Build Connected

What actually makes a good contractor? It’s more than craftsmanship. In Episode 75 of Build Connected, Pace Blair and Adam Diamond step away from the usual format to tackle one question: What separates a good contractor from the rest? The conversation starts with listening—but quickly moves into communication, trust, setting expectations, business practices, preconstruction, professionalism, and t...

Clear communication can prevent costly misunderstandings between builders and homeowners. Adam and Pace share lessons from a shocking water bill, irrigation changes, and a bathroom fan installation to show why explaining the details—and reading product instructions—matters. Watch for practical reminders that clarity and accountability can save money, avoid mistakes, and build trust.

In this episode, Adam and Pace discuss innovative building materials like Truss Core as a replacement for traditional FRP, share stories about job site mishaps, and emphasize the importance of clear communication and documentation in construction projects.

In this episode Pace and Adam are at Build Show Live. It reinforced an important idea: high-performance homes aren’t necessarily too expensive—we’ve simply set our expectations for the cost of a well-built home too low. The builders, tradespeople, and educators we met are pushing the industry toward greater durability and efficiency. Better building is a long game, and it’s made easier by learning...

In this episode Pace and Adam discuss when renting heavy equipment like a skid steer makes sense, using a restaurant remodel to show how it can save time and labor. They explain how early estimates, discovery conversations, and realistic worst-case scenarios help clients prepare for hidden issues such as rot, missing insulation, and damaged framing. They also discuss why clean job sites improve sa...

Adam and Pace kick off episode 70 with a practical contractor conversation about software, professionalism, and why the right project management system matters for both the builder and the client. They also dig into a more charged topic - ADA compliance and the tension between accessibility intent and lawsuit-driven enforcement - before closing with an update on a live restaurant remodel in Fairfa...

Adam and Pace use a couple of real-world building code headaches to argue a bigger point: too many regulations get added by people far from the job site, while the people dealing with the consequences are left to work around them. They kick things off with a heated critique of Tyvek installation and drainage-plane failures, then move into a restaurant service-window code that feels wildly impracti...

Pace and Adam start with a practical homeowner topic, garage doors, then move into a bigger preconstruction question: how much detail belongs in the plans before construction starts. The episode is useful for anyone planning a remodel, addition, or ADU, especially if you are trying to balance budget, design quality, and flexibility.

Adam and Pace cover two practical construction topics that matter to both builders and clients: liquid applied weather-resistant barriers and why free estimates can be a bad fit for complex projects. They also dig into a real crawl space job where discovery changed the scope once excavation revealed older modifications to the foundation.

In this episode, Adam and Pace explore the complexities of asbestos safety, building regulations, and community involvement in local policy changes. They share insights from their experiences in construction and remediation, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and civic engagement.

In this episode of Build Connected, Pace and Adam talk about flat-packed products and how they can save you money...unless, someone else needs to assemble them. There's a lively conversation on a recent building permit situation. Finally, they wrap things up with a discussion on trees on your property. Storms and disease can take a toll on them and that expense can really add up over the years.

In this episode of Build Connected, Pace and Adam discuss the nuances of contractor-client relationships, common pitfalls with bad clients, and practical tips on property line disputes. They share real-world experiences and insights on building trust, avoiding problematic clients, and the importance of site surveys for property boundaries.

In this episode, Adam and Pace discuss a multifunction roof deck product, prioritizing project scope when it comes to hitting a budget, and the importance of quality and budget considerations in home remodeling and construction.

In this episode of Build Connected, hosts Pace and Adam discuss the challenges of returning from vacation, the exploration of innovative building products, and the importance of proper installation techniques. They emphasize the need for tradespeople to adapt to new products and the significance of following manufacturer specifications to maintain warranties. The conversation also touches on the r...

In this episode, Adam and Pace share travel stories from Indonesia, discuss the evolution of trade journals and information sources in construction, and delve into the importance of good bookkeeping and understanding your business numbers.

In this episode of Build Connected, Pace interviews CJ Nielsen from CNC Electric, an electrical contractor specializing in residential custom homes. They discuss CJ's journey from a young tinkerer to a successful entrepreneur, the importance of collaboration in custom home building, and the passion that drives craftsmanship in the trades. CJ shares insights on the challenges of running a business...

In this episode, Adam and Pace discuss innovative kitchen faucet systems, the concept of value in construction, and the importance of managing subcontractors effectively. They share insights on how these elements impact project success and client satisfaction.

Join Adam and Pace as they discuss practical home maintenance tips, organization strategies, and key considerations for homebuyers, including innovative leak detection products and property evaluation insights.

In this episode, Pace and Adam explore innovative foundation solutions like helical piers, discuss the evolution of construction plans and regulations, and share insights on home inspections and project cost estimation. They emphasize the importance of clear communication, sustainable practices, and realistic project planning.

In this episode, Alfredo Gonzalez, owner of Arch Plumbing, shares his journey from plumbing to expanding into HVAC, fire sprinklers, and even avocado and agave farming in Mexico. Discover insights on business growth, adapting to new codes, and balancing entrepreneurship with personal passions.

In this episode, Adam and Pace explore concrete finishes and cracking. They share insights on choosing a contractor and project access issues.

In this episode, Adam and Pace discuss recent code changes in California related to fire safety, the importance of clear communication with clients, and best practices for project completion and client relationships. They share insights on navigating challenging clients, managing project punch lists, and setting realistic expectations for long-term project success.

In this episode, Adam and Pace discuss the importance of understanding equipment costs in construction estimates, the impact of regulatory layers on building costs, and share insights from their current projects, including a restaurant renovation. They explore how renting versus buying tools affects project budgets and delve into industry challenges like regulatory complexity and construction cost...

In this episode, Adam and Pace explore innovative micro concrete toppings, partnership dynamics, and the process of building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). They share practical insights, personal stories, and tips for navigating complex projects and collaborations.

In this episode, Adam and Pace explore the critical role of water management in construction, focusing on French drains, common installation mistakes, and innovative solutions to water intrusion problems. They share expert insights, real-world examples, and practical tips for contractors and homeowners alike.