Ian talks to builder Dan Kolbert, one of the authors of the Pretty Good House book, about how all builders, regardless of their business size, can incorporate energy-saving, low-carbon building techniques into their systems.
Doug says to stick to basics in bath fixtures. Kyle prefers induction cooking. Jim makes the case for central heating and cooling equipment. Kurt wants to improve his bungalow crawlspace. Andrew found weird subflooring in his house. Justin is considering making his own windows.
In this Pro-Talk podcast, Ian talks to Keith Ouimette, HVAC operations manager at Cardinal Heating & Air Conditioning, about the future of residential mechanical systems, choosing the right system and contractor, and training mechanical tradespeople.
The crew hears about tool batteries and Canadian air barriers and answers questions about working in high-end neighborhoods, electric fireplace and brick veneer.
Patrick talks to Zachary Kuegler, an expert in water supply and distribution, about updating municipal water systems, the bad things that can be in your water, and what it takes to be a civil engineer.
The crew talks about hydronic floors, old-house features, underdeck living space, insulation, brick fireblocking, and problem basement floors.
In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Evan Bache Wiig, a mold-assessment consultant, about construction in Dallas, Texas, why buildings have mold problems, and the tools required by a mold-assessment consultant.
The crew talks about concrete used in renewable energy, designing your own home, lasers for low spaces, and drying behind tile.
In this Pro-Talk podcast, Ian talks to Keegan McAuliffe, Owner and Director of Good Things at Capra Home Concepts in Naples, Idaho about building your own home, working in a booming but remote area and high-performance building on a budget.
Patrick and Andrew talk with builder Jon Beer and the president of Duration Molding and Millwork products, Keith Coleman, about the great learning opportunities at JLC Live and all the cool stuff on the Expo Floor.
In this Pro-Talk podcast, Ian talks to architect Marcos Santa Ana about Passive House, the benefits of having a team with diverse backgrounds, and producing well-designed homes.
Ben says to check your library for Taunton titles. Jonathan shows us how U.S. homes are heated. Marc likes linoleum. Paul wants universal tool batteries. Roger wonders about insulating a steel-frame building. Andrew asks about safely doing high work. Kevin is building carriage doors for his shop.
Ian, Sandy, and David discuss teaching the carpentry trade in a classroom environment, recruiting students from nontraditional backgrounds, and ways contractors can build a relationship with local trade schools.
Mike has advice about anvils. Domas clarifies Canadian code on interior poly sheeting. Nicky asks about improving airtightness. Sam asks if a chimney cleaning is the same as a chimney inspection. A prospective homebuyers wonders what questions to ask sellers about a home you’re considering buying. The crew contemplates old-house features.
In this Pro-Talk podcast, Ian talks to Jessica Bishop-Smyser, Operations Manager at Silent Rivers Design+Build, about the challenges of producing a wide variety of projects and keeping them on budget.
Mike, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about construction productivity and kitchen remodels with FHB’s help, before taking questions about insulating a basement, resources to teach historic preservation, and making an ADU from a steel shipping container.
In this Pro-Talk podcast, Ian talks to Jason Langkammerer of AT6 Architecture + Design Build about growing up with a builder for a father, starting your own business, and the challenges of working in the Bay Area.
The crew hears from listeners about Bonfiglioli walls and ready-mix concrete before taking listener questions about weird screws, insulating a basement ceiling, and suburban mall redevelopment.
In this Pro-Talk podcast, Ian talks to Maria Lauber of Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC about the Inflation Reduction Act, heat pumps, and contractor training programs.
The crew hears from listeners about galvanic corrosion and the satisfaction that comes from tradework before taking listener questions about durable low-cost flooring, replacing previously replaced windows, and diagnosing a poorly performing bath fan.
Patrick talks to Zac Strauss, a home-building apprentice in New Zealand, about how homes are built in New Zealand, how tradespeople have higher social status, and how exposing kids and adults to trade craft is good for them and society.
The crew hears from listeners about ridge vents and sand separators before taking listener questions about finding a contractor to remodel a small kitchen, locating air- and water-control layers, and monitoring indoor-air quality.
In this Pro-Talk podcast, FHB Contributor Ian Schwandt talks to Dan Purnell, production manager at Alloy Workshop, about working with in-house architects, building architecturally driven projects, and having a career background from outside the construction industry.
The crew hears from listeners about LED lights and DIY solar before taking questions about seasonal movement of softwood flooring, tightening an 1850s house, and a permanent-wood foundation for a new build.
In this Pro-Talk podcast FHB Contributor Ian Schwandt talks to painting contractor Luke DiBlasi, of DiBlasi Painting, about high end paint finishes, operating a family business, and the importance of prep work and employee training.