I’ve been renovating a 1908 house in the SF Bay Area for the last several months while learning to apply the latest best practices in building science to make the house healthier, more efficient, and more resilient. I wish I’d found this pod earlier, in part because it led me to get a subscription to Fine Homebuilding, which unlocks decades of excellent online how-to (and why-to) articles with detailed diagrams of building assemblies— many of these I’ve used, and shared with contractors I’ve hired. Having this resource takes the (at times agonizing) guesswork of what to do, how to do it, and wondering if the contractors you hire will do it “right.” The pod itself is a great blend of valuable information, fun conversations and good humor, the hosts and most guests are extremely knowledgeable yet humble, always ready to learn something new, passionate about their fields. I frequently find myself laughing out loud along with them, what a treat! PS, I do miss the members-only aftershow, hope you guys bring it back.

I’ve picked up so many great pieces of information over the years of listening. Fine homebuilding is an absolute invaluable resource in the homebuilding and renovating industry.

This podcast has been one of the foundational places of learning for me on my commute and during projects. It’s a diverse group of people with diverse backgrounds, sharing a high level of expertise with the world. They are quite responsive to reader questions and her provided help for thousands of people over the years. I cannot recommend it enough!

I binged the episodes about two years ago and it completely changed my construction career. It helped me realize how technical and diverse this industry is and how there is no ceiling to personal growth if you choose to seek knowledge. Justin and the guys were a hoot and fun to listen to when the show started, and Patrick has done a tremendous job morphing the podcast into a loosely, but well-structured format that does an excellent job of including the listeners questions and stories. The podcast takes criticism well when they dabble into areas that they are less knowledgeable about, but are unafraid to explain a wide variety of construction topics. I miss the Pro-Talk podcast, and hope they might bring it back, even just once a month because I do like the business talk, the honest struggles and technical knowledge shared by guests. I also miss Jeff, and hope he is doing well wherever he has gone since the acquisition. I like Andres’ input too though, and sounds like he’s doing an excellent job. The FHB podcast is a very useful source of information for me, and a powerful pairing with the print and digital content from FHB. This podcast often reminds me to go seek out info from a recent issue, or from the website. I mention this to make sure that the podcast stays funded so that it remains a resource to the industry. I have two critiques. One, it would be great to have a podcast link for this show and the after show for members (like radiolab does) so that when they tease the after show in the regular show, it flows right into the after show discussion (for the paid members). Two, it would be awesome to have a tagged and searchable catalogue like the “This American Life” app has where you can sort episodes by content, date, listened/not listened. Sorta like how they organized the project guides on the website, but for the podcast. I know these are heavy lifts and probably more involved than I realize, but it would be very helpful when looking for older shows with great content. Best, Joe

I have listened to this podcast for years. Always faithful listener and learned a lot from everyone on the show. Unfortunately, this new producer Andreas replaced Jeff when the company sold. The new guy has almost zero to contribute and it really takes away from the overall experience. I feel like if the podcast makes it another year, I’d be be surprised.

I stumbled upon this podcast back in September and was immediately hooked. As someone who works in the trades, it can be difficult to find time to exchange ideas or collaborate on solutions to both the odd and the routine projects. These guys are entertaining and knowledgeable, and they aren’t afraid to issue the occasional correction or highlight the feedback of their listeners when it differs from their opinions. I’ve spent the past 8 months listening to past episodes and I’m just about caught up. Not sure what I’m gonna do when theirs no backlog of episodes waiting for me, I’ll be BBC anxiously b awaiting the episode each week.

i have been listening to this for years and went back and picked up on the episodes that i missed. the information has always been great and even if there are a lot of things that I don’t need to hear about (I live in the Los Angeles basin) I always learn something. Well worth the time.

This was My first and favorite podcast. I would give 5 stars up until recently but the fact that the producer Jeff got chopped and replaced with a dude that has no idea about home building really was upsetting and takes away from the enjoyment of listening. I think the host needs to get back on the horse and do some research.

Lots of uncomfortable dead air. Most guests seem like they’re probably more comfortable behind a saw or a spreadsheet than a microphone.

Used to be Great podcast. Company was sold and new video producer put himself “on” the podcast. He has 0 to contribute. Gives 1-2 sentences of no value then dead air. May be great at video production but has taken the fun out of the podcast. Dude save the show by stepping aside please.

The passion for home building and maintenance is contagious! Thanks all!

The information I got from this podcast was invaluable. But now that the pro talk has been discontinued I grab what tidbits I can from the legendary Mike Guertin. Sadly Patrick and Kiley have a horrible habit of cutting off and interrupting everyone with genuine knowledge. Unfortunately insufferable.

I’ve learned a lot listening to the crew on this podcast. Their discussions are fun and enlightening when it comes to home building. They answer your questions on air and are super helpful. Love them!

Everyone on this podcast is so relateable. They all seem like normal hard working people who have actually done the tasks they discuss. I have been able to learn something from every episode that I have listened to, which is all of them!

Stumbled on to you from Fine Woodworking. I have zero building skills or experience but learned a lot. For example I now know not to be embarrassed when my neighbors say I live in a styrofoam house. I had it built by a company that convinced me continuous pore concrete was a good idea. So I have an ICF home. I live in Europe for over 40 years (I am American) and find your comments on European construction interesting and some times amusing. I plan on relocating and building another home in about a year. I will use my knowledge gained from your podcast to ask dumb questions and drive my contractor nuts. Keep up the good work.

Love the podcast. The regular shows where the group discusses a range of topics are great, but my personal favorite is the pro talks. Specifically, when Patrick has on a the self employed carpenters who are going through it every day and we can relate to. Keep it up!

I appreciate the constant conversation on current smart building practices. Keep it up!

This podcast is so great. The crew is informative and funny. I listen to each episode as soon at it comes out, i enjoy them so much. If you are at all interest in home building or maintenance this should be a go to podcast.

Would love to see Owain Harris on your Keep Craft Alive series. A very talented cabinet and furniture maker as well as an instructor at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship. Would love to hear that interview!

I’m sorry. This new guy with the “like” every other word makes the show unlistenable. Once you notice it, you can’t unhear it. Thankfully you name the hosts in the show description so I know which ones to skip

New listener with a growing appreciation of homebuilding. I’m learning more about the processes in all the trades by listening in.

I’m a homeowner preparing to work with an architect and builder to design and build our home from the ground up. I’ve been listening to this podcast to learn about building science in preparation for this project so I can make more educated decisions. I’m really enjoying it and learning a lot! It’s geared mainly towards people in the industry, so often they will use terminology/acronyms/concepts that I’m just not familiar with. But I just pause and look it up and I’ve learned so much that way!

Just started listening but so far the show is excellent. Very relevant for me as a contractor

Great show ! I have learned so much info on this podcast. It’s another tool to add to the tool box.

This is my favorite podcast, partly because I’m I nerd for pretty much all things building related, but mostly because it feels like sitting down with a group of friends and mulling over building related problems and solutions. The humility of all involved makes it very welcoming to anyone interested in building, fixing, restoring, or maintaining. I started listening around episode 100 and was thrilled to fill my commute with the backlog and now look forward to new episodes each Friday, and even the surprise extra pro talks that seem to pop up at random. Thanks to the gang for keeping it up. Even as members come and go the true essence carries through. I highly recommend it.

The FHB podcast expanded my knowledge and let me to research some things I had no idea I wanted/needed to know. Not only is the banter fun, but the topics and guests are full of information pertinent to builder, remodelers, diy’ers alike.

Please check out FHB. This group has an awesome knowledge base and experience!! They’re very open to questions emailed in (they answered mine in traditional FHB fashion, aka evaluated my idea, had their own, mixed in with some quirky humor bits). The group feeds off each other and they just seem real!! Check this out you won’t be disappointed!! Great content, always look forward to new episode updates!!

I’m a big fan. There’s a lot of great info for homeowners like myself but I think conscientious tradespeople enjoy the show too. The host (Hey Patrick!) is really pragmatic and knowledgeable and the other rotating hosts are great as well with varied backgrounds and no obnoxious egos. It makes me look forward to long drives. Subscribe to the magazine if you’re in to it.

I regularly listen to 20 or 30 podcasts a week while driving and working (remodeling, finish carpentry, deck building, historical preservation in the Berkeley, CA area). This is probably the one I look forward to the most. I became a full time carpenter a couple years ago after a decade in the financial software industry and a few years remodeling/restoring our Craftsman house. Listening to this podcast and subscribing to Fine Homebuilding Magazine for a few years has been a huge part of my education. I work side by side with intelligent carpenters with decades more experience but due to the podcast and magazine, there’s almost no method, building material or assembly that I haven’t at least heard of. I grew up in Boston listening to Car Talk with my Dad any time we could, and this podcast has a similar feel. The hosts of The Fine Homebuilding Podcast have a similar self-deprecating sense of humor and New England sensibility as on Car Talk. It doesn’t hurt they’re incredibly knowledgeable and pretty good at conveying complex ideas without the use of visual aids (I listen while working or driving so I haven’t seen the video version). Keep up the great work!

I’m far from being a home builder, but I always come away with some valuable information after each episode. Great show

I only recently discovered this podcast and have listened to a few recent ones and have gone back to episode 1 and am listening to them all (on episode 6 right now). Good stuff!

I am currently in the middle of completely redoing a 1970’s ranch style house in south Texas and love listening to this podcast as I work. I am doing all the work and will be. Icing in with my family hopefully sooner rather than later. Keep up the good work, I would love more discussion on Texas ranch style house and less on air sealing but until then I’ll keep listening to the air sealing talk while I look through my walls to the outside!

I’m a residential contractor located a couple hours west of Kansas City. I love listening to you guys while doing chores and home projects. I appreciate everything each person brings to the table. Your insight is great for the DIY person and relevant for the builder wanting to continue their building science education. Keep up the quality content and Keep Craft Alive.

This podcast is the best for any person working in their home. I am an avid DIYer and have done many renovations by myself with this podcast by my side. I have listened to every episode and it is enlightening and entertaining. Keep up the great content and please answer my question that I emailed in about using felt paper and mineral wool insulation. Thanks!

Fun crew discussing remodeling tips, tricks, and good practices weekly.

I enjoy listening to your podcast during my commute to work. Keep up the good work.

A diverse mix of remodeling, construction and building industry info.

Now I can’t even listen to the FHB podcast without being reminded of politics. Thanks a lot!

I will no longer be listening. I fail to see what elections and events taking place on Capitol Hill have to do with homebuilding techniques and principles. I wish you well.

This is a great builder's podcast. The hosts all seem well versed in the building trades, and aren't afraid to give their honest opinions. Good job folks!

I found your podcast on my suggestions and listened while cleaning my shop. I liked the question and answer format and was impressed by the knowledge demonstrated by the three participants. I have subscribed and will work through the backlog. Thanks for the good effort.

Keep up the good work, Team FHB! Renovation subjects are my favorite because the biggest challenge to reducing America’s energy consumption is “what to do to existing, older homes”.....as in “how to air seal older homes and not turn them into mold and rot factories” (which is a great subject for a future FHB podcast?).

This was one of the best episodes of 2020. Excellent job by Patrick, Matt, and Brian. A lively and informative show. Many thanks!

Whether you’re well established as someone innovating in the building industry, or just getting started carving out a profitable niche that’s ready to grow - this is a must-listen podcast for you! Patrick and the entire Fine Homebuilding team do an incredible job leading conversations that cover a huge breadth of topics related to the ins and outs of honing your craft - and building homes you can be proud of - with leaders who’ve actually experienced success themselves. Highly recommend listening and subscribing!

The FHB podcast is my favorite building podcast, hands down. When I began listening I knew nothing about how buildings work. Now two years later I also have an FHB subscription, I’m planning a small but very ambitious self-build with PH level performance, and I’m renovating my current house with confidence. The cast has great rapport with each other, I look forward to Patrick’s ribbing Rob every week. Patrick, the host, is great at keeping conversation moving, yet gives everyone a chance to provide their opinions. He knows how to ask insightful questions of his interviewees, and good followup questions as well. When he interviews the professionals, he doesn’t spend ages talking about their backgrounds, he focuses on their area of specialty. It’s the only building podcast I know of that’s fun yet information-dense; definitely subscribe!

First of all, Patrick sounds just like Nardwuar. If you’re not familiar, do yourself a favor and look up Nardwuar, it’s uncanny! The revolving cast is very informative, and they have awesome chemistry with one another. A must listen!!

Great info and expertise.

If you like This Old House, you’ll love this podcast— maybe even more. This podcast is super fun to listen to because they hash out the issues that come up when working on houses. Unlike HGTV, they are realistic, talk about doing quality work, and they realize that people have limited budgets. Plus, I do serious renovations on my house, and they are open and responsive to email questions. It’s an incredible community. The host and his rotating co-hosts are great— knowledgeable but hilariously self-deprecating. It’s like Car Talk for working on houses!

Come for the information, stay for the fun and entertainment! The FHB podcast crew provide a wealth of building science information in a fun and accessible way. Binging on this podcast for the last year has helped me navigate the challenges of my unexpected challenging remodel of a fixer-upper. I have learned the importance of air sealing as well as come to grips with the idea that it will never be “complete” - there will always be more to do. Stay safe and happy building!

The FHB crew make heavy concepts more approachable by bringing quick wit and pleasurable banter to the mix. Important concepts of water intrusion and air sealing are obviously at the forefront but tool reviews and personal projects abound. Individual expertise as well as humble ignorance are prevalent throughout and as such I applaud you all. Thanks for your contribution to the common sphere of knowledge.