The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

In the final episode of Pro Talk, Ian, Andy, and Jude talk about engaging with young adults to foster an interest in the building trades from the perspectives of the contractor and of the apprentice.

The crew hears from listeners about sound attenuation, plumbing, and LED lighting. Discussion questions include high-humidity spaces, best building practices, and garage-door weatherstripping.

Ian and Josh talk about managing risk in the built environment and how Josh's vocation as an insurance adjuster has influenced the design of the home he is building for his family.

Listeners share their thoughts on storm shutters, LED light solutions, ERVs vs. HRVs, and contractor licensing. The crew takes questions on writing good contracts, testing DWV systems, and common problems with modular homes.

Ian talks to John Klabacka of Associated Training Services in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin about training the next generation of crane and heavy-equipment operators, and jobsite safety. 

Dan Kolbert shares his thoughts on cordless power tools and batteries. Jeff suggests curbside pickup. Chris shows us a good-looking drop ceiling. Bill is contemplating a roof and insulation upgrade. Evan is considering an attic-to-living-space conversion. Felix asks about pocket screws for framing. Wade wants to know which construction trade shows he should visit. 

Ian talks to builder and remodeler Jon Beer about building your own home as a construction professional and how to improve your business by defining processes and developing procedures. 

 Peel-and-stick membrane, shallow frost-protected foundations, affordable net-zero, scavenged building products, and keeping garage pollutants out of the house.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Ian talks to Will Gusakov of Goosewing Timberworks about Will's work with Carpenters Without Borders, timber framing, and the solidarity economy.

The editors discuss chimney airtightness, sealing end cuts, dormer additions, damp basements, and starting a construction business in this best-of compilation.

In this ProTalk Podcast Ian continues his talk with business consultants John Lenker and Assaf Arie about how to overcome the challenges associated with growing a construction business.

Gas stoves, tool batteries, material prices, controlling humidity in efficient homes, advanced framing, and ducted heat-pump water heaters.

Ian, John and Assaf discuss the importance of marketing and management training for the success of a construction company.

Ethan has thoughts on climbable railing and code. Ben and James question our conversation about washing machines. Neil needs to make comfy RVs. Ben notices bad shutters. Sam's apartment is too noisy. David shows us how heat pumps work.

In this episode, Ian talks to Madison College carpentry student Jon Moore about changing career paths early in life and how formal education can be applied to the building trades.

Keeping craft alive, FHB and GBA combo memberships, stud-to-top-plate connectors, screen porch conversion, squaring mudsills, kitchen remodels, and moving plumbing.

Ian talks to David about  new ways to think about lighting your spaces, when to hire a lighting designer and David gives some basic tips for better lighting in the home.

Jim reminds us to consider a deck's lateral loads. Evan shows us a more airtight garage-door system. Chris and Jeremy share their experience with bath-fan installation. Ted asks about installing lap siding over vertical siding. Jake is contemplating foundation options. James wonders if he really needs an expansion tank.

In this ProTalk Podcast, Ian talks to Adrianna Gretz, residential project manager at LEFF Design Build, about the similarities and differences between commercial and residential project management.

Improving the electric grid, tool batteries, making your own windows, value-engineering a new build, cellulose insulation, and contractor licensing.

In this ProTalk Podcast, Ian talks to contractor and educator Joe Garvilla about his experiences as an educator and builder, and the positive side of regulating contractors.

Soul-bashing work, spray-foam problems, floors for front-loading washers, attaching decks to cantilevered joists, and vented crawlspaces.

Patrick talks to Jeremy Hess, project manager for C&Z Construction, about insurance work; installing helical piles on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska; and the time it takes to build your own house.

Andy says beer helps keep craft alive. Evan suggests getting a good respirator. Adam and Hlynur are familiar with Icelandic heat pumps. Mark asks how to redo his flat roof. Pete needs a better irrigation timer. Will wants new windows.

Patrick talks to Jeremy Hess, project manager for C&Z Construction, about insurance work; installing helical piles on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska; and the time it takes to build your own house.