The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

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 us a...

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...

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...

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...

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 li...

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...

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 n...

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 f...

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...

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 f...

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 pa...

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 poo...

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 questi...

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...

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)...

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 knob...

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:  ...

Experience the best of the International Builders' Show with the FHB Podcast. Recorded live at the Construction Performance Zone with the BS and Beer crew, the Podcast discusses new products and trends, how to get the most out of the show and fun things to see and do at the nation's biggest residential construction show. Tune in to Episode 678 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:...

Experience the best of the International Builders' Show with the FHB Podcast. Recorded live at the Construction Performance Zone with the BS and Beer crew, the Podcast discusses new products and trends, how to get the most out of the show and fun things to see and do at the nation's biggest residential construction show. Tune in to Episode 677 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:...

Special guests Randy Williams and Travis Brungardt answer listener questions and talk about their construction business and new projects with FHB and GBA.   Tune in to Episode 676 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   Why you might want a drywall sander   How to fix a failed foundation in an Adirondack cabin The best way to detail posts for a post-frame building   Have a question...

The FHB Podcast dedicates an entire episode to tools. The crew talks about the pluses and downsides of cordless nailers, buying cordless versions of corded tools you already have and problem-solving and must-have hand tools.            Tune in to Episode 675 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   The best and most-useful cordless nailers   Buying cordless tools to replace corded v...

John's stairs lack a skirt. Ben has questions about switching to ground gutters. Wyatt wonders what new tools he needs. Listener input makes for lively discussions on load calcs and jamb extensions.   Tune in to Episode 674 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   Adding a stair skirt board after the treads and risers are in place The best way to install extension jambs on windows ...

Doug wonders if the drywall sanders in the upcoming FHB feature reach tall ceilings. Jason thinks Vermont's legislature is making a mistake on exterior insulation requirements. J ames shares a good reason why internet-provider cable should be in conduit. Larry asks how to insulate and air-seal between his first and second floor. Cory is weighing whether to fix his swamp cooler or abandon it. Tune...

Ian and Grant share photos of rotted walls found during remodeling .  Patrick asks for good building news. Anne wonders who can install the custom shower panels in her new bath. The crew talks about preventing people problems when building houses.   Tune in to Episode 672 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   Fixing found rot when remodeling Installing composite shower panels   P...

Kerry has a cautionary tale. Patrick asks listeners about tamper-resistant electrical receptacles. Alex inquires about best-practice basement finishing. Ryan's chimney keeps popping off plaster.   Tune in to Episode 671 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   Avoiding a moldy mess behind stucco   The right way to finish basement walls for vapor control   Water movement through maso...