The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

By Fine Homebuilding Magazine

What's The Fine Homebuilding Podcast about?

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast embodies Fine Homebuilding magazine's commitment to the preservation of craftsmanship and the advancement of home performance in residential construction. Hosted by the magazine's editors, The FHB Podcast is an informal but vigorous show about the techniques and principles that allow listeners to master their design and building challenges.

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The Fine Homebuilding Podcast episodes:

05.03.2024
#630: Conversation with HVAC experts Eric Weiss and Cristi Pedotto
The FHB Podcast discusses refrigerants, the HVAC industry, and HVAC worker training.
04.26.2024
#629: With Building Scientist Monica Rokicki
Listeners write in about outdoor showers, a Philadelphia carpentry teacher, and the science of hail damage. We ask building scientist Monica Rokicki-Guajardo questions about building performance, HVAC systems, and indoor air quality.
04.19.2024
#628: Porch Railings, Porch Flooring, and Japanese Footings
Listeners write in about shade structures, metaphors for air-sealing, and the HVAC industry and ask questions about porch railings, porch flooring, and Japanese footings.
04.12.2024
#627: Leaky Doors, Flashing, and Kneewalls
Listeners write in about off-site construction, displaying old walls, and building outbuildings and ask questions about leaky doors, missing flashing, and insulating kneewalls.
04.05.2024
#626: Walls with Fiber Sheathing, Optional Building Inspections, and Heat Pump Water Heaters
Listeners write in about high water bills, soggy straw bales, and house fires and ask questions about tightening wood-fiber walls, places without inspections, and heat pump water heaters.
03.29.2024
#625: Roof Insulation, Band Joists, and Small Houses
Listeners write in about EVs, sources of CO, and structural engineering and ask questions about roof insulation, rim joists, and shrinking houses.
03.22.2024
#624: Good Builders, Roof Insulation, and Ice Dams
Listeners write in about water conservation, useful books, and work trucks. Questions include builders in Oklahoma, roof insulation, and fixing ice dams.
03.15.2024
#623: Condensation on Windows, HVAC Registers, and Water Heating
Listeners write in about the value of FHB and ask questions about basement flooring, condensation on windows, HVAC register locations, and heat-pump water heaters.
03.08.2024
#622: Wood-Slab Walls, Sealing a Crawlspace, and Pipes that Don’t Drain
Listeners write in about off-site construction and ask questions about board-framed walls, sealed crawlspaces, and overflowing laundry standpipes.
03.01.2024
#621: Building Inside a Barn, Porch-Roof Flashing, and Treated-Lumber Longevity
Listeners write in about Super Insulated Houses and water pipes and ask questions about building a house inside a barn, sidewall flashing, and chimney dampers.
02.23.2024
#620: Witnessing Bad Work, Semi-Conditioned Spaces, and Extra Minisplits
Listeners write in about high-performance builds, wall insulation, and EV vans and ask questions about bad building, insulating a lean-to, and minisplit air distribution.
02.16.2024
#619: Old-House Construction, Sizing Lumber Beams, and Window Restoration
Listeners write in about handyman businesses, NASA’s stuck screws, and leak detectors and ask questions about old houses, sizing beams, and restoring windows.
02.09.2024
#618: Heather Clark of the White House Climate Policy Office
A talk with Heather Clark Director of Building Emissions for the White House Climate Policy Office and feedback on missing water, Bay Area renovations, and pex manifolds.
02.02.2024
#617: Venting Metal Roofs, Air-Sealing, and Foundation Drainage
Listeners write in about choosing pipe material, finding a good contractor, charred timbers, and PV utility costs, and ask questions about venting metal roofing, air-sealing, and foundation drainage.
01.26.2024
#616: Short Extension Jambs, Charred Timbers, and Hardwood on Concrete
Listeners write in about work vehicles and faulty LEDs and ask about extension jambs, charred timber frames, and wood flooring on concrete.
01.19.2024
#615: Spray-on WRBs, Wall Insulation, and IV Drips for Mold
Listeners write in about producer Jeff and moving heavy things and ask questions about WRBs, cavity insulation without sheathing, and IV drips for mold.
01.12.2024
#614: Structural Lath and Plaster, Coaching your Builder, and Shoes for Roofing
Listeners write in about HVAC design, missing water, and a young builder and ask questions about rotted sills, builders and their comfort zone, and roofing shoes.
01.05.2024
#613: Soil Against Stucco, Finding the Right Build Team, and Building Product Warranties
Listeners write in about home-repair businesses, vertical siding, and click-together flooring and ask about stucco, build teams and building product warranties.
12.29.2023
#612: Water Pipes, Attic Air-Sealing, and the Durability of AeroBarrier
Peter is navigating the Massachusetts stretch building code. Jim needs help choosing a domestic water pipe system. Wayne wants to tighten his attic. Adam asks about long-term tests of AeroBarrier.
12.22.2023
#611: With Bill Beleck: Shou Sugi Ban, Surplus Building Products, and Air-Sealing Overhanging Joists
The crew hears from listeners about contracting in high-end zip codes and the economy of electric cars. Discussion questions include installing shou sugi ban forest products, saving leftover material, and how to air-seal a floor system that overhangs the foundation.
12.15.2023
#610: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 6
The editors discuss widening an existing deck, modern timber-frame buildings, inexpensive building products, work vehicles, and installing a vented bath fan in this best-of compilation.
12.08.2023
#609: Flashing a Metal Building, Energy Retrofits, and Siting a House
Peter’s DIY addition appears on Google Street View. Ed shares a chart of common house problems. A listener says ethernet cables are not for lighting. Evan asks for help flashing the bottom of a metal building. Listeners email about...
12.01.2023
#608: Roofs with Self-adhered Membranes, Heating and Cooling Loads, and Introducing People to Trade Work
The crew hears from listeners about protecting buried posts, hydronic HVAC, and building affordable houses. Discussion questions include small low-slope roofs, calculating heating and cooling loads, and encouraging the next generation of trade workers.
11.24.2023
#607: Wood Foundations for Winter Builds, Adding Headroom, and Aeroseal for Leaky Ducts
The crew hears from listeners about housewrap, replacing windows in brick openings, and managing heavy beams. Discussion questions include wood foundations, raising a ceiling in a ranch, and sealing up panned joist returns.
11.17.2023
#606: Foam Slabs, Gaps in Click Flooring, and Board-and-Batten Rainscreens
The crew hears from listeners about tight-fitting batt insulation, integrating HVAC equipment, and housing affordability. Discussion questions include foam insulation instead of a concrete slab, closing gaps in laminate flooring, and rainscreens under board siding.
11.10.2023
#605: Buying Rental Property, Venting an Attic in a Triplex, and Bonfig Brick Walls
The crew hears from listeners about stair design, broken tool batteries, and toilets from the box store. Discussion questions include buying rental property, attic venting, and modified Bonfig walls.
11.03.2023
#604: Conversation and Questions with Engineer Marc Rosenbaum
Consulting engineer and self-described compulsive measurer Marc Rosenbaum talks to Brian and Patrick about improving the comfort and efficiency of residential buildings.
10.27.2023
#603: Flashing Masonry Openings, Protecting Fence Posts, and Making Hot Water
The crew hears from listeners about ceramic paint, prefinished siding, and tiny houses in Texas. Discussion questions include flashing windows in masonry walls, protecting buried fence posts from rot, and using boilers for domestic hot water.
10.20.2023
#602: Customer Communication, Foundation Insulation, and Competent HVAC Design
The crew hears from listeners about EV charging, aging in place, and dowsing. Discussion questions include customer communication, covering exposed foundation insulation, and HVAC design.
10.13.2023
#601: Envelope Leaks, Rebuilding a Cabin, and Adding Water to Hydronic Heat
The crew hears from listeners about ICFs, remodeling a small kitchen, and affordable net-zero and then takes questions on rebuilding a cabin, leaks from wind-driven rain, and refilling hydronic heating systems.
10.06.2023
#600: Humidity Control, Pergola Footing, and Primer for New Drywall
Nic and Carson have thoughts on LEDs. Phil asks about self-stick underlayment on Zip System roof sheathing. Buzz wants to add a shade structure over his paver patio. Knot Painter asks about priming new drywall. Mark is trying to...
09.29.2023
#599: Trees Moving Buildings, Epic Thermal Bypasses, and Supplemental Dehumidification
The crew hears from listeners about gas stoves, screw-pile lighthouses, and LEDs. Discussion questions include roots lifting a garage, leaky porch ceilings, and central dehumidifiers.
09.22.2023
#598: Stone Foundations, Failing Stucco, and Comfortable Garages
The crew hears from listeners about WRBs, Brian’s porch piers, and hidden costs of construction. Discussion questions include tightening a stone foundation, stucco on straw bales, and low-buck energy upgrades.
09.15.2023
#597: Fish-Mouthed Sheathing Tape, Window Installation, and Flashing a Bay Window
The crew hears from listeners about manufactured houses and DIY lighting with LEDs. Discussion questions include unstuck flashing tape, sealing the bottom of new windows, and EV chargers.
09.08.2023
#596: Broken Trusses, Frost-Protected Foundations, and Air-Control Methods
The crew hears from listeners about affordable net-zero, roofing underlayment, and garage separation. Discussion questions include fixing trusses, frost-protected foundations, and air-control strategies.
09.01.2023
#595: Raised Floor Systems, Carriage House Conversion, and LED Strip Lighting
Listeners share thoughts on condensate drains, fake shutters, and silicosis. The crew takes questions on insulating a floor system, converting a former storage building to living space, and how to use LED strip lighting.
08.29.2023
#594: PRO TALK with Contractor Andy Steele and Student Jude Griffin
In the final episode of Pro Talk, Ian, Andy, and Jude talk about engaging with young adults to foster an interest in the building trades from the perspectives of the contractor and of the apprentice.
08.25.2023
#593: Steamy Bedrooms, Windows and WRBs, and Weird Weatherstripping
The crew hears from listeners about sound attenuation, plumbing, and LED lighting. Discussion questions include high-humidity spaces, best building practices, and garage-door weatherstripping.
08.22.2023
#592: PRO TALK With Insurance Adjuster Josh Zoller
Ian and Josh talk about managing risk in the built environment and how Josh’s vocation as an insurance adjuster has influenced the design of the home he is building for his family.
08.18.2023
#591: Tightening a Shop, Dealing with Popcorn Ceilings, and Problems with Modular Homes
Listeners share their thoughts on storm shutters, LED light solutions, ERVs vs. HRVs, and contractor licensing. The crew takes questions on writing good contracts, testing DWV systems, and common problems with modular homes.
08.15.2023
#590: PRO TALK With Operating Engineer Trainer John Klabacka
Ian talks to John Klabacka of Associated Training Services in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin about training the next generation of crane and heavy-equipment operators, and jobsite safety.
08.11.2023
#589: Metal-Roof Upgrade, Attic Conversions, and Construction Trade Shows
Dan Kolbert shares his thoughts on cordless power tools and batteries. Jeff suggests curbside pickup. Chris shows us a good-looking drop ceiling. Bill is contemplating a roof and insulation upgrade. Evan is considering an attic-to-living-space conversion. Felix asks about pocket...
08.08.2023
#588: PRO TALK With FHB House 2023 Builder Jon Beer
Ian talks to builder and remodeler Jon Beer about building your own home as a construction professional and how to improve your business by defining processes and developing procedures.
08.04.2023
#587: Net-Zero with $250k, Owner-Supplied Material, and Garage Separation Walls
Peel-and-stick membrane, shallow frost-protected foundations, affordable net-zero, scavenged building products, and keeping garage pollutants out of the house.
08.01.2023
#586: PRO TALK With Timber Framer Will Gusakov
In this Pro-Talk podcast, Ian talks to Will Gusakov of Goosewing Timberworks about Will’s work with Carpenters Without Borders, timber framing, and the solidarity economy.
07.28.2023
#585: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 5
The editors discuss chimney airtightness, sealing end cuts, dormer additions, damp basements, and starting a construction business in this best-of compilation.
07.25.2023
#584: PRO TALK With Consultants John Lenker and Assaf Arie, Part 2
In this ProTalk Podcast Ian continues his talk with business consultants John Lenker and Assaf Arie about how to overcome the challenges associated with growing a construction business.
07.21.2023
#583: Dehumidification vs. Ventilation, Downsides of Advanced Framing, and Ducting Heat-Pump Water Heaters
Gas stoves, tool batteries, material prices, controlling humidity in efficient homes, advanced framing, and ducted heat-pump water heaters.
07.18.2023
#582: PRO TALK With Consultants John Lenker and Assaf Arie, Part 1
Ian, John and Assaf discuss the importance of marketing and management training for the success of a construction company.
07.14.2023
#581: Van-to-RV Conversions, Window Shutters, and Highway Noise
Ethan has thoughts on climbable railing and code. Ben and James question our conversation about washing machines. Neil needs to make comfy RVs. Ben notices bad shutters. Sam’s apartment is too noisy. David shows us how heat pumps work.

What's The Fine Homebuilding Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast episodes:

#630: Conversation with HVAC experts Eric Weiss and Cristi Pedotto

#629: With Building Scientist Monica Rokicki

#628: Porch Railings, Porch Flooring, and Japanese Footings

#627: Leaky Doors, Flashing, and Kneewalls

#626: Walls with Fiber Sheathing, Optional Building Inspections, and Heat Pump Water Heaters

#625: Roof Insulation, Band Joists, and Small Houses

#624: Good Builders, Roof Insulation, and Ice Dams

#623: Condensation on Windows, HVAC Registers, and Water Heating

#622: Wood-Slab Walls, Sealing a Crawlspace, and Pipes that Don’t Drain

#621: Building Inside a Barn, Porch-Roof Flashing, and Treated-Lumber Longevity

#620: Witnessing Bad Work, Semi-Conditioned Spaces, and Extra Minisplits

#619: Old-House Construction, Sizing Lumber Beams, and Window Restoration

#618: Heather Clark of the White House Climate Policy Office

#617: Venting Metal Roofs, Air-Sealing, and Foundation Drainage

#616: Short Extension Jambs, Charred Timbers, and Hardwood on Concrete

#615: Spray-on WRBs, Wall Insulation, and IV Drips for Mold

#614: Structural Lath and Plaster, Coaching your Builder, and Shoes for Roofing

#613: Soil Against Stucco, Finding the Right Build Team, and Building Product Warranties

#612: Water Pipes, Attic Air-Sealing, and the Durability of AeroBarrier

#611: With Bill Beleck: Shou Sugi Ban, Surplus Building Products, and Air-Sealing Overhanging Joists

#610: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 6

#609: Flashing a Metal Building, Energy Retrofits, and Siting a House

#608: Roofs with Self-adhered Membranes, Heating and Cooling Loads, and Introducing People to Trade Work

#607: Wood Foundations for Winter Builds, Adding Headroom, and Aeroseal for Leaky Ducts

#606: Foam Slabs, Gaps in Click Flooring, and Board-and-Batten Rainscreens

#605: Buying Rental Property, Venting an Attic in a Triplex, and Bonfig Brick Walls

#604: Conversation and Questions with Engineer Marc Rosenbaum

#603: Flashing Masonry Openings, Protecting Fence Posts, and Making Hot Water

#602: Customer Communication, Foundation Insulation, and Competent HVAC Design

#601: Envelope Leaks, Rebuilding a Cabin, and Adding Water to Hydronic Heat

#600: Humidity Control, Pergola Footing, and Primer for New Drywall

#599: Trees Moving Buildings, Epic Thermal Bypasses, and Supplemental Dehumidification

#598: Stone Foundations, Failing Stucco, and Comfortable Garages

#597: Fish-Mouthed Sheathing Tape, Window Installation, and Flashing a Bay Window

#596: Broken Trusses, Frost-Protected Foundations, and Air-Control Methods

#595: Raised Floor Systems, Carriage House Conversion, and LED Strip Lighting

#594: PRO TALK with Contractor Andy Steele and Student Jude Griffin

#593: Steamy Bedrooms, Windows and WRBs, and Weird Weatherstripping

#592: PRO TALK With Insurance Adjuster Josh Zoller

#591: Tightening a Shop, Dealing with Popcorn Ceilings, and Problems with Modular Homes

#590: PRO TALK With Operating Engineer Trainer John Klabacka

#589: Metal-Roof Upgrade, Attic Conversions, and Construction Trade Shows

#588: PRO TALK With FHB House 2023 Builder Jon Beer

#587: Net-Zero with $250k, Owner-Supplied Material, and Garage Separation Walls

#586: PRO TALK With Timber Framer Will Gusakov

#585: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 5

#584: PRO TALK With Consultants John Lenker and Assaf Arie, Part 2

#583: Dehumidification vs. Ventilation, Downsides of Advanced Framing, and Ducting Heat-Pump Water Heaters

#582: PRO TALK With Consultants John Lenker and Assaf Arie, Part 1

#581: Van-to-RV Conversions, Window Shutters, and Highway Noise