Kate Hersey, executive director of the Minnesota Tool Library is passionate about getting tools into the hands of more folks. Through her work at the non-profit tool lending library, she and her community of volunteers introduce hands-on tool skills to their members.

Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about HVAC training, wood pellets, and minisplits before taking questions about thermal breaks for slabs, split-style heat-pump water heaters, and doing your own dense-pack cellulose insulation.

Miquel, David, and Patrick talk about starting a painting and remodeling business, getting customers to think outside the box, and the creative and financial rewards of being a contractor.

Beth Pointer is celebrating five years in business as a contractor, through it’s been a long journey to get there, with a path that leads from an English major, to ironworking and labor organizing. Her remodeling business, Done Construction, now focuses on kitchens and baths.

Ian, Andrew, and Patrick hear from listeners about heat flow and population density by climate zone before taking questions on one-story vs. two-story construction costs, controlling vapor through a slab, and the best brand of DIY spray foam.

Mike and Patrick talk about the craft of low-voltage wiring, how to futureproof homes for technology upgrades, and why trade workers need to understand building science.

Learn more about the upcoming Midwest Building Science Symposium and why it’s important to grow in your trade.

Kiley, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about climate control for sheds, energy audits, and water-heater condensate before taking questions about air-sealing electrical boxes, building with 2x3s, and keeping pipes warm with insulation.

Patrick talks to Caleb Carpenter, owner of Rad Wood Works, a contracting firm near Albany, N.Y., about starting a carpentry business, why it’s tough to find good tradespeople, and what it’s like buying a starter home right now.

Randy Williams gets to do a little bit of everything in his market, and that variety is key to a fulfilling career

Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about exposed sheathing and setting up for a blower-door test before taking listener questions about delivery subcontractors, how to make a head flashing, and sealing a post-frame building at grade.

In this Pro-Talk podcast, Patrick talks to Morgan Thomas, production manager for Leff Construction, a design/build firm in Sebastopol, Calif., about managing client expectations, the challenges of building in California, and affordable housing for trade workers.

From rock and roll to building science, the career trajectory for Ryan wasn’t necessarily a straight line, but he’s found a true calling.

In this episode, Rob introduces Andrew Zoellner, current Editorial Director of Fine Homebuilding and Green Building Advisor, as the new Executive Director of Keep Craft Alive. 

Ian, Andrew, and Patrick hear from listeners about design software and building costs before taking questions about heat flow, removing a chimney, and the right nails for sheathing.  

Patrick, Lindsay, and Lindsey talk about the challenges of building in the Mountain West, the difficulties in assembling the right team for a high-performance build, and the rewards of creating functional and beautiful spaces.

Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about shingle colors and Google’s new office building before taking questions on installing foam insulation over T1-11, improving the comfort and thermal performance of overhanging bump-outs, and the best way to heat and cool a shed office.

Patrick and Mike talk about the complications of building in interior Alaska, learning the business of contracting, and how to earn more while working less.

Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about electric water heaters and the future of home building before taking questions about blue stuff on framing, painting open soffits, and whole-house dehumidification in wet climates.

Patrick talks to Rick Skidmore, founder and CEO of Timberlane, a shutter and garage-door manufacturer, about the utility and beauty of real exterior shutters and what drives someone to entrepreneurship.

Andrew, Ian, and Patrick hear from listeners about termites and heat pumps before taking questions about hot attic living space, using fiberglass reinforced panels (FRP) for sheathing, and bringing underporch rooms into the thermal envelope.

Patrick and Aron talk about the challenges of building on a small island, making the switch from business owner to employee, and training the next generation of builders.

Andrew, Kiley, and Patrick hear from listeners about ground-source heat pumps and air leaks before taking questions about design software, installing pine siding on a tiny house, and the right nails for cedar lap siding.

Patrick talks to Josh Orman, director of marketing and strategy at 3M, about advancements in roofing shingles and how granules are produced, sold, and tested.

The editors discuss straw-bale construction, corded vs. cordless tools, gas space heaters, repairing shrinking molding, and much more in these clips from episodes 150-154.