The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

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.

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.