On this episode of All About Home Construction, we’re talking about two popular (and very different) materials used to build retaining walls and fight erosion: gabion walls and recycled railroad ties.

We’ll break down:

• What gabion walls are and why they’re a smart, modern solution for drainage and slope control

• How to build a gabion wall, what materials you’ll need, and where they work best

• The pros and cons of using recycled railroad ties in your landscape

• Why creosote-treated wood may pose health and environmental concerns

• Safer alternatives for retaining walls that still look great and perform well

Whether you’re trying to tame a hillside, stop soil erosion, or just want a unique aesthetic in your yard, this episode will help you choose the right material for the job—and avoid costly mistakes.

Today we picked up where we left off last show!

You've heard about the efficiency and economic benefits of barndominiums – they're a hot topic for a reason! Now, let's get specific. In this episode, we're taking those "mountain dreams" of a unique barndo home and diving deep into the "realities" of building one right here in Boone and the NC Mountains. We'll uncover the specific pros and cons of constructing these homes in our high country environment, from navigating challenging terrain and local building codes to securing financing that understands non-traditional builds. Get the inside scoop on what it really takes to make your barndominium dream a reality in the Blue Ridge.

Randy's grandkids come on this morning's show!

Tune in for our re-play of a Memorial Day special!

On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we dive into why a house designed for the coast just doesn’t work in the mountains. From snow loads to seismic zones, and from flood risks to frozen ground, the building codes and methods change dramatically based on location. We break down the key differences in roofing, materials, foundations, and inspections.

This discussion was inspired by Randy, who recently bid on a job using coastal plans that hadn’t been adapted for our mountain region. Don’t make the same mistake—tune in to learn why local knowledge and code compliance matter more than ever.

Today's show discuses the ins and outs of roofing underlayments!

On this episode of All About Home Construction, we’re diving into some of the most common — and critical — issues homeowners face. We cover what you need to know about roof repairs, which jobs legally require a building permit, and how to deal with mold safely and effectively. We also take a look at fixing foundation problems and discuss practical steps to bring an older home up to modern building codes. Whether you're planning a DIY project or hiring a pro, this episode is packed with essential info to help you do it right and stay safe.

In this episode of All About Home Construction, we’re diving into the world of wood! From softwoods to hardwoods, we explore the Janka hardness scale and what it really means when choosing lumber for your next project. Whether you're framing a house, building custom furniture, or installing flooring, the type of wood you choose makes a big difference. We break down popular species like oak, maple, pine, cedar, and more—discussing their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications. Tune in to get the grain on what wood works best where!

On today’s episode of All About Home Construction, we’re joined by Brian Marbet from New River Hardwoods. Brian shares insights into the hardwood lumber industry, from sustainable forestry practices to the milling process and the role of quality hardwoods in home building. We dive into the company’s roots here in the High Country, their commitment to craftsmanship, and what sets Appalachian hardwoods apart. Whether you're a contractor, woodworker, or just love the smell of fresh-cut lumber, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!