Podcast
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Hosted by Fine Homebuilding Magazine · EN
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast is all about answering YOUR construction, design, and building science questions. From foundation waterproofing to roof flashing, we take on your building, remodeling and design challenges with the know-how of North America's most-trusted home building brand.
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Every Friday, we discuss listener questions and offer advice following best-practice building techniques and principles. We love hearing from you, so if you have a question or project you want us to dig into, please send an email to FHBpodcast@finehomebuilding.com or ask your question on social media.
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Want more from Fine Homebuilding? Check out our website, finehomebuilding.com.
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If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.
17episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#747: Lab Grown Lumber, Controlling Humidity, and Exterior Insulation
1w ago00:51:56Tap to summarizeMatt Puntin says that helical piers are a game-changer. Patrick and Greg alert us to lab-grown lumber. Brad asks about controlling humidity in a beautiful, old brick house. D_Dart wonders which is the right exterior insulation. Tune in to Episode 747 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The potential benefits of lab-grown lumber How to control humidity in an old brick house in a mixed climate Which rigid insulation is right for adding exterior continuous insulation Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com. ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 747 ➡️ Get tickets for the Fine Homebuilding Summit today ➡️ 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.
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#746: Steam Humidifiers, Hydraulic Drivers, and Changes in Construction
2w ago00:46:01Tap to summarizeKen describes the efficiency of common residential humidification systems. Bob reminds us about concrete igloos. Miranda asks the Podcast what has changed in residential construction since the first episodes. Grant talks about a new category of quieter impact driver called hydraulic or oil-impulse drivers. Tune in to Episode 746 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The energy consumption of steam humidifiers The pros and cons of hydraulic impact drivers Changes in residential construction over the last 10 years ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 746 ➡️ Get tickets for the Fine Homebuilding Summit today ➡️ 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.
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#745: Gaseous Water, Garage Insulation, and Using AI for HVAC Sizing
3w ago00:54:09Tap to summarizeDack says we should reconsider our endorsement of LP SmartSide. Josh suggests we come up with a better name for water vapor. John wonders how to insulate his concrete garage ceiling. Keegan shares a tale sizing a heating and cooling system using AI. Tune in to Episode 745 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The environmental tradeoffs of engineered wood siding How to insulate a garage ceiling that's made from poured concrete. The challenges of sizing heating and cooling equipment Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com. ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 745 ➡️ Get your tickets for the FHB Summit! ➡️ 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.
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#744: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 11
4w ago00:47:02Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Fine Homebuilding podcast, our weekly discussion of building, remodeling, and design topics aimed at anybody who cares deeply about the craft and science of working on houses. In Episode 744, our best-of show, the Podcast crew revisits some of their favorite segments. Tune in to Episode 744 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How to asses leaks behind stucco Building a "fine" home on a tight budget The difference between cabinet saws and portable job-site saws Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com. ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 744 ➡️ Get tickets for the Fine Homebuilding Summit today ➡️ 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.
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#743: Building Science Overload, Old Bricks, and Shim Screws for Doors and Windows
Jun 2600:55:28Tap to summarizeJohn says that listening the FHB Podcast has him mildly terrorized. Bob wonders about using a post and manufactured earth anchor for raising his bat house. Paul is concerned that his old building's bricks are unsound. Zak asks if we know about Top Star shim screws. Special guest Josh Edmonds and Ian Schwandt discuss Josh's Fine Homebuilding Summit class before helping help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Tune in to Episode 743 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Getting overwhelmed with Building Science Do dusty bricks in a masonry building mean trouble The pros and cons of Top Star shim screws for doors and windows Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com. ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 743 ➡️ Get tickets for the Fine Homebuilding Summit today ➡️ 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.
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#742: Clear Finishes, Site-Built Scaffolding, and Foundation for a Wet Site
Jun 1900:58:40Tap to summarizeDavid describes an audacious tool thief and shares insights into the best clear finishes. Tom asks Ian if he can provide sources to further his research about trade craft and guilds in Colonial America. Anna wonders is she can safely change the design of Mike Guertin's scaffold. Chris seeks advice about building a modular house on a wet site in Texas. Tune in to Episode 742 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Durable, easy-to-renew clear finishes Mike Guertin's A-frame scaffolding Building a modular home on a wet site using helical piers Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com. ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 742 ➡️ Learn about Right Sizing Mechanicals with Allison Bailes ➡️ 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.
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#741: Stolen Tools, Ducts in Plenum Trusses, and Bowing Foundation Walls
Jun 1200:47:08Tap to summarizeRandy and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback about rampant tool theft and softening hard water without brine. They answer questions about running ductwork in a slab-on-grade ranch house and foundation fixes for bowed block walls. Tune in to Episode 741 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How new tools don't necessarily have the appeal of old favorites Using plenum trusses to keep HVAC ductwork in the conditioned space Fixes for cracked and bowing block foundation walls Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com. ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 741 ➡️ Get tickets for the Fine Homebuilding Summit today ➡️ 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.
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#740: Wooden Nails, Strengthening Joists and Rebuilding Squeaky Stairs
Jun 500:46:23Tap to summarizeCasey Knips joins Grant and Patrick to talk about his FHB class on hanging complex interior doors before the whole crew addresses listener feedback and answers their home building questions. Austin alerts the FHB Podcast team about nails made from wood fiber and nailers made for driving them. Seth wonders if plywood laminations can be used instead of dimensional lumber to sister rotten floor joists. Scott asks for advice on rebuilding squeaky stairs in an 1880's brick rowhouse. Tune in to Episode 740 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The applications and cost of nails made from wood Can plywood laminations do the job of sistering joists What's the best way to rebuild a staircase without replacing it Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com. ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 740 ➡️ Learn about Installing Double, Pocket, and Concealed Doors ➡️ 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.
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#739: Igloos, Detailing Masonry Bump-Outs, and Oddly-Framed Walls
May 2900:42:46Tap to summarizeVince says we spent a lot of time not answering his question. David thinks it has been too long since FHB covered igloos. Steve wonders how to insulate and air-seal the bump-out breakfast nook that's showing signs of water entry. Grant was shocked to learn a current project is framed without studs. Tune in to Episode 739 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Controlling humidity for comfort without window condensation Where is the water coming from above a bump-out in a masonry wall Are old walls built without studs common or safe? Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com. ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: ➡️ Submit a project to be considered for FHB's 2026 Houses Awards ➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media: Episode 739 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.
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#738: DIY Spray-Foam Kits, Affordable Siding, and Second-Floor Load Paths
May 2200:45:59Tap to summarizeIan, Randy, and Patrick address listener feedback about training to be a GC and the safety and sustainability of two-part DIY spray foam kits. They answer a builder in North Carolina who's considering SmartSide engineered siding as an alternative to fiber-cement and FHB Forum poster who is adding an LVL beam to strengthen his second-floor floor system. Tune in to Episode 738 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The secrets of DIY spray-foam kits and cautionary tales about them The durability of SmartSide siding and how to work with it Creating a load path to the basement through multiple house levels Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@taunton.com. ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 738 ➡️ Get Early-Bird Ticket Pricing for the 2026 Fine Homebuilding Summit ➡️ 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.
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