In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger and special guest Jake Bruton discuss lessons they’ve learned from building homes for their own families and how those experiences have influenced their approach to clients. They talk about communicating plans more clearly, using 3D models and physical mockups to help clients understand spaces, and setting realistic expectations around construction schedules. The conversation also explores HVAC design, comfort, zoning, ventilation rates, and the importance of monitoring indoor air quality in high-performance homes. Matt and Jake share experiences with tight building envelopes, air sealing, pest control, and the realities of completing work themselves. They also discuss routine HVAC maintenance and how builders can help homeowners stay on top of ongoing service. 

Huge thanks to our episode sponsor Huber. 

To learn more visit: https://www.huberwood.com/

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Matt Risinger sits down with the digs.com team at Build Show Live to unpack a new partnership shaping how custom and production builders document construction. The conversation traces digs.com's evolution into an AI-powered platform that captures takeoffs, diagramming, and selections, then converts that data into a 3D digital twin for homeowners—often compared to a "Carfax for homes." Talk turns to the newly launched Build HD standard, a durability-focused building certification addressing water intrusion and construction defects, and how it integrates with an upcoming AI tool trained on years of building-science content. The discussion also touches on data ownership, homeowner privacy controls, a builder-supply partnership expanding distribution, and where artificial general intelligence might fit into future construction workflows.

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On this episode of the Build Show Podcast, host Matt Risinger talks with architect Steve Baczek and builder Mark Willie about Joe Lstiburek's well-known list, "Top 10 Dumb Things to Do in the South." The three work through building science missteps common to hot, humid climates — vented attics, duct leakage, vapor barriers in the wrong place, painted brick, and carpet over concrete slabs — explaining why practices that work fine up north can cause moisture problems and mold growth in Texas. Risinger draws on his own remodeling experience, describing how negative air pressure and impermeable wall coverings trap humidity inside southern homes. 

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Matt Risinger examines the growing number of mold-related lawsuits involving homebuilders and connects today’s problems to changes in building practices and energy efficiency. He explains how tighter homes, oversized HVAC systems, poor moisture control, vented attics, and inadequate air sealing can contribute to elevated indoor humidity and condensation. Risinger also discusses lessons learned from earlier building failures involving bulk water and flashing, along with practical approaches for builders and homeowners to identify moisture problems. The discussion covers HVAC design, dehumidification, water management, building commissioning, moisture measurements, and the importance of keeping building assemblies dry.  

 Referenced in this episode: Watch Forensic Files — Season 7, Episode 37, “Breaking the Mold,” covering the Austin, Texas mold case discussed by Matt:https://youtu.be/QhRfeDavAhQ?si=qlPlSfr0Mk8GVr8o. 

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Build Show LIVE returns for its third annual event in San Antonio, Texas, bringing together builders, architects, engineers, and construction professionals for three days of in-depth education, hands-on learning, and networking focused on building better homes. From business strategy and project management to advanced building science, AI tools, high-end custom homes, and foundational training for new builders, the event offers specialized learning tracks led by experienced builders and industry experts. Attendees can explore dozens of classroom sessions, connect with leading manufacturers, tour active job sites, and gain practical knowledge that goes beyond code to improve the durability, performance, and quality of their projects. Whether you're an experienced custom builder or just entering the industry, Build Show LIVE is designed to provide actionable insights, valuable connections, and the latest best practices shaping the future of residential construction.

Check out the Build Show LIVE Education by category and be sure to sign up for classes in your participant center.

Advanced & Specialty
Building Science
Business & Operations
Foundations (101)
High-End Building

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Matt Risinger continues his deep dive into spray foam insulation, part two, sorting the genuine benefits from the marketing hype. He unpacks common myths—claims that foam pays for itself, blocks sound, or solves every building problem—and explains why cavity insulation alone doesn't guarantee air sealing. He covers the real risks of open cell foam in humid attics, addresses whether spray foam is banned in Europe (it isn't, though regulations are tightening), and shares practical hybrid approaches combining closed cell foam with other insulation types for cost and performance balance. 

This episode is a continuation of our discussion on spray foam insulation. If you haven't seen Part 1: "Spray Foam Insulation: Hype vs. Reality," be sure to watch it first for the full context: https://buildshownetwork.com/contents/8214

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Matt Risinger is joined by Ryan and Ty from Digs to explore practical ways artificial intelligence is improving residential construction. Rather than focusing on AI hype, the conversation centers on how builders can use connected project data, digital twins, and construction-specific tools to streamline estimating, organize documentation, simplify homeowner handoffs, and improve warranty support. The discussion also looks at how better information management can strengthen the client experience, support long-term home maintenance, and create lasting value for builders and homeowners alike. Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Pella. To learn more visit: https://www.pella.com/

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Matt Risinger takes a balanced, evidence-based look at spray foam insulation, separating common misconceptions from practical building science. He compares open-cell and closed-cell spray foam, explains where each performs best, and discusses topics including air sealing, vapor control, indoor air quality, installation risks, and long-term durability. Matt also explores how spray foam compares with fiberglass, mineral wool, and other insulation options, while outlining situations where hybrid insulation assemblies make more sense. Rather than promoting or dismissing spray foam, he focuses on proper installation, climate-specific design, and choosing the right insulation strategy for high-performance homes. This episode is presented without a sponsor to provide an unbiased discussion.

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Matt Risinger explores one of the most misunderstood topics in building science: vapor control. Sponsored by Huber Engineered Woods, the episode explains why managing moisture is less about stopping vapor and more about preventing condensation inside building assemblies. Using a replay from the Building Science 101 series with Steve Baczek, Matt breaks down how vapor moves through walls, roofs, and floors, why climate and material selection matter, and how builders can make smarter decisions about vapor retarders and air barriers. The conversation focuses on practical building science principles that improve durability, moisture management, and long-term building performance rather than relying on outdated rules of thumb.

Huge thanks to our episode sponspr, Huber Engineered Woods. Learn more at: https://www.huberwood.com/

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Happy 4th of July Build Show Friends! This week, we’re throwing it back to one of the greatest hits of Season 5. Matt will be back next week with an all-new episode. Enjoy! —— 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

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