Best UnBuild Podcasts (2025)

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146 - A Deep Dive on Windows: Glass, Performance & Condensation 35:49

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6d ago35:49

35:49

Windows are one of the most confusing—and consequential—components of a high-performance home. In this episode, the crew takes a deep dive into window and glass selection, aiming to make things clear without letting your eyes glaze over. The discussion covers dual-pane versus triple-pane insulated glazing units, IGU numbering conventions, and the r…

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The Invisible Land Restrictions: Why Property Easements Can Make Your Lot Unbuildable 46:09

11d ago46:09

46:09

You can check out the companion video here REAL PROPERTY EASEMENT EXAMPLES: How a 2-Acre Lot Lost Half Its Buildable Area https://youtu.be/WTJLeb2OGGM When you purchase property for your dream home, what you see is definitely not what you get. Property easements home building restrictions are legally binding rights that allow others—utility compani…

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The Coverage Squeeze: How Patios and Sheds Limit Your Building Plans 32:44

4d ago32:44

32:44

Before you invest thousands in architectural plans for that dream addition, covered patio, or backyard ADU, there's a critical pair of restrictions you need to understand: lot coverage requirements and impervious surface limitations. These two rules work together to limit not just how much you can build, but also how much of your property can be pa…

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The Squeeze: Why Your Dream Lot Is Smaller Than You Think 50:49

18d ago50:49

50:49

When you stand on a piece of land you're considering buying, your perception is almost certainly wrong. Without knowing exactly where property lines fall, you might be admiring your future neighbor's lot while assuming it's yours. Property setback requirements for home building create invisible boundaries that can reduce your buildable area by 40-5…

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145 - High-Performance HVAC Ducting & Appliance Exhaust 42:24

20d ago42:24

42:24

A detailed look at smarter HVAC ducting, better airflow, and what it really takes to manage appliance exhaust and makeup air in high-performance homes. The boys dive into the how and why behind HVAC duct layout, register placement, and whole-house airflow. They break down how interior design, enclosure performance, and mechanical systems must coord…

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The Hidden Rule That Just Cost a Couple $8,000 (Floor Area Ratio Exposed) 59:52

25d ago59:52

59:52

Floor area ratio (FAR) is the master rule that determines exactly how big your home can actually be—and most homeowners don't discover it until they're facing expensive redesigns or permit denials. This episode exposes the hidden complexities of FAR calculations and provides a proven action plan to avoid the costly surprises that plague unprepared …

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Master Your Zoning Code: The Smart Homeowner's Guide to Building Success 29:13

1M ago29:13

29:13

Master your zoning code and municipal regulations to become the informed, empowered homeowner who builds with confidence and success. In this foundational episode launching the Understanding Design Limitations series, Bill Reid reveals how smart homeowners research zoning regulations and building codes BEFORE purchasing property or beginning design…

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144 - Tips for Young Builders with Tim Hill – Risinger Build 39:34

1M ago39:34

39:34

What does it really take to grow as a young builder today? Jake and Steve bring in Risinger Build’s Managing Partner, Tim Hill, for a fast-paced, experience-packed conversation full of practical advice for builders looking to level up their craft, business, and mindset. Jake and Steve give Pete the boot for this one—and for good reason. Tim joins t…

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Property Evaluation Before Buying Land (Understanding Design Limitations Series Launch) 56:04

1M ago56:04

56:04

Episode Title: Understanding Design Limitations EP31: Property Evaluation Before Buying Land Episode Number: 31 Duration: Approximately 58 minutes Release Date: 11/15/25 You've found it. The perfect property. The view takes your breath away. The location feels right. Your heart is racing, and you're ready to make an offer. But before you sign anyth…

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Home Renovation Planning Mistakes: Tale of Two Homeowners Complete Story 26:52

2M ago26:52

26:52

Two couples bought neighboring lots same day. One finished in 12 months on budget. Other still incomplete 18+ months later, $150K+ over. Complete story of how planning mistakes destroyed dreams while proper methodology created success. What separates a dream home success story from a $150,000+ construction nightmare? Two couples discovered their an…

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143 - Venting Cathedral Roofs & 6-Sided Insulation Explained 40:01

2M ago40:01

40:01

A deep dive into cathedral roof design and insulation strategy. The team compares solid-sawn rafters vs. scissor trusses, smart vapor retarders vs. poly, and discusses optimal roof pitches. You’ll learn when to vent from the topside, from below, or go unvented entirely—and why those choices matter. In the last 10 minutes, the crew unpacks one of bu…

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Architect Fee Structures for Home Building: 3 Payment Methods to Protect Your Budget 1:01:10

2M ago1:01:10

1:01:10

Understanding architect fee structures for home building is the difference between a dream project and a financial nightmare. The design agreement you sign with your architect might be the most important financial decision you make in your entire construction or remodeling project—yet most homeowners don't even know there are different types of arc…

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When to Hire Your Contractor: The 3 Risk Profiles That Protect Your Project 49:37

2M ago49:37

49:37

Your construction documents are complete. You've reviewed them. You've approved them. Now you face a critical strategic decision: When do you hire your contractor? When do you submit for building permits? Does the order matter? This isn't just paperwork and scheduling—this timing decision affects your project timeline, budget certainty, and financi…

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Construction Documents Home Building: Your Last $50K Checkpoint Before Breaking Ground 1:07:52

2M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

Construction documents home building isn't just about getting building permit plans approved - it's your last line of defense against $50,000+ in change orders and months of construction delays that plague so many projects. In this comprehensive 65-minute episode, Your Home Building Coach Bill Reid reveals the critical difference between design pla…

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142 - Sage Advice for Young Architects 39:09

2M ago39:09

39:09

Seriously? These 3 clowns are sages? The discussion includes how to select the "right” school. How much should a school include building science compared to learning it on the job? And what about even just the 4 control layers? And all three of us stand squarely with Steve: if you want to design buildings, get out on the job site first, second, and…

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Home Renovation Planning Guide: The 3-Component Specification System That Prevents Cost Disasters 49:17

2M ago49:17

49:17

Home renovation planning guide strategies fall apart without comprehensive specifications—and that's why 90% of construction projects exceed budgets and face delays. In this essential episode, Your Home Building Coach Bill Reid reveals the three-component specification system that transforms vague architectural plans into crystal-clear construction…

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141- BUILDING SCIENCE NAIVETE? You heard it here first! 35:22

3M ago35:22

35:22

All of us in the industry have projects--likely early in our careers--that we just either cringe about or wonder how the heck we got away with that one? The boys wax nostalgic about stories of their naivety over the years, turning them into valuable lessons learned. Actual building topics include spray foam, sill sealer, combining blower door & IR …

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Custom Home Construction Planning: The Design Development Process That Prevents Cost Overruns 59:52

3M ago59:52

59:52

Read Bills Book! :https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1MDRPK7 All Platforms: https://books2read.com/u/bpxj76 Discover how professional design development coordination prevents construction disasters in this essential guide to specialist team management. Bill Reid reveals why your architect must evolve from solo designer to orchestra conductor, coordinatin…

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Design Development Mastery: How to Take Control of Your Custom Home Construction Project 57:32

3M ago57:32

57:32

This empowering 55-minute episode reveals how homeowners can master the design development phase to take complete control of their custom home construction projects. Bill Reid provides The Awakened Homeowner methodology for transforming the commitment phase into a strategic advantage that ensures both design excellence and cost control. Key Topics:…

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From Endless Ideas to Clear Direction: Home Building Schematic Design Strategy 55:59

3M ago55:59

55:59

In this comprehensive 56-minute deep dive, Bill Reid explores the first critical phase of the home building and remodeling design process - schematic design. This episode serves as your roadmap through the creative playground where Pinterest dreams become actionable plans, budgets get reality-checked, and the foundation for your entire project gets…

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140 - Window Installation: Can We Do Better? 36:49

3M ago36:49

36:49

Installing windows is getting more, not less, complicated. Pete lobbies for a different, more durable, and simpler gasket installation of windows. Steve and Jake weigh in with their insights and challenges to what Pete is up to. And a bonus: with Steve and Jake's help, Pete creates a new word: "Poninions" (Pete crashed the words opinions and positi…

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Budget Checkpoints Revealed: How the 3-Step Design Process Keeps You in Control So You Can Actually Build or Remodel Your Home 43:13

3M ago43:13

43:13

Master the professional design process that separates successful home projects from costly nightmares. In this essential episode, Bill Reid reveals the three-step methodology used by architects and designers, complete with strategic budget checkpoints and pause points that put you in control. Learn from the tale of two homeowners—one who understood…

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Why Your Dream Home Needs Low Voltage Planning: A Reality Check 45:25

4M ago45:25

45:25

This episode dives deep into the often-overlooked world of low voltage systems that form the invisible nervous system of modern homes. Bill Reid explores the comprehensive categories of low voltage work including telecommunications, audio/video systems, security, and home automation, explaining why these systems must be planned during the design ph…

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139 - Roof framing, thermal bridging, and Cold climate wall worries 33:26

4M ago33:26

33:26

The boys start with a really cool problem-solving involving a monopoly framing, big overhangs, and thermal bridging. And the follow-up is an excellent question from Western Canada regarding the use of ZIP sheathing with a Class I interior vapor retarder. It's a great discussion involving R-values, air barriers, vapor permeability (including all Cla…

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The Hidden System That Destroys Home Budgets (It's Not What You Think) 59:00

4M ago59:00

59:00

In the final episode of our "Doctors of Your Home" series, Bill Reid dives deep into the plumbing system - arguably the most critical yet overlooked aspect of home design. From water supply to waste management and gas systems, this episode covers everything homeowners need to know about plumbing before they start their project. Key Topics Covered: …

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The Electrical Trap That Costs Homeowners Thousands in Change Orders 58:22

4M ago58:22

58:22

Electrical and lighting design is the often-overlooked nervous system of your home that can make or break your daily living experience. In this comprehensive episode, Bill Reid exposes the "permit push" problem and reveals why inadequate electrical planning leads to change order nightmares. Learn when to hire an electrical engineer versus using you…

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138 - Finding a High-Performance Builder 36:01

4M ago36:01

36:01

If you can't find an experienced high-performance builder, then find a professional builder who is willing to listen and learn! And add in time and money in the budget for that listening and learning. The same can go for your architect. But as Steve says: "SOMEONE has to drive the bus. Put on your big boy pants and move your business to the next le…

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The Design Build Trap: Why Your Home's Respiratory System Needs Early Planning 38:58

4M ago38:58

38:58

Host Bill Reid continues his miniseries on design professionals by diving deep into the critical world of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) systems, focusing specifically on HVAC design. This comprehensive episode reveals why your home's respiratory system requires early planning and proper coordination to avoid costly mistakes and constructio…

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Avoiding the Assumption Trap: Smart Homeowner's Guide to Structural Engineering 55:29

5M ago55:29

55:29

In this comprehensive episode, Bill Reid explores the critical role of structural engineers in home design and construction, breaking down the misconceptions homeowners have about who does what in the building process. Key Segments with Timestamps [00:00:00 - 00:02:00] Introduction: The Doctors of Your Home • Overview of the four-part mini-series •…

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137 - Another two-fer - Thermally-broken basement slab-to-Superior Wall panel connection AND exterior sump pumps 40:03

5M ago40:03

40:03

All 3 UBIP podcasters are fond of the Superior Wall System, but connecting the extended "foot" of the foundation wall panel to the basement slab is a bit tricky. But not for Steve, but of course. And while sump pumps OUTSIDE are a mystery to Pete, Jake & Steve walk Pete through it. And a bonus: using gravel to spread the structural load and better …

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The Civil Engineer Advantage: Building Smart From the Ground Up 43:41

5M ago43:41

43:41

Join William Reid as he explores the critical role of civil engineers in home construction projects. Learn when you need one, what they do, and how they can save you thousands while protecting your investment. Civil engineers handle everything outside your home's building envelope - and they might be the most important design professional you've ne…

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Underground Mysteries: Why Your Home's Foundation Depends on Soil Science 32:51

5M ago32:51

32:51

🎧 The Hidden Foundation Expert: Why Every Homeowner Needs to Know About Geotechnical Engineers Ever wonder what's lurking beneath your dream home site? This week on The Awakened Homeowner Podcast, Bill Reid reveals the underground detective work that could save you from a $100,000+ construction nightmare. If you're planning to build, expand, or eve…

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Why Your $5,000 Survey Could Save You $50,000 in Construction Surprises 45:30

5M ago45:30

45:30

Discover why your land surveyor isn't just another consultant—they're the foundation professional who can make or break your construction project. Host William Reid, a seasoned construction industry expert, reveals how these "property detectives" uncover critical information about your lot that can save you tens of thousands in construction surpris…

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136 - We Want More! Permanent Wood Foundations & Career Pivotal Moments 30:19

5M ago30:19

30:19

Once again, we drive wood into the ground, but only in the context of Permanent Wood Foundations. No surprise that this discussion is all about water & drainage. And some episodes ago, the boys each revealed pivotal moments in their careers in the building industry and wrapped up with a request for your pivotal moments. We got one, but what a doozy…

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From Awakened Homeowner Book to Build Quest Development: The Complete Planning System Coming Soon 28:43

5M ago28:43

28:43

In this groundbreaking episode, Bill Reid unveils buildquest, a revolutionary web-based application designed to transform how homeowners approach their construction and renovation projects. Drawing from 35 years of experience in Silicon Valley's construction industry, Bill shares the exciting development of this comprehensive project planning tool.…

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The Checklist Trap: Why 15,000 Influencers Are Confusing Homeowners 35:45

6M ago35:45

35:45

In this eye-opening episode, Bill Reid takes a hard look at the overwhelming world of home renovation checklists, systems, and digital tools flooding social media and the internet. With over 15,000 home improvement influencers selling everything from $8 PDFs to $250 "comprehensive systems," homeowners are more paralyzed than ever. What You'll Disco…

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135 - ZIP-R for CZ 6B - New Construction? Continuous Air Control Layer for Exterior Retrofit CZ 4A? 38:25

6M ago38:25

38:25

Two great questions about wall assemblies. The boys dig deep, exploring all the variables to consider for both wall assemblies. And no big surprise: Much of the conversation is about how to get these three control layers right (water, air, thermal) and ALSO get the drying potential (vapor) correct. PETE'S RESOURCES: - 2021 IRC - Montana NOTE: The I…

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How You're Sabotaging Your Own Home Project (Without Even Knowing It) 50:08

6M ago50:08

50:08

In Episode 11 of The Awakened Homeowner, host Bill Reid exposes the critical mistakes homeowners make that sabotage their own construction projects. Drawing from years of experience in residential design and construction, Reid identifies four major "designer obstacles" that homeowners unknowingly create: financial handcuffing, creative handcuffing,…

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What Happens When You Skip the Interior Designer (Spoiler: It's Expensive) 21:30

6M ago21:30

21:30

Interior designers do far more than select paint colors and arrange furniture. In this episode of The Awakened Homeowner Podcast, host William Reid explains the true technical expertise interior designers bring to home construction and renovation projects. Learn about their role in creating technical documentation, managing project budgets, supervi…

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134 - Another Double Feature - SIPs vs Stick-Frame & Thermal Degradation of Rigid Insulation 34:59

6M ago34:59

34:59

Whole bunch of reasons to consider SIP building systems BUT switching from stick-framing is not a walk in the park. But UnBuild It has a ton of experience with SIPs. Next up: Just how stable are the R-values of rigid insulations (the plastic ones with blowing agents) over time? The boys spend just the right amount of time on this on...(just could n…

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Architect vs. Residential Designer: Choose Your Dream Home Designer Wisely 54:27

6M ago54:27

54:27

Understanding Design Professionals for Your Home Remodel Subscribe, Follow, and Contact Bill Reid YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheAwakenedHomeowner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theawakenedhomeowner/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theawakenedhomeowner/ Email: [email protected] Book: Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F1MDRPK7 …

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The World of Design: Intro: Learn the inner workings of new home and remodel design. 42:38

7M ago42:38

42:38

Introduction to The World of Design: Key Insights for Homeowners Watch on YouTube: Order your copy of The Awakened Homeowner book: https://books2read.com/u/bpxj76 Follow Bill: https://www.instagram.com/theawakenedhomeowner/ https://www.facebook.com/theawakenedhomeowner/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVDkS64uOHE73ATtFjrjy0g Join Bill Reid from Th…

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133 - Deep Dive on That Pesky Transition: Top-of-Foundation/Bottom-of-Above-Grade Wall 34:23

7M ago34:23

34:23

Should exterior above-grade wall sheathing or framing line up flush to the outside face of the foundation? Is sealing the bottom of the above-grade wall and foundation with a sill sealer product like Protecto Wrap Triple Guard a good idea? This sets off Jake, Steve, and Pete on balancing water protection, air sealing, and drying potential at this k…

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The Budget Baloney Blues - Part Three - Why online cost tools can derail your new home or remodel project. 37:30

7M ago37:30

37:30

Understanding Construction Budgets: A Deep Dive with Bill Reid Watch on YouTube In this episode of The Awakened Homeowner Show, Bill Reid discusses the complexities and challenges of budgeting for home construction projects. Broadcasting from his shop in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Bill shares insights into various online tools for estimating cons…

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"STOP! That Budget Number in Your Head vs Real Construction Costs (The Brutal Truth)" 44:47

7M ago44:47

44:47

Mastering Your Home Construction Budget: Essential Advice from Bill Reid Watch on YouTube In this episode, Bill Reid tackles the crucial topic of budgeting for residential new home or remodeling projects. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in coordinating design and construction, Bill emphasizes the importance of addressing the budget question …

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The REAL Cost of Your Dream Home: How to Build a Budget That Actually Works 24:52

7M ago24:52

24:52

Building Budgets for Home Projects: Laying the Foundation Watch on YouTube 🏠 STOP making costly mistakes before they happen! Most homeowners blow their budgets by 50-100% because they skip this ONE critical step that architects and contractors don't want you to know about. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ The "Investment Goal Method" that prote…

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132 - The Pre-Construction Process? 36:27

7M ago36:27

36:27

Plenty of reasons for the question mark: Pete wondered what this term really meant; Jake points out that for most of his career, he was not involved in this process as a builder; Steve gets pretty heated when this process does not include budget (at least a realistic budget...). Gem here from Steve: "70% of a home's budget is hardwired into the num…

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Discovery Series - Home Building and Remodeling Delusions and Realities 37:03

8M ago37:03

37:03

Unveiling The Delusions in Home Building Costs - Discovery Watch on YouTube Series: Part 4 Join Bill Reid on The Awakened Homeowner Show as he navigates the myths and misconceptions of home building costs in Part 4 of the Discovery Series. This episode delves into the common delusions homeowners face about project costs, especially the notion of co…

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Discovery Series - Part Two - The Art of Gathering: Mastering Your Home Design Inspirations 31:03

8M ago31:03

31:03

Watch on YouTube In this episode of 'The Awakened Homeowner' Discovery Series, Bill Reid guides you through the crucial pre-architectural phase of home building or remodeling—The Art of Gathering. Learn how to collect, organize, and present your design inspirations, ensuring they align with your dreams and vision for your new home. Bill discusses e…

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131 - Two Q's: Isn't ZIP-R backwards? Shouldn't we rainscreen roofs as well as walls? 29:04

8M ago29:04

29:04

Two great questions on which the boys pontificate in fine form. Yes, ZIP-R is "backwards" (rigid insulation interior to structural sheathing) but that does not mean that it doesn't work; it does, just differently. So why don't we typically rain screen roof claddings? The short answer is it always costs more, regardless of the type of roof cladding.…