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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. -- 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.
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The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
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Now displaying: 2026
Apr 17, 2026

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

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Apr 10, 2026

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

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Apr 3, 2026

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

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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:  

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen. 

Mar 27, 2026

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

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Mar 20, 2026

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:  

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Mar 13, 2026

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:  

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

Mar 6, 2026

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.

Feb 27, 2026

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:  

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Feb 20, 2026

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:  

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Feb 13, 2026

Chris says home heating and cooling systems should be simple. Colin’s friend is wondering how to know if he needs his furnace flue relined. Tom says that building planners and designers should be doing more to make houses resilient in a warming climate.

 

Tune in to Episode 724 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

  • The benefits of keeping HVAC systems simple 
  • Furnace flues and masonry chimneys  
  • Strategies for passive cooling and keeping houses cool in hot conditions 
  • DIY descaling of boilers and on-demand water heaters

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 724

➡️ 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.

Feb 6, 2026

Kerry shares his thoughts on spray foaming old houses with advice for getting it right. A Fine Homebuilding Forum poster wonders about framing walls and attaching sheathing with construction screws. Andrew asks about the best way to build a lakefront cabin accessible only by boat.

 

Tune in to Episode 723 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

  • Using closed-cell spray foam insulation successfully in old houses 
  • Safe and code-compliant framing connections
  • Building on ecologically sensitive and hard-to-access building sites 

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 723

➡️ 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.

Jan 30, 2026

Richard describes inexpensive data loggers for monitoring indoor air quality. Kerry asks about adding casing and extension jambs to fiberglass windows. Martin wonders about improving the comfort and safety of his internal garage and the living space above it. Grant and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions.

 

Tune in to Episode 722 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

  • Low-cost humidity and temperature data loggers sold on Amazon 
  • The right way to trim out fiberglass windows 
  • Fire separation requirements between a garage and living space 

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 722

➡️  Check out the 2025 Fine Homebuilding Magazine Archive

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

Jan 23, 2026

Chris shares a news story about recently-introduced window-mounted heat pumps. Mason describes the joy that comes from using top shelf tools, even if it’s once or twice a year. Alex asks about installing spray foam under roof sheathing and exterior roof insulation.

 

Tune in to Episode 721 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

  • Window-mounted retrofit heat pumps for rooms and apartments
  • Finding space and spending money for good tools
  • The right way to combine interior and exterior roof 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 721

➡️ 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.

Jan 16, 2026

In this special water and humidity control episode, Evan and Austin describes their whole house dehumidification strategies. Jake asks about insulating his bath fan ductwork to prevent water from dripping through the grill. Stephen wonders why the walls in his Upstate NY cabin are wet.

  

Tune in to Episode 720 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

  • How to integrate a whole house dehumidifier into existing ductwork
  • Why is a newly installed bath fan dripping water from the grill 
  • Heating and construction methods to lower indoor humidity

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 720

➡️ 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.

Jan 9, 2026

Ian, Randy and Patrick discuss home projects and address listener emails about attracting young trade workers, the best cordless oscillating multitools and improving the comfort and energy efficiency of an old house in a mixed climate.   

 

Tune in to Episode 719 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

  • The future role of robots and AI in house building and renovation 
  • The utility of oscillating multitools and the best cordless multi-tools
  • The benefits and risks of insulating old houses with spray foam

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 719

➡️ Learn about Fine Homebuilding's All-Access Membership

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

Jan 2, 2026

Ian and Randy help Patrick respond to listener feedback about the best way to help clients and home electrification before taking questions about window construction and improving the comfort of a badly-built bonus room above a garage.

Tune in to Episode 718 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 

  • Improving envelopes before new heating and cooling systems 
  • The right window for a pretty good house
  • Fixing comfort problems in above-garage living space 

➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: FHB Podcast 718

➡️ Sign Up for Gary Striegler's eLearning Course 'Mastering Essential Jobsite Tools'

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and rate us on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you prefer to listen.

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