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 multiple designers. Peri asks if there's any reason to insulate hollow porch columns and address walls. Robert has been house shopping in the Bay Area and every real estate inspection indicates problem vapor barriers.  

Tune in to Episode 653 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

• Kitchen design rules for tight budgets 
• Decks structure and Canadian stair design
• Where to put vapor retarders in mixed climates

Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us at fhbpodcast@finehomebulding.com.  

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 653

➡️ Learn about SketchUp for Builders by Jon Beer, the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding 

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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 crew talks about cross-compatibility of power tool batteries. Contractor Evan in Dallas is asking how to replace moldy sheathing behind brick without removing the brick. The crew offers their best suggestions and discuss the importance of managing vapor drive behind brick or other reservoir claddings.

Tune in to Episode 652 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

• Power tool battery pack construction and cross-compatibility 
• Deck construction and durability of pressure-treated lumber
• Brick veneer vapor control and moldy framing and sheathing 

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 652

➡️ Learn about SketchUp for Builders by Jon Beer, the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding 

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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 wants more details on Ian's Pretty Good House. Finally, Matthew asks if you need an air barrier behind board ceilings and wall paneling.

Tune in to Episode 651 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

• What makes a Pretty Good House
• The basics on inset window installations
• Cool ideas for a home shop and shop techniques for the job site

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 651

➡️ Learn about SketchUp for Builders by Jon Beer,the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding 

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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 shares thoughts on sustainable building. Finally, Matthew asks if you need an air barrier behind board ceiling and wall paneling.

Tune in to Episode 650 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

• The importance of drywall or another air barrier behind tongue-and-groove boards
• How to build a boardwalk using native, locally sawn lumber
• The advantages and challenges of installing exterior 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 650

➡️ Learn about SketchUp for Builders by Jon Beer,the new E-learning course from Fine Homebuilding 

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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.

Listeners write in about English spray foam and wonky doors and ask questions about vent-free dryers, retaining walls, and home energy use.

Listeners write in about opera and keeping young by building and ask questions about leaky light fixtures, porch conversions, and installing wood siding.

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

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.

Listeners write in about changing careers and organizing volunteer builders and ask questions about high humidity, underfloor cooling, and removing ceiling texture.

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.

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.

In this best-of episode the FHBcrew discuss windows that open onto decks, keeping kitchen remodels affordable, painting stucco, and more.

Listeners write in about kiln-dried pressure treated lumber and bad deck details. They ask questions about conditioning a shop, installing hardwood, and building a pretty good house.

Listeners write in about water treatment, masonry heaters, and leak detectors. They ask questions about finding builders for high-performance homes, foundation insulation, and foundation settlement.

Listeners write in about changing careers, rain screen raised beds, and introducing people to trade work. They ask questions about buying a moldy house, choosing construction as a career, and building on a sandstone mesa.

A conversation with Bill Grande , Vice President: Codes, Standards and Compliance at electrical device manufacturer Leviton.

Listeners write in about wonky doors and hacking water heaters and ask questions about insulating a four square’s attic, adding on to an existing foundation, and deck construction.

Listeners write in about keeping pipes from freezing, and wood species for porch railings. They ask questions about tongue-and-groove siding, mass timber construction, and moldy minisplits.

Listeners write in about endangered overhangs, mass timber, and DIY sawmills. They ask questions about opening windows in a Pretty Good House, insulating 2x6 rafters, and insulating trusses.

Listeners write in about skinny houses, green-building upgrades, and leak detectors. They ask questions about flashing windows, protecting footings from frost, and back-to-basics home builds.

Listeners write in about landscape lighting, airsealing porch ceilings, and foregoing inspections, and ask questions about DIY dense-pack insulation, fixing a wonky door, and detailing envelope penetrations.

Listeners write in about ADUs, data-hogging washers, and foregoing inspections. They ask questions about replacing functioning HVAC systems, reinforcement for footings, and repairing a garage built on fill.

The FHB Podcast discusses refrigerants, the HVAC industry, and HVAC worker training.

Listeners write in about outdoor showers, a Philadelphia carpentry teacher, and the science of hail damage. We ask building scientist Monica Rokicki-Guajardo questions about building performance, HVAC systems, and indoor air quality.