Explore every episode of the podcast The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #711: Training Ex-Military for Trade Work, Questioning Carbon, and Where's the Sheathing? | 14 Nov 2025 | 01:02:58 | |
Grant learns about military veterans joining the local construction workforce with help from the Department of Defense. Josh Salinger and Grant help Brian address listener feedback and questions. They also talk about Josh's new Fine Homebuilding course called A Homeowner's Guide to a Durable, Efficient, Comfortable Home.
Tune in to Episode 711 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 711 ➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership ➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media: Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen. | |||
| #710: Windows With Exterior Insulation, Double-Stud Walls, and Basement Remodeling | 07 Nov 2025 | 00:54:51 | |
Responding to an attendee who wants to share his experience at the Summit, Brian asks Ian and Randy what they liked about the event, and what they didn't. The crew shares their preferred details for installing windows in walls with continuous exterior insulation and opinions on insulating double-stud walls. We try to help a listener who is refinishing a basement that's been refinished before. Tune in to Episode 710 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 710 ➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership ➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media: Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen. | |||
| #701: Basement Waterproofing, Wet Floors and Indoor Humidity | 05 Sep 2025 | 00:55:02 | |
Patrick, Ian and Grant talk about 700 FHB Podcast episodes, before diving into discussions on the importance of basement waterproofing, how water gets in basements, solving problems with indoor humidity, and figuring out why Chris' cotton baseball caps feel damp.
Tune in to Episode 701 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 701 ➡️ Sign up for a Fine Homebuilding All-Access Membership ➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media: Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen | |||
| #610: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 6 | 15 Dec 2023 | 00:59:36 | |
The editors discuss widening an existing deck, modern timber-frame buildings, inexpensive building products, work vehicles, and installing a vented bath fan in this best-of compilation. | |||
| #609: Flashing a Metal Building, Energy Retrofits, and Siting a House | 08 Dec 2023 | 01:08:58 | |
Peter's DIY addition appears on Google Street View. Ed shares a chart of common house problems. A listener says ethernet cables are not for lighting. Evan asks for help flashing the bottom of a metal building. Listeners email about energy retrofits and siting new houses. | |||
| #608: Roofs with Self-adhered Membranes, Heating and Cooling Loads, and Introducing People to Trade Work | 01 Dec 2023 | 01:06:02 | |
The crew hears from listeners about protecting buried posts, hydronic HVAC, and building affordable houses. Discussion questions include small low-slope roofs, calculating heating and cooling loads, and encouraging the next generation of trade workers. | |||
| #607: Wood Foundations for Winter Builds, Adding Headroom, and Aeroseal for Leaky Ducts | 24 Nov 2023 | 01:03:53 | |
The crew hears from listeners about housewrap, replacing windows in brick openings, and managing heavy beams. Discussion questions include wood foundations, raising a ceiling in a ranch, and sealing up panned joist returns. | |||
| #606: Foam Slabs, Gaps in Click Flooring, and Board-and-Batten Rainscreens | 17 Nov 2023 | 01:01:00 | |
The crew hears from listeners about tight-fitting batt insulation, integrating HVAC equipment, and housing affordability. Discussion questions include foam insulation instead of a concrete slab, closing gaps in laminate flooring, and rainscreens under board siding. | |||
| #605: Buying Rental Property, Venting an Attic in a Triplex, and Bonfig Brick Walls | 10 Nov 2023 | 01:01:11 | |
The crew hears from listeners about stair design, broken tool batteries, and toilets from the box store. Discussion questions include buying rental property, attic venting, and modified Bonfig walls. | |||
| #604: Conversation and Questions with Engineer Marc Rosenbaum | 03 Nov 2023 | 01:02:10 | |
Consulting engineer and self-described compulsive measurer Marc Rosenbaum talks to Brian and Patrick about improving the comfort and efficiency of residential buildings. | |||
| #603: Flashing Masonry Openings, Protecting Fence Posts, and Making Hot Water | 27 Oct 2023 | 01:03:54 | |
The crew hears from listeners about ceramic paint, prefinished siding, and tiny houses in Texas. Discussion questions include flashing windows in masonry walls, protecting buried fence posts from rot, and using boilers for domestic hot water. | |||
| #602: Customer Communication, Foundation Insulation, and Competent HVAC Design | 20 Oct 2023 | 01:00:20 | |
The crew hears from listeners about EV charging, aging in place, and dowsing. Discussion questions include customer communication, covering exposed foundation insulation, and HVAC design. | |||
| #601: Envelope Leaks, Rebuilding a Cabin, and Adding Water to Hydronic Heat | 13 Oct 2023 | 01:02:17 | |
The crew hears from listeners about ICFs, remodeling a small kitchen, and affordable net-zero and then takes questions on rebuilding a cabin, leaks from wind-driven rain, and refilling hydronic heating systems. | |||
| #700: Best of FHB Podcast, Volume 9 | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:44:52 | |
In this best-of show the crew talks about bulkhead doors, metal roofing over SIPS, rebuilding Notre Dame, sealing mudsills, and insulating sloped ceilings. Tune in to Episode 700 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com. Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 700 ➡️ Learn about Framing High-Performance Houses by Dan Kolbert, the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding ➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media: Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen
| |||
| #600: Humidity Control, Pergola Footing, and Primer for New Drywall | 06 Oct 2023 | 01:01:11 | |
Nic and Carson have thoughts on LEDs. Phil asks about self-stick underlayment on Zip System roof sheathing. Buzz wants to add a shade structure over his paver patio. Knot Painter asks about priming new drywall. Mark is trying to lower his home's humidity. | |||
| #599: Trees Moving Buildings, Epic Thermal Bypasses, and Supplemental Dehumidification | 29 Sep 2023 | 01:00:54 | |
The crew hears from listeners about gas stoves, screw-pile lighthouses, and LEDs. Discussion questions include roots lifting a garage, leaky porch ceilings, and central dehumidifiers. | |||
| #598: Stone Foundations, Failing Stucco, and Comfortable Garages | 22 Sep 2023 | 01:02:09 | |
The crew hears from listeners about WRBs, Brian's porch piers, and hidden costs of construction. Discussion questions include tightening a stone foundation, stucco on straw bales, and low-buck energy upgrades. | |||
| #597: Fish-Mouthed Sheathing Tape, Window Installation, and Flashing a Bay Window | 15 Sep 2023 | 01:02:29 | |
The crew hears from listeners about manufactured houses and DIY lighting with LEDs. Discussion questions include unstuck flashing tape, sealing the bottom of new windows, and EV chargers. | |||
| #596: Broken Trusses, Frost-Protected Foundations, and Air-Control Methods | 08 Sep 2023 | 01:01:56 | |
The crew hears from listeners about affordable net-zero, roofing underlayment, and garage separation. Discussion questions include fixing trusses, frost-protected foundations, and air-control strategies. | |||
| #595: Raised Floor Systems, Carriage House Conversion, and LED Strip Lighting | 01 Sep 2023 | 00:58:01 | |
Listeners share thoughts on condensate drains, fake shutters, and silicosis. The crew takes questions on insulating a floor system, converting a former storage building to living space, and how to use LED strip lighting. | |||
| #594: PRO TALK with Contractor Andy Steele and Student Jude Griffin | 29 Aug 2023 | 00:37:35 | |
In the final episode of Pro Talk, Ian, Andy, and Jude talk about engaging with young adults to foster an interest in the building trades from the perspectives of the contractor and of the apprentice. | |||
| #593: Steamy Bedrooms, Windows and WRBs, and Weird Weatherstripping | 25 Aug 2023 | 00:58:47 | |
The crew hears from listeners about sound attenuation, plumbing, and LED lighting. Discussion questions include high-humidity spaces, best building practices, and garage-door weatherstripping. | |||
| #592: PRO TALK With Insurance Adjuster Josh Zoller | 22 Aug 2023 | 00:39:19 | |
Ian and Josh talk about managing risk in the built environment and how Josh's vocation as an insurance adjuster has influenced the design of the home he is building for his family. | |||
| #591: Tightening a Shop, Dealing with Popcorn Ceilings, and Problems with Modular Homes | 18 Aug 2023 | 00:58:39 | |
Listeners share their thoughts on storm shutters, LED light solutions, ERVs vs. HRVs, and contractor licensing. The crew takes questions on writing good contracts, testing DWV systems, and common problems with modular homes. | |||
| #699: Electrify Everything, Big Interior Doors, and Straw Bale Construction | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:45:34 | |
Patrick, Randy and Ian have a heated discussion about fire safety, including how to wire heat detectors. Scott wonders if an all-electric home is less resilient than one heated with fossil fuels or wood. Pia asks about using big doors to separate living spaces in a new build. Scott might be timber-framing a strawbale house and he wonders what the Podcast thinks about strawbale construction.
Tune in to Episode 699 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 699 ➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Summit ➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media: Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen. | |||
| #590: PRO TALK With Operating Engineer Trainer John Klabacka | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:40:50 | |
Ian talks to John Klabacka of Associated Training Services in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin about training the next generation of crane and heavy-equipment operators, and jobsite safety. | |||
| #589: Metal-Roof Upgrade, Attic Conversions, and Construction Trade Shows | 11 Aug 2023 | 01:01:02 | |
Dan Kolbert shares his thoughts on cordless power tools and batteries. Jeff suggests curbside pickup. Chris shows us a good-looking drop ceiling. Bill is contemplating a roof and insulation upgrade. Evan is considering an attic-to-living-space conversion. Felix asks about pocket screws for framing. Wade wants to know which construction trade shows he should visit. | |||
| #588: PRO TALK With FHB House 2023 Builder Jon Beer | 08 Aug 2023 | 00:43:09 | |
Ian talks to builder and remodeler Jon Beer about building your own home as a construction professional and how to improve your business by defining processes and developing procedures. | |||
| #587: Net-Zero with $250k, Owner-Supplied Material, and Garage Separation Walls | 04 Aug 2023 | 01:00:40 | |
Peel-and-stick membrane, shallow frost-protected foundations, affordable net-zero, scavenged building products, and keeping garage pollutants out of the house. | |||
| #586: PRO TALK With Timber Framer Will Gusakov | 01 Aug 2023 | 00:38:42 | |
In this Pro-Talk podcast, Ian talks to Will Gusakov of Goosewing Timberworks about Will's work with Carpenters Without Borders, timber framing, and the solidarity economy. | |||
| #585: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 5 | 28 Jul 2023 | 00:53:44 | |
The editors discuss chimney airtightness, sealing end cuts, dormer additions, damp basements, and starting a construction business in this best-of compilation. | |||
| #584: PRO TALK With Consultants John Lenker and Assaf Arie, Part 2 | 25 Jul 2023 | 00:35:08 | |
In this ProTalk Podcast Ian continues his talk with business consultants John Lenker and Assaf Arie about how to overcome the challenges associated with growing a construction business. | |||
| #583: Dehumidification vs. Ventilation, Downsides of Advanced Framing, and Ducting Heat-Pump Water Heaters | 21 Jul 2023 | 00:57:28 | |
Gas stoves, tool batteries, material prices, controlling humidity in efficient homes, advanced framing, and ducted heat-pump water heaters. | |||
| #582: PRO TALK With Consultants John Lenker and Assaf Arie, Part 1 | 18 Jul 2023 | 00:29:39 | |
Ian, John and Assaf discuss the importance of marketing and management training for the success of a construction company. | |||
| #581: Van-to-RV Conversions, Window Shutters, and Highway Noise | 14 Jul 2023 | 01:00:15 | |
Ethan has thoughts on climbable railing and code. Ben and James question our conversation about washing machines. Neil needs to make comfy RVs. Ben notices bad shutters. Sam's apartment is too noisy. David shows us how heat pumps work. | |||
| #698: Price Volatility, Carbon Accounting, and Building Off-Grid | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:49:56 | |
Marc says it's tough to bid electrical work when copper wire prices change daily. Dan thinks we need to consider the carbon costs of every build. Andy asks for advice on building an energy efficient off-grid cabin. Jenna asks about finding conscientious contractors.
Grant, Mike and Patrick discuss listener feedback and questions about price volatility, finding a good roofer, and how to lower the energy demands on an off-grid house.
Tune in to Episode 698 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 698 ➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Summit ➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media: Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen. | |||
| #580: PRO TALK With Madison College Carpentry Student Jon Moore | 11 Jul 2023 | 00:32:03 | |
In this episode, Ian talks to Madison College carpentry student Jon Moore about changing career paths early in life and how formal education can be applied to the building trades. | |||
| #579: Wind-Resistant Framing, Screen Porch Conversions, and Kitchen Remodels | 07 Jul 2023 | 01:00:11 | |
Keeping craft alive, FHB and GBA combo memberships, stud-to-top-plate connectors, screen porch conversion, squaring mudsills, kitchen remodels, and moving plumbing. | |||
| #578: PRO TALK With Lighting Designer David Warfel | 04 Jul 2023 | 00:38:27 | |
Ian talks to David about new ways to think about lighting your spaces, when to hire a lighting designer and David gives some basic tips for better lighting in the home. | |||
| #577: Lap Siding Over Vertical Siding, Concrete-Free Slabs, and Expansion Tanks | 30 Jun 2023 | 01:00:22 | |
Jim reminds us to consider a deck's lateral loads. Evan shows us a more airtight garage-door system. Chris and Jeremy share their experience with bath-fan installation. Ted asks about installing lap siding over vertical siding. Jake is contemplating foundation options. James wonders if he really needs an expansion tank. | |||
| #576: PRO TALK With Project Manager Adrianna Gretz | 27 Jun 2023 | 00:32:08 | |
In this ProTalk Podcast, Ian talks to Adrianna Gretz, residential project manager at LEFF Design Build, about the similarities and differences between commercial and residential project management. | |||
| #575: Costs of Custom Homes, Damp-Spray vs. Dense-Pack Cellulose, and Contractor Licensing | 23 Jun 2023 | 01:00:42 | |
Improving the electric grid, tool batteries, making your own windows, value-engineering a new build, cellulose insulation, and contractor licensing. | |||
| #574: PRO TALK With Contractor Joe Garvilla | 20 Jun 2023 | 00:34:20 | |
In this ProTalk Podcast, Ian talks to contractor and educator Joe Garvilla about his experiences as an educator and builder, and the positive side of regulating contractors. | |||
| #573: Vibrating Washers, Rot Behind Deck Ledgers, and Tightening Vented Crawlspaces | 16 Jun 2023 | 00:58:23 | |
Soul-bashing work, spray-foam problems, floors for front-loading washers, attaching decks to cantilevered joists, and vented crawlspaces. | |||
| #572: PRO TALK With Project Manager Jeremy Hess, Part 2 | 13 Jun 2023 | 00:31:21 | |
Patrick talks to Jeremy Hess, project manager for C&Z Construction, about insurance work; installing helical piles on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska; and the time it takes to build your own house. | |||
| #571: Pooling on Flat Roofs, Irrigation Timers, and Single-Pane Windows | 09 Jun 2023 | 00:57:59 | |
Andy says beer helps keep craft alive. Evan suggests getting a good respirator. Adam and Hlynur are familiar with Icelandic heat pumps. Mark asks how to redo his flat roof. Pete needs a better irrigation timer. Will wants new windows. | |||
| #697: Sound Control, Insulating Shed Roofs, and Low-Yield Wells | 08 Aug 2025 | 00:47:04 | |
Ian and Randy help Patrick answer listener questions about building a quiet house and sound-control strategies for new and existing homes and then the Podcast revisits its roots discussing roof venting of low-slope shed roofs. Finally they talk about how to get more water from a low-yield well.
Tune in to Episode 697 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com.
➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 697 ➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Summit ➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media: Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen. | |||
| #570: PRO TALK With Project Manager Jeremy Hess, Part 1 | 06 Jun 2023 | 00:28:38 | |
Patrick talks to Jeremy Hess, project manager for C&Z Construction, about insurance work; installing helical piles on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska; and the time it takes to build your own house. | |||
| #569: Bath Fan Installs, Sunroom Trim, and Basement Control Layers | 02 Jun 2023 | 01:00:33 | |
Induction cooking, battery pack adapters, HVAC in the attic, bath fans, exterior trim, health benefits of fireplaces, and basement air- and water-management. | |||
| #568: PRO TALK With VPs of Product Development Tyson Apfelbeck and Andrew Lentz | 30 May 2023 | 00:46:14 | |
Ian, Tyson, and Andrew discuss how Milwaukee Tool is pushing the limits of cordless tools by designing and engineering batteries, motors, and onboard electronics that work together as a system. | |||