The Fine Homebuilding Podcast - Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Latest Episodes:

#729: Robots, Construction Second Career, and Building on Piers Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

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

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#728: Too Much Stuff, ERV Ductwork, and Spray Foam Under Paneling Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

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

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#727: Dehumidification, Freestanding Tubs, and Crawlspace Vapor Barriers Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

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

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#726: Heat-Pump Performance, Asphalt Felt, and Interior Humidification Feb 27, 2026

Show notes

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

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#725: LIVE From the 2026 International Builders' Show Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

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

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#724: Simple HVAC Systems, Furnace Flues, and Strategies for Passive Cooling Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

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

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#723: Success with Spray Foam, Nails vs. Screws, and Building a Remote Cabin Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

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:

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#722: Data Loggers, Trimming Fiberglass Windows, and Garage Fire Separation Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

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

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#721: Window Heat Pumps, Collecting Tools, and the Right Roof Insulation Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

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.

#720: Whole House Dehumidification, Drippy Bath Fans, and Wet Cabin Walls Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

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: