In this Pro-Talk podcast, FHB Contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Dan Purnell, production manager at Alloy Workshop, about working with in-house architects, building architecturally driven projects, and having a career background from outside the construction industry.
Feb 21, 2023•37 min•Ep. 540
The crew hears from listeners about LED lights and DIY solar before taking questions about seasonal movement of softwood flooring, tightening an 1850s house, and a permanent-wood foundation for a new build.
Feb 17, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 539
In this Pro-Talk podcast FHB Contributor Ian Schwandt talks to painting contractor Luke DiBlasi, of DiBlasi Painting, about high end paint finishes, operating a family business, and the importance of prep work and employee training.
Feb 14, 2023•51 min•Ep. 538
The crew hears from listeners about Vancouver Special houses and wind-blown trash before taking questions about a bowed foundation wall, air-sealing and insulating a new shop, and fixing a door jamb with Bondo.
Feb 10, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 537
Patrick talks to Justin Czok, an electrical engineer who helped develop cordless power tools for Milwaukee about cordless power tools, tool batteries, and how engineers see the world.
Feb 07, 2023•42 min•Ep. 536
The crew hears about extra time for DIY and minivans for work before taking questions about boosting the comfort and efficiency of Cape houses and fixing a spalling foundation.
Feb 03, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 535
In this Pro-Talk podcast, FHB contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Steve Inch, Director of Build at TriVistaUSA, about working on homes in the nation’s capital, managing teams, and working with in-house designers.
Jan 31, 2023•35 min•Ep. 534
The crew hear from listeners about good construction screws and Chicago building codes before taking questions about improving a row house and fixing tile substrates.
Jan 27, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 533
In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to structural engineer Stephen MacDougall about building collapses, how engineers are made, and what engineers look for when house shopping.
Jan 24, 2023•47 min•Ep. 532
The crew hears about carbon and workwear for women before taking questions about repairing asphalt felt, vent terminations, and demolition by neglect.
Jan 20, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 531
Ian and Phillip discuss technical college programs in carpentry and architecture, learning on the job, and why you should give a career in the building trades a chance.
Jan 17, 2023•33 min•Ep. 530
The crew hear from listeners about cold-weather gear and smart watches before taking questions about warming a cold house, using galvanized fasteners with aluminum flashing, and siding over board sheathing.
Jan 13, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 529
FHB Contributor Ian Schwandt and Scott Fridrych, Director of Construction at LivCo in Chicago, discuss how a remodeling company can provide a higher level of customer service to their clients and how managing a remodeling company compares to production home building.
Jan 10, 2023•37 min•Ep. 528
The crew hear from listeners about codes and tube skylights, before taking questions about significantly-sloped decks, masonry-filled stud bays and installing skylights in a cathedral ceiling.
Jan 06, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 527
In this Pro-Talk podcast, FHB contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Victoria Downing, president of Remodeler’s Advantage, about understanding business financials and the importance of learning from your peers.
Jan 03, 2023•39 min•Ep. 526
The crew answers questions about affordable new-house builds, AI in construction, and trade school education. Brendan shows us a house where all the framing is visible on cold mornings. Justin explains power tool batteries. Doug Horgan has thoughts on fireplace doors and roofs.
Dec 30, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 525
In this Pro-Talk podcast, FHB Contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Candice Rania, Design Department Manager at Leff Design Build, about moving into management roles, using the EOS model, and managing creative people.
Dec 27, 2022•41 min•Ep. 524
The crew hear from listeners about DIY foam outsulation and chemical sensitivity before taking questions about digital shower valves, wonky concrete floors, and insulating stem walls.
Dec 23, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 523
In this Pro-Talk podcast FHB contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Heather Thompson and Mark Pollard, Owners of Juniper Design Build, about working on an island, high performance building and the design build process.
Dec 20, 2022•41 min•Ep. 522
The crew hear from listeners about insulation and getting kids into trade work before taking questions on bad rehabs, poor enforcement of airtightness rules and what’s the best low-slope roof.
Dec 16, 2022•54 min•Ep. 521
Patrick and Tyler talk about common construction defects, what contractors can do to prevent defect lawsuits, and what’s going on with the Millennium Tower.
Dec 13, 2022•36 min•Ep. 520
The crew hear from listeners about radon, termites and home workshops, before taking questions about finding a good designer, insulating paint, and fan-supplied fireplaces.
Dec 09, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 519
FHB Contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Chris Magwood, Director of Research at Builders for Climate Action, about tools for measuring the embodied carbon of building materials and how to build using carbon-storing materials.
Dec 06, 2022•35 min•Ep. 518
The crew hears about indoor-air quality and reclaiming flooring before taking questions about stair stringers, mudsill details, and building a concrete dome.
Dec 02, 2022•56 min•Ep. 517
In this Pro-Talk podcast, FHB contributor Ian Schwandt talks to lead carpenter Antonio Lama about being a lead carpenter with an economics degree, becoming interested in high-performance building, and career opportunities for tradespeople.
Nov 29, 2022•34 min•Ep. 516
Listen and laugh as the crew navigate the trials and tribulations of residential building, design, and remodeling in some of our favorite clips from episodes 155 to 200.
Nov 25, 2022•51 min•Ep. 515
Fine Homebuilding Contributor Ian Schwandt talks to carpentry-program graduate Leah Stargardter about the Madison College Remodeling Carpentry Program, working in urban environments, and construction workforce diversity.
Nov 22, 2022•40 min•Ep. 514
The crew hears from listeners about tilt-turn windows and roof sheathing before taking listener questions about trusses, rigid insulation on the roof, and spray foam.
Nov 18, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 513
Patrick talks to Spencer Pope of Bradford White, water-heater manufacturer, about making your water heater last longer, the breakdown of how Americans heat domestic hot water, and the strange calls that come into customer service.
Nov 15, 2022•37 min•Ep. 512
Mike, Ian, and Patrick hear from a listener about patience versus experience, before taking questions about tall windows, insulating stone foundations, and holding up cast-iron waste and vent stacks.
Nov 11, 2022•58 min•Ep. 511
