The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Builders Mike Guertin and Ian Schwandt help the FHB Podcast answer complex questions about affordable new construction, proper compaction around new foundations, and how to deal with peeling paint on a mountainside masonry wall.

Tune in to Episode 657 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

• Strategies for making new homes affordable
• Properly compacting backfill around a new foundation for a patio
• Water movement through masonry and controlling peeling paint

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 657

➡️ Learn about SketchUp for Builders by Jon Beer, the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

Listeners share their home shop ideas. The crew answers questions about insulating above-grade basement walls and how to form and insulate the edges of a building slab.

Tune in to Episode 656 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

• Tips and tricks for a productive home shop
• How to insulate basement walls with rigid insulation
• Edge insulation and form work for a thickened-edge slab

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: Episode 656

➡️ Learn about SketchUp for Builders by Jon Beer, the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

Brian, Ian and Patrick hear from listeners and answer building questions. Does it make sense to dehumidify under a basement subfloor? Do basement windows need a header?

Tune in to Episode 655 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

• How engineers test structures
• Does active dehumidification of a basement subfloor make sense
• Do basement windows need a header

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes:

*insert link to podcast episode page*

➡️ E-Learning Sketchup for Builders by Jon Beer

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

The Podcast crew talk about the beauty and benefits of functional shutters. Matt shows us how to save wildlife from window wells. Richard explains how to improve attic air handlers and ductwork. Matt Millham shares his favorite lime wash recipe.

Tune in to Episode 654 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

• Mike talks about how shutters protect homes from sun and storms
• Richard talks about the best way to run HVAC in unconditioned attics
• Matt explains how Ann Arbor is requiring home energy ratings at resale
• Mixing your own lime wash for masonry

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 654

➡️ Learn about SketchUp for Builders by Jon Beer, the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

Peri, who is having a disagreement with a coworker, asks the Podcast about insulating structural columns for an elevated deck.

The FHB Podcast crew talks about getting kitchen design help from multiple designers. Peri asks if there's any reason to insulate hollow porch columns and address walls. Robert has been house shopping in the Bay Area and every real estate inspection indicates problem vapor barriers.

Tune in to Episode 653 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

• Kitchen design rules for tight budgets
• Decks structure and Canadian stair design
• Where to put vapor retarders in mixed climates

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 653

➡️ Learn about SketchUp for Builders by Jon Beer, the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

This week's favorite question comes from Jim who asks on Fine Homebuilding's forum if he can replace rotted pressure-treated decking or does he have to rebuild the whole deck.

The FHB Podcast crew talks about cross-compatibility of power tool batteries. Contractor Evan in Dallas is asking how to replace moldy sheathing behind brick without removing the brick. The crew offers their best suggestions and discuss the importance of managing vapor drive behind brick or other reservoir claddings.

Tune in to Episode 652 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

• Power tool battery pack construction and cross-compatibility
• Deck construction and durability of pressure-treated lumber
• Brick veneer vapor control and moldy framing and sheathing

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 652

➡️ Learn about SketchUp for Builders by Jon Beer, the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

The Podcast question of the week comes from Chris, who asks about the best way to install inset windows so they're easy to replace when the time comes.

We also hear from Superspeeder on YouTube who wants more details on Ian's Pretty Good House. Finally, Matthew asks if you need an air barrier behind board ceilings and wall paneling.

Tune in to Episode 651 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

• What makes a Pretty Good House
• The basics on inset window installations
• Cool ideas for a home shop and shop techniques for the job site

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 651

➡️ Learn about SketchUp for Builders by Jon Beer,the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen

The Podcast question of the week comes from Tyler, who is building a bridge from native lumber over his hogs.

We also hear from Dan Kolbert of Kolbert Building and coauthor of Pretty Good House. Dan shares thoughts on sustainable building. Finally, Matthew asks if you need an air barrier behind board ceiling and wall paneling.

Tune in to Episode 650 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

• The importance of drywall or another air barrier behind tongue-and-groove boards
• How to build a boardwalk using native, locally sawn lumber
• The advantages and challenges of installing exterior insulation

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at [email protected].

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 650

➡️ Learn about SketchUp for Builders by Jon Beer,the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

Listeners write in about trade work and deck longevity and ask questions about sealing crawlspaces, transitions where masonry meets framing, and vented attics with AC ductwork.

Listeners write in about English spray foam and wonky doors and ask questions about vent-free dryers, retaining walls, and home energy use.