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 ...
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#689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper
49:20
49:20
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49:20Greg 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 t…
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#688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
46:12
46:12
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46:12Steve 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 p…
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#687: Flat roofs, Spray Foam vs. Loose-Fill Insulation, and Building Cabinets
49:29
49:29
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49:29Connor 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 ins…
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#686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
50:50
50:50
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50:50John 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 Ho…
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#685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotting Walls
52:06
52:06
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52:06Pel 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 Homebuild…
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#684: Masonry Heaters Whole-House Ventilation, Porch Flooring
42:29
42:29
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42:29Home 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 Wh…
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#683: Barndominiums, ERVs, and Radon Mitigation
49:13
49:13
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49:13Adam 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 …
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#682: Basement Flooring, Architectural Salvage, and HVAC Ducts
43:43
43:43
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43:43Steve 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 a…
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#681: Rotting Trim, Leaky Concrete Roof, and DIY Radiant Floor
46:02
46:02
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46:02Rob 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…
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#680: Knob and Tube Wiring, Vapor Movement, and Gutter Covers
46:17
46:17
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46:17Derek 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 pan…
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679: Steamy Storm Doors, New Fireplaces, and Basement Insulation
46:07
46:07
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46:07Matthew 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 F…
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#678: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 2
55:09
55:09
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55:09Experience 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 t…
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#677: Live from the Builders' Show-Part 1
1:02:18
1:02:18
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1:02:18Experience 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 t…
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#676: Drywall Sanders, Collapsing Foundations, and Post-Frame Posts
43:43
43:43
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43:43Special 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…
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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…
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#674: Trimming Out Stairs, Extension Jambs and Ground Gutters
47:15
47:15
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47:15John’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 be…
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#673: Energy Codes, Air-Sealing Between Floors, and Evaporative Cooling
41:46
41:46
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41:46Doug 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 whe…
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#672: Fixing Rot, Shower Panels, and Managing People
45:42
45:42
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45:42Ian 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 remod…
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#671: Stucco Problems, Peeling Plaster, and Basement Finishing
43:13
43:13
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43:13Kerry 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…
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#670: Fostering Trade Careers, Flashing Windows, Post-Frame Foundations
44:22
44:22
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44:22Rebecca 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 doe…
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#669: Seeing Heat loss, Detailing Behind Masonry, and Problem-Free Cathedral Ceilings
50:07
50:07
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50:07Mike 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 an…
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#668: Attic Insulation, DIY Manual J, and Attaching Extension Jambs
44:30
44:30
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44:30The 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 …
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#667: Old House Experts, Making More Headroom, and Productive Home Shops
47:03
47:03
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47:03Carol 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…
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#665: Rough Concrete, Good Workwear, and Framing a High-Performance House
48:11
48:11
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48:11The 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 …
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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…
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