Ian talks to David about new ways to think about lighting your spaces, when to hire a lighting designer and David gives some basic tips for better lighting in the home.
Jim reminds us to consider a deck’s lateral loads. Evan shows us a more airtight garage-door system. Chris and Jeremy share their experience with bath-fan installation. Ted asks about installing lap siding over vertical siding. Jake is contemplating foundation options. James wonders if he really needs an expansion tank.
In this ProTalk Podcast, Ian talks to Adrianna Gretz, residential project manager at LEFF Design Build, about the similarities and differences between commercial and residential project management.
Improving the electric grid, tool batteries, making your own windows, value-engineering a new build, cellulose insulation, and contractor licensing.
In this ProTalk Podcast, Ian talks to contractor and educator Joe Garvilla about his experiences as an educator and builder, and the positive side of regulating contractors.
Soul-bashing work, spray-foam problems, floors for front-loading washers, attaching decks to cantilevered joists, and vented crawlspaces.
Patrick talks to Jeremy Hess, project manager for C&Z Construction, about insurance work; installing helical piles on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska; and the time it takes to build your own house.
Andy says beer helps keep craft alive. Evan suggests getting a good respirator. Adam and Hlynur are familiar with Icelandic heat pumps. Mark asks how to redo his flat roof. Pete needs a better irrigation timer. Will wants new windows.
Patrick talks to Jeremy Hess, project manager for C&Z Construction, about insurance work; installing helical piles on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska; and the time it takes to build your own house.
Induction cooking, battery pack adapters, HVAC in the attic, bath fans, exterior trim, health benefits of fireplaces, and basement air- and water-management.
Ian, Tyson, and Andrew discuss how Milwaukee Tool is pushing the limits of cordless tools by designing and engineering batteries, motors, and onboard electronics that work together as a system.
Row homes, wealthy clients, quiet walls, garage-door airtightness, rotted balconies, and foundation improvements.
In this Pro-Talk podcast, Ian talks to custom home builder Jared Gossett about the economics of custom building, construction media, and using a systems-based approach to achieve success as a builder.
Adhesive roof underlayments, air-sealing band joists, brick veneer, Patrick’s rants, problem concrete, cabin foundation options, and challenging construction work.
In this Pro-Talk podcast Ian talks to George Hodges-Fulton of Pinnacle Business Guides about business operating systems, developing a leadership team within construction companies, and teaching business skills to tradespeople.
Universal batteries, gas light fixtures, caulking wood siding, opening up walls, and plaster repairs.
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.