The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Hosted by Fine Homebuilding Magazine

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Episodes

771

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

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. -- 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. -- Want more from Fine Homebuilding? Check out our website, finehomebuilding.com. -- Instagram: @FineHomebuilding Facebook: @FineHomebuildingMagazine YouTube: @FineHomebuildingMagazine TikTok: @FineHomebuilding Pinterest: @FineHomebuilding -- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 12, 202647 min

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

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.

June 5, 202646 min

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

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.

May 29, 202642 min

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

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.

May 22, 202645 min

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

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.

May 15, 202647 min

#737: Interior Doors, Affordable Exterior Doors and Ikea Cabinets

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.

May 8, 202647 min

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

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.

May 1, 202649 min

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

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.

April 24, 202655 min

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

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.

April 17, 202654 min

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

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.

April 10, 2026Episode 73258 min

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

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.