The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

In this episode, Rob talks to Garland about building using 18th-century techniques and processes. Few carpenters have had the opportunity to spend their life continuing a construction legacy as old as America itself. Garland has, and he has helped keep the fabric of our nation's trade history firmly intact by instructing fellow tradespeople and the public throughout every project.

Patrick, Mark, and guest host Ian Schwandt hear from listeners about greywater, leak-detection juice, and popcorn ceilings before taking questions on detailing a barndominium, using home-sawn lumber for building, and pulling up sticky layers of roofing.

In this special series of episodes of the FHB Podcast, Rob Yagid, executive director of Keep Craft Alive and former Fine Homebuilding editor, shares his conversations with some of the most talented and dedicated people in the world of residential design and construction.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to carpenter Laura Smarrito about doing carpentry in Antarctica and Greenland, how to make the trades more inclusive, and the appeal of being challenged every day.

In this special episode of the FHB Podcast, Patrick talks to Pella Product Manager Bryan Warring about the benefits of fiberglass windows and doors, how to get reliable installations, and what we can expect for the future of fiberglass fenestration.

Rob, Patrick, and Kiley hear from listeners about TikTok, LED lights, and Houston geography before taking questions about sealing a leaky chimney, improving the efficiency of a big old house, and fixing a hole where the rain gets in.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Mark Petersen talks with Paul Mackie (aka Mr. Cedar), a cedar specialist with the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association.

Brian, Mark, and Patrick hear from listeners about radon and Bay Area weather, before taking questions about wet basements, reflective paint, and leaky window openings.

In this episode, Rob talks to Justin Fink about leaving his reliable office job—with its steady paycheck—and forging out on his own to start a remodeling company that works on historic homes in and around central Connecticut. Justin never stopped swinging the hammer during all his years as an editor, and this move was a long time coming. Justin and Rob talk about how Justin first got into the trades, and how he ended up where he is today.

Patrick talks to former Alaska-based home builder Tom Bodett about being a builder and helping to start HatchSpace, a woodworking shop, teaching space, and gallery.

Patrick and Rob Wotzak head to the nation's heartland to hear about what's happening with high-performance building in the Midwest.

In this episode, Mark and Jim discuss the history of the advancements in residential glass technology, the benefits of low-e coatings, the difference between argon and krypton, and all things residential glass related.

Mark, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about design software and Gold Medallion homes before taking listener questions on using greywater systems, ventilating a damp house, and protecting foundation insulation.

In this episode, Patrick and Rob talk about running a contracting business, managing client expectations, and the challenges of finding skilled help.

Mark, Rob, and Patrick hear from listeners about sawdust stoves and owner-builders before taking listener questions about choosing a wall assembly, cooling a historic cabin, and building on masonry piers.

Patrick talks to solar-energy-system designer and former installer George Hart about the opportunities in the solar-energy industry, how advances will shape the technology, and what a renewable-energy-powered economy will look like.

Brian, Mark and Patrick hear from listeners about shop teachers and tape for poly sheeting, before taking listener questions on the right roof for a future PV array, controlling radon, and improving the efficiency of a Bay Area house.

In this Pro-Talk podcast Patrick talks to J.T. Rieves about how home centers can answer the needs of trade professionals, why two nearby stores have different inventory, and do home centers have different products than supply houses?

Mark, Rob, and Patrick hear from listeners about home battery systems and tented tile before taking listener questions about rotted porches, slippery steps, and building partitions on top of laminate flooring.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Fine Homebuilding's newest senior editor, Mark Petersen about construction, journalism, and the joys and trials of building your own house.

Brian, Rob, and Patrick hear from listeners about design software and structure fires before taking questions on installing siding before windows, safety gear for kids, and cooling a hot second floor.

In this sponsored episode of the FHB podcast, Patrick talks to Pella Product Manager Travis Eisenbarth about wood windows, improvements in glazing, customization options, and delivering on customer expectations.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Massachusetts-based Work-Clothing Makers Josh Walker and Ted De Innocentis about the challenges of making garments in the United States and the value of well-made workwear.

Colin, Rob, and Patrick hear from listeners about FHB podcast questions and window condensation before taking listener questions about polished concrete, failed tile, and canned spray foam.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to his now-retired junior high shop teacher about the value of hands-on education and what can be done to reverse the skilled-trade gap.

Brian, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about pool lights, guardrail-post connections, and adding exterior insulation before answering questions about whole-house batteries and design software.

Anna describes how a shared passion for building homes to Passive House standards and the meticulous nature of the process helped her and other members of her crew learn to be the excellent builders they are today.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to home inspector Paul Barraza about what makes a good home inspector, the difference between home inspectors and code officials, and how home inspections can be a good second career for former tradespeople.

In this sponsored episode of the FHB podcast, Patrick talks to Jenn Tuetken, Senior Manager of Innovation and Design, and Nicole Willits, Product Marketing Specialist, at Pella about industrial design, window trends and innovations, and finding inspiration.

Matt, Kiley, Brian, Rob, Jeff, and Patrick hear from listeners about exterior foam and septic systems before taking questions on including exterior insulation in a new build, avoiding metal connectors, and refinishing cabinets.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to engineer Cameron Prince about the future of HVAC, seeing things from an engineer's perspective, and how to make your heating and cooling equipment last a long time.

In this week's special anniversary episode, regular listener and professional builder Mason Lord interviews longtime FHB contributor and Taunton Press book author Gary Katz.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Australian builder Jason Economos about the differences between Australian and North American building, universal challenges to building homes, and what's up with spec builds.

Kiley, Rob, and Patrick hear from listeners about heat-pump water heaters and expensive homes before taking questions on preventing wet windows, sealing a crawlspace, and improving the livability and efficiency of an existing house.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick and Mark talk about growing up working on houses, what residential construction can learn from bigger projects, and how to make home HVAC better.

Rob, Colin, and Patrick hear from listeners about rainbow pigments and bargain power tools before taking listener questions about exterior paint jobs, crawlspace ventilation fans, and calculating the length of basement lally columns.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to smart-home system designers Aaron Stallings and Michael Oh about how to integrate smart-home technology in both new builds and retrofits, choosing the right gear, and what home technology can do for you.

Brian, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about rainbow shingles and log homes before taking listener questions about adding overhangs, repairing wood trim, and roof insulation ratings. They also hear from home builders in Australia.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to longtime Washington, DC-area remodeler Mike Patterson about how to find good projects and clients, trusting your intuition, and the basics of business.

Brian, Rob, and Patrick hear from listeners about FHB Anniversary interviews and hated home features before taking listener questions about raising a ceiling, fastening to concrete, and air-sealing versus insulating.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Aaron Cash, president of Garage Living Franchise Systems about how a franchise business works, opportunities for making garages more livable, and how one goes from business school to running a garage construction company.

Hear highlights from past episodes of the podcast in this compilation of some of our favorite discussions and listener questions.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Jacob Racusin about New Frameworks's unusual business model, expanding the market for natural building, and how somebody just decides to start building with straw.

Kiley, Matt, and Patrick hear from listeners about tarps and building-science texts before taking listener questions on insulating garage doors, staining cedar shingles, and improving the performance of an uninsulated slab.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Jacob Racusin, Director of Building Science and Sustainability at New Frameworks in Burlington, Vt. about New Frameworks's unusual business model, expanding the market for natural building, and how somebody just decides to start building with straw.

Rob, Brian, and Patrick hear from listeners about long lead times and proper tarping before answering questions on HVAC air distribution, installing and flashing deck ledgers with stucco siding, and fixing butchered floor framing.

In this Pro-Talk podcast Patrick talks to Austin, Texas, Architect Peter Pfeiffer about building in hot climates, how to spot problem clients, and doing research on your own house.

Rob, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about spiral duct and stucco walls before taking questions on exposed exterior headers, insulating Mansard roofs, installing hardwood flooring, and blending indoor and outdoor spaces.

Host Rob Yagid suggests that John's worker-owned cooperative, which equally values people, the planet, and the bottom line, is a model for what architecture and construction firms could and should be.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to rating field inspector Noah Lawrence of Building Efficiency Resources (BER) about helping HERS raters, navigating a new utility grid, and what it's like living in a tiny house.