The Fine Homebuilding Podcast - Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Latest Episodes:

#689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper Jun 13, 2025

Show notes

Greg describes radon control system for a stone foundation. Ground water and radon expert Guy describes a typical radon-control system. Matt asks how to improve the airtightness of his basement garage. Alec asks about spot ERVs. The crew talks about recent changes to paint stripper formulas.

Tune in to Episode 689 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

Controlling radon in new and old houses
Effective air-sealing and insulation for tuck-under garages
Are safer paint strippers as effective as methylene chloride

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 689

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#688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers Jun 06, 2025

Show notes

Steve describes the problems and fixes for masonry chimneys. Alex thinks his ridge vent is mistakenly blocked. Jordan and Katherine ask about buying fixer-uppers. Kerry wonders if he should flash a deck ledger with a drainage space.

Brain and Ian help Patrick answer listener questions about vapor retarders under ridge vents, potential profits and pitfalls from fixer-uppers, and best practice for flashing ledgers spaced from the wall for drainage.

Tune in to Episode 688 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

Should there be a vapor- or air-control material under ridge vents
Buying a new home far from your current home
Do you need flashing when deck ledgers have drainage spaces

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 688

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#687: Flat roofs, Spray Foam vs. Loose-Fill Insulation, and Building Cabinets May 30, 2025

Show notes

Connor shares his final blower door numbers. Ryan has an FHB Project Guide idea. Josh wonders about the right roof for his Queen's row house. Jim says prospective contractors all want to use spray foam. Patrick asks about building your own cabinets.

Grant, Ian and Patrick talk about the challenges of roof work in a busy city, choosing the right insulation for new builds and the challenges and payoff of building your own kitchen cabinets and built-ins.

Tune in to Episode 687 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

The materials and methods for replacing a flat roof in an urban setting
The merits and pitfalls of spray foam insulation
Building your own frameless and face-frame 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 687

➡️ Sign up for an All Access Membership or the 2024 Fine Homebuilding Archive

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#686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia May 23, 2025

Show notes

John reminds the Podcast that not too long ago FHB magazine commonly had fireplace ads. Michael thinks bionic arms can help with drywall sanding. Austin asks for advice on building brick steps. Alex wonders if a ground-source heat pump is right for his new house. George asks about a foundation for a greenhouse.

Tune in to Episode 686 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

Will forgoing a fireplace sacrifice marital bliss
Where you can learn more about brick steps in FHB
The pros and cons of ground-source heat pumps
Shallow foundations for outbuildings

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 686

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#685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotting Walls May 16, 2025

Show notes

Pel says shares a NY Times story describing the challenges of being a legit contractor.

Eric asks how to fix the drywall above his shower unit. Chris wonders if there's an easy way to add an air barrier above his tongue-and-groove ceiling. Mike is trying to fix a wall rotted by a patio poured against it.

Tune in to Episode 685 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

How to patch drywall subject to wetting
Stopping air movement through a paneled ceiling
Hot to fix a wall that with concrete poured against it

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 685

➡️ Sign up for Fine Homebuilding All Access

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#684: Masonry Heaters Whole-House Ventilation, Porch Flooring May 09, 2025

Show notes

Home ventilation systems and respect for old houses is the focus of conversation in this information-packed episode. The team talks about masonry heaters, ductwork for an ERV, and the absence of the perfect porch flooring.

Tune in to Episode 684 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

What is a masonry heater and why you'd want one
Whole-house ventilation and the risk of poor indoor air-quality
The right material for porch flooring

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 684

➡️ Sign up for Fine Homebuilding All Access

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#683: Barndominiums, ERVs, and Radon Mitigation May 02, 2025

Show notes

Adam says scouting is introducing young people to trade work. Ian, Grant, and Patrick talk about cooling and preventing radon in a barndominum. Spenser asks if he needs an ERV.

Tune in to Episode 683 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

Making a big building comfortable and radon-free
The challenges of hydronic cooling
When do you need an ERV and HVAC planning

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 683

➡️ Sign up for Fine Homebuilding All Access

➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:

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#682: Basement Flooring, Architectural Salvage, and HVAC Ducts Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

Steve has photos of tree roots that broke up a concrete slab. Ian, Grant and Patrick talk about Nate's basement flooring and vapor control. Zachary shows the architectural treasures he found at salvage shops. Nick asks if a well-sealed crawlspace can distribute conditioned air.

Tune in to Episode 682 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

Sensible options for basement flooring
Treasures found at architectural salvage shops
Effective HVAC distribution and efficient heating and cooling

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 682

➡️ Sign up for Fine Homebuilding All Access

➡️ 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.

#681: Rotting Trim, Leaky Concrete Roof, and DIY Radiant Floor Apr 18, 2025

Show notes

Rob tells new builders not to fall for tool marketing from retailers. Charles describes rebuilding after wildfire. Matt asks about fixing rot and oddly-placed WRBs. Kurt's garage roof is leaking. Scott is replacing his basement slab and adding in-floor heat.

Tune in to Episode 681 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:

Fixing a house with a missing water-resistive barrier (WRB)
Domed concrete roofs and how to make them waterproof
Replacing a concrete floor in an existing basement

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 681

➡️ Sign up for Fine Homebuilding All Access

➡️ 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.

#680: Knob and Tube Wiring, Vapor Movement, and Gutter Covers Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

Derek shares thoughts on waterproofing shower panels. Kerry has favorite corded and cordless tools. Matt asks if knob and tube wiring is safe. Neils is wrapping his head around air leaks and vapor diffusion. Dale asks why Grant hates gutter covers.

Tune in to Episode 680 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: