In this episode of the Build Better Homes Podcast, Royal Mortier and John O’Shea introduce PLIRIS Forensics, a new division focused on investigating building failures, supporting litigation, and helping the industry prevent costly mistakes before they happen.

Drawing from real cases and decades of combined experience, they break down what construction forensics actually is and what it isn’t. From soil issues and structural failures to HVAC mistakes and misunderstood “leaks,” this episode shows how proper investigation can uncover the truth behind building performance problems.

They also explain how PLIRIS Forensics uses tools like drones, Matterport scanning, thermal imaging, and detailed modeling to deliver unbiased, accurate conclusions for builders, attorneys, and insurance carriers.

• What construction forensics really involves
• The role of expert witnesses in defect litigation
• Why unbiased analysis matters more than opinions
• The biggest causes of building failures (soil, moisture, HVAC, design gaps)
• How modern tech improves investigations
• Real-world case stories from the field
• Why PLIRIS launched a dedicated Forensics division
• How proactive builders avoid disputes long before litigation

Forensics isn’t about blame — it’s about clarity.
Understanding how and why failures happen helps the entire industry build smarter, prevent defects, and resolve disputes with real answers, not assumptions.

👉 Learn more about PLIRIS: pliris.co
👉 Explore PLIRIS Forensics: plirisforensics.com

Follow the Build Better Homes Podcast for weekly insight into smarter building.

In this episode of the Build Better Homes Podcast, Royal Mortier and John O’Shea introduce PLIRIS Forensics, a new division focused on investigating building failures, supporting litigation, and helping the industry prevent costly mistakes before they happen.

Drawing from real cases and decades of combined experience, they break down what construction forensics actually is and what it isn’t. From soil issues and structural failures to HVAC mistakes and misunderstood “leaks,” this episode shows how proper investigation can uncover the truth behind building performance problems.

They also explain how PLIRIS Forensics uses tools like drones, Matterport scanning, thermal imaging, and detailed modeling to deliver unbiased, accurate conclusions for builders, attorneys, and insurance carriers.

• What construction forensics really involves
• The role of expert witnesses in defect litigation
• Why unbiased analysis matters more than opinions
• The biggest causes of building failures (soil, moisture, HVAC, design gaps)
• How modern tech improves investigations
• Real-world case stories from the field
• Why PLIRIS launched a dedicated Forensics division
• How proactive builders avoid disputes long before litigation

Forensics isn’t about blame — it’s about clarity.
Understanding how and why failures happen helps the entire industry build smarter, prevent defects, and resolve disputes with real answers, not assumptions.

👉 Learn more about PLIRIS: pliris.co
👉 Explore PLIRIS Forensics: plirisforensics.com

Follow the Build Better Homes Podcast for weekly insight into smarter building.

In this episode of the Build Better Homes Podcast, Royal Mortier and John O’Shea introduce PLIRIS Forensics, a new division focused on investigating building failures, supporting litigation, and helping the industry prevent costly mistakes before they happen.

Drawing from real cases and decades of combined experience, they break down what construction forensics actually is and what it isn’t. From soil issues and structural failures to HVAC mistakes and misunderstood “leaks,” this episode shows how proper investigation can uncover the truth behind building performance problems.

They also explain how PLIRIS Forensics uses tools like drones, Matterport scanning, thermal imaging, and detailed modeling to deliver unbiased, accurate conclusions for builders, attorneys, and insurance carriers.

• What construction forensics really involves
• The role of expert witnesses in defect litigation
• Why unbiased analysis matters more than opinions
• The biggest causes of building failures (soil, moisture, HVAC, design gaps)
• How modern tech improves investigations
• Real-world case stories from the field
• Why PLIRIS launched a dedicated Forensics division
• How proactive builders avoid disputes long before litigation

Forensics isn’t about blame — it’s about clarity.
Understanding how and why failures happen helps the entire industry build smarter, prevent defects, and resolve disputes with real answers, not assumptions.

👉 Learn more about PLIRIS: pliris.co
👉 Explore PLIRIS Forensics: plirisforensics.com

Follow the Build Better Homes Podcast for weekly insight into smarter building.

In this episode of Build Better Homes, Royal and John sit down with ICF expert Robert Klob, a designer with over 40 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. Robert specializes exclusively in insulated concrete form (ICF) home design and has reviewed, designed, or consulted on hundreds of projects across the country.

We dive into everything homeowners, builders, and designers need to understand about ICF construction from design nuances and common mistakes to engineering pitfalls and the massive impact of proper planning. Robert also shares how the ICF industry has evolved, real stories from the field, and why this construction method is transforming resilience, safety, and energy efficiency in modern homebuilding.

If you've ever wondered whether ICF is worth it, how it differs from wood framing, or what pitfalls to avoid during design, this episode is essential.

• How Robert went from framing contractor's son → apprentice designer → ICF specialist
• Why early ICF systems failed (and how the industry fixed it)
• The real benefits of ICF vs. wood framing
• Structural differences every builder must understand
• Why HVAC design is non-negotiable in airtight homes
• Cost misconceptions: where ICF saves money and where it can add complexity
• Plan-conversion mistakes (and why some designs should NOT be converted to ICF)
• Over-engineering — how bad design adds tens of thousands of dollars
• Why California makes ICF adoption nearly impossible
• When DIY ICF works… and when it becomes a disaster
• Safe rooms, hurricane zones, snow loads, and fire resilience
• Block manufacturers, installer support, and what actually matters
• The single most important question: “Does your designer understand ICF?”

ICF is one of the most misunderstood methods in residential construction. Done right, it’s incredibly strong, quiet, energy-efficient, and durable. Done wrong, it can be expensive, frustrating, and structurally problematic.

This episode gives you the clarity that most homeowners, builders, and designers never get.

Robert Klob Design

Website: rkdZNs.com

Website: https://pliris.co

Engineering • Plans • ICF Design Support

In this episode of the Build Better Homes Podcast, hosts Royal Mortier and John O’Shea sit down with Nate McIntyre, Building Envelope Specialist and founder of CS Forensics, to break down how air, water, and material compatibility affect the long-term performance of homes and buildings.

Nate shares two decades of experience in construction forensics, uncovering how small oversights like improper flashing, insulation placement, or poor ventilation can lead to costly failures down the line.

From leaky attics and wet walls to how technology like 3D modeling and infrared scanning is changing inspections, this episode brings building science to life through real stories, practical advice, and a few hilarious moments (yes, even cat pee makes an appearance).

• The evolution of building science and moisture management
• How 3D modeling, Matterport, and laser scanning are changing inspections
• Common causes of air and water intrusion and how to prevent them
• The difference between design errors and installation errors
• How energy codes and climate affect building materials
• The importance of QA/QC and maintenance in preventing defects
• Real-world stories from construction defect cases (and some you won’t believe)

It’s not just about building tighter, it’s about building smarter. Understanding how materials, moisture, and air movement interact is key to preventing the hidden problems that cost builders time, money, and reputation.

👉 Learn more at pliris.co

🎧 Follow the Build Better Homes Podcast for more industry insights and expert discussions.

Connect with our guest:

🔗 Nate McIntyre — CS Forensics

Every home starts with an idea, a concept, a sketch, or even a vision that lives in your head. But turning that into a set of buildable, permit-ready plans requires the right process and the right team.

In this episode of the Build Better Homes Podcast, hosts Royal Mortier and John O’Shea walk through the complete journey of designing and planning a home, from initial concept to final permit approval.

They cover what really happens between the idea and the blueprint including zoning considerations, architectural collaboration, structural engineering, and how to avoid costly mistakes during design.

Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or designer, this episode gives you an inside look at what it takes to bring a dream home to life the right way.

• How to go from idea to construction-ready plans
• The role of architecture, engineering, and design alignment
• Common pitfalls in early planning stages
• Why communication between builder, designer, and engineer matters
• What to expect during the permitting process
• How to plan ahead for efficiency and cost savings

Building your dream home starts long before construction begins. Understanding the design and permitting process ensures your project moves smoothly from the first sketch to the final inspection.

👉 Learn more at pliris.co

🎧 Follow the Build Better Homes Podcast for more industry insights and practical building advice.

#BuildBetterHomes #HomeDesign #Engineering #Architecture #Planning #Permits #Construction #BuildingProcess #PLIRISConstruction

In this episode of the Build Better Homes Podcast, hosts Royal Mortier and John O’Shea explore the world of wood construction, from its long-standing reliability to the modern innovations shaping how we design and build homes today. Royal shares insights from the engineering side while John offers a builder’s perspective, creating a balanced discussion around value engineering, how to optimize performance, control costs, and avoid common pitfalls without compromising quality. They cover everything from lumber types, engineered wood products, and framing systems, to real-world stories about foundations, load paths, and lateral resistance. If you’ve ever wondered how the right engineering decisions can save thousands on a project while improving long-term durability, this episode is packed with takeaways.

• Why wood remains the most versatile and sustainable building material
• The difference between vertical and lateral loading — and why both matter
• How environmental factors affect lumber strength
• Engineered wood products and when to use them
• How to balance design, cost, and code compliance
• The line between smart value engineering and costly corner-cutting
• The evolution of framing systems, shear walls, and lateral design

Value engineering isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about building smarter. By understanding material behavior, code changes, and structural systems, builders and engineers can create stronger, more cost-effective, and longer-lasting homes.

👉 Learn more at pliris.co

🎧 Follow the Build Better Homes Podcast for weekly insights on smarter homebuilding.

In this episode of the Build Better Homes Podcast, hosts Royal Mortier and John O’Shea explore the growing adoption of Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) construction and what it means for the future of homebuilding. They break down how ICF systems stack up against traditional wood framing, where the technology shines, and the lessons learned from years of hands-on experience in the field.

From energy efficiency and storm resistance to long-term performance, Royal and John share why ICF could be the next big step forward in residential and commercial construction.

Whether you’re a builder, designer, or homeowner curious about smarter ways to build, this episode gives you real-world insight into why ICF construction is worth paying attention to.

• What ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) construction is and how it works
• How ICF compares to traditional wood framing
• Energy efficiency and sustainability advantages
• Common challenges and misconceptions about ICF
• How ICF can improve building longevity and comfort
• The role of innovation in future building standards

ICF is a practical evolution of how we build. By combining strength, sustainability, and energy efficiency, it’s paving the way for smarter homes and better construction practices.

👉 Learn more about PLIRIS and our work at pliris.co

In this episode of the Build Better Homes Podcast, Royal Mortier and John O’Shea explore the world’s most enduring building material — wood — and how it continues to evolve with technology, energy codes, and modern construction methods.

From conventional stick framing to advanced engineered systems, they unpack the science, sustainability, and design principles behind how homes are actually built. Learn why over 90% of residential structures in North America still rely on wood, what’s changing in manufacturing and energy standards, and which innovations are redefining the future of construction.

Expect to learn:

• Why wood remains the dominant choice for homes and multifamily buildings
• How engineered lumber, trusses, and prefabrication have changed the game
• The difference between single-wall and double-wall systems
• What “Type V Construction” and “continuous insulation” mean in practice
• The rise of SIP panels, panelized framing, and advanced insulation systems
• How Japan’s Shawood system is revolutionizing structural performance
• What’s next for high-performance, wood-based building solutions

This episode blends deep technical insight with real-world building experience, ideal for contractors, designers, and anyone passionate about smarter, more sustainable homebuilding.

🎧 Hosted by:
Royal Mortier – Founder of PLIRIS
John O’Shea – Construction Expert, COO of PLIRIS & Co-Host

How Robots Are Revolutionizing Homebuilding | Brent Wadas of BotBuilt

AI isn’t replacing builders, it’s changing how we build smarter, safer, and faster.

In this episode of Build Better Homes, Royal Mortier sits down with Brent Wadas, founder of BotBuilt, to talk about how robotics, automation, and AI are transforming the way homes are framed and constructed.

Brent shares how his team reuses industrial robots, builds panels 24/7, and solves one of construction’s biggest problems: the growing shortage of skilled labor. From his time in the military to his mission to make construction safer, Brent’s story shows how innovation can make housing more affordable and accessible for everyone.

In this episode:

• How robotics are changing homebuilding
• Why safety and automation go hand in hand
• The future of framing and prefab construction
• The importance of empowering the next generation of tradespeople

Visit us at pliris.co for more information!

#homebuilding #constructiontechnology #buildbetterhomes #robotics #engineering #innovation #automation