Senior editor Patrick McCombe is joined by Fine Homebuilding senior editor Brian Pontolilo, Fine Homebuilding contributing editor and production manager for TDS Custom Construction Ian Schwandt, and producer Andres Samaniego to discuss building, remodeling, design, and more. Tune in to Episode 660 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Deciding if fascia and rake trim need coil stock Insulating a basement ceiling When to seal pipe and electrical penetrations Have a question or top...
Nov 29, 2024•52 min
Architect Ian wonders what Mike thinks about Rhode Island’s continuing education for building professionals. Tim says heat pumps have evolved. Tom describes his shop for making custom storm doors and window sash. Carson asks if building science is a real discipline. Tune in to Episode 659 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Continuing education requirements for builders and designers Wall-mounted versus ceiling mounted minisplits Building science as a scientific discipline Have...
Nov 22, 2024•44 min
The FHB crew talks about hunting down noisy insect, the pros and cons of rubber and PVC roofs and insulating them without creating problems. They also discuss insulating and waterproofing stone foundations. Tune in to Episode 658 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: A simple method for catching indoor crickets Insulation strategies for EPDM and PVC membrane roofs How to install insulation on a stone foundation Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email...
Nov 15, 2024•39 min
Builders Mike Guertin and Ian Schwandt help the FHB Podcast answer complex questions about affordable new construction, proper compaction around new foundations, and how to deal with peeling paint on a mountainside masonry wall. Tune in to Episode 657 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Strategies for making new homes affordable Properly compacting backfill around a new foundation for a patio Water movement through masonry and controlling peeling paint Have a question or topic ...
Nov 08, 2024•44 min
Listeners share their home shop ideas. The crew answers questions about insulating above-grade basement walls and how to form and insulate the edges of a building slab. Tune in to Episode 656 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Tips and tricks for a productive home shop How to insulate basement walls with rigid insulation Edge insulation and form work for a thickened-edge slab Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com . ➡...
Nov 01, 2024•40 min
Brian, Ian and Patrick hear from listeners and answer building questions. Does it make sense to dehumidify under a basement subfloor? Do basement windows need a header? Tune in to Episode 655 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How engineers test structures Does active dehumidification of a basement subfloor make sense Do basement windows need a header 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...
Oct 25, 2024•45 min
The Podcast crew talk about the beauty and benefits of functional shutters. Matt shows us how to save wildlife from window wells. Richard explains how to improve attic air handlers and ductwork. Matt Millham shares his favorite lime wash recipe. Tune in to Episode 654 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Mike talks about how shutters protect homes from sun and storms Richard talks about the best way to run HVAC in unconditioned attics Matt explains how Ann Arbor is requiring hom...
Oct 18, 2024•41 min
Peri, who is having a disagreement with a coworker, asks the Podcast about insulating structural columns for an elevated deck. The FHB Podcast crew talks about getting kitchen design help from multiple designers. Peri asks if there's any reason to insulate hollow porch columns and address walls. Robert has been house shopping in the Bay Area and every real estate inspection indicates problem vapor barriers. Tune in to Episode 653 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Kitchen desi...
Oct 11, 2024•42 min
This week’s favorite question comes from Jim who asks on Fine Homebuilding’s forum if he can replace rotted pressure-treated decking or does he have to rebuild the whole deck. The FHB Podcast crew talks about cross-compatibility of power tool batteries. Contractor Evan in Dallas is asking how to replace moldy sheathing behind brick without removing the brick. The crew offers their best suggestions and discuss the importance of managing vapor drive behind brick or other reservoir claddings. Tune ...
Oct 04, 2024•40 min
The Podcast question of the week comes from Chris, who asks about the best way to install inset windows so they're easy to replace when the time comes. We also hear from Superspeeder on YouTube who wants more details on Ian's Pretty Good House. Finally, Matthew asks if you need an air barrier behind board ceilings and wall paneling. Tune in to Episode 651 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: What makes a Pretty Good House The basics on inset window installations Cool ideas for a...
Sep 27, 2024•45 min
The Podcast question of the week comes from Tyler, who is building a bridge from native lumber over his hogs. We also hear from Dan Kolbert of Kolbert Building and coauthor of Pretty Good House. Dan shares thoughts on sustainable building. Finally, Matthew asks if you need an air barrier behind board ceiling and wall paneling. Tune in to Episode 650 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The importance of drywall or another air barrier behind tongue-and-groove boards How to build ...
Sep 20, 2024•50 min
Listeners write in about trade work and deck longevity and ask questions about sealing crawlspaces, transitions where masonry meets framing, and vented attics with AC ductwork.
Sep 13, 2024•50 min
Listeners write in about English spray foam and wonky doors and ask questions about vent-free dryers, retaining walls, and home energy use.
Sep 06, 2024•48 min
Listeners write in about opera and keeping young by building and ask questions about leaky light fixtures, porch conversions, and installing wood siding.
Aug 30, 2024•43 min
Listeners write in about building on a mesas and their experience with pin foundations and ask questions about a missing band joist, sustainable building, and bath ventilation
Aug 23, 2024•46 min
Listeners write in about condensing dryers, giant gears, and saggy doors. They ask questions about chimney safety, longevity of black windows, and rot-resistant assemblies.
Aug 16, 2024•44 min
Listeners write in about changing careers and organizing volunteer builders and ask questions about high humidity, underfloor cooling, and removing ceiling texture.
Aug 09, 2024•50 min
Listeners write in about tightening a Cape and ask questions about roof insulation, budget busters and how much designer is enough for a basic kitchen remodel.
Aug 02, 2024•54 min
Listeners write in about insulating attics, foundations for additions, and dodgy electrical devices. They ask questions about truss uplift, wet ceilings and siding a second time.
Jul 26, 2024•49 min
In this best-of episode the FHBcrew discuss windows that open onto decks, keeping kitchen remodels affordable, painting stucco, and more.
Jul 19, 2024•47 min
Listeners write in about kiln-dried pressure treated lumber and bad deck details. They ask questions about conditioning a shop, installing hardwood, and building a pretty good house.
Jul 12, 2024•1 hr
Listeners write in about water treatment, masonry heaters, and leak detectors. They ask questions about finding builders for high-performance homes, foundation insulation, and foundation settlement.
Jul 05, 2024•53 min
Listeners write in about changing careers, rain screen raised beds, and introducing people to trade work. They ask questions about buying a moldy house, choosing construction as a career, and building on a sandstone mesa.
Jun 28, 2024•54 min
A conversation with Bill Grande , Vice President: Codes, Standards and Compliance at electrical device manufacturer Leviton.
Jun 21, 2024•48 min
Listeners write in about wonky doors and hacking water heaters and ask questions about insulating a four square’s attic, adding on to an existing foundation, and deck construction.
Jun 14, 2024•59 min
Listeners write in about keeping pipes from freezing, and wood species for porch railings. They ask questions about tongue-and-groove siding, mass timber construction, and moldy minisplits.
Jun 07, 2024•51 min
Listeners write in about endangered overhangs, mass timber, and DIY sawmills. They ask questions about opening windows in a Pretty Good House, insulating 2x6 rafters, and insulating trusses.
May 31, 2024•53 min
Listeners write in about skinny houses, green-building upgrades, and leak detectors. They ask questions about flashing windows, protecting footings from frost, and back-to-basics home builds.
May 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Listeners write in about landscape lighting, airsealing porch ceilings, and foregoing inspections, and ask questions about DIY dense-pack insulation, fixing a wonky door, and detailing envelope penetrations.
May 17, 2024•58 min
Listeners write in about ADUs, data-hogging washers, and foregoing inspections. They ask questions about replacing functioning HVAC systems, reinforcement for footings, and repairing a garage built on fill.
May 10, 2024•1 hr 7 min
