The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Patrick, Ian and Grant talk about 700 FHB Podcast episodes, before diving into discussions on the importance of basement waterproofing, how water gets in basements, solving problems with indoor humid…

In this best-of show the crew talks about bulkhead doors, metal roofing over SIPS, rebuilding Notre Dame, sealing mudsills, and insulating sloped ceilings.

Tune in to Episode 700 of the Fine Homeb…

Patrick, Randy and Ian have a heated discussion about fire safety, including how to wire heat detectors. Scott wonders if an all-electric home is less resilient than one heated with fossil fuels or w…

Marc says it’s tough to bid electrical work when copper wire prices change daily. Dan thinks we need to consider the carbon costs of every build. Andy asks for advice on building an energy efficient …

Ian and Randy help Patrick answer listener questions about building a quiet house and sound-control strategies for new and existing homes and then the Podcast revisits its roots discussing roof venti…

Will ICF foundations burn? Do modern materials destroy old houses? Do heat pumps peter out in hot temperatures? Can you prevent rain from coming in gable vents? Grant and Mike help Patrick address FH…

Ian, Brian, and producer Cari Delahanty join Patrick in talking about 

Tune in to Episode 695 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

• What to do with the bricks from a demolishe…

Ian and Randy join Patrick in talking about how a lack of makeup air limits ventilation effectiveness and why a builder might install seven minisplits in a typically-sized home.  They talk about the …

Jerry says to look for hazardous materials when considering fixer-uppers. Ryan asks about building Larsen trusses. Daniel asks if there’s a place for AI in construction. Ian, Brian and Patrick help l…

Brian, Grant and Patrick hear about a renewed interest in trade education and consider carbon accounting in the Canadian Building Code before discussing envelope improvements for an old houses.  

T…

Ryan describes living with a ground-source heat pump. Zack says there are better options than bronze for weatherstripping. David asks about replacing his vinyl siding and fixing a slab that slopes th…

Dack says build a fireplace and enjoy it. Chip asks about the best ways to sharpen chisels. Kit wonders if there’s a way to easily change and upgrade wiring using existing baseboard. The crew talks a…

Greg describes radon control system for a stone foundation. Ground water and radon expert Guy describes a typical radon-control system. Matt asks how to improve the airtightness of his basement garag…

Steve describes the problems and fixes for masonry chimneys. Alex thinks his ridge vent is mistakenly blocked. Jordan and Katherine ask about buying fixer-uppers. Kerry wonders if he should flash a d…

Connor shares his final blower door numbers. Ryan has an FHB Project Guide idea. Josh wonders about the right roof for his Queen’s row house. Jim says prospective contractors all want to use spray fo…

John reminds the Podcast that not too long ago FHB magazine commonly had fireplace ads. Michael thinks bionic arms can help with drywall sanding. Austin asks for advice on building brick steps. Alex …

Pel says shares a NY Times story describing the challenges of being a legit contractor.  

Eric asks how to fix the drywall above his shower unit. Chris wonders if there’s an easy way to add an air ba…

Home ventilation systems and respect for old houses is the focus of conversation in this information-packed episode. The team talks about masonry heaters, ductwork for an ERV, and the absence of the …

Adam says scouting is introducing young people to trade work. Ian, Grant, and Patrick talk about cooling and preventing radon in a barndominum. Spenser asks if he needs an ERV.

Tune in to Episode 6…

Steve has photos of tree roots that broke up a concrete slab. Ian, Grant and Patrick talk about Nate’s basement flooring and vapor control. Zachary shows the architectural treasures he found at salva…