#703: Heat Pump Water Heaters, Wiring behind Baseboard, and Off-Grid without Propane
Release Date: 09/19/2025
#722: Data Loggers, Trimming Fiberglass Windows, and Garage Fire Separation
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
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 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...
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#721: Window Heat Pumps, Collecting Tools, and the Right Roof Insulation
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
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. Grant and Mike discuss their home projects and help Patrick address listener feedback and answer questions about roof insulation. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: · Window-mounted retrofit heat pumps for rooms and...
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#720: Whole House Dehumidification, Drippy Bath Fans, and Wet Cabin Walls
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
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 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: How to integrate a whole house dehumidifier into existing ductwork Why is a newly installed bath fan dripping water from the grill Heating and construction methods to lower indoor humidity Have a question or...
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#719: Construction Robots, Oscillating Multitools, and Spray-Foaming a Victorian
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Ian, Randy and Patrick discuss home projects and address listener emails about attracting young trade workers, the best cordless oscillating multitools and improving the comfort and energy efficiency of an old house in a mixed climate. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: The future role of robots and AI in house building and renovation The utility of oscillating multitools and the best cordless multi-tools The benefits and risks of insulating old houses with spray foam Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the...
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#718: Electrification, What Kind of Windows, and Uncomfortable Bonus Rooms
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Ian and Randy help Patrick respond to listener feedback about the best way to help clients and home electrification before taking questions about window construction and improving the comfort of a badly-built bonus room above a garage. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Improving envelopes before new heating and cooling systems The right window for a pretty good house Fixing comfort problems in above-garage living space ➡️ Check Out the Full Show Notes: ➡️ Sign Up for ➡️ Follow Fine Homebuilding on Social Media:...
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#717: Best of FHB Podcast, Volume 10
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
In this best-of show the crew talks about cantilever decks, peel bond primers, the model Existing Building Code, post-frame buildings and effective collaboration between designers and builders. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Rebuilding cantilevered decks with rotten joists Evectively controlling peeling paint without full removal The model Existing Building Code The best way to build a post-frame building Effective collaboration between buiders and architects Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the show? Email us...
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#716: Shop Foundations, Steam Showers, and Sealing a Brick Crawlspace
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Ian, Randy, and Patrick discuss home projects before addressing listener feedback about embodied carbon in new builds and Saddam Hussein’s palaces before they taking questions about building steam showers and the right way to seal and insulate a brick crawlspace. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Reducing the use of concrete in new builds for lower embodied carbon The right way to build and detail a steam shower to control water vapor Sealing and insulating a crawlspace in an old house Have a question or topic you want us to talk about on the...
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#715: Affordable Tools, Motivating Trade Workers, and Whole-House Dehumidifiers
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
An anonymous listener outlines their company’s strategy for attracting and retaining new hires. Josh reminds fellow FHB Podcast listeners about tool-lending libraries. Dan asks about the need for smart vapor retarders. Tim shares his experience dehumidifying his house with a simple system. Randy and Ian describe home projects and help Patrick address listener feedback and answer their questions. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Advancement and incremental raises for new trade workers The utility and cost of smart vapor...
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#714: Lead Paint, Exterior Insulation, and Deck Ledger Condensation Control
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Dan Kolbert raises a lead paint red flag. Jeff wonders if a Bonfig wall is better for inexperienced crews. Andrew wonders if an insulated band joist behind a flashed ledger can dry. Grant and Mike Guertin help Patrick talk about editorial and home projects before addressing listener feedback and questions. Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Lead paint risks with architectural salvage Introducing exterior insulation to inexperienced crews Does an insulated band joist dry behind properly-flashed deck ledgers Have a question or topic...
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#713: Insulation Problems, Septic Systems, and Slowing Thermal Bridging
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Ian, Grant and Patrick address reader comments and inquires. They first hear about extensive problems with foam insulation in the UK. Then they ponder why septic systems haven’t kept up with the times. Finally they talk about the newest and previous versions of studs meant to reduce thermal bridging Tune in to of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about: Poor workmanship causing problems with efficiency upgrades in the UK Why septic systems are poorly marked and lack monitoring technology The newest stud meant to slow thermal bridging ...
info_outlineWill 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 answer their questions about home building, design and remodeling.
Tune in to Episode 703 of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast to learn more about:
- Installation and payback of heat pump water heaters
- The best ways to attract new trade workers
- Can you live a modern lifestyle off-grid without propane
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 703
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