))
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast is all about answering YOUR construction, design, and building science questions. From foundation waterproofing to roof flashing, we take on your building, remodeling and design challenges with the know-how of North America’s most-trusted home building brand. -- Every Friday, we discuss listener questions and offer advice following best-practice building techniques and principles. We love hearing from you, so if you have a question or project you want us to dig ...
…
continue reading
A New Era of Homebuilding explores sustainable, high-performance design, innovative offsite construction, and groundbreaking practices that are transforming the homebuilding industry. Join co-hosts Alison Keay and Mark Hertzler as they interview industry experts and share insights from Unity Home’s extensive experience constructing ultra energy-efficient, high-performance homes. Unity is a brand of Bensonwood, with over 50 years of research and development in building superior homes for a wi ...
…
continue reading
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 u…
…
continue reading
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 Homebu…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 decor…
…
continue reading
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 abou…
…
continue reading
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: Contin…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 P…
…
continue reading
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 ins…
…
continue reading
In this episode, we dive into key design elements that make a home truly energy-efficient and sustainable. Mark and Alison are joined by guest Amanda Weglinski, Design Project Manager with the Bensonwood Design Group and key contributor to the recent launch of Bensonwood's OpenHome product offerings. Together they explore smart siting for natural s…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 shutte…
…
continue reading
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 ev…
…
continue reading
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…
…
continue reading
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 Epis…
…
continue reading
Welcome to the podcast! In this first episode, Alison Keay and Mark Hertzler dive into the rising importance of high-performance homes and offsite construction, exploring how certain innovations are reshaping the future of homebuilding across the U.S. Learn more about Unity Homes by visiting our website: unityhomes.com…
…
continue reading
Alison and Mark are joined by Beth Campbell, a contractor who teaches curriculum for the Passive House certification organization, Phius. Join them as they break down the most common certification and rating systems in construction, including LEED, Passive House, Energy Star, HERS, and more, exploring how each can potentially benefit homeowners. Le…
…
continue reading
Alison and Mark sit down with Jay Lepple, Production Officer at Bensonwood, to explore the key advantages of offsite construction. In this episode, they delve into the European roots that shaped offsite building practices in the U.S. and discuss some exciting innovations in the industry's future. Learn more about Bensonwood by visiting: https://ben…
…
continue reading
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 65…
…
continue reading
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.
…
continue reading
Listeners write in about English spray foam and wonky doors and ask questions about vent-free dryers, retaining walls, and home energy use.
…
continue reading
Listeners write in about opera and keeping young by building and ask questions about leaky light fixtures, porch conversions, and installing wood siding.
…
continue reading
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
…
continue reading
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.
…
continue reading
Listeners write in about changing careers and organizing volunteer builders and ask questions about high humidity, underfloor cooling, and removing ceiling texture.
…
continue reading
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.
…
continue reading
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.
…
continue reading
