Best Fine Homebuilding Magazines Podcasts (2025)

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#704: Groundwater, Radiant Barriers, Water Management with Masonry Walls 44:41

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20m ago44:41

44:41

Doug says that ground water is regional. Hunter asks about the effectiveness of two radiant barriers. Michael inquires about insulating a 200 -year old stone farmhouse. Chris is considering a ceiling update in his family’s’ A-frame. Grant and Mike help Patrick help listeners address updating old houses dating from the 1700’s to the 1980’s. Insulati…

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#703: Heat Pump Water Heaters, Wiring behind Baseboard, and Off-Grid without Propane 44:37

5d ago44:37

44:37

Will says a heat pump water heater was a no-brainer investment. David shares a story about attracting workers to the skilled trades. Evan has been thinking about the challenges of running wires behind baseboard. Jim wonders why the Podcast is suggesting propane for off-grid second homes. Ian and Randy help Patrick respond to listener feedback and a…

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#702: Dedicated Dehumidification, Wet Basement Walls, and Future Forest Products 44:07

12d ago44:07

44:07

Doug describes the science behind soundproofing in theater spaces. Will gives Ian a timely “told-you-so”. Kevin wonders what’s causing his basement stairway to be wet. Dan asks about the future of forest products. Grant, Brian, and producer Cari address reader feedback on sound-control in buildings and the importance of dedicated dehumidification i…

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#701: Basement Waterproofing, Wet Floors and Indoor Humidity 55:02

20d ago55:02

55:02

Patrick, Ian and Grant talk about 700 FHB Podcast episodes, before diving into discussions on the importance of basement waterproofing, how water gets in basements, solving problems with indoor humidity, and figuring out why Chris’ cotton baseball caps feel damp. Tune in to Episode 701 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Keeping b…

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#700: Best of FHB Podcast, Volume 9 44:52

27d ago44:52

44:52

In this best-of show the crew talks about bulkhead doors, metal roofing over SIPS, rebuilding Notre Dame, sealing mudsills, and insulating sloped ceilings. Tune in to Episode 700 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Improving the efficiency of basement bulkheads Details to get right when building with SIP panels Effectivly insulati…

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#699: Electrify Everything, Big Interior Doors, and Straw Bale Construction 45:34

1M ago45:34

45:34

Patrick, Randy and Ian have a heated discussion about fire safety, including how to wire heat detectors. Scott wonders if an all-electric home is less resilient than one heated with fossil fuels or wood. Pia asks about using big doors to separate living spaces in a new build. Scott might be timber-framing a strawbale house and he wonders what the P…

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#698: Price Volatility, Carbon Accounting, and Building Off-Grid 49:56

1M ago49:56

49:56

Marc says it’s tough to bid electrical work when copper wire prices change daily. Dan thinks we need to consider the carbon costs of every build. Andy asks for advice on building an energy efficient off-grid cabin. Jenna asks about finding conscientious contractors. Grant, Mike and Patrick discuss listener feedback and questions about price volatil…

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#697: Sound Control, Insulating Shed Roofs, and Low-Yield Wells 47:04

2M ago47:04

47:04

Ian and Randy help Patrick answer listener questions about building a quiet house and sound-control strategies for new and existing homes and then the Podcast revisits its roots discussing roof venting of low-slope shed roofs. Finally they talk about how to get more water from a low-yield well. Tune in to Episode 697 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcas…

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#696: Fire Prevention, Heat Pumps and Extreme Temperatures, and Rain in Gable Vents 49:33

2M ago49:33

49:33

Will ICF foundations burn? Do modern materials destroy old houses? Do heat pumps peter out in hot temperatures? Can you prevent rain from coming in gable vents? Grant and Mike help Patrick address FHB Podcast feedback and answer listener questions. Tune in to The FHB Podcast 696 to learn about these and other topics. Tune in to Episode 696 of the F…

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#695: Saving Bricks, Cut and Cobble Insulation, and Waterproofing Foundations 43:29

2M ago43:29

43:29

Ian, Brian, and producer Cari Delahanty join Patrick in talking about Tune in to Episode 695 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: What to do with the bricks from a demolished chimney Is it okay to cut and cobble rigid insulation in roof assemblies Foundation waterproofing and its effect on concrete Have a question or topic you want…

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#694: Bath Fans, Too Many Minisplits, and Second-Story Additions 52:37

2M ago52:37

52:37

Ian and Randy join Patrick in talking about how a lack of makeup air limits ventilation effectiveness and why a builder might install seven minisplits in a typically-sized home. They talk about the challenges of add-a-level additions and how to keep the water out during construction. Tune in to Episode 694 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn …

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#693: Hazards in Houses, Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction 43:00

3M ago43:00

43:00

Jerry says to look for hazardous materials when considering fixer-uppers. Ryan asks about building Larsen trusses. Daniel asks if there’s a place for AI in construction. Ian, Brian and Patrick help listeners with their building questions and talk about what’s new in the world of residential construction and Fine Homebuilding. Tune in to Episode 693…

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#692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements 53:53

3M ago53:53

53:53

Brian, Grant and Patrick hear about a renewed interest in trade education and consider carbon accounting in the Canadian Building Code before discussing envelope improvements for an old houses. Tune in to Episode 692 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Does green accounting belong in building codes What are the risks of insulating…

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#691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs 49:36

3M ago49:36

49:36

Ryan describes living with a ground-source heat pump. Zack says there are better options than bronze for weatherstripping. David asks about replacing his vinyl siding and fixing a slab that slopes the wrong way. Jeff wonders why house have pitched roof and commercial building have flat roofs. Ian, Brian and Patrick discuss what’s new in Fine Homebu…

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#690: Sharpening Chisels, Running Wires Behind Baseboard, and Fixing Shingle Panels 51:32

3M ago51:32

51:32

Dack says build a fireplace and enjoy it. Chip asks about the best ways to sharpen chisels. Kit wonders if there’s a way to easily change and upgrade wiring using existing baseboard. The crew talks about the pluses and drawbacks of cedar shingle panels Mike and Grant help Patrick answer listener questions and talk about the challenges to building a…

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#689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper 49:20

3M ago49:20

49:20

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 t…

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#688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers 46:12

4M ago46:12

46:12

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 p…

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#687: Flat roofs, Spray Foam vs. Loose-Fill Insulation, and Building Cabinets 49:29

4M ago49:29

49:29

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 ins…

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#686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia 50:50

4M ago50:50

50:50

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 Ho…

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#685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotting Walls 52:06

4M ago52:06

52:06

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 Homebuild…

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#684: Masonry Heaters Whole-House Ventilation, Porch Flooring 42:29

5M ago42:29

42:29

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 Wh…

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#683: Barndominiums, ERVs, and Radon Mitigation 49:13

5M ago49:13

49:13

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 …

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#682: Basement Flooring, Architectural Salvage, and HVAC Ducts 43:43

5M ago43:43

43:43

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 a…

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#681: Rotting Trim, Leaky Concrete Roof, and DIY Radiant Floor 46:02

5M ago46:02

46:02

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…

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#680: Knob and Tube Wiring, Vapor Movement, and Gutter Covers 46:17

6M ago46:17

46:17

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: Making custom shower pan…