The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Ian talks to Maria Lauber of Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC about  the Inflation Reduction Act, heat pumps, and contractor training programs.

The crew hears from listeners about galvanic corrosion and the satisfaction that comes from tradework before taking listener questions about durable low-cost flooring, replacing previously replaced windows, and diagnosing a poorly performing bath fan.

Patrick talks to Zac Strauss, a home-building apprentice in New Zealand, about how homes are built in New Zealand, how tradespeople have higher social status, and how exposing kids and adults to trade craft is good for them and society. 

The crew hears from listeners about ridge vents and sand separators before taking listener questions about finding a contractor to remodel a small kitchen, locating air- and water-control layers, and monitoring indoor-air quality.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, FHB Contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Dan Purnell, production manager at Alloy Workshop, about working with in-house architects, building architecturally driven projects, and having a career background from outside the construction industry.

The crew hears from listeners about LED lights and DIY solar before taking questions about seasonal movement of softwood flooring, tightening an 1850s house, and a permanent-wood foundation for a new build.

In this Pro-Talk podcast FHB Contributor Ian Schwandt talks to painting contractor Luke DiBlasi, of DiBlasi Painting, about high end paint finishes, operating a family business, and the importance of prep work and employee training.

The crew hears from listeners about Vancouver Special houses and wind-blown trash before taking questions about a bowed foundation wall, air-sealing and insulating a new shop, and fixing a door jamb with Bondo.

Patrick talks to Justin Czok, an electrical engineer who helped develop cordless power tools for Milwaukee about cordless power tools, tool batteries, and how engineers see the world.

The crew hears about extra time for DIY and minivans for work before taking questions about boosting the comfort and efficiency of Cape houses and fixing a spalling foundation.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, FHB contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Steve Inch, Director of Build at TriVistaUSA, about  working on homes in the nation's capital, managing teams, and working with in-house designers.

The crew hear from listeners about good construction screws and Chicago building codes before taking questions about improving a row house and fixing tile substrates.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to structural engineer Stephen MacDougall about building collapses, how engineers are made, and what engineers look for when house shopping.

The crew hears about carbon and workwear for women before taking questions about repairing asphalt felt, vent terminations, and demolition by neglect.

Ian and Phillip discuss technical college programs in carpentry and architecture, learning on the job, and why you should give a career in the building trades a chance.

The crew hear from listeners about cold-weather gear and smart watches before taking questions about warming a cold house, using galvanized fasteners with aluminum flashing, and siding over board sheathing.

FHB Contributor Ian Schwandt and Scott Fridrych, Director of Construction at LivCo in Chicago,  discuss how a remodeling company can provide a higher level of customer service to their clients and how managing a remodeling company compares to production home building.

The crew hear from listeners about codes and tube skylights, before taking questions about significantly-sloped decks, masonry-filled stud bays and installing skylights in a cathedral ceiling.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, FHB contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Victoria Downing, president of Remodeler's Advantage, about  understanding business financials and the importance of learning from your peers.

The crew answers questions about affordable new-house builds, AI in construction, and trade school education. Brendan shows us a house where all the framing is visible on cold mornings. Justin explains power tool batteries. Doug Horgan has thoughts on fireplace doors and roofs. 

In this Pro-Talk podcast, FHB Contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Candice Rania, Design Department Manager at Leff Design Build, about moving into management roles, using the EOS model, and managing creative people.

The crew hear from listeners about DIY foam outsulation and chemical sensitivity before taking questions about digital shower valves, wonky concrete floors, and insulating stem walls.

In this Pro-Talk podcast FHB contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Heather Thompson and Mark Pollard, Owners of Juniper Design Build, about  working on an island, high performance building and the design build process.

The crew hear from listeners about insulation and getting kids into trade work before taking questions on bad rehabs, poor enforcement of airtightness rules and what's the best low-slope roof.

Patrick and Tyler talk about common construction defects, what contractors can do to prevent defect lawsuits, and what's going on with the Millennium Tower.