All About Home Construction

This week on All About Home Construction , we’re breaking down North Carolina’s updated building code— NCGS 143-138 —and what it means for farmers, landowners, and anyone involved in agritourism. We’ll explore how the law defines a “farm building,” why barns used for events like weddings or meetings are treated differently, and when these rules officially took effect. Learn how these exemptions ba...

This week on All About Home Construction , we’re taking a look back at the time-tested building methods that still influence how we build today. From Appalachian log homes and stone foundations to timber framing, passive solar design, and locally sourced materials, many of the “old ways” are making a comeback for good reason. We’ll explore how traditional craftsmanship, natural materials, and clim...

Heading south for the winter? Before you lock the door and head for warmer weather, it’s important to make sure your home is protected against cold temperatures, ice, and unexpected winter storms. In this episode of All About Home Construction , we share practical tips for snowbirds on how to winterize a home before leaving for months at a time. From shutting off water and draining lines to settin...

In this episode of All About Home Construction , we take a closer look at how the High Country has recovered in the wake of Hurricane Helene. From wind-damaged roofs to water-soaked basements, homeowners across Watauga and surrounding counties faced enormous challenges. With nearly $2.5 billion in claims filed statewide, only a portion have been paid, and many families have found themselves naviga...

On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction , we’re breaking down the blower door test — what it measures, what the grades mean, and how to understand those “theoretical hole” sizes. We’ll explain how air leakage impacts your home’s comfort, efficiency, and energy bills, and share practical steps you can take to tighten up an existing home. From sealing attic penetrations and basement ri...

On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction , we’re diving into one of the most important parts of any house—the beams. From traditional solid wood to modern engineered lumber and even steel, beams are what give your home strength, stability, and open spaces. We’ll break down the different types of beams you’ll see in residential construction, when and why each is used, and how builders...

In this episode of All About Home Construction , we dig into one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of your home: the driveway. Should you go with the classic charm of gravel, the smooth finish of asphalt, or the durability of concrete? We compare the costs, maintenance needs, and longevity of each option—plus what works best in the mountains of North Carolina. From climate conside...

On this episode of All About Home Construction , we dive into Trus Joist® by Weyerhaeuser , the engineered wood products that are changing how we build homes. From TJI® I-Joists that deliver long spans and open floor plans. We’ll cover the benefits, challenges, and proper installation tips . Whether you’re building, remodeling, or just curious about the future of framing, this episode has the answ...

Ever wondered what’s holding up your floor—and why some builders choose floor trusses over traditional joists? In this episode of All About Home Construction , we dive deep into the world of floor trusses. We’ll explain what they are, why they’re so popular in modern builds, and how they compare to solid lumber and I-joists. We’ll cover the benefits like long spans and easy mechanical access, as w...

In this episode of All About Home Construction , we’re taking a deep dive into floor joist spans — a crucial part of building safe, strong, and long-lasting floors. We’ll cover the basics of what a span is, why it matters, and how lumber size, spacing, and wood species all come into play. You’ll also learn the difference between live load and dead load , why “maximum span” isn’t always the best sp...

On this episode of All About Home Construction , we’re talking all about retaining walls —from the popular segmented block systems to timber, concrete, and gabion walls. Whether you're holding back a hillside or just leveling out your yard, we’ll walk you through what you need to know: how retaining walls work, why drainage is critical, what mistakes to avoid, and when to call in the pros. Plu...

On this episode of All About Home Construction , we’re talking about two popular (and very different) materials used to build retaining walls and fight erosion: gabion walls and recycled railroad ties . We’ll break down: What gabion walls are and why they’re a smart, modern solution for drainage and slope control How to build a gabion wall, what materials you’ll need, and where they work best The...

Today we picked up where we left off last show!

You've heard about the efficiency and economic benefits of barndominiums – they're a hot topic for a reason! Now, let's get specific. In this episode, we're taking those "mountain dreams" of a unique barndo home and diving deep into the "realities" of building one right here in Boone and the NC Mountains. We'll uncover the specific pros and cons of construct...

Randy's grandkids come on this morning's show!

Tune in for our re-play of a Memorial Day special!

On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction , we dive into why a house designed for the coast just doesn’t work in the mountains. From snow loads to seismic zones, and from flood risks to frozen ground, the building codes and methods change dramatically based on location. We break down the key differences in roofing, materials, foundations, and inspections. This discussion was inspired b...

Today's show discuses the ins and outs of roofing underlayments!

On this episode of All About Home Construction , we’re diving into some of the most common — and critical — issues homeowners face. We cover what you need to know about roof repairs, which jobs legally require a building permit, and how to deal with mold safely and effectively. We also take a look at fixing foundation problems and discuss practical steps to bring an older home up to modern buildin...

In this episode of All About Home Construction , we’re diving into the world of wood! From softwoods to hardwoods, we explore the Janka hardness scale and what it really means when choosing lumber for your next project. Whether you're framing a house, building custom furniture, or installing flooring, the type of wood you choose makes a big difference. We break down popular species like oak, m...

On today’s episode of All About Home Construction , we’re joined by Brian Marbet from New River Hardwoods. Brian shares insights into the hardwood lumber industry, from sustainable forestry practices to the milling process and the role of quality hardwoods in home building. We dive into the company’s roots here in the High Country, their commitment to craftsmanship, and what sets Appalachian hardw...

In this episode of All About Home Construction , we’re diving into panelized construction —a game-changing method where walls, floors, and roofs are prefabricated and assembled on-site. We’ll break down the different types of panelized building systems , from open wall panels to structural insulated panels (SIPs) , and discuss how they make construction faster, more efficient, and sustainable . Pl...

On today’s episode of All About Home Construction , we dove into the world of tiny homes —what it takes to build one, how to make them efficient, and the key considerations for anyone thinking about going tiny. ✅ Foundations – Choosing between a permanent foundation or a trailer for mobility. ✅ Insulation – The benefits of using spray foam for energy efficiency and comfort. ✅ Bathrooms – Space-...

Get your home ready for spring! Join us on this week's episode of 'All About Home Construction' as we dive into essential maintenance tasks to protect your investment and keep your home in top shape. From gutter cleaning and roof inspections to HVAC tune-ups and deck sealing, we'll provide practical tips and expert advice to tackle your spring to-do list. Don't let winter damag...

Are you living on your own for the first time or thinking about buying your first home? It can be overwhelming to figure out all the maintenance and repair tasks that come with it. In this episode, Terry's daughter, Meggin, joins us to ask the essential questions that every young adult should know to keep their home safe, functional, and efficient. From basic home maintenance like shutting off...