/so-apparently-hgtv-thinks-we-all-have-magic-wands/1005)
**Author:** [@Elizabeth\_Fabozzi1](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Elizabeth_Fabozzi1)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2025, 8:31pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/so-apparently-hgtv-thinks-we-all-have-magic-wands/1005 "2025-10-14T20:31:55Z")
Ever had a client say, “But they did it on HGTV for half the price and in one weekend!” :sweat\_smile: Love the inspiration those shows bring, but sometimes they make real-world projects look way too easy! Designers: Do… --- ## [🔧 What’s One Tool You Can’t Live Without on the Job?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/what-s-one-tool-you-can-t-live-without-on-the-job/497)
**Author:** [@Elizabeth\_Fabozzi1](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Elizabeth_Fabozzi1)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2025, 7:47pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/what-s-one-tool-you-can-t-live-without-on-the-job/497 "2025-09-24T19:47:45Z")
:wrench: What’s One Tool You Can’t Live Without on the Job? Every Pro has that one tool they swear by — the one that makes the job easier, faster, or just plain better. Whether it’s a favorite power tool, a specific fe… --- ## [🤯 What Was Your Most Surprising or Unique Client Request?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/what-was-your-most-surprising-or-unique-client-request/498)
**Author:** [@Elizabeth\_Fabozzi1](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Elizabeth_Fabozzi1)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2025, 3:50am UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/what-was-your-most-surprising-or-unique-client-request/498 "2025-09-22T03:50:45Z")
:exploding\_head: What Was Your Most Surprising or Unique Client Request? Working with clients keeps things interesting—especially when they ask for something totally unexpected. Whether it made you laugh, scratch your h… --- ## [What's your work soundtrack?](https://forum.houzz.com/t/whats-your-work-soundtrack/619)
**Author:** [@Hurley](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Hurley)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2025, 3:43pm UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/whats-your-work-soundtrack/619 "2025-09-01T15:43:07Z")
When you are on a working, what is the soundtrack you have going? Is there a radio on? Earphones? Are you a podcast person? If so, which ones? Music? Let’s hear it. --- ## [Warren Buffet's Big Bet on Homebuilding](https://forum.houzz.com/t/warren-buffets-big-bet-on-homebuilding/961)
**Author:** [@Hurley](https://forum.houzz.com/u/Hurley)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2025, 2:05am UTC](https://forum.houzz.com/t/warren-buffets-big-bet-on-homebuilding/961 "2025-08-30T02:05:48Z")
Berkshire Hathaway announced a new billion dollar investment in the homebuilding space. Does this give you more confidence in the construction and design market? What are you seeing in your business currently? Article h…