The Fine Homebuilding Podcast - Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Latest Episodes:

#739: Igloos, Detailing Masonry Bump-Outs, and Oddly-Framed Walls May 29, 2026

Show notes

Vince says we spent a lot of time not answering his question. David thinks it has been too long since FHB covered igloos. Steve wonders how to insulate and air-seal the bump-out breakfast nook that's showing signs of water entry. Grant was shocked to learn a current project is framed without studs.

Tune in to Episode 739 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

Controlling humidity for comfort without window condensation
Where is the water coming from above a bump-out in a masonry wall
Are old walls built without studs common or safe?

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:

➡️ Submit a project to be considered for FHB's 2026 Houses Awards

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media: Episode 739

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#738: DIY Spray-Foam Kits, Affordable Siding, and Second-Floor Load Paths May 22, 2026

Show notes

Ian, Randy, and Patrick address listener feedback about training to be a GC and the safety and sustainability of two-part DIY spray foam kits. They answer a builder in North Carolina who's considering SmartSide engineered siding as an alternative to fiber-cement and FHB Forum poster who is adding an LVL beam to strengthen his second-floor floor system.

Tune in to Episode 738 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

The secrets of DIY spray-foam kits and cautionary tales about them
The durability of SmartSide siding and how to work with it
Creating a load path to the basement through multiple house levels

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 738

➡️ Get Early-Bird Ticket Pricing for the 2026 Fine Homebuilding Summit

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#737: Interior Doors, Affordable Exterior Doors and Ikea Cabinets May 15, 2026

Show notes

Grant, Ian and Patrick address listener feedback about felt WRBs and building your own interior doors. Then they tackle questions about affordable entry doors and installing and living with Ikea kitchen cabinets.

Tune in to Episode 737 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

Building your own interior doors for odd-sized openings
Options for affordable entry doors
Pros and cons to Ikea and other ready-to-assemble cabinets

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 737

➡️ Submit a project to be considered for FHB's 2026 Houses Awards

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

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#736: Tool Theft, Durable Clear Finishes, and Cracked Foundations May 08, 2026

Show notes

Brian and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Brian talks about interesting things happening at FHB and Ian describes what he'll be covering at his class during the fine Homebuilding Summit.

Tune in to Episode 736 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

Tool theft in the US, UK, and Canada and its effect on trade workers
The pros and cons to clear finishes
Cracks in a concrete foundation and who fixes 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 736

➡️ Submit a project to be considered for FHB's 2026 Houses Awards

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube

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#735: FHB Summit, Slab Foundation Insulation, and Flipper Fixer-Upper May 01, 2026

Show notes

Brian, Ian and Patrick talk about plans for the 2026 Fine Homebuilding Summit. James shares his advice for insulating and air-sealing attic knee walls. Chris wonders if window manufacturers should be teaching installers how to flash windows. Heather asks how to detail a slab on grade foundation with interior stem wall insulation. Ian seeks advice on addressing a previous owners questionable upgrades.

Tune in to Episode 735 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

Barrier versus drainage methods of flashing windows
Insulating a slab on grade foundation
Sizing up and undoing a previous owners questionable repairs

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 735

➡️ Join us for the 2026 Fine Homebuilding Summit

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Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube

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#734: Extension Jambs, Ventilation for Multifamily Buildings, and Fitting Doors Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

Ian and Grant help Patrick Adress listener feedback and answer their questions about ventilation for a small apartment building and the best way to fit doors when the floor slopes around them. David discusses bath tub drains in Japan and Taiwan. Will shares tips for airtight windows with tight fitting extension jambs. Greg asks about ventilation for his four-unit apartment building. Jim wonders if he should scribe door bottoms to match sloping floors.

Tune in to Episode 734 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

Adjusting windows so extension jambs are tight-fitting and uniform width
Providing exhaust and makeup air for multi-family ventilation
Fitting new doors to existing openings that aren't plumb or level

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 734

➡️ Submit a project to be considered for FHB's 2026 Houses Awards

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube

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#733: Double-Stud Walls, Construction Second Career, and Hardwood on Concrete Slabs Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

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

➡️ Become an FHB All-Access Member

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

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#732: Indoor Humidity, Spreading Kneewalls, and Interior Air Barriers Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

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

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

Instagram • Facebook • TikTok • Pinterest • YouTube

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#731: Risks of CO, Proper Painting Sequence, and Detailing Felt WRBs Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

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

· eyword in this sentence)

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:

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.

#730: Septic Fix, Insulating a Cape, and Ducts in Plenum Trusses Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

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: