
Build Connected
72 episodes — Page 2 of 2
Ep 22Episode 22: Rain Screens, Special Inspection, Navigating Miscommunication
In this episode of Build Connected, Adam and Pace discuss their weekend experiences, delve into the importance of rain screens in construction, differentiate between city inspections and special inspections, and share insights on managing client expectations, particularly regarding countertop installations. The conversation emphasizes the significance of communication and understanding in the construction process.
Ep 21Episode 21: Shower Glass, Special Inspection and Unforeseen Costs
In this episode, Pace and Adam discuss various topics related to construction, including the wide array of shower glass options, the layers of special inspections, and the challenges of unforeseen issues in projects. They emphasize the need for clear communication and understanding of costs associated with inspections and the responsibilities of contractors and engineers.
Ep 20Episode 20: Back Bay Builders
In this episode of Build Connected, hosts Pace Blair and Adam Diamond celebrate their 20th episode by inviting their first guest, Nate Nelson, owner of Back Bay Builders in Maine. The conversation covers a range of topics including personal anecdotes, Nate's business focus on residential remodeling, favorite products like modern bidets, and the impact of regulatory changes on the construction industry. They also discuss the differences between East Coast and West Coast building practices, highlight unique projects, and engage in a fun lightning round. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of personal touches in home renovations and the excitement of having guests on the show.
Ep 19Episode 19: Lighting, The Trap and Revisits
In this episode, Pace and Adam discuss the upcoming football season and transition into a detailed conversation about lighting products, emphasizing the importance of quality and cost-effectiveness. They share insights on the challenges of design disconnect in client projects, particularly regarding budgeting and planning. The duo highlights the significance of building trust with clients and the need for open communication about expectations. They conclude with reflections on the joy of revisiting completed projects and seeing how clients have made their homes their own.
Ep 18Episode 18: Clogs, Contract Docs and Maintenance
In this episode of Build Connected, Pace and Adam discuss essential tools every homeowner should have, the importance of contract documents in construction, and various home maintenance tips to prevent future issues. They emphasize the significance of being prepared with the right tools for plumbing emergencies, understanding the role of contract documents in project management, and maintaining home systems to avoid costly repairs.
Ep 17Episode 17: WoodUpp, Bid Types, Cleanliness
In this episode of Build Connected, Pace and Adam discuss various aspects of construction and home renovation, focusing on product recommendations, billing methods, and the importance of site cleanliness. They explore the differences between fixed bids and cost plus billing, emphasizing the trust and transparency required in each method. The conversation also highlights the significance of maintaining a clean job site for safety and professionalism, as well as the logistical challenges of managing materials during construction.
Ep 16Episode 16: Shift to electric, Accident and Add-ons
In this episode, Adam and Pace discuss their recent experiences in the construction industry, including the transition to electric appliances, the benefits of heat pump water heaters, and the challenges of job site accidents. They also touch on the fun aspects of home renovations, particularly the joy of adding finishing touches to projects. The conversation emphasizes the importance of safety, efficiency, and homeowner satisfaction in the construction process.
Ep 15Episode 15: Hog Wire, Regulation Wrap-Up, Budget Challenges
In this episode, Pace and Adam discuss various topics related to building and construction, focusing on Hogwire Railing as a cost-effective solution for home projects. They delve into California's building regulations, emphasizing the importance of energy efficiency and the challenges faced during construction projects. The conversation highlights the significance of client communication and transparency in ensuring successful outcomes. Adam shares insights from a current project, discussing budget considerations and the need for creative solutions.
Ep 14Episode 14: Quickflash, Energy Regulation and Wellness Products
In this conversation, Pace Blair and Adam Diamond explore the role of innovative products like QuickFlash in enhancing building practices. They discuss the intricacies of building regulations, particularly focusing on Title 24 and CalGreen, and their impact on energy efficiency in California and the burden they create. They highlight a current project that incorporates wellness features such as a sauna and cold plunge.
Ep 13Episode 13: Simpson Architectural, Regulation Headaches and Assumptions
In this episode, Adam and Pace dive into the architectural line of Simpson Strong-Tie connectors—highlighting both the aesthetics and structural function they bring to modern builds.The conversation then shifts to California regulations, where they take a hard look at the inefficiencies baked into Title 24and CalGreen. While both hosts agree that better energy performance is a worthy goal, they argue it shouldn’t come at the cost of unreasonable complexity, skyrocketing costs, and project delays.They close the episode by addressing a common pain point in construction: estimates built on contractor assumptions. Without the right information early in the process, budgets can quickly unravel. The takeaway? Solid estimating starts with solid collaboration and clear scope.
Ep 12Episode 12: Xypex, Preconstruction and Door Retrofits
In this episode of Build Connected, Adam and Pace discuss their recent personal experiences, including vacations and family time. They delve into the benefits of using Xypex, a waterproofing additive for concrete, and share insights on pre-construction processes, including pricing rounds and managing changes during construction. The conversation also covers the importance of transitioning smoothly from construction to home living, emphasizing maintenance and client education. Finally, they explore innovative solutions for replacing interior doors efficiently and cost-effectively.
Ep 11Episode 11: Control Layers, Preconstruction and Small Jobs
In this episode, Pace and Adam discuss various aspects of construction, focusing on control layers, pre-construction meetings, budgeting, and the challenges faced during home projects. They emphasize the importance of understanding the building science behind control layers, the significance of detailed pricing in pre-construction, and the common pitfalls that can arise in home improvement projects. The conversation also highlights the need for trust between homeowners and contractors to ensure successful project outcomes.
Ep 10Episode 10: Composites, Preconstruction and Buried Treasure
In this episode, Pace and Adam celebrate the milestone of reaching episode 10 and share personal updates, including Adam's daughter's upcoming life-changing trip to Tanzania. They delve into the topic of composite decking materials, discussing their benefits and preferences, particularly TimberTech products. The conversation shifts to the importance of pre-construction in the building process, emphasizing how it adds value for homeowners by allowing for real-time pricing and decision-making. They also share insights from a current project, highlighting the discovery phase and the potential for change orders during construction.
Ep 9Episode 9: Selections, Permit Process, Ultra Oversight
In this episode, Adam Diamond and Pace Blair discuss the complexities of design choices in construction, emphasizing the importance of availability and timely delivery of materials. They delve into the challenges posed by the permitting process, particularly in California, highlighting the significant delays and regulatory hurdles that impact builders and homeowners. The conversation underscores the need for streamlined processes to facilitate housing development and improve project management, while also addressing practical concerns in construction planning.
Ep 8Episode 8: Rockwood, Why the Podcast, Upcycling
In this episode, Pace and Adam discuss various topics related to the construction industry, focusing on the benefits of Rockwool insulation, the motivations behind their podcast, and the importance of problem-solving in contracting. They also explore the idea of reclaiming materials on job sites to save costs and promote sustainability. The conversation emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and the responsibility of contractors to improve industry practices.
Ep 7Episode 7: Zip Sheathing, Influences and Building Science
In this episode, Pace Blair and Adam Diamond explore the building blocks of better performance—starting with Zip sheathing. From air barriers to water resistance, they break down why this system has become a go-to in their projects and how it fits into a larger conversation about building smarter, not just faster.They also take a moment to tip their hats to the voices that shaped their careers—from classic TV personalities to modern YouTube educators—acknowledging the influence of good storytelling and great craftsmanship.Finally, they introduce building science as more than a buzzword. It’s a mindset shift: understanding how homes actually perform, and why small choices in materials and methods can lead to major differences in comfort, durability, and efficiency.
Ep 6Episode 6: Studs, Level Playing Fields, and Change Orders
In this episode, Pace and Adam discuss essential tools for homeowners, focusing on the often-overlooked stud finder. They transition into the importance of team dynamics in project management, emphasizing how early collaboration can create a level playing field amongst team members. The conversation then shifts to change orders in construction, explaining their necessity and how they arise during projects. The episode concludes with reflections on learning and improving practices in the construction industry.
Ep 5Episode 5: Pockets, Commodities and Fire Vents
In this episode of Build Connected, Adam and Pace delve into various topics related to construction and building codes. They discuss the evolution of pocket doors, emphasizing the importance of quality products like HD Pocket Doors. The conversation shifts to value engineering, highlighting the need for collaboration among builders, architects, and clients to maintain project vision while managing costs. Finally, they explore the significance of WUI zones in fire safety, detailing the necessary building codes and products, such as Vulcan Vents, to ensure compliance and safety in wildfire-prone areas.

Ep 4Episode 4: Picos, Trust and Code Changes
In this episode, Pace and Adam discuss the benefits of Pico switches in home lighting, emphasizing their flexibility and ease of installation. They delve into the importance of building trust during the design phase of projects, highlighting how early collaboration among architects, builders, and clients can lead to better outcomes. The conversation shifts to the significance of early builder involvement in ensuring designs are practical and buildable. They also touch on team dynamics and the impact of engagement on project success. Finally, they discuss recent changes in the California electrical code regarding kitchen islands, particularly the new regulations on outlet installation.

Ep 3Build Connected Episode 3: Design Traps, Team Gaps and Tuff Blocks
In this episode of Build Connected, Adam Diamond and Pace Blair discuss various aspects of home renovation, focusing on innovative products like Toughblocks and Bison systems. They emphasize the importance of building a reliable team before starting a project to avoid common pitfalls, such as getting trapped in a bidding process without proper guidance. The conversation highlights the need for real-time pricing and collaboration between builders and architects to ensure successful project outcomes.
Ep 2Episode 2: Pods, Early Design Phase, Porta Pizazz
SummaryIn this episode, Pace Blair and Adam Diamond dive into the critical design development phase, highlighting how early collaboration between homeowners, builders, and architects can prevent budget blowouts and keep projects on track. They explore a creative approach to adding space with prefabricated pods—an efficient, modern solution for expanding your home. Plus, they reveal a clever trick for sprucing up one of the most overlooked jobsite essentials: the porta-potty.
Ep 1Build Connected Intro | May 1, 2025
Pace and Adam break down the core values that drive their company: clear communication, understanding value, and fostering a family-like team environment. They also give listeners a preview of what to expect from future episodes—everything from industry trends to product innovations, and a behind-the-scenes look at some of their current projects.Plus, stick around for a light-hearted lightning round where Adam reveals his thoughts on the most important decision of the day: the right way to order a Philly cheesesteak.Tune in and get to know the hosts—because building homes is hard work, but it’s always more fun when you’re doing it with the right team.