The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

The crew hear from listeners about radon, termites and home workshops, before taking questions about finding a good designer, insulating paint, and fan-supplied fireplaces.

FHB Contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Chris Magwood, Director of Research at Builders for Climate Action, about tools for measuring the embodied carbon of building materials and how to build using carbon-storing materials.

The crew hears about indoor-air quality and reclaiming flooring before taking questions about stair stringers, mudsill details, and building a concrete dome.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, FHB contributor Ian Schwandt talks to lead carpenter Antonio Lama about being a lead carpenter with an economics degree, becoming interested in high-performance building, and career opportunities for tradespeople.

Listen and laugh as the crew navigate the trials and tribulations of residential building, design, and remodeling in some of our favorite clips from episodes 155 to 200.

Fine Homebuilding Contributor Ian Schwandt talks to carpentry-program graduate Leah Stargardter about  the Madison College Remodeling Carpentry Program, working in urban environments, and construction workforce diversity.

The crew hears from listeners about tilt-turn windows and roof sheathing before taking listener questions about trusses, rigid insulation on the roof, and spray foam.

Patrick talks to Spencer Pope of Bradford White, water-heater manufacturer, about making your water heater last longer, the breakdown of how Americans heat domestic hot water, and the strange calls that come into customer service.

Mike, Ian, and Patrick hear from a listener about patience versus experience, before taking questions about tall windows, insulating stone foundations, and holding up cast-iron waste and vent stacks.

Patrick talks to Steve Rogers, president of The Energy Conservatory,  about the tools of building science, what it's like to have a niche business, and the integration of building science into HVAC work.

Ian, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about holey sheathing and making the most of an existing home, before taking questions on wall stack-ups, drilling holes in concrete foundations, and HVAC systems in a mixed climate.

Patrick talks to Ryan Colker, Vice President of Innovation at the International Code Council, about off-site construction as a way to address multiple societal and industry challenges including affordability, resilience, and workforce availability.

In this live recording from the last day of the show, Patrick, Andrew, Nathan Shirai, and Andy Steele talk about what they learned at the first Southeast Building Science Symposium and the challenges of building in the southeast.

In this Pro-Talk podcast Patrick talks to Schluter sales rep Chris Hossler  about how to achieve a high-quality tile installation and why so many building-products companies do such a poor job of training and support for their products.

The crew hear from listeners about winterizing foundations and lazy additions before taking questions about air-sealing band joists, sheathing tape, and good windows at a reasonable price.

Patrick talks to Charlie Stewart, a contractor in Altamont, N.Y., about what it's like to work on old houses, sacrifices to please good customers, and renovating Charlie's historic home.

Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about stopping sound between floors and the world's worst drywall finishing, before taking questions about leaving small parts of homes standing, insulating inaccessible attic spaces, and leaving felt underlayment exposed.

Patrick talks to Cesar Gonzalez, store manager at 84 Lumber, about the lumber business, building-material customers, and what it's like to run a busy lumberyard.

Andrew, Mike Guertin and Patrick hear from listeners about lead times for windows, the right grout for the job, and being an owner-builder, before taking questions about plugging the vents in a low-slope roof, the condition of sheathing after multiple reroofs, and how to contain costs for new builds.

Patrick talks to Marianne Cusato about the things we're getting right and wrong with current American architecture and why people who already have a home should worry about affordable housing.

Andrew, Patrick, Travis Brungardt, and Joe Cook share what they've learned and discuss why you should go to one of this year's remaining Building Science Symposiums in Chattanooga or Austin, before taking questions from attendees about things they heard or learned at the show.

Patrick talks to Karalynn Cromeens, an attorney who specializes in work for construction firms, about the importance of good contracts, the new bargaining power of subcontractors, and the value of trusting your gut.

Patrick talks to Karalynn Cromeens, an attorney who specializes in work for construction firms, about the importance of good contracts, the new bargaining power of subcontractors, and the value of trusting your gut.

Ian, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about salvaged wood flooring, going all-electric, and protecting a foundation during a prolonged build before taking questions about energy improvements for an old Victorian, fixing shaky walls from slamming doors, and sealing holes left by roofing nails.

Patrick, Dave and Mark talk about the evolution of structural fasteners, how fasteners are tested to ensure they work as intended, and common mistakes when using them.