The Build Show Podcast

Matt is joined by Scott Reynolds, co-founder and CEO of UpCodes, a company that helps builders, architects, tradespeople, and more navigate the complex space of building codes. Their conversation centers around how technology can streamline and improve the building process, with a focus on integrating building codes and standards into digital tools. Scott discusses his company's efforts to create...

Live from the ROCKWOOL Studio, Matt is joined by fellow Build Show Expert, CJ Nielsen to talk smart electrical systems. They cover key topics, including future-proofing a home’s electrical systems, the benefits of an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) for better indoor air quality, and smart panels like the Span system for efficient energy management.  CJ emphasizes the importance of setting up temp...

Matt and Steve are back again this week in the ROCKWOOL studio to dive deep into advanced tech integration at The Risinger Build, focusing on future-proofing homes. Matt recounts a past mistake of installing obsolete iPad jacks, highlighting the critical need for adaptable systems to avoid expensive retrofits. Matt and Steve also explore practical tech solutions like Sonos systems for home audio a...

Steve joins Matt live in the ROCKWOOL studio to explore cost-effective strategies for building high-performance homes. They discuss common misconceptions about homebuilding costs, particularly the misleading reliance on "cost per square foot." Additionally, they emphasize prioritizing quality over size, suggesting that a well-built smaller home can provide better long-term value. Using Steve’s Mul...

After a brief summer break, The Build Show Podcast is back! Matt talks to Danny from Breakthrough Academy about key strategies for contractors and businesses to thrive in a slower economic market. They focus on lead generation and marketing optimization, offering actionable advice to maintain a steady flow of leads even in uncertain times. Danny highlights the importance of tracking lead sources a...

Bryan & Tim Uhler, second-generation builders and business-owners, return to The Build Show Podcast. Matt and the Uhlers discuss the future of the construction industry, emphasizing technological advancements and sustainability. Matt, Bryan, and Tim consider the impact of 3D printing in construction; both Bryan and Tim are skeptical about its widespread adoption due to site-specific challenges and...

Join Matt and Breakthrough Academy (BTA) co-founder Igor Trninic in a conversation about financial management and the consequences of being financially disorganized in the construction industry. BTA is not only part of The Build Show Expert team, but also a company that helps contractors streamline their operations and achieve financial stability. They delve into three main consequences of poor fi...

Matt dives into speculative building and budgeting with Tim and Bryan Uhler of Pioneer Builders. Pioneer Builders, founded in 1978 by Tim and Bryan's parents, has built a reputation for efficient and high-quality speculative homes in Seattle, Washington. The Uhler brothers explain that speculative building involves constructing homes without a committed buyer, which requires smart land purchases a...

Steven Shafer, co-founder of Jobsite Codes, joins Matt in studio to discuss innovative jobsite organization. Matt confesses his lack of organizational skills and introduces Steven's digital solution, which uses QR codes to replace traditional three-ring binders for construction documents. Jobsite Codes simplifies document access with QR codes, eliminating the need for apps or logins. This user-fri...

The moment you’ve all been waiting for is finally here… registration for Build Show LIVE is open now! Matt is joined by Mark Wille to bring you an insider’s guide to all thing’s Build Show LIVE. Taking place in Austin, TX from November 7-9, 2024, Build Show LIVE promises to be the premier trade show for the building industry. The event will feature a unique blend of educational sessions, networkin...

On this episode of The Build Show Podcast , Matt discusses the importance of ventilation with expert Corbett Lunsford, who you may know from his PBS Series Home Diagnosis . They explore the critical role ventilation plays in maintaining healthy indoor air quality and Corbett shares insights into designing effective HVAC systems. The conversation emphasizes the importance of air circulation, pollut...

Matt and fellow Build Show Expert Allyson Anderson discuss the BuildHer Executive Retreat, a new initiative focused on the therapeutic benefits of networking for women in construction. They underscore the value of shared experiences and learning opportunities among builders. They delve into the complexities of managing multiple construction projects, stressing the delicate balance between quality...

Build Show Expert Steve Baczek joins Matt to discuss the most recent Build Original Series, Multigenerational Home on a Budget. Initially, the discussion highlights how remodeling projects reveal past construction flaws, emphasizing the need for proper techniques to avoid future issues. Experts like Energy Vanguard are praised for their precise HVAC system designs, which ensure air tightness and e...

Are you loving the Building Consensus Podcast? Be sure to follow the Building Consensus Podcast's feed on Spotify or Apple Podcasts ! There are two additional episodes already live on the new Building Consensus feed, and new episodes will be released bi-weekly. Or, you can watch Building Consensus on thebuildshow.com. Travis and Brandon jump into a discussion on building permits and energy regulat...

This week, Matt is joined by building performance expert, Randy Williams. Their discussion centers on building science and energy efficiency in home construction, emphasizing the importance of blower door tests to identify air leaks and improve insulation.  Matt and Randy highlight practical advice for homeowners and builders, including conducting energy audits and mid-build tests to enhance build...

In this episode, Travis and Brandon discuss complexities of inducing change within a business environment, particularly concerning team members' mindset and behavior. They share personal experiences, expressing frustration at the difficulty of fostering lasting change despite efforts to train and support individuals. The conversation revolves around whether inherent character traits can truly be a...

This week on The Build Show Podcast, Matt welcomes fellow Build Show Expert, Jake Bruton, to discuss Build Original Series What Should I Use? hosted by Jake.  A second-generation builder, Jake offers insights into the building process, such as choosing materials and following building codes. Both Matt and Jake emphasize the importance of understanding and referencing the latest building codes, ind...

Building Consensus Episode 102: The majority of new home built in America this year will be constructed as speculative projects by a wide margin. Profit margins on custom homes tend to be more substantial while spec builders rely on higher speed, lower costs and greater volume to make the smaller margins more profitable. While both our hosts are known for pursuing high performance and extreme dura...

Guess who’s back for part two? If you guessed Erika Bonfanti, then you’re right! Erika returns to continue lively conversation with Matt. This week, they discuss the pros and cons of various building materials, expressing a preference for non-conventional wood structural houses despite acknowledging the benefits of concrete and block for thermal performance.  Matt and Erika delve into the effectiv...

Introducing “Building Consensus,” a brand-new podcast series from Build Show Expert Travis Brungardt and fellow Kansas City Builder Brandon Jones. From controversy to consensus, this podcast addresses fundamental building issues as well as building science nuance through discussions with industry experts. With each episode Travis and Brandon will seek to arrive at a common understanding, despite t...

Matt dives into the intricacies of exterior enclosures with Erika Bonfanti, Associate Principle at Austin-based Engineering Consulting firm Acton Partners. They touch on Erica's specialized role in construction investigation and consulting and reflect on their mutual Pittsburgh roots. From detailing the challenges in construction projects to emphasizing the need for educational client approaches,...

Matt takes the podcast outdoors (only metaphorically) to delve into landscaping with Sara Bendrick, a top California-based contractor. Together, they explore the vital link between builders and landscapers, trends like drought-tolerant lawns, and the rise of battery-powered tools. Matt and Sara focus on the shift towards reducing traditional lawns in favor of drought-tolerant alternatives, concern...

This week’s episode of The Build Show Podcast features a dynamic conversation between Matt and marketing expert David Meerman Scott, whose influence shaped Matt's career. Matt recalls learning invaluable marketing tips from David early on, which he implemented and launched what eventually became The Build Show. They discuss the importance of aligning marketing with consumer behavior, emphasizing t...

This week’s episode is extra special because it accompanies the launch of Build Original Series The Risinger Build . Matt sits down with his business partner and co-builder Tim Hill and in-house architect Chelsea Scharbach to talk about, you guessed it, The Risinger Build . For the first time ever, Matt and The Build Show are going to document a full build from foundation to finishes.  Not only ar...

This week on The Build Show Podcast, Matt delves into the intricacies of water delivery in homes with the “Hot Water Expert” Gary Klein, focusing on plumbing systems and hot water efficiency. Gary discusses minimizing water waste and optimizing hot water delivery, covering various strategies like circulation loops and on-demand pumps. They also tackle outdated plumbing codes and advocate for moder...