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 bud...
Aug 11, 2025•19 min•Ep. 15
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.
Aug 04, 2025•20 min•Ep. 14
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 24 and 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 del...
Jul 28, 2025•22 min•Ep. 13
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 explo...
Jul 21, 2025•19 min•Ep. 12
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 ...
Jul 14, 2025•21 min•Ep. 11
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. The...
Jul 07, 2025•21 min•Ep. 10
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, ...
Jun 30, 2025•20 min•Ep. 9
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.
Jun 23, 2025•19 min•Ep. 8
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 storytel...
Jun 16, 2025•17 min•Ep. 7
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 construc...
Jun 09, 2025•18 min•Ep. 6
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 ...
Jun 02, 2025•17 min•Ep. 5
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 im...
May 26, 2025•18 min•Ep. 4
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 outcom...
May 20, 2025•14 min•Ep. 3
Summary In 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.
May 12, 2025•16 min•Ep. 2
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 orde...
May 04, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1
