Ryan describes living with a ground-source heat pump. Zack says there are better options than bronze for weatherstripping. David asks about replacing his vinyl siding and fixing a slab that slopes the wrong way. Jeff wonders why house have pitched roof and commercial building have flat roofs. Ian, Brian and Patrick discuss what’s new in Fine Homebuilding and Podcast feedback before answering listener questions. Tune in to Episode 691 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Ground s...
Jun 27, 2025•50 min
Dack says build a fireplace and enjoy it. Chip asks about the best ways to sharpen chisels. Kit wonders if there’s a way to easily change and upgrade wiring using existing baseboard. The crew talks about the pluses and drawbacks of cedar shingle panels Mike and Grant help Patrick answer listener questions and talk about the challenges to building and remodeling houses. Tune in to Episode 690 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Sharpening methods for planes and chisels Planning ...
Jun 20, 2025•52 min
Greg describes radon control system for a stone foundation. Ground water and radon expert Guy describes a typical radon-control system. Matt asks how to improve the airtightness of his basement garage. Alec asks about spot ERVs. The crew talks about recent changes to paint stripper formulas. Tune in to Episode 689 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Controlling radon in new and old houses Effective air-sealing and insulation for tuck-under garages Are safer paint strippers as e...
Jun 13, 2025•49 min
Steve describes the problems and fixes for masonry chimneys. Alex thinks his ridge vent is mistakenly blocked. Jordan and Katherine ask about buying fixer-uppers. Kerry wonders if he should flash a deck ledger with a drainage space. Brain and Ian help Patrick answer listener questions about vapor retarders under ridge vents, potential profits and pitfalls from fixer-uppers, and best practice for flashing ledgers spaced from the wall for drainage. Tune in to Episode 688 of the Fine Homebuilding P...
Jun 06, 2025•46 min
Connor shares his final blower door numbers. Ryan has an FHB Project Guide idea. Josh wonders about the right roof for his Queen’s row house. Jim says prospective contractors all want to use spray foam. Patrick asks about building your own cabinets. Grant, Ian and Patrick talk about the challenges of roof work in a busy city, choosing the right insulation for new builds and the challenges and payoff of building your own kitchen cabinets and built-ins. Tune in to Episode 687 of the Fine Homebuild...
May 30, 2025•49 min
John reminds the Podcast that not too long ago FHB magazine commonly had fireplace ads. Michael thinks bionic arms can help with drywall sanding. Austin asks for advice on building brick steps. Alex wonders if a ground-source heat pump is right for his new house. George asks about a foundation for a greenhouse. Tune in to Episode 686 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Will forgoing a fireplace sacrifice marital bliss Where you can learn more about brick steps in FHB The pros a...
May 23, 2025•51 min
Pel says shares a NY Times story describing the challenges of being a legit contractor. Eric asks how to fix the drywall above his shower unit. Chris wonders if there’s an easy way to add an air barrier above his tongue-and-groove ceiling. Mike is trying to fix a wall rotted by a patio poured against it. Tune in to Episode 685 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How to patch drywall subject to wetting Stopping air movement through a paneled ceiling Hot to fix a wall that with c...
May 16, 2025•52 min
Home ventilation systems and respect for old houses is the focus of conversation in this information-packed episode. The team talks about masonry heaters, ductwork for an ERV, and the absence of the perfect porch flooring. Tune in to Episode 684 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: What is a masonry heater and why you'd want one Whole-house ventilation and the risk of poor indoor air-quality The right material for porch flooring Have a question or topic you want us to talk about...
May 09, 2025•42 min
Adam says scouting is introducing young people to trade work. Ian, Grant, and Patrick talk about cooling and preventing radon in a barndominum. Spenser asks if he needs an ERV. Tune in to Episode 683 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Making a big building comfortable and radon-free The challenges of hydronic cooling When do you need an ERV and HVAC planning Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com . ➡️ Check Out the Fu...
May 02, 2025•49 min
Steve has photos of tree roots that broke up a concrete slab. Ian, Grant and Patrick talk about Nate’s basement flooring and vapor control. Zachary shows the architectural treasures he found at salvage shops. Nick asks if a well-sealed crawlspace can distribute conditioned air. Tune in to Episode 682 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Sensible options for basement flooring Treasures found at architectural salvage shops Effective HVAC distribution and efficient heating and cool...
Apr 25, 2025•44 min
Rob tells new builders not to fall for tool marketing from retailers. Charles describes rebuilding after wildfire. Matt asks about fixing rot and oddly-placed WRBs. Kurt’s garage roof is leaking. Scott is replacing his basement slab and adding in-floor heat. Tune in to Episode 681 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Fixing a house with a missing water-resistive barrier (WRB) Domed concrete roofs and how to make them waterproof Replacing a concrete floor in an existing basement ...
Apr 18, 2025•46 min
Derek shares thoughts on waterproofing shower panels. Kerry has favorite corded and cordless tools. Matt asks if knob and tube wiring is safe. Neils is wrapping his head around air leaks and vapor diffusion. Dale asks why Grant hates gutter covers. Tune in to Episode 680 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Making custom shower panels watertight What to do when you find knob and tube wiring Do gutter covers cause more problems than they solve Have a question or topic you want us...
Apr 11, 2025•46 min
Matthew says Vermont is like the Wild West. Jerry has photos of the greediest dormer ever. Kevin shares a story about schools bringing back shop class. Russell asks about his wet storm doors. Alex and Jeff ponder fireplaces in their new builds. Jason wonders if he should remove the insulation in his basement ceiling. Tune in to Episode 679 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Why condensation occurs on door and window glass Why fireplaces are a bad idea for heating The right pla...
Apr 04, 2025•46 min
Experience the best of the International Builders' Show with the FHB Podcast. Recorded live at the Construction Performance Zone with the BS and Beer crew, the Podcast discusses new products and trends, how to get the most out of the show and fun things to see and do at the nation's biggest residential construction show. Tune in to Episode 678 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Cool things to see at the Builders' Show The importance of effectively managing air and water Making...
Mar 28, 2025•55 min
Experience the best of the International Builders' Show with the FHB Podcast. Recorded live at the Construction Performance Zone with the BS and Beer crew, the Podcast discusses new products and trends, how to get the most out of the show and fun things to see and do at the nation's biggest residential construction show. Tune in to Episode 677 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Cool things to see at the Builders' Show How to stay infomed of building best-practice New design tr...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Special guests Randy Williams and Travis Brungardt answer listener questions and talk about their construction business and new projects with FHB and GBA. Tune in to Episode 676 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Why you might want a drywall sander How to fix a failed foundation in an Adirondack cabin The best way to detail posts for a post-frame building Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com . ➡️ Check Out the Full ...
Mar 14, 2025•44 min
The FHB Podcast dedicates an entire episode to tools. The crew talks about the pluses and downsides of cordless nailers, buying cordless versions of corded tools you already have and problem-solving and must-have hand tools. Tune in to Episode 675 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The best and most-useful cordless nailers Buying cordless tools to replace corded versions Secret-weapon hand tools for better and faster work Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on t...
Mar 07, 2025•47 min
John’s stairs lack a skirt. Ben has questions about switching to ground gutters. Wyatt wonders what new tools he needs. Listener input makes for lively discussions on load calcs and jamb extensions. Tune in to Episode 674 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Adding a stair skirt board after the treads and risers are in place The best way to install extension jambs on windows Eliminating gutters on roofs and details for ground gutters Have a question or topic you want us to talk ...
Feb 28, 2025•47 min
Doug wonders if the drywall sanders in the upcoming FHB feature reach tall ceilings. Jason thinks Vermont’s legislature is making a mistake on exterior insulation requirements. James shares a good reason why internet-provider cable should be in conduit. Larry asks how to insulate and air-seal between his first and second floor. Cory is weighing whether to fix his swamp cooler or abandon it. Tune in to Episode 673 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Risks and benefits of exterio...
Feb 21, 2025•42 min
Ian and Grant share photos of rotted walls found during remodeling. Patrick asks for good building news. Anne wonders who can install the custom shower panels in her new bath. The crew talks about preventing people problems when building houses. Tune in to Episode 672 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Fixing found rot when remodeling Installing composite shower panels Preventing problems when 80 people are involved in a build Have a question or topic you want us to talk about...
Feb 14, 2025•46 min
Kerry has a cautionary tale. Patrick asks listeners about tamper-resistant electrical receptacles. Alex inquires about best-practice basement finishing. Ryan’s chimney keeps popping off plaster. Tune in to Episode 671 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Avoiding a moldy mess behind stucco The right way to finish basement walls for vapor control Water movement through masonry chimneys and plaster Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodc...
Feb 07, 2025•43 min
Rebecca wonders if her window flashing is correct and how homeowners know they’re getting good trade work. New FHB editor Grant asks about how to get post-frame posts out of the ground. Tune in to Episode 670 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Starting a SPARK event in your community What is the right way to flash windows and does anyone bother? Building a long-lasting post-frame building. Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@t...
Jan 31, 2025•44 min•Ep. 670
Mike Guertin, Grant and Patrick hear about replacing windows in brick veneer and the virtues of palm nailers before taking questions on insulation behind masonry without a WRB and how to insulate the roof of a three-season room. Tune in to Episode 669 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Using a thermal cameras to track down air and water leaks How to insulate a board-sheathed wall without a WRB A rot-proof cathedral ceiling Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on ...
Jan 24, 2025•50 min
The crew bats about ideas on insulating attic living space and offer opinions on fastening extension jambs. Kieth has a good suggestion for getting into the construction business and doing good work. Tune in to Episode 668 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Getting a good trade job Insulation in attic living spaces The best ways to fasten custom extension jambs Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com . ➡️ Check Out the...
Jan 17, 2025•45 min
Carol Ann says most contractors don’t understand old houses. Mike, Brian and Patrick talk about moving collar ties and making an efficient home shop. Tune in to Episode 667 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Finding a contractor who knows about old houses Adding headroom in attic living spaces Creating an effcient and useful home shop 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 Podca...
Jan 10, 2025•47 min
The crew hears a tale of hand-digging a deeper foundation and toss out ideas for fixing rough concrete, before discussing the perfect workwear. Tune in to Episode 665 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Solutions for a rough concrete slab The best for workwear in all seasons Framing energy- and resource-efficient buildings 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 665 ➡️ Lea...
Jan 03, 2025•48 min
In this best-of show the crew talks about pier foundations, shingle lifespan, training new carpenters, brick sidewalks, and rooftop decks. Tune in to Episode 665 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Foundations for a rustic cabin How to train apprentices The right way to waterproof a rooftop deck 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 665 ➡️ Learn about Framing High-Perfor...
Dec 27, 2024•41 min
Listeners write in about HVAC company consolidation and stains from supply lines and ask questions about Larsen trusses and insulating stucco houses. The crew talks about the benefits and challenges of Larsen trusses and gets an update on stains from copper water lines. How to safely insulate stucco houses. Tune in to Episode 663 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: What causes green stains from supply piping Can you use Larsen trusses to add racking resistance Is it safe to ins...
Dec 20, 2024•45 min
Listeners offer theories explaining Brian’s possessed shower and suggest a book for Keeping Craft Alive. Brian, Mark, and Patrick discuss roof insulation and roof leaks. Tune in to Episode 662 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Why Brian’s showerhead drips when he fills the tub Venting cathedral ceilings with foam insulation Roof leaks where an addition meets the main house Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com . ➡️ ...
Dec 13, 2024•49 min
Richard shares his amazing home shop and break-down work bench. The crew talks about ways to accurately bend flashing without a brake and how to buy a used metal brake. Fireman and owner/builder Mike is considering a construction career. An anonymous listener thinks metal connectors often have the wrong nails. Mike, Ian and Patrick talk about decorative shingling, home internet services, and good reasons for an energy audit. Tune in to Episode 661 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more a...
Dec 06, 2024•45 min
