The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Rebecca wonders if her window flashing is correct and how homeowners know they're getting good trade work. New FHB editor Grant asks about how to get post-frame posts out of the ground.       Tune in to Episode 670 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   Starting a SPARK event in your community   What is the right way to flash windows and does anyone bother? Building a long-lasting...

Mike Guertin, Grant and Patrick hear about replacing windows in brick veneer and the virtues of palm nailers before taking questions on insulation behind masonry without a WRB and how to insulate the roof of a three-season room.   Tune in to Episode 669 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:     Using a thermal cameras to track down air and water leaks How to insulate a board-sheath...

The crew bats about ideas on insulating attic living space and offer opinions on fastening extension jambs. Kieth has a good suggestion for getting into the construction business and doing good work.   Tune in to Episode  668 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   Getting a good trade job   Insulation in attic living spaces   The best ways to fasten custom extension jambs Have a q...

Carol Ann says most contractors don't understand old houses. Mike, Brian and Patrick talk about moving collar ties and making an efficient home shop.   Tune in to Episode 667 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   Finding a contractor who knows about old houses Adding headroom in attic living spaces   Creating an effcient and useful home shop  Have a question or topic you want us...

The crew hears a tale of hand-digging a deeper foundation and toss out ideas for fixing rough concrete, before discussing the perfect workwear.   Tune in to Episode 665 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   Solutions for a rough concrete slab   The best for workwear in all seasons   Framing energy- and resource-efficient buildings   Have a question or topic you want us to talk ab...

In this best-of show the crew talks about pier foundations, shingle lifespan, training new carpenters, brick sidewalks, and rooftop decks. Tune in to Episode 665 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   Foundations for a rustic cabin  How to train apprentices  The right way to waterproof a rooftop deck Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpo...

Listeners write in about HVAC company consolidation and stains from supply lines and ask questions about Larsen trusses and insulating stucco houses. The crew talks about the benefits and challenges of Larsen trusses and gets an update on stains from copper water lines. How to safely insulate stucco houses.   Tune in to Episode 663 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   What cause...

Listeners offer theories explaining Brian's possessed shower and suggest a book for Keeping Craft Alive. Brian, Mark, and Patrick discuss roof insulation and roof leaks.   Tune in to Episode 662 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   Why Brian's showerhead drips when he fills the tub  Venting cathedral ceilings with foam insulation  Roof leaks where an addition meets the main hous...

Richard shares his amazing home shop and break-down work bench. The crew talks about ways to accurately bend flashing without a brake and how to buy a used metal brake. Fireman and owner/builder Mike is considering a construction career. An anonymous listener thinks metal connectors often have the wrong nails. Mike, Ian and Patrick talk about decorative shingling, home internet services, and good...

Senior editor Patrick McCombe is joined by Fine Homebuilding senior editor Brian Pontolilo, Fine Homebuilding contributing editor and production manager for TDS Custom Construction Ian Schwandt, and producer Andres Samaniego to discuss building, remodeling, design, and more. Tune in to Episode 660 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:  Deciding if fascia and rake trim need coil sto...

Architect Ian wonders what Mike thinks about Rhode Island's continuing education for building professionals. Tim says heat pumps have evolved. Tom describes his shop for making custom storm doors and window sash. Carson asks if building science is a real discipline.     Tune in to Episode 659 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:  Continuing education requirements for builders and...

 The FHB crew talks about hunting down noisy insect, the pros and cons of rubber and PVC roofs and insulating them without creating problems. They also discuss insulating and waterproofing stone foundations.   Tune in to Episode 658 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   A simple method for catching indoor crickets Insulation strategies for EPDM and PVC membrane roofs How to insta...

Builders Mike Guertin and Ian Schwandt help the FHB Podcast answer complex questions about affordable new construction, proper compaction around new foundations, and how to deal with peeling paint on a mountainside masonry wall.   Tune in to Episode 657 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Strategies for making new homes affordable Properly compacting backfill around a new foundat...

Listeners share their home shop ideas. The crew answers questions about insulating above-grade basement walls and how to form and insulate the edges of a building slab.   Tune in to Episode 656 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Tips and tricks for a productive home shop How to insulate basement walls with rigid insulation Edge insulation and form work for a thickened-edge slab ...

Brian, Ian and Patrick hear from listeners and answer building questions. Does it make sense to dehumidify under a basement subfloor? Do basement windows need a header?   Tune in to Episode 655 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How engineers test structures Does active dehumidification of a basement subfloor make sense Do basement windows need a header      Have a question or t...

The Podcast crew talk about the beauty and benefits of functional shutters. Matt shows us how to save wildlife from window wells. Richard explains how to improve attic air handlers and ductwork. Matt Millham shares his favorite lime wash recipe.   Tune in to Episode 654 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:   Mike talks about how shutters protect homes from sun and storms Richard t...

Peri, who is having a disagreement with a coworker, asks the Podcast about insulating structural columns for an elevated deck.   The FHB Podcast crew talks about getting kitchen design help from multiple designers. Peri asks if there's any reason to insulate hollow porch columns and address walls. Robert has been house shopping in the Bay Area and every real estate inspection indicates problem vap...

This week's favorite question comes from Jim who asks on Fine Homebuilding's forum if he can replace rotted pressure-treated decking or does he have to rebuild the whole deck.   The FHB Podcast crew talks about cross-compatibility of power tool batteries. Contractor Evan in Dallas is asking how to replace moldy sheathing behind brick without removing the brick. The crew offers their best suggestio...

The Podcast question of the week comes from Chris, who asks about the best way to install inset windows so they're easy to replace when the time comes. We also hear from Superspeeder on YouTube who wants more details on Ian's Pretty Good House. Finally, Matthew asks if you need an air barrier behind board ceilings and wall paneling. Tune in to Episode 651 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn...

The Podcast question of the week comes from Tyler, who is building a bridge from native lumber over his hogs. We also hear from Dan Kolbert of Kolbert Building and coauthor of  Pretty Good House. Dan shares thoughts on sustainable building. Finally, Matthew asks if you need an air barrier behind board ceiling and wall paneling. Tune in to Episode 650 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more...

Listeners write in about trade work and deck longevity and ask questions about sealing crawlspaces, transitions where masonry meets framing, and vented attics with AC ductwork.

Listeners write in about English spray foam and wonky doors and ask questions about vent-free dryers, retaining walls, and home energy use.

Listeners write in about opera and keeping young by building and ask questions about leaky light fixtures, porch conversions, and installing wood siding.

Listeners write in about building on a mesas and their experience with pin foundations and ask questions about a missing band joist, sustainable building, and bath ventilation

Listeners write in about condensing dryers, giant gears, and saggy doors. They ask questions about chimney safety, longevity of black windows, and rot-resistant assemblies.