The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

#744: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 11 03.07.2026 47min

Welcome 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.

#743: Building Science Overload, Old Bricks, and Shim Screws for Doors and Windows 26.06.2026 55min

John 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.

#742: Clear Finishes, Site-Built Scaffolding, and Foundation for a Wet Site 19.06.2026 58min

David 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.

#741: Stolen Tools, Ducts in Plenum Trusses, and Bowing Foundation Walls 12.06.2026 47min

Randy 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.

#740: Wooden Nails, Strengthening Joists and Rebuilding Squeaky Stairs 05.06.2026 46min

Casey 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.

#739: Igloos, Detailing Masonry Bump-Outs, and Oddly-Framed Walls 29.05.2026 42min

Vince 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.

#738: DIY Spray-Foam Kits, Affordable Siding, and Second-Floor Load Paths 22.05.2026 45min

Ian, 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.

#737: Interior Doors, Affordable Exterior Doors and Ikea Cabinets 15.05.2026 47min

Grant, Ian and Patrick address listener feedback about felt WRBs and building your own interior doors. Then they tackle questions about affordable entry doors and installing and living with Ikea kitchen cabinets. Tune in to Episode 737 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Building your own interior doors for odd-sized openings Options for affordable entry doors Pros and cons to Ikea and other ready-to-assemble cabinets 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 737 ➡️ Submit a project to be considered for FHB's 2026 Houses Awards ➡️ 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.

#736: Tool Theft, Durable Clear Finishes, and Cracked Foundations 08.05.2026 47min

Brian and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Brian talks about interesting things happening at FHB and Ian describes what he'll be covering at his class during the fine Homebuilding Summit. Tune in to Episode 736 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Tool theft in the US, UK, and Canada and its effect on trade workers The pros and cons to clear finishes Cracks in a concrete foundation and who fixes them 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 736 ➡️ Submit a project to be considered for FHB's 2026 Houses Awards ➡️ 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.

#735: FHB Summit, Slab Foundation Insulation, and Flipper Fixer-Upper 01.05.2026 49min

Brian, Ian and Patrick talk about plans for the 2026 Fine Homebuilding Summit. James shares his advice for insulating and air-sealing attic knee walls. Chris wonders if window manufacturers should be teaching installers how to flash windows. Heather asks how to detail a slab on grade foundation with interior stem wall insulation. Ian seeks advice on addressing a previous owners questionable upgrades. Tune in to Episode 735 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Barrier versus drainage methods of flashing windows Insulating a slab on grade foundation Sizing up and undoing a previous owners questionable repairs 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 735 ➡️ Join us 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.

#734: Extension Jambs, Ventilation for Multifamily Buildings, and Fitting Doors 24.04.2026 55min

Ian and Grant help Patrick Adress listener feedback and answer their questions about ventilation for a small apartment building and the best way to fit doors when the floor slopes around them. David discusses bath tub drains in Japan and Taiwan. Will shares tips for airtight windows with tight fitting extension jambs. Greg asks about ventilation for his four-unit apartment building. Jim wonders if he should scribe door bottoms to match sloping floors. Tune in to Episode 734 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Adjusting windows so extension jambs are tight-fitting and uniform width Providing exhaust and makeup air for multi-family ventilation Fitting new doors to existing openings that aren't plumb or level 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 734 ➡️ Submit a project to be considered for FHB's 2026 Houses Awards ➡️ 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.

#733: Double-Stud Walls, Construction Second Career, and Hardwood on Concrete Slabs 17.04.2026 54min

Grant and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Grant gives an update on current editorial assignments and travel. Randy shares what's going on at Green Building Advisor and current building investigations. Tune in to Episode 733 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Theoretical and real seasonal moisture accumulation in double-stud walls Starting a second career in residential construction The best way to install hardwood flooring on concrete slabs 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 733 ➡️ Become an FHB All-Access Member ➡️ 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.

#732: Indoor Humidity, Spreading Kneewalls, and Interior Air Barriers 10.04.2026 58min

Vince and Chris share thoughts on maintaining comfortable indoor humidity. Benoît considers strengthening his outbuilding with spreading kneewalls. Anna wonders what interior air barrier is right when drywall is off the table. Tune in to Episode 732 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Humidifying interior spaces without creating condensation Fixing a 1 1/2 story building with a sagging ridge and spreading walls Creating an interior air barrier behind wood paneling without drywall 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 732 ➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive ➡️ 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.

#731: Risks of CO, Proper Painting Sequence, and Detailing Felt WRBs 03.04.2026 48min

Marc describes the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Jim thinks that complex heating and cooling systems require coordination between trades. Corey asks about the right order to paint new walls and trim. Mike and Andrew ask for more discussion of asphalt felt water resistive barriers. Randy and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Tune in to Episode 731 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: · The real risks of malfunctioning combustion appliances · The most-efficient way for pros and DIYers to paint interior spaces · eyword in this sentence) 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 731 ➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive ➡️ 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.

#730: Septic Fix, Insulating a Cape, and Ducts in Plenum Trusses 27.03.2026 52min

Paul shares an update on his septic system saga. Mike Guertin asks Ian about impact drivers. John asks about insulating the knee walls and roof of his Cincinnati-area Cape. Jim is building a ranch-style house and asks about using plenum trusses to hide heating and air conditioning ducts. Ian and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. The crew shares updates on current projects. Tune in to Episode 730 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: A simple upgrade to make septic system maintenance easier The pros and cons of spray-foaming a 50's era Cape-style house Getting contractors on board with HVAC in plenum trusses 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 730 ➡️ Check out our latest eLearning course: Expert Guide to Installing Double, Pocket, and Flush-Concealed Doors with Casey Knips ➡️ 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.

#729: Robots, Construction Second Career, and Building on Piers 20.03.2026 49min

Matt doesn't think robots and AI will make us live like the Jetsons. Mike updates us on his owner/builder house and making a career change to construction. Miranda is looking for advice on air-sealing and insulating the floor of a house partially built on piers. Ian and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback and answer the construction building science questions. Tune in to Episode 729 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Technology and its effect on the construction industry Making a career change to residential construction Warm and dry floor system for houses and additions built on 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 729 ➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive ➡️ 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.

#728: Too Much Stuff, ERV Ductwork, and Spray Foam Under Paneling 13.03.2026 48min

Ian and Randy help Patrick address listener feedback about storing tools and stuff. Brett is designing a whole house ventilation system and asks about the right way to duct his system. A Fine Homebuilding web member inquires about closed-cell foam insulation installed behind walls covered with nickel-gap paneling. Tune in to Episode 728 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How much storage and stuff is enough The options for fully ducted balanced ventilation systems The best insulation and vapor control for wood-paneled wall 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 728 ➡️ Learn about Expert Guide to Installing Double, Pocket, and Flush-Concealed Doors with Casey Knips, 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.

#727: Dehumidification, Freestanding Tubs, and Crawlspace Vapor Barriers 06.03.2026 45min

Scott shares his thoughts on whole-house dehumidification. Ian asks about light fixtures and tile waterproofing for a Euro-style bathroom. Sean wonders if a crawlspace vapor barrier will make his mudsills wet. Tune in to Episode 727 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Using an ERV to help distribute dehumidified air Waterproofing Euro-style bathrooms Crawlspace vapor barriers and water management 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 727 ➡️ Learn about the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Archive ➡️ 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.

#726: Heat-Pump Performance, Asphalt Felt, and Interior Humidification 27.02.2026 50min

This week on the Fine Hombuilding Podcast, listeners write in about heat-pump performance and ask questions about using asphalt felt for a WRB and maintaining comfortable indoor humidity. FHB senior editor Patrick McCombe is joined by Green Building Advisor editor Randy Williams, Fine Homebuilding technical editor Mark Peterson, and producer Cari Delahanty. Tune in to Episode 726 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Heat-pump performance during cold snaps Using tar paper as a WRB Raising indoor relative humidity during winter months 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 726 ➡️ Sign up for an FHB All-Access Membership ➡️ 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.

#725: LIVE From the 2026 International Builders' Show 20.02.2026 37min

This week we're excited to bring you a very special episode from the floor of the 2026 International Builders' Show in Orlando, FL! FHB editorial director Brian Pontolilo, GBA editor Randy Williams, and FHB technical editor Mark Petersen are joined by Daniel Sutton from VERSATEX Building Products to discuss strategies for low-maintenance exteriors. Tune in to Episode 725 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Realistic expectations for low-maintenance exteriors The pros and cons of PVC siding and trim materials Common siding mistakes and how to avoid them 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 725 ➡️ Sign up for an FHB All-Access Membership ➡️ 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.