The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
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 [email protected] 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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- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 51 minutes
- Episodes
- 728
- Years Active
- 2016 - 2025
#660: Covering Fascia with Trim Coil, Wiring Penetrations, and Partially Finished Basements
Senior editor Patrick McCombe is joined by Fine Homebuilding senior editor Brian Pontolilo, Fine Homebuilding contributing editor and production manager for TDS Custom Construction Ian Schwandt, and …
#659: Home Shops, Building Science Study, and a Big Basement Hole
Architect Ian wonders what Mike thinks about Rhode Island’s continuing education for building professionals. Tim says heat pumps have evolved. Tom describes his shop for making custom storm doors and…
#658: Catching Crickets, Membrane Roofs, and Insulating Stone Foundations
The FHB crew talks about hunting down noisy insect, the pros and cons of rubber and PVC roofs and insulating them without creating problems. They also discuss insulating and waterproofing stone foun…
#657: Affordable New Builds, Backfilling Foundations, and Peeling Paint
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…
#656: Home Shops, Basement Wall Insulation, and Forming a Slab
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 th…
#655: Engineer’s Approval, Subfloor Dehumidification, and Basement Window Headers
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 th…
#654: Functional Shutters, Attic AC, and Lime Wash Recipes
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…
#653: Kitchen Design Rules, Insulating Outdoor Columns, and Vapor Retarders
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 mult…
#652: Tool Batteries, Moldy Sheathing Behind Brick, and Rebuilding Decks
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 cr…
#651: Pretty Good Houses, Replacing Inset Windows, and Talking Shops
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 w…
#650: Missing Air Barriers, Bridge in a Barn, and Challenges of Exterior Insulation
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 …
#649: Sealed Crawlspaces, Problem Porches, and AC in Attics
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.
#648: Vent-Free Dryers, Retaining Walls, and Energy Use in a Pretty Good House
Listeners write in about English spray foam and wonky doors and ask questions about vent-free dryers, retaining walls, and home energy use.
#647: Sealing Can Lights, Porch Conversions, and Redwood Siding
Listeners write in about opera and keeping young by building and ask questions about leaky light fixtures, porch conversions, and installing wood siding.
#646: Missing Band Joist, Sustainable Building, and Bath Fans
Listeners write in about building on a mesas and their experience with pin foundations and ask questions about a missing band joist, sustainable building, and bath ventilation
#645: Suspect Chimneys, Black Windows, and Worries about Rot
Listeners write in about condensing dryers, giant gears, and saggy doors. They ask questions about chimney safety, longevity of black windows, and rot-resistant assemblies.
#644: High Indoor Humidity, Underfloor HVAC Returns, and Textured Ceilings
Listeners write in about changing careers and organizing volunteer builders and ask questions about high humidity, underfloor cooling, and removing ceiling texture.
#643: Roof Outsulation, Budgeting Mistakes, and How Much Designer Do You Need
Listeners write in about tightening a Cape and ask questions about roof insulation, budget busters and how much designer is enough for a basic kitchen remodel.
#642: Truss Uplift, Wet Ceilings, and Second-Time Siding
Listeners write in about insulating attics, foundations for additions, and dodgy electrical devices. They ask questions about truss uplift, wet ceilings and siding a second time.
#641: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 7
In this best-of episode the FHBcrew discuss windows that open onto decks, keeping kitchen remodels affordable, painting stucco, and more.