The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to the president of the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association about the history of forest products in the Northeast, why lumber prices are so high, and sustainable forest management.

Ian, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about hydro air and rustic decks before taking listener questions about ventilation under asphalt shingles, vapor barriers under concrete footings, and keeping cool with a whole-house fan.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks Thor Matteson, an engineer who works on seismic retrofits, about the methods and challenges of seismic reinforcement in the Bay Area of California.

Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about tightening a leaky house and protecting an add-a-level during construction before taking listener questions about improving the draft of combustion appliances, drips from an SIP roof, and an inexpensive way to hide exterior mounted line sets.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Todd London and Mike Glowacki of Sherwood Lumber in Melville, N.Y. about supply-chain disruptions, high building-materials costs, and changes in the lumber business.

Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about zoning and photovoltaic windows, before taking listener questions about push-on wire connectors, insulating a sauna, and warming a cold floor.

Patrick talks to remodeling contractor Andy Grace about the challenges of contracting, how the pandemic has affected residential construction, and what it's like to build a post-frame building for your business.

Ian, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about heat pumps and spreadsheets before taking questions on wall assemblies for a complete remodel, hardwood flooring on a concrete slab, and home soil testing.

With a focus on net-zero homes, Elizabeth talks about how she got into sustainable architecture, working with open-minded contractors, and providing a more affordable net-zero option with prefab homes.

Patrick talks to Rick Lavoie, general manager for Central Cooling and Heating, about opportunities in the heating and cooling industry, the importance of system design and equipment selection, and the ongoing consolidation of HVAC companies.

Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about hanging cabinets on steel studs and heating workshops before taking listener questions about screws versus nails, insulating a brick house with board sheathing, and construction details for a new build.

Patrick talks to chief sales officer Ali Kronebusch and VP of administration and general counsel Tami York, both of Reconstruction Experts, a large construction company specializing in construction defects.

Kiley, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about ancient building codes and leaky copper pipes before taking questions about sealing a crawlspace, warming a cold bonus room, and fixing a bath damaged by settlement.

Patrick talks to Zachary Mannheimer, founder and CEO of Alquist 3D, a concrete home producer that uses 3D printing for construction about the challenges of new technology, and how printed concrete homes can help make houses more affordable.

Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about opportunity costs, ballooning project budgets, and redoing a bath in a one-bathroom house before taking listener questions about second thoughts on design, heating a small woodshop, and fastening heavy things to light-gauge steel studs.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Leila Banijamali, cofounder and CEO of Symbium, a start-up technology company that offers a free portal to help folks navigate regulations and permitting for accessory dwelling units.

Patrick, Ian, and Kiley hear from listeners about well water, radiant heat, and humps in the floor before taking questions about insulating and finishing block walls, Southwest stucco, and where the floor drain goes.

Patrick talks to electrician and generator expert JP Shipp, whose company services hundreds of generators annually, about the ins and outs of standby-generator installation, how to make a house generator-ready, and the rising demand for installations.

Ian, Colin, and Patrick hear from listeners about arc-fault breakers and sizing electric cable and services before taking listener questions about waterproofing a concrete overhang, getting to net-zero in a cooling climate, and using degree days to quantify energy improvements.

Emily, Steve, Nick, and Andrew talk about some of the interesting products they've seen at the show, why it's informative to visit with manufacturers, and the importance of systems in the building envelope.

Patrick and Guy talk about common wet-basement problems and fixes, what to look for when checking out a building lot, and using landscaping to control storm runoff and increase biodiversity.

In this Pro-Talk podcast Patrick talks to Rick Harrahill about training to be an electrician, scary wiring, and enjoying the satisfaction of trade work.

This owner of a remodeling and construction firm describes his atypical career path, from beginning as a laborer to eventually purchasing the company.

Kiley, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about water filters and opportunity costs before taking listener questions about in-floor radiant heat, deviating from the normal construction sequence, and flashing windows in Mansard roofs.

Patrick talks to remodeler Amy Ecklund, owner of AmyWorks, Inc., about running a remodeling business in a pandemic, successful marketing, and helping clients get through their projects.

Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about attic chimneys and water filters before taking questions about a leaky window in stucco, accurately measuring trusses for an add-a-level, and building an affordable second home.

Patrick talks to Doug Howard, director of consulting for Remodelers Advantage, about how remodelers can grow their businesses and be more profitable.

Andrew, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about PEX tubing and upsizing electrical circuits before taking listener questions about long-lasting black trim, masonry efflorescence, and insulating foundation walls.

Patrick talks to home builder and remodeler Jason Kehrer about starting a construction business, finding good help, and the future of residential construction.

Mark, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about PEX plumbing and construction software before taking questions about tearing into your first house, tracking down a leak in an exterior wall, and detailing a wood foundation.

Patrick talks to former Fine Homebuilding deputy editor and current carpenter Matthew Millham about his transition from construction media to residential building.

Mark, Ian, and Patrick discuss inexpensive soundproofing, building a chase around a chimney in an unconditioned attic, and the current climate of material and labor cost increases.

In this episode, Matt describes his journey to becoming a building trades instructor. Matt and Mark talk about the home-building program at Taylorville High School, a typical day in the life of a building trades student, and the various types of people that sign up for Matt's class.

Colin, Mark, and Patrick hear from listeners about rusty lug nuts and getting mortar mixes wrong before taking questions about future-proofing electrical wiring, the right underlayment for floor tile, and using foam insulation for wall sheathing.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Mark Petersen talks with Bob Kelly about the types of masonry wall assemblies that he works on most and explains why so many of these walls are collecting and filling up with water.

Mark, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about hex wrenches and PEX plumbing before taking questions about doorbells, engineered siding, and sketchy framing.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Justin Zeller of Red House Design/Build about the design/build model, effective job-site management, and balancing client expectations.

Mark, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about window condensation and building a business before taking questions about insulating band joists, saving stuff from the dumpster, and dealing with a badly insulated masonry building.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to former engineer and professional deck builder Max Hegedus about starting a construction business, the value of continuing education, and balancing job-site work and business.

Colin, Mark, and Patrick hear from listeners about reclaimed local lumber and Type O mortar before taking questions about fixing a wall behind poured concrete, energy improvements for an Atlanta home, and the carbon emissions of Portland cement.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to David Shapiro, licensed electrician and certified electrical inspector, about the safety of old wiring, the importance of continuing education, and the scary side of bath fans.

In this episode, Rob talks to the Truewerk team about the goal of providing modern versions of the technical gear that's been worn for 100+ years in the trades. CEO Brian Ciciora describes his career building and fabricating metal in the wintry mountains, and how it both brought him closer to the community while showing him that technical apparel is important for those working in specific positions.

The editors discuss how to retrofit an air barrier, favorite tools, how to build in earthquake country, how to buy old houses, and much more in these clips from episodes 145-149.

Patrick and Mariana talk about the appeal of Passive House, how to lower US carbon emissions, and how to make residential construction more inclusive.

Patrick, Mark, and Colin hear from listeners about design software and rain-water collection before taking questions about oil canning in metal roofs, benchtop jointers, and basement finishing.

In this Pro-Talk podcast Patrick talks to builder and remodeler Mason Lord of HVP in Kent, CT about running a construction business, do-it-all saws, and the challenges of being a contractor.

Rob, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about electromagnetic radiation and trim over siding before taking listener questions about moving from a software company to construction, building your own addition, and homesteading in Canada.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Mark Petersen talks with John Williamson about the history of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and explains how new codes are created.