In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger sits down with Matthew Cooper, COO of PEG, and Justin Pratt from Builders FirstSource to discuss how preplanned MEP 

(Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) design is transforming residential construction. Drawing from Matt’s own ultra-tight .50 ACH Risinger Build, the conversation highlights how digital tools—like Revit and advanced modeling—are making HVAC layouts, material coordination, and on-site execution faster and more precise. 

With PEG supporting MEP planning for over 50,000 homes annually, the lessons shared scale from high-volume production to regional and custom builds. From clash detection and smarter truss integration to improved energy code compliance and construction speed, this episode is packed with insights for builders looking to modernize their process. 

To learn more about how PEG can support your projects, contact Matthew Cooper at [email protected]. 

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger sits down with South Dakota builder Josh Stange—featured in the premiere of Building Across America—to dive deep into what it really takes to build high-performance homes in rural America. A true one-man show, Josh not only designs, frames, and insulates his projects but recently shocked the team with a .18 ACH50 blower door result—before mechanicals. Together, Matt and Josh explore the details behind this incredible feat, from innovative Zip System ceiling air barriers to cost challenges with skeptical clients. Whether you’re building in big cities or small towns, this episode is a must-listen for pros seeking durability, craftsmanship, and airtight performance without the big crew. Insightful, technical, and surprisingly relatable—this story will change how you see "small" builders. 

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger welcomes second-generation builder and Build Show contributor Stephanie Dailey to unpack the unexpected truths behind a recent remodel project outside Salt Lake City. Based on her ongoing video series That 70s Remodel, Stephanie shares the hidden challenges of bringing a dated home up to modern performance and code—from termite damage and cardboard sheathing to insulation gaps and seismic shear reinforcements. Together, they discuss how remodel assumptions can quickly shift budgets, why owner-builds often fall short, and how climate zone considerations drive structural decisions. This episode is packed with insight for builders, remodelers, and homeowners alike navigating the murky waters of existing homes. 

Thank you to our episode sponsor Huber. Learn more at:  https://www.huberwood.com/

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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In this deeply personal episode of The Build Show Podcast, host Matt Risinger opens up about his 20-year business journey, sharing hard-won lessons about debt, financial struggles, and the path to recovery. As he reflects on three significant anniversaries - 20 years in business, 10 years debt-free, and 15 years since accumulating massive debt - Matt provides a candid warning to fellow builders about the dangers of speculative building and overleveraging.

Matt recounts his early days starting Risinger Build in 2005, moving to Texas without connections and turning to spec homes to build his reputation. What began as calculated risks quickly spiraled into financial catastrophe during the 2007-2008 recession, ultimately leaving him $300,000 in debt and on the verge of bankruptcy. He shares the painful reality of paying $7,000 monthly for four years to dig out of debt, the strain on his marriage and family, and the spiritual journey that helped him persevere.

This episode serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration, demonstrating how contentment, faith, and disciplined financial management can lead to recovery. Matt emphasizes the importance of avoiding the trap of comparing yourself to clients' lifestyles and the dangers of using debt to fund desires rather than necessities. Now completely debt-free except for his mortgage, Matt offers practical wisdom for builders and entrepreneurs about sustainable business growth and the true cost of financial overextension. 

Thank you to our episode sponsors Aquor Water Systems and Champion. Learn more at Aquor.com & Champion.com.

Resources: • https://www.championpowerequipment.com/home-standby-generator-selector/

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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Are you ready to nerd out? This week on the Build Podcast, Matt welcomes Deputy Building Official of Beaumont, TX and Host of The ICC Pulse Podcast, Beau Hansen, to explore updates in the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) compared to the 2021 version. 

Key changes include tighter blower door score requirements, enhanced moisture management, evolving energy compliance, and more flexible emergency escape provisions. They highlight the importance of builders owning and understanding the code book to improve accountability, reduce job site errors, and improve build quality. Matt & Beau delve into wall and ceiling R-values, exterior insulation strategies, and improvements for mass walls, floors, and windows, emphasizing continuous insulation as a game-changer. 

They conclude with a discussion around inspection challenges and builder responsibilities in unregulated jurisdictions. Both Matt and Beau advocate for broader builder engagement in code development processes. 

Thank you to episode sponsors Huber & Pella. Learn more at huberwood.com & pella.com.

Resources:

• ICC Pulse Podcast on Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube
• Free ICC Resource: https://codes.iccsafe.org/

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Matt continues with Part 2 of  “Ask the Experts” to answer YOUR questions on high-performance homebuilding. Topics range from the feasibility of geothermal HVAC systems in Mississippi to the benefits of pairing ICF foundations with monopoly framing in Michigan. Matt also shares insights on exterior insulation, including ZIP-R sheathing and air sealing strategies for cold climates. He critiques vinyl siding, explains the evolution away from traditional house wraps, and emphasizes the importance of durable, airtight envelopes using modern materials like Huber's ZIP System and fluid-applied barriers. Tune in for practical advice, lessons learned from personal experience, and technical know-how. 

Thank you to our episode sponsors Pella and Therma-Stor (Santa Fe). Learn more at pella.com and thermastor.com/our-brands/santa-fe.

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Matt goes solo this week to share hard-earned wisdom from his 30-year construction. He outlines three foundational principles that have shaped his success—and helped him recover from serious setbacks.

1. Understand Building Science
Matt emphasizes the importance of knowing how climate, materials, and design affect building durability. Lessons from Portland’s mold crises taught him that “if it can’t dry, it’s going to die.” Builders must master rain control and moisture management to prevent failure and reduce liability.

2. Stop Bidding
He shares a cautionary tale of a low-bid roofing contractor whose shoddy work and fake insurance cost him over $30,000. Instead of free estimates and competitive bidding, Matt now uses pre-construction agreements to ensure clients are committed—and to get paid for his time.

3. Avoid Debt
Matt recounts going hundreds of thousands of dollars into debt during the 2008 recession, even struggling to pay for groceries. He urges builders to stay lean, avoid speculative projects, and budget personally AND professionally. Matt’s advice: “Fire Chuck”—his nickname for the debt he couldn’t get rid of for years.

Matt concludes with a reminder that profit is essential, not shameful. Builders must prioritize long-term sustainability, financial health, and client trust to thrive in a competitive industry.

Thank you to our episode sponsors Rockwool & Pella. Learn more at rockwool.com and pella.com.

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:

• Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
• Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
• YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
• Website: https://buildshownetwork.com/

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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Matt is joined by Risinger Build Executive Project Manager Daniel Glauser to discuss pre-construction service agreements (PSAs), emphasizing the importance of getting paid for the extensive time and effort builders invest before actual construction begins. They explain how PSAs help weed out unserious clients, foster transparent collaboration with architects and homeowners, and ultimately ensure a smoother, more efficient building process. 

Matt and Daniel outline Risinger Build’s current process, which includes an initial discovery phase, a high-level estimate based on preliminary plans, and a formal PSA requiring a $20,000 deposit billed against their time. This allows them to guide clients early on, avoid surprises, and align budget expectations. They encourage other builders—even those working on smaller projects—to adopt similar practices, advocating for industry-wide change through local builder networks. 

Both Builders encourage others to value their time and expertise and move away from outdated bidding practices that devalue the work they do. By doing so, builders can cultivate better client relationships, make more informed decisions, and improve outcomes for everyone involved in the building process.

Thank you to episode sponsors Huber & Truss. Learn more at huberwood.com & trusspayments.com.

Find Daniel on the Web:

• Website: https://risingerbuild.com/
• Instagram: @risingerbuild_atx & @glauserbuilding

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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The Build Podcast tackles a very timely and top-of-mind topic: tariffs. This episode dives deep into the current (as of April 28, 2025) and forecasted state of the U.S. housing and remodeling industry, with a spotlight on tariffs, economic uncertainty, and demographic trends. Matt is joined by two experts from Zonda (a leading housing data and insights company), Matt & Todd, to discuss how global tariffs are expected to raise material costs by up to 9%, even for companies that don’t directly import goods. The conversation covers how these pressures are reshuffling market share among building product brands, highlighting the rise of private labels and the shifting loyalty to names like Kohler and Moen.

They explore how an aging, wealthier homeowner demographic is driving demand for higher-quality, longer-lasting products—especially in remodeling. They also emphasize a growing labor shortage, suggesting that skilled contractors will become more valuable, with fewer available by 2030.

Zonda’s Matt & Todd unpack the revolution in supply chains: contractors are increasingly purchasing materials via e-commerce and direct-from-manufacturer channels. Digital fluency has become an essential in building materials sourcing and distribution.

Thank you to episode sponsors Huber & Midea. Learn more at huberwood.com & midea.com.

Resources:

• ZondaHome.com

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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Welcome to the first official “Ask The Experts” edition of Build. Matt answers real questions from builders, architects, and fans of the show. This episode covers a wide range of high-performance building topics that every pro should consider. 

First, Matt breaks down unvented attic assemblies in LA’s dry climate, offering insulation recommendations and best practices for staying code-compliant without overcomplicating the build. Then, he dives into the hot topic of venting dryers in airtight homes—exploring options like heat pump dryers and makeup air systems.

Next up, a thoughtful discussion on HVAC design in energy-efficient, all-electric homes, especially when working with contractors who size systems by square footage instead of proper Manual J calculations. Matt shares practical advice for builders working in high desert climates and explains the value of multi-stage and VRF equipment. Finally, he addresses one of the most overlooked but crucial areas of waterproofing: sill pans. From stainless steel to PVC, Matt discusses materials, back dam design, and how to prevent rust or water intrusion under doors.

Have a question for Matt (or any of the Build Experts)? Send an email to [email protected] and it might get featured on the next show!

Thank you to episode sponsors Mbrico & Pella. Learn more at mbricotiledecks.com & pella.com.

Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!

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