The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast answers listener questions about construction, design, and building science. Hosted by Fine Homebuilding Magazine, the show covers topics from foundation waterproofing to roof flashing. New episodes are released every Friday, offering advice based on best-practice building techniques. Listeners can submit questions via email or social media.
Episodes
#758: HVAC Complexity, Affordable and Well-Built, and Flashing with Vertical Siding
Ian and Mike help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Richard shares some insider knowledge of modern HVAC compressors. Listeners write in with theories about Mike's stinky sink. Sebastian asks how to build good-looking and affordable multi-family housing. Zak wonders about the right way to flash windows under vertical shiplap siding. Tune in to Episode 758 of the Fine H
#757: Window Condensation, Dark Matter on Siding, and What is Affordable?
Ian and Mike help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Vic thinks we could have brought additional value to a porch roof redo. Erik from Sweden solved his wintertime foggy windows. Jonathan wonders what is oozing from his siding. Richard shares what kind of house you get in Central Texas for $368k. Tune in to Episode 757 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more ab
#756: Builders Encouraging Best-Practice, Unconditioned Crawlspaces, and the FHB Summit
In episode Episode 756 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Mike and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Mario says a good developer helped him become better at installing windows. Marv likes a big right-angle drill for rough-ins. Brit wonders how to treat a storage area that's neither inside nor outside. Mike, Randy, and Patrick talk about the Fine Homebuilding
#755: A Talk with Tedd Benson at the FHB Summit
High-performance builder Ben Bogie interviews Tedd Benson about a life spent building houses. Tedd shared how moving from substandard housing to a well-built house changed his family's life and how it steered his path to becoming a home builder. He also discussed the evolution of his businesses and the importance of innovation in the construction industry. Tune in to Episode 755 of the Fine Homeb
#754: Making Humidity, Adding Exterior Insulation, and Extreme DIY
Ian and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Tom says the podcast got it wrong when discussing the energy use of evaporative versus steam humidifiers. Tim likes IKEA cabinets and asks about exterior insulation for a rehabbed house in New Hampshire. Cari asks if the trend of DIYers taking on extremely ambitious projects is new or is it something that's always exi
#753: Self-Leveling Compound, Housing Affordability, and Stinky Water
Ian and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. David asks if there's a secret to effectively using self-leveling compound. Another David wonders if it's better to be a specialist or generalist carpenter. Patrick asks what's been driving the rapid increase in home prices over the last two decades. Mike and Teresa say their bathroom sink stinks and they are hoping f
#752: Grass-Fed OSB, Alabama Fixer-Upper, and Adding a Porch Roof
Ian and Grant help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Scott is sharing some old Taunton books with his kids. Jim alerts us to panel sheathing made from grass. Daniel is contemplating buying a fixer-upper in Alabama. An FHB Forum participant needs help designing a porch roof that won't be a problem later. Tune in to Episode 752 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn
#751: Disaster Mansion, Drippy Ceilings, and Insulating Existing Walls
Producer Cari asks for advice on how to tactfully educate your contractor about best practice. Robert shares a story about an ambitious couple saving a dilapidated Civil-War Era house they bought in an auction. Jim shows us how early 20th Century builders bragged about insulation. John wonders why his bathroom ceiling is wet in the summer. Travis asks about insulating walls and adding a thermal br
#750: Flashing and Effective Water Management Techniques
In this special edition of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, the crew discusses effective roof, wall and deck flashing techniques to celebrate Flashing Awareness Day. Special guest Aron Jones of Big Dog Construction joins the Podcast to talk about good and bad flashing techniques and why it's so important to keep bulk water out of buildings. Aron builds houses on Grand Manan Island in Canada's Bay of
#749: IKEA Cabinets, Insulating Post-Frame Buildings and Double Sheathing
Randy and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback about RTA cabinets and shim screws before talking about the best way to insulate a post frame building that's being converted to living space and the pros and cons of an extra sheathing layer under steel siding. Tune in to Episode 749 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How IKEA cabinets hold up in the real world The be
#748: A-Frame Scaffolding, Leaky Stucco, and Garage Floor Insulation
Dan Kolbert says to use the tools that work best. Mike Guertin offers advice for site-built scaffold. Jordan asks about fixing leaks behind stucco exteriors. Greg wonders if he should insulate the floor of his garage shop. Tune in to Episode 748 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Altering the size and height of Mike Guertin's A-frame scaffold system How to track down a le
#747: Lab Grown Lumber, Controlling Humidity, and Exterior Insulation
Matt Puntin says that helical piers are a game-changer. Patrick and Greg alert us to lab-grown lumber. Brad asks about controlling humidity in a beautiful, old brick house. D_Dart wonders which is the right exterior insulation. Tune in to Episode 747 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The potential benefits of lab-grown lumber How to control humidity in an old brick house in
#746: Steam Humidifiers, Hydraulic Drivers, and Changes in Construction
Ken describes the efficiency of common residential humidification systems. Bob reminds us about concrete igloos. Miranda asks the Podcast what has changed in residential construction since the first episodes. Grant talks about a new category of quieter impact driver called hydraulic or oil-impulse drivers. Tune in to Episode 746 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The energy
#745: Gaseous Water, Garage Insulation, and Using AI for HVAC Sizing
Dack says we should reconsider our endorsement of LP SmartSide. Josh suggests we come up with a better name for water vapor. John wonders how to insulate his concrete garage ceiling. Keegan shares a tale sizing a heating and cooling system using AI. Tune in to Episode 745 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The environmental tradeoffs of engineered wood siding How to insulate
#744: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 11
Welcome to the Fine Homebuilding podcast, our weekly discussion of building, remodeling, and design topics aimed at anybody who cares deeply about the craft and science of working on houses. In Episode 744, our best-of show, the Podcast crew revisits some of their favorite segments. Tune in to Episode 744 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How to asses leaks behind stucco Bui
#743: Building Science Overload, Old Bricks, and Shim Screws for Doors and Windows
John says that listening the FHB Podcast has him mildly terrorized. Bob wonders about using a post and manufactured earth anchor for raising his bat house. Paul is concerned that his old building's bricks are unsound. Zak asks if we know about Top Star shim screws. Special guest Josh Edmonds and Ian Schwandt discuss Josh's Fine Homebuilding Summit class before helping help Patrick address listener
#742: Clear Finishes, Site-Built Scaffolding, and Foundation for a Wet Site
David describes an audacious tool thief and shares insights into the best clear finishes. Tom asks Ian if he can provide sources to further his research about trade craft and guilds in Colonial America. Anna wonders is she can safely change the design of Mike Guertin's scaffold. Chris seeks advice about building a modular house on a wet site in Texas. Tune in to Episode 742 of the Fine Homebuil
#741: Stolen Tools, Ducts in Plenum Trusses, and Bowing Foundation Walls
Randy and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback about rampant tool theft and softening hard water without brine. They answer questions about running ductwork in a slab-on-grade ranch house and foundation fixes for bowed block walls. Tune in to Episode 741 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How new tools don't necessarily have the appeal of old favorites Using plenu
#740: Wooden Nails, Strengthening Joists and Rebuilding Squeaky Stairs
Casey Knips joins Grant and Patrick to talk about his FHB class on hanging complex interior doors before the whole crew addresses listener feedback and answers their home building questions. Austin alerts the FHB Podcast team about nails made from wood fiber and nailers made for driving them. Seth wonders if plywood laminations can be used instead of dimensional lumber to sister rotten floor joist
#739: Igloos, Detailing Masonry Bump-Outs, and Oddly-Framed Walls
Vince says we spent a lot of time not answering his question. David thinks it has been too long since FHB covered igloos. Steve wonders how to insulate and air-seal the bump-out breakfast nook that's showing signs of water entry. Grant was shocked to learn a current project is framed without studs. Tune in to Episode 739 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Controlling humidit
#738: DIY Spray-Foam Kits, Affordable Siding, and Second-Floor Load Paths
Ian, Randy, and Patrick address listener feedback about training to be a GC and the safety and sustainability of two-part DIY spray foam kits. They answer a builder in North Carolina who's considering SmartSide engineered siding as an alternative to fiber-cement and FHB Forum poster who is adding an LVL beam to strengthen his second-floor floor system. Tune in to Episode 738 of the Fine Homebuild
#737: Interior Doors, Affordable Exterior Doors and Ikea Cabinets
Grant, Ian and Patrick address listener feedback about felt WRBs and building your own interior doors. Then they tackle questions about affordable entry doors and installing and living with Ikea kitchen cabinets. Tune in to Episode 737 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Building your own interior doors for odd-sized openings Options for affordable entry doors Pros and cons to
#736: Tool Theft, Durable Clear Finishes, and Cracked Foundations
Brian and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Brian talks about interesting things happening at FHB and Ian describes what he'll be covering at his class during the fine Homebuilding Summit. Tune in to Episode 736 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Tool theft in the US, UK, and Canada and its effect on trade workers The pros and cons to cl
#735: FHB Summit, Slab Foundation Insulation, and Flipper Fixer-Upper
Brian, Ian and Patrick talk about plans for the 2026 Fine Homebuilding Summit. James shares his advice for insulating and air-sealing attic knee walls. Chris wonders if window manufacturers should be teaching installers how to flash windows. Heather asks how to detail a slab on grade foundation with interior stem wall insulation. Ian seeks advice on addressing a previous owners questionable upgrad
#734: Extension Jambs, Ventilation for Multifamily Buildings, and Fitting Doors
Ian and Grant help Patrick Adress listener feedback and answer their questions about ventilation for a small apartment building and the best way to fit doors when the floor slopes around them. David discusses bath tub drains in Japan and Taiwan. Will shares tips for airtight windows with tight fitting extension jambs. Greg asks about ventilation for his four-unit apartment building. Jim wonders if
#733: Double-Stud Walls, Construction Second Career, and Hardwood on Concrete Slabs
Grant and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Grant gives an update on current editorial assignments and travel. Randy shares what's going on at Green Building Advisor and current building investigations. Tune in to Episode 733 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Theoretical and real seasonal moisture accumulation in double-stud walls Star
#732: Indoor Humidity, Spreading Kneewalls, and Interior Air Barriers
Vince and Chris share thoughts on maintaining comfortable indoor humidity. Benoît considers strengthening his outbuilding with spreading kneewalls. Anna wonders what interior air barrier is right when drywall is off the table. Tune in to Episode 732 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Humidifying interior spaces without creating condensation Fixing a 1 1/2 story building wit
#731: Risks of CO, Proper Painting Sequence, and Detailing Felt WRBs
Marc describes the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Jim thinks that complex heating and cooling systems require coordination between trades. Corey asks about the right order to paint new walls and trim. Mike and Andrew ask for more discussion of asphalt felt water resistive barriers. Randy and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Tune in to Episode 731
#730: Septic Fix, Insulating a Cape, and Ducts in Plenum Trusses
Paul shares an update on his septic system saga. Mike Guertin asks Ian about impact drivers. John asks about insulating the knee walls and roof of his Cincinnati-area Cape. Jim is building a ranch-style house and asks about using plenum trusses to hide heating and air conditioning ducts. Ian and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. The crew shares updates on cu
#729: Robots, Construction Second Career, and Building on Piers
Matt doesn't think robots and AI will make us live like the Jetsons. Mike updates us on his owner/builder house and making a career change to construction. Miranda is looking for advice on air-sealing and insulating the floor of a house partially built on piers. Ian and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback and answer the construction building science questions. Tune in to Episode 729 of
#728: Too Much Stuff, ERV Ductwork, and Spray Foam Under Paneling
Ian and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback about storing tools and stuff. Brett is designing a whole house ventilation system and asks about the right way to duct his system. A Fine Homebuilding web member inquires about closed-cell foam insulation installed behind walls covered with nickel-gap paneling. Tune in to Episode 728 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: H
#727: Dehumidification, Freestanding Tubs, and Crawlspace Vapor Barriers
Scott shares his thoughts on whole-house dehumidification. Ian asks about light fixtures and tile waterproofing for a Euro-style bathroom. Sean wonders if a crawlspace vapor barrier will make his mudsills wet. Tune in to Episode 727 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Using an ERV to help distribute dehumidified air Waterproofing Euro-style bathrooms Crawlspace vapor b
#726: Heat-Pump Performance, Asphalt Felt, and Interior Humidification
This week on the Fine Hombuilding Podcast, listeners write in about heat-pump performance and ask questions about using asphalt felt for a WRB and maintaining comfortable indoor humidity. FHB senior editor Patrick McCombe is joined by Green Building Advisor editor Randy Williams, Fine Homebuilding technical editor Mark Peterson, and producer Cari Delahanty. Tune in to Episode 726 of the Fine Ho
#725: LIVE From the 2026 International Builders' Show
This week we're excited to bring you a very special episode from the floor of the 2026 International Builders' Show in Orlando, FL! FHB editorial director Brian Pontolilo, GBA editor Randy Williams, and FHB technical editor Mark Petersen are joined by Daniel Sutton from VERSATEX Building Products to discuss strategies for low-maintenance exteriors. Tune in to Episode 725 of the Fine Homebuildin
#724: Simple HVAC Systems, Furnace Flues, and Strategies for Passive Cooling
Chris says home heating and cooling systems should be simple. Colin's friend is wondering how to know if he needs his furnace flue relined. Tom says that building planners and designers should be doing more to make houses resilient in a warming climate. Tune in to Episode 724 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The benefits of keeping HVAC systems simple Furnace flues and
#723: Success with Spray Foam, Nails vs. Screws, and Building a Remote Cabin
Kerry shares his thoughts on spray foaming old houses with advice for getting it right. A Fine Homebuilding Forum poster wonders about framing walls and attaching sheathing with construction screws. Andrew asks about the best way to build a lakefront cabin accessible only by boat. Tune in to Episode 723 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Using closed-cell spray foam insula
#722: Data Loggers, Trimming Fiberglass Windows, and Garage Fire Separation
Richard describes inexpensive data loggers for monitoring indoor air quality. Kerry asks about adding casing and extension jambs to fiberglass windows. Martin wonders about improving the comfort and safety of his internal garage and the living space above it. Grant and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Tune in to Episode 722 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast t
#721: Window Heat Pumps, Collecting Tools, and the Right Roof Insulation
Chris shares a news story about recently-introduced window-mounted heat pumps. Mason describes the joy that comes from using top shelf tools, even if it's once or twice a year. Alex asks about installing spray foam under roof sheathing and exterior roof insulation. Tune in to Episode 721 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Window-mounted retrofit heat pumps for rooms and apa
#720: Whole House Dehumidification, Drippy Bath Fans, and Wet Cabin Walls
In this special water and humidity control episode, Evan and Austin describes their whole house dehumidification strategies. Jake asks about insulating his bath fan ductwork to prevent water from dripping through the grill. Stephen wonders why the walls in his Upstate NY cabin are wet. Tune in to Episode 720 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How to integrate a whole hous
#719: Construction Robots, Oscillating Multitools, and Spray-Foaming a Victorian
Ian, Randy and Patrick discuss home projects and address listener emails about attracting young trade workers, the best cordless oscillating multitools and improving the comfort and energy efficiency of an old house in a mixed climate. Tune in to Episode 719 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The future role of robots and AI in house building and renovation The utility
#718: Electrification, What Kind of Windows, and Uncomfortable Bonus Rooms
Ian and Randy help Patrick respond to listener feedback about the best way to help clients and home electrification before taking questions about window construction and improving the comfort of a badly-built bonus room above a garage. Tune in to Episode 718 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Improving envelopes before new heating and cooling systems The right window for a p
#717: Best of FHB Podcast, Volume 10
In this best-of show the crew talks about cantilever decks, peel bond primers, the model Existing Building Code, post-frame buildings and effective collaboration between designers and builders. Tune in to Episode 717 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Rebuilding cantilevered decks with rotten joists Evectively controlling peeling paint without full removal The model Existin
#716: Shop Foundations, Steam Showers, and Sealing a Brick Crawlspace
Ian, Randy, and Patrick discuss home projects before addressing listener feedback about embodied carbon in new builds and Saddam Hussein's palaces before they taking questions about building steam showers and the right way to seal and insulate a brick crawlspace. Tune in to Episode 716 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Reducing the use of concrete in new builds for lower
#715: Affordable Tools, Motivating Trade Workers, and Whole-House Dehumidifiers
An anonymous listener outlines their company's strategy for attracting and retaining new hires. Josh reminds fellow FHB Podcast listeners about tool-lending libraries. Dan asks about the need for smart vapor retarders. Tim shares his experience dehumidifying his house with a simple system. Randy and Ian describe home projects and help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions.
#714: Lead Paint, Exterior Insulation, and Deck Ledger Condensation Control
Dan Kolbert raises a lead paint red flag. Jeff wonders if a Bonfig wall is better for inexperienced crews. Andrew wonders if an insulated band joist behind a flashed ledger can dry. Grant and Mike Guertin help Patrick talk about editorial and home projects before addressing listener feedback and questions. Tune in to Episode 714 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Lead p
#713: Insulation Problems, Septic Systems, and Slowing Thermal Bridging
Ian, Grant and Patrick address reader comments and inquires. They first hear about extensive problems with foam insulation in the UK. Then they ponder why septic systems haven't kept up with the times. Finally they talk about the newest and previous versions of studs meant to reduce thermal bridging Tune in to Episode 713 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Poor workmans
#712: What Clients Want, Heat During Construction, and Enclosure Retrofit Sanity Check
Doug says homeowners and home buyers worrying about the wrong things isn't new. Chris asks if reducing carbon in houses makes sense with AI's voracious energy consumption. Spenser wonders about ways to temporarily heat his job sites. Zach describes his comprehensive plan to redo his house's building envelope. Tune in to Episode 712 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Why c
#711: Training Ex-Military for Trade Work, Questioning Carbon, and Where's the Sheathing?
Grant learns about military veterans joining the local construction workforce with help from the Department of Defense. Josh Salinger and Grant help Brian address listener feedback and questions. They also talk about Josh's new Fine Homebuilding course called A Homeowner's Guide to a Durable, Efficient, Comfortable Home. Tune in to Episode 711 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more a
#710: Windows With Exterior Insulation, Double-Stud Walls, and Basement Remodeling
Responding to an attendee who wants to share his experience at the Summit, Brian asks Ian and Randy what they liked about the event, and what they didn't. The crew shares their preferred details for installing windows in walls with continuous exterior insulation and opinions on insulating double-stud walls. We try to help a listener who is refinishing a basement that's been refinished before. Tune
#709: Trade Careers, Faulty Fire Alarms, and Windows in Masonry
Accountant Austin shares thoughts on trade work. Ian's smoke detectors are waking him up at night. Will wonders if his windows are detailed correctly. Brian and Grant help Patrick share listener feedback, answer their questions and talk about housing affordability. Grant discusses an editorial assignment that looks at affordable windows. Brian describes his trip to Austin to learn about 3D printed
#708: Controlling Indoor Humidity, Swelling Hardwood Flooring, and ERV vs. HRV
Patrick, Ian and Randy talk about humidity control and whole house ventilation in this HVAC-themed episode. Guy, Doug, and Josh share experiences with maintaining comfortable and house-friendly humidity levels. Matt asks about his tenting hardwood floor. Home moisture consultant Guy share insights on humidity control in low-load houses. Doug's Colorado house is too dry. Matt's floor is hitting his
#707: Off-Grid in Arizona, Architectural Salvage, and What is Natural Building
Steve provides an update on his planned Arizona home. David shares his tale of basement flooding. Kit asks what's good to get at architectural salvage yards and what isn't. Rob asks about water management and window placement in a lime-plaster wall. Ian, Grant and Patrick help Patrick address listener comments and questions. Tune in to Episode 707 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more
#706: LIVE From the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Summit
The FHB crew is coming at you LIVE from the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Summit with a special episode of the podcast! Summit attendees emailed us their questions, and they didn't dissappoint. One asks how to explain the importance of the building envelope to clients while another wonders if we need to do away with one-off design choices in new builds. Tune in to Episode 706 of the Fine Homebuilding
#705: Straw Bale Construction, Home Greenhouses, and ZIP System Sheathing
Pia and Stephen have thoughts on flexible floor plans. Mae asks about mainstream housing. Kevin asks about controlling humidity in an attached greenhouse. Austin asks if a sheathing with an integral WRB is worth the extra cost. Ian and Randy discuss home projects and help Patrick answer listener questions about flexible floor plans, building a home greenhouse and the pros and cons of sheathing wit
#704: Groundwater, Radiant Barriers, Water Management with Masonry Walls
Doug says that ground water is regional. Hunter asks about the effectiveness of two radiant barriers. Michael inquires about insulating a 200 -year old stone farmhouse. Chris is considering a ceiling update in his family's' A-frame. Grant and Mike help Patrick help listeners address updating old houses dating from the 1700's to the 1980's. Insulation, water management and maintaining the histori
#703: Heat Pump Water Heaters, Wiring behind Baseboard, and Off-Grid without Propane
Will says a heat pump water heater was a no-brainer investment. David shares a story about attracting workers to the skilled trades. Evan has been thinking about the challenges of running wires behind baseboard. Jim wonders why the Podcast is suggesting propane for off-grid second homes. Ian and Randy help Patrick respond to listener feedback and answer their questions about home building, des
#702: Dedicated Dehumidification, Wet Basement Walls, and Future Forest Products
Doug describes the science behind soundproofing in theater spaces. Will gives Ian a timely "told-you-so". Kevin wonders what's causing his basement stairway to be wet. Dan asks about the future of forest products. Grant, Brian, and producer Cari address reader feedback on sound-control in buildings and the importance of dedicated dehumidification in low-load houses. They answer listener question
#701: Basement Waterproofing, Wet Floors and Indoor Humidity
Patrick, Ian and Grant talk about 700 FHB Podcast episodes, before diving into discussions on the importance of basement waterproofing, how water gets in basements, solving problems with indoor humidity, and figuring out why Chris' cotton baseball caps feel damp. Tune in to Episode 701 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Keeping basements dry in wet places How water gets
#700: Best of FHB Podcast, Volume 9
In this best-of show the crew talks about bulkhead doors, metal roofing over SIPS, rebuilding Notre Dame, sealing mudsills, and insulating sloped ceilings. Tune in to Episode 700 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Improving the efficiency of basement bulkheads Details to get right when building with SIP panels Effectivly insulating a new drywall ceiling with sloped
#699: Electrify Everything, Big Interior Doors, and Straw Bale Construction
Patrick, Randy and Ian have a heated discussion about fire safety, including how to wire heat detectors. Scott wonders if an all-electric home is less resilient than one heated with fossil fuels or wood. Pia asks about using big doors to separate living spaces in a new build. Scott might be timber-framing a strawbale house and he wonders what the Podcast thinks about strawbale construction. Tu
#698: Price Volatility, Carbon Accounting, and Building Off-Grid
Marc says it's tough to bid electrical work when copper wire prices change daily. Dan thinks we need to consider the carbon costs of every build. Andy asks for advice on building an energy efficient off-grid cabin. Jenna asks about finding conscientious contractors. Grant, Mike and Patrick discuss listener feedback and questions about price volatility, finding a good roofer, and how to lower the
#697: Sound Control, Insulating Shed Roofs, and Low-Yield Wells
Ian and Randy help Patrick answer listener questions about building a quiet house and sound-control strategies for new and existing homes and then the Podcast revisits its roots discussing roof venting of low-slope shed roofs. Finally they talk about how to get more water from a low-yield well. Tune in to Episode 697 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Residential sound cont
#696: Fire Prevention, Heat Pumps and Extreme Temperatures, and Rain in Gable Vents
Will ICF foundations burn? Do modern materials destroy old houses? Do heat pumps peter out in hot temperatures? Can you prevent rain from coming in gable vents? Grant and Mike help Patrick address FHB Podcast feedback and answer listener questions. Tune in to The FHB Podcast 696 to learn about these and other topics. Tune in to Episode 696 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
#695: Saving Bricks, Cut and Cobble Insulation, and Waterproofing Foundations
Ian, Brian, and producer Cari Delahanty join Patrick in talking about Tune in to Episode 695 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: What to do with the bricks from a demolished chimney Is it okay to cut and cobble rigid insulation in roof assemblies Foundation waterproofing and its effect on concrete Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email
#694: Bath Fans, Too Many Minisplits, and Second-Story Additions
Ian and Randy join Patrick in talking about how a lack of makeup air limits ventilation effectiveness and why a builder might install seven minisplits in a typically-sized home. They talk about the challenges of add-a-level additions and how to keep the water out during construction. Tune in to Episode 694 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Effective ventilation using ba
#693: Hazards in Houses, Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
Jerry says to look for hazardous materials when considering fixer-uppers. Ryan asks about building Larsen trusses. Daniel asks if there's a place for AI in construction. Ian, Brian and Patrick help listeners with their building questions and talk about what's new in the world of residential construction and Fine Homebuilding. Tune in to Episode 693 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more
#692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
Brian, Grant and Patrick hear about a renewed interest in trade education and consider carbon accounting in the Canadian Building Code before discussing envelope improvements for an old houses. Tune in to Episode 692 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Does green accounting belong in building codes What are the risks of insulating a roof with rigid insulation The right
#691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs
Ryan describes living with a ground-source heat pump. Zack says there are better options than bronze for weatherstripping. David asks about replacing his vinyl siding and fixing a slab that slopes the wrong way. Jeff wonders why house have pitched roof and commercial building have flat roofs. Ian, Brian and Patrick discuss what's new in Fine Homebuilding and Podcast feedback before answering lis
#690: Sharpening Chisels, Running Wires Behind Baseboard, and Fixing Shingle Panels
Dack says build a fireplace and enjoy it. Chip asks about the best ways to sharpen chisels. Kit wonders if there's a way to easily change and upgrade wiring using existing baseboard. The crew talks about the pluses and drawbacks of cedar shingle panels Mike and Grant help Patrick answer listener questions and talk about the challenges to building and remodeling houses. Tune in to Episode 6
#689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper
Greg describes radon control system for a stone foundation. Ground water and radon expert Guy describes a typical radon-control system. Matt asks how to improve the airtightness of his basement garage. Alec asks about spot ERVs. The crew talks about recent changes to paint stripper formulas. Tune in to Episode 689 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Controlling radon in
#688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
Steve describes the problems and fixes for masonry chimneys. Alex thinks his ridge vent is mistakenly blocked. Jordan and Katherine ask about buying fixer-uppers. Kerry wonders if he should flash a deck ledger with a drainage space. Brain and Ian help Patrick answer listener questions about vapor retarders under ridge vents, potential profits and pitfalls from fixer-uppers, and best practice for
#687: Flat roofs, Spray Foam vs. Loose-Fill Insulation, and Building Cabinets
Connor shares his final blower door numbers. Ryan has an FHB Project Guide idea. Josh wonders about the right roof for his Queen's row house. Jim says prospective contractors all want to use spray foam. Patrick asks about building your own cabinets. Grant, Ian and Patrick talk about the challenges of roof work in a busy city, choosing the right insulation for new builds and the challenges and pa
#686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
John reminds the Podcast that not too long ago FHB magazine commonly had fireplace ads. Michael thinks bionic arms can help with drywall sanding. Austin asks for advice on building brick steps. Alex wonders if a ground-source heat pump is right for his new house. George asks about a foundation for a greenhouse. Tune in to Episode 686 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Will
#685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotting Walls
Pel says shares a NY Times story describing the challenges of being a legit contractor. Eric asks how to fix the drywall above his shower unit. Chris wonders if there's an easy way to add an air barrier above his tongue-and-groove ceiling. Mike is trying to fix a wall rotted by a patio poured against it. Tune in to Episode 685 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How to p
#684: Masonry Heaters Whole-House Ventilation, Porch Flooring
Home ventilation systems and respect for old houses is the focus of conversation in this information-packed episode. The team talks about masonry heaters, ductwork for an ERV, and the absence of the perfect porch flooring. Tune in to Episode 684 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: What is a masonry heater and why you'd want one Whole-house ventilation and the risk of po
#683: Barndominiums, ERVs, and Radon Mitigation
Adam says scouting is introducing young people to trade work. Ian, Grant, and Patrick talk about cooling and preventing radon in a barndominum. Spenser asks if he needs an ERV. Tune in to Episode 683 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Making a big building comfortable and radon-free The challenges of hydronic cooling When do you need an ERV and HVAC planning Have a ques
#682: Basement Flooring, Architectural Salvage, and HVAC Ducts
Steve has photos of tree roots that broke up a concrete slab. Ian, Grant and Patrick talk about Nate's basement flooring and vapor control. Zachary shows the architectural treasures he found at salvage shops. Nick asks if a well-sealed crawlspace can distribute conditioned air. Tune in to Episode 682 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Sensible options for basement floori
#681: Rotting Trim, Leaky Concrete Roof, and DIY Radiant Floor
Rob tells new builders not to fall for tool marketing from retailers. Charles describes rebuilding after wildfire. Matt asks about fixing rot and oddly-placed WRBs. Kurt's garage roof is leaking. Scott is replacing his basement slab and adding in-floor heat. Tune in to Episode 681 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Fixing a house with a missing water-resistive barrier (WRB
#680: Knob and Tube Wiring, Vapor Movement, and Gutter Covers
Derek shares thoughts on waterproofing shower panels. Kerry has favorite corded and cordless tools. Matt asks if knob and tube wiring is safe. Neils is wrapping his head around air leaks and vapor diffusion. Dale asks why Grant hates gutter covers. Tune in to Episode 680 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Making custom shower panels watertight What to do when you find kno
679: Steamy Storm Doors, New Fireplaces, and Basement Insulation
Matthew says Vermont is like the Wild West. Jerry has photos of the greediest dormer ever. Kevin shares a story about schools bringing back shop class. Russell asks about his wet storm doors. Alex and Jeff ponder fireplaces in their new builds. Jason wonders if he should remove the insulation in his basement ceiling. Tune in to Episode 679 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
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