The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Patrick, Ian, and Kiley hear from listeners about well water, radiant heat, and humps in the floor before taking questions about insulating and finishing block walls, Southwest stucco, and where the floor drain goes.

Patrick talks to electrician and generator expert JP Shipp, whose company services hundreds of generators annually, about the ins and outs of standby-generator installation, how to make a house generator-ready, and the rising demand for installations.

Ian, Colin, and Patrick hear from listeners about arc-fault breakers and sizing electric cable and services before taking listener questions about waterproofing a concrete overhang, getting to net-zero in a cooling climate, and using degree days to quantify energy improvements.

Emily, Steve, Nick, and Andrew talk about some of the interesting products they've seen at the show, why it's informative to visit with manufacturers, and the importance of systems in the building envelope.

Patrick and Guy talk about common wet-basement problems and fixes, what to look for when checking out a building lot, and using landscaping to control storm runoff and increase biodiversity. 

In this Pro-Talk podcast Patrick talks to Rick Harrahill about training to be an electrician, scary wiring, and enjoying the satisfaction of trade work.

This owner of a remodeling and construction firm describes his atypical career path, from beginning as a laborer to eventually purchasing the company.

Kiley, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about water filters and opportunity costs before taking listener questions about in-floor radiant heat, deviating from the normal construction sequence, and flashing windows in Mansard roofs.

Patrick talks to remodeler Amy Ecklund, owner of AmyWorks, Inc., about running a remodeling business in a pandemic, successful marketing, and helping clients get through their projects.

Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about attic chimneys and water filters before taking questions about a leaky window in stucco, accurately measuring trusses for an add-a-level, and building an affordable second home.

Patrick talks to Doug Howard, director of consulting for Remodelers Advantage, about how remodelers can grow their businesses and be more profitable.

Andrew, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about PEX tubing and upsizing electrical circuits before taking listener questions about long-lasting black trim, masonry efflorescence, and insulating foundation walls.

Patrick talks to home builder and remodeler Jason Kehrer about starting a construction business, finding good help, and the future of residential construction.

Mark, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about PEX plumbing and construction software before taking questions about tearing into your first house, tracking down a leak in an exterior wall, and detailing a wood foundation.

Patrick talks to former Fine Homebuilding deputy editor and current carpenter Matthew Millham about his transition from construction media to residential building.

Mark, Ian, and Patrick discuss inexpensive soundproofing, building a chase around a chimney in an unconditioned attic, and the current climate of material and labor cost increases.

In this episode, Matt describes his journey to becoming a building trades instructor. Matt and Mark talk about the home-building program at Taylorville High School, a typical day in the life of a building trades student, and the various types of people that sign up for Matt's class.

Colin, Mark, and Patrick hear from listeners about rusty lug nuts and getting mortar mixes wrong before taking questions about future-proofing electrical wiring, the right underlayment for floor tile, and using foam insulation for wall sheathing.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Mark Petersen talks with Bob Kelly about the types of masonry wall assemblies that he works on most and explains why so many of these walls are collecting and filling up with water.

Mark, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about hex wrenches and PEX plumbing before taking questions about doorbells, engineered siding, and sketchy framing.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Justin Zeller of Red House Design/Build about the design/build model, effective job-site management, and balancing client expectations.

Mark, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about window condensation and building a business before taking questions about insulating band joists, saving stuff from the dumpster, and dealing with a badly insulated masonry building.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to former engineer and professional deck builder Max Hegedus about starting a construction business, the value of continuing education, and balancing job-site work and business.

Colin, Mark, and Patrick hear from listeners about reclaimed local lumber and Type O mortar before taking questions about fixing a wall behind poured concrete, energy improvements for an Atlanta home, and the carbon emissions of Portland cement.