The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

David describes an audacious tool thief and shares insights into the best clear finishes.  Tom asks Ian if he can provide sources to further his research about trade craft and guilds in Colonial America. Anna wonders is she can safely change the design of Mike Guertin's scaffold. Chris seeks advice about building a modular house on a wet site in Texas. 
Tune in to Episode 742 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 
Durable, easy-to-renew clear finishes 
Mike Guertin's A-frame scaffolding 
Building a modular home on a wet site using helical 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 742
➡️ Learn about Right Sizing Mechanicals with Allison Bailes
➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media: 
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Randy and Ian help Patrick address listener feedback about rampant tool theft and softening hard water without brine. They answer questions about running ductwork in a slab-on-grade ranch house and foundation fixes for bowed block walls. 
  
Tune in to Episode 741 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 
How new tools don't necessarily have the appeal of old favorites  
Using plenum trusses to keep HVAC ductwork in the conditioned space
Fixes for cracked and bowing block foundation walls 
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 741
➡️ Get tickets for the Fine Homebuilding Summit today
➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  
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Casey Knips joins Grant and Patrick to talk about his FHB class on hanging complex interior doors before the whole crew addresses listener feedback and answers their home building questions. Austin alerts the FHB Podcast team about nails made from wood fiber and nailers made for driving them. Seth wonders if plywood laminations can be used instead of dimensional lumber to sister rotten floor joists. Scott asks for advice on rebuilding squeaky stairs in an 1880's brick rowhouse.
 
Tune in to Episode 740 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: 
The applications and cost of nails made from wood 
Can plywood laminations do the job of sistering joists 
What's the best way to rebuild a staircase without replacing 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 740
➡️ Learn about Installing Double, Pocket, and Concealed Doors
➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:  
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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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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

➡️ 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.