Best Unbuild It Podcast Podcasts (2025)

1
130 - Two Qs: Job Site Safety & Garage Moisture Management 28:40

12d ago28:40

28:40

What could be more fun than yammering on about scary job site stories and just how confusing a space your garage can be? You listeners ask the damndest questions, so we just keep on cranking... Per usual, Steve closes us out with humor worthy of these two questions... PETE'S RESOURCES: - "Does Safety Affect Productivity in Construction?" - From our…

1
129 - A Crazy Space - Decks Over Garages (or worse) & Living Spaces 32:17

26d ago32:17

32:17

The advice starts with "don't ever do this" and then dives into the details for doing it right: slope, overhangs, pedestal systems, step-down from house to deck, and truck liners. Wait, what? Jake describes a long-past project involving a spray-on truck bed liner protective coating (and there actually ARE spray-on residential roof systems for decks…

1
128 - Master Plumber Eric Aune Part III: Water Sources/Water Quality 31:46

1M ago31:46

31:46

Different water sources lead to different water quality issues. Eric walks us through: sources of tap water; testing water; appropriate water treatment systems responding to the testing results; and a new water frontier: PFAS in our tap water (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances). Yikes! PETE'S RESOURCES: - Eric Aune Mechanical Hub - Water testing …

1
127 - Master Plumber Eric Aune Part II: How NOT to wait for hot water! 29:40

2M ago29:40

29:40

Eric Aune would make the perfect Marvel Superhero Plumber. With tank versus Tankless water heaters, multiple small tanks, and on-demand recirc systems, Eric brings real-world insight to all sorts of plumbing technologies and techniques. And of course, Steve closes the episode with a special look to his future. Pete's Resources: Eric Aune Gary Klein…

1
126 - All Things Water Heating with Eric Aune 52:07

2M ago52:07

52:07

Eric provides Steve and Jake with a plumber's perspective on almost every residential, domestic hot water system available in the US. Stick around for terms like "cold water sandwich," "air-to-water," "CO2 refrigerant," and "recirc." It's absolutely gripping! Pete's Resources: Eric Aune - Mechanical Hub Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heater Demand Hot…

1
125 - Christine Williamson: From training building practitioners to teaching the next generation of architects 33:26

3M ago33:26

33:26

Jake spends time at Virginia Tech with Christine Williamson, a leading building professional who integrates building science and architecture. In her first year as an Assistant Professor of Architecture, Christine applies building science to architecture courses such as Environment and Building Systems I and II. In her own words about her new posit…

1
124 - "Post-Frame" Buildings & Rim Joist Riddles 28:16

3M ago28:16

28:16

You say Post-Frame, I say Pole Barn or Barndominium...Yikes. The boys beat up on this topic when we move utility-grade agricultural weather-sheltering buildings (pole barns) to fully-conditioned homes. Aesthetic questions aside, there is solid building science to consider here. And speaking of building science, how do we insulate and air seal rim j…

1
123 - Chelsea Scharbach, AKA Rosy the Riveter! 44:07

4M ago44:07

44:07

From metal worker to Director of Architecture Risinger Build to home remodeler, Chelsea is all about working on buildings. Instead of a working-man's Architect like our buddy Steve, Chelsea is the quintessential working-woman's Architect. And get this: Steve & Chelsea are about to team-up on a Risinger Build project! Pete's Resources: - GBA Retrofi…

1
122 - Regionality rules us but so now does the internet & social media... 25:58

4M ago25:58

25:58

Since the internet makes us all so cozy from LA to Louisiana, it comes as a surprise to even hard-core building pros that many materials and systems simply don't translate from region to region. Local context simply interferes: price, local expertise, local building codes, availability of materials, even just "no one has done it that way here..." B…

1
121 - "It's All About STEVE" 32:57

5M ago32:57

32:57

When Steve doesn't show up on time for the podcast, Jake and Pete jump all over the idea of roasting him. But the podcast is mainly about why we love working with the "jamoke." It is about a half-hour of stories about the consummate job-site architect, Steve Baczek, the guy we "can't live with; can't live without him." NOTE: Pete incorrectly calls …

1
120 - Santa-Fe Dehumidification Deva Nikki Krueger Round 2 40:19

5M ago40:19

40:19

Jake & Pete get schooled again on dehumidification by Nikki. - Nikki introduces the acronym HVACD to make dehumidification in equal standing with heating, air conditioning and ventilation. - Great discussion of the differences between portable ("big box") and whole house dehumidifiers. - Importance of the change in measurement standards for DEHUs f…

1
119 - A Riff on Measure Twice, Cut Once... 36:32

6M ago36:32

36:32

Jake and Pete host good friend Matt Risinger (pretty sure he is “part” of the Build Show...). It starts simple with pre-drywall checklists (you know, like blocking for toilet paper holders...). But boy, it quickly blossoms into a wonderful, wandering discussion of everything from sequencing to quality control to a scopes of work program. Terrific l…

1
118 - Special Guest Nikki Krueger of Santa Fe Dehumidifiers with her remarkably "dry" sense of humor... 37:26

6M ago37:26

37:26

Many of us in the building industry turn to Nikki for all questions dehumidification (certainly including this weeks hosts, Jake & Pete). Nikki goes toe to toe with HVAC techs with a degree in communications and that is because she understands that you have to go tech if you are representing technical products such as dehumidifiers. She connects in…

1
117 - What Should Pre-Construction Look Like? 43:23

7M ago43:23

43:23

After the boys were done taking jabs at each other, they each take this question and apply it to their fields: building (Jake), designing (Steve), and enclosure review (Pete). Much of the discussion centers on the cost and expectations that both building professionals and clients have or should set with each other. Another central theme is that pul…

1
116 - Special Guest: Daniel Glauser--Phius Core Revive Remodeler Extraordinaire 28:36

7M ago28:36

28:36

Daniel Glauser is the Executive Project Manager for Risinger Build in Austin, TX. And he really puts his money where his mouth is. This episode focuses on his deep energy retrofit of a 1977 home in Austin, TX, which will be certified per the Phius Core Revive program. And get this: this soup-to-nuts retrofit is being done while he, his wife, 3 kids…

1
115 - Innovative or Alternative Foundation Materials & Systems 35:40

8M ago35:40

35:40

This week's podcast is a discussion about slab-less slabs AND some new projects in which Steve & Jake use alternative or innovative foundation materials or systems. The three boys get off on substantial tangents regarding the environmental profile of foundation materials and construction waste management but hold on: there are great resources below…

1
114 - Getting Personal: Career-Defining Stories from Jake, Steve, and Pete 34:46

9M ago34:46

34:46

Steve and his "jamokes" (Jake & Pete) share moments that changed their careers. Especially interesting is that the term jamoke that Steve uses is most often associated with CarTalk host Ray Magliozzi in this quote: "If my brother and I proved one thing, it's that just about any jamoke can host a radio show." Wow, does that nail the three of us and …

1
112 - Confused spaces? Garages 28:10

9M ago28:10

28:10

Pete, confused? Pete takes the lead on garages and tries hard not to confuse Steve and Jake (not very successfully...). It's all about how garages are "conditioned" (heated, cooled, dehumidified, ventilated, and filtered) and just what uses the garage is designed for in comparison to the expectations homeowners have in terms of their use(s). Pete's…

1
111 - Sills - Where Windows Meet Walls & Walls Meet Foundations 36:12

10M ago36:12

36:12

Listeners picked up on two places where perhaps Steve and Jake do not agree (can you imagine....?): Face-seal vs. Drained-rough-opening window/door installations and details at sill plates. After considerable "silliness" (that would be Steve's not Pete's pun...), Jake & Steve reconcile these apparent disagreements with lots of UnBuild It love for e…

1
110 - Deciding Insulation Levels & Structural Implications of Floor Sheathing Fastener Type & Schedule 26:25

10M ago26:25

26:25

Great questions from our listeners! How do you determine the best insulation levels by climate (with the best being the greatest value)? Does adding screws (at some point during construction) make sense when using Advantech floor sheathing, adhesive, and ring shank nails? Pete's Resource(s): BSI-081: "Zeroing In" - https://www.buildinggreen.com/blo…

1
109 - Clients - Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em... 40:22

11M ago40:22

40:22

Client involvement is critical in any building project, but this can be a double-edged sword. We need our clients engaged and to manage their expectations, particularly given how much information/stuff is available online. The boys each give their perspective on the importance and the corralling required for client involvement. Pete's Resource(s): …

1
108 - Basements as Living Conditioned Space 33:49

12M ago33:49

33:49

How do you transform below-grade full foundations (also variously called pits, cellars, or basements and historically meant to be or tolerated as damp and cool and dark) into true living-conditioned spaces? We say add four continuous control layers, access to daylight and egress, thermal comfort, and good acoustics—make it a place to thrive as well…

1
107 - Steve's Mantras: Go Slow to Go Fast & Identify Problems BEFORE Moving to Solutions 31:41

12M ago31:41

31:41

It's funny that Steve, a very nuts-n-bolts guy, hosts this largely philosophical episode. But all three of us agree: Separate symptoms from causes—It's easy to get distracted or engrossed in symptoms, but the causes lead to solutions. Solutions come much easier if you first identify the problem(s). Step back to move forward. It's always tempting to…

1
106 - WTF: Off-Site Building & Owner-GC? 33:21

1y ago33:21

33:21

Who would have thought that our buddy Steve would be more than OK with both off-site building and the homeowner acting as their own General Contractor? But combining Superior Walls for the foundation with Harvest Homes for all of the framing means the GC homeowner is dealing with far fewer trade contractors. Steve, Jake, and Pete walk through the a…

1
105 - Q&A: 2024 #4 - Ventilation Systems & Liquid Sealants 32:15

1y ago32:15

32:15

1. What about whole-house ventilation systems (balanced, exhaust only, supply only) and their impact on pressure balance in homes? And do ERVs/HRVs accommodate pressure imbalances created by things like exhaust fans, stack effect, etc.? 2. Per Steve: to butyl or not to butyl...For areas such as door sills, use butyl sealant or maybe acoustical seal…

1
104 - High Performance Homebuilding in Austin TX with Risinger BUILD's Tim Hill 33:36

1y ago33:36

33:36

Tim Hill of Risinger build--Austin homebuilder for over 40 years--teamed up with Matt some 10+ years ago. Tim details his company's approach to architects, customers, and trades, including featuring building science in ALL aspects of their building company. The conversation aptly starts with the job site trailer carrying a Goodman mobile dehumidifi…

1
103 - Pre-cast Foundations 35:08

1y ago35:08

35:08

One of the most interesting ways to accomplish a high-performance below-grade wall is with Precast Concrete panels. Both Steve and Pete have worked on projects using Superior Walls, the leading US manufacturer of these panels. Certainly, it is not the least expensive way to do a foundation, but this system has a ton of advantages: it is completely …

1
102 - Q&A: 2024 #3 - A funky Arkansas roof & a heat pump water heater install in Montana 33:05

1y ago33:05

33:05

1. Actually 3 questions--can you/how do you/should you vent a pyramidal roof with dormers? (PS - I just had to look up the pronunciation of "pyramidal"--I found both pronunciations...). 2. How do I configure for adequate air supply and noise control for a heat pump water heater (HPWH) in a 1400 square foot, tight home in Montana? And then, I would …

1
101 - Q&A - 2024 #2 - Open Joint Claddings 36:39

1y ago36:39

36:39

The boys INTEND to tackle TWO submitted questions but only manage one: Are open-joint claddings better moisture-managed better than traditional lap claddings? This episode is quite the mix of banter, building science, and building history. And note that the last resource in the list below is a great short video with Joe Lstiburek of Building Scienc…

1
100 - Q&A - 2024 #1 28:31

1+ y ago28:31

28:31

Listener Bill B poses this question and the boys run with it for the whole podcast: "Can you share the details and the reasons for installing flangeless windows in different planes of deep wall assemblies?" Lots to consider here in terms of ALL of the control layers and their continuity. Pete's Resource(s): - BSC Window Installation Sequence: https…

1
99 - Site Hydrology? Steve puts on his hydrologic engineer hat; Jake & Pete add their thinking caps... 32:38

1+ y ago32:38

32:38

You know the boys get weepy over water pretty easily, but Steve's focus on starting with the site drives this podcast. The site is the context for the building, and broadening to site water management can really take the load off of building assembly water management. This podcast is all about digging deeper into building (sorry, just could not res…

1
98 - A very special Matt Risinger throw back episode and Special Announcement 1:08:15

1+ y ago1:08:15

1:08:15

We have a big announcement this week as we return to our first time having Matt Risinger on the podcast.By Unbuild It Podcast

1
97 - Custom Builder Round Table - "Subcontractors: Vetting, Getting, Keeping and even Honing Your Build Team" 38:02

1+ y ago38:02

38:02

Jake and his builder team--Luke Mann, (Rangeline Homes), Shane Durkin (Patriot High Performance Homes), and Jackson Andrews (Jackson Andrews Building + Design)--work through all sorts of cool, key approaches to consider with your trades: · Paying subs in 21 days · Scheduling a site visit for a new potential sub · Pulling subs into the bidding proce…

1
96 - Custom Builder Round Table - Company Structure 35:54

1+ y ago35:54

35:54

Jake takes his builder team--Luke Man, (Rangeline Homes), Shane Durkin (Patriot High-Performance Homes), and Jackson Andrews (Jackson Andrews Building + Design)--through this final topic with questions like: - Do you want your company to grow? (These guys vary in size from 2 to 16...) - How do you decide when to hire and who to hire? - Are you work…

1
95 - Custom Builder Round Table - "Closing Out A Project" 35:00

1+ y ago35:00

35:00

Luke Mann (Rangeline Homes), Shane Durkin (Patriot High-Performance Homes), and Jackson Andrews (Jackson Andrews Building + Design) work through this topic with host Jake Bruton. Key concepts include carefully distinguishing punch list vs. additional scope of work; covering closeout in project-starting customer expectations document; an extended co…

1
94 - BS Summer Camp 2023: Kohta Ueno 39:16

1+ y ago39:16

39:16

This is Q&A with Adult Supervision: Kohta Ueno. Kohta is so efficient we nailed SIX building enclosure questions: Listener Gagan - reconfiguring existing walls with new control layers; Listener Bill: the need for dedicated vent space with vertical metal siding on ICF walls; Listener Michael - rainscreens for roofs instead of walls; Listener Sean - …

1
93 - Custom Builder Round Table - "Ideal Client" 30:46

1+ y ago30:46

30:46

Jake hooks up with the same custom builder team Luke Mann - Rangeline Homes https://www.rangelinehomes.com Jackson Andrews - Building & Design https://jacksonandrewsbuilding.com Shane Durkin, Patriot High-Performance Homes https://www.buildpatriot.com For a roundtable discussion on the ideal client. Key topics include vetting clients by matching co…

1
92 - Q&A with Adult Supervision: OSB Structural Panels 34:49

1+ y ago34:49

34:49

Guest Reuben Rudisill is Huber's Research, Development, & Innovation engineer, joining Jake & Pete from the Building Science Corporation Summer Symposium in Westford, MA. Jake & Pete know just enough to get in trouble when it comes to structural details of ZIP, ZIP-R, and Advantech Huber OSB panels, so Reuben quite gently sets these guys straight o…

1
91 - BS Summer Camp 2023 with Ross Trethewey 38:22

1+ y ago38:22

38:22

Join Jake and Steve as they chat with Ross Trethewey, of TE2 Engineering and This Old House, at Building Science Summer Camp 2023. Check out TE2 EngineeringBy Unbuild It Podcast

1
90 - "Good Fellows" Tools We Use Every Day In Our Work 36:33

1+ y ago36:33

36:33

Steve calls SketchUp his electronic clay model which he can use with his builder, his enclosure consultant, and his clients. Pete gives up the dirt on WebSoilSurvey, the 1st tool he uses on every project design/spec review. Jake heads home for his favorite tool - his new Aarow Building office. Last but not least: Steve returns with his 2nd favorite…

1
89 - Monitoring Indoor Air Quality: Science, Anecdotes and Steam Roller Steve 39:58

1+ y ago39:58

39:58

What should we monitor, and what do we do about elevated levels of indoor pollutants? Air temperature, relative humidity, parts per million CO2, PM 2.5 Pete's Resource(s): - "Measuring (and Understanding) Humidity" - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/measuring-and-understanding-humidity - "Inhalable Particulate Matter and Health" - https…

1
88 - What makes a PSA tape "self-terminating?" Wingnuts want to know... 30:30

2y ago30:30

30:30

The top leading edge of a PSA tape running horizontally is not weather-lapped or mechanically attached, depending solely on the adhesion of that top edge to the substrate to keep water out of the WRB/PSA tape system. Are ALL PSA tapes in WRB systems self-terminating? Is there a way to quantify the top-edge adhesion that makes the tape self-terminat…

1
87 - Residential Water Efficiency - Can we save water AND get high performance? 31:47

2y ago31:47

31:47

Our homes use way more water than you think they need to. The boys dive deep into water efficiency and performance, from toilets to showerheads to hot water recirc systems. Pete's Resource(s): 1. EPA Water Sense: https://www.epa.gov/watersense 2. 2016 AWWA Residential End Uses of Water - https://www.awwa.org/Portals/0/AWWA/ETS/Resources/WaterConser…

1
86 - ICFs: Insulating Concrete Forms, for real... 34:39

2y ago34:39

34:39

Despite how consistently and relentlessly the boys have dissed ICFs, this episode takes ICFs seriously and fairly (or as best as Jake, Steve, and Pete are capable of...). Pete's Resource(s) 1. "Costs & Benefits of Insulating Concrete Forms for Residential Construction" (https://www.huduser.gov/publications/pdf/icfbenefit.pdf): A bit dated but still…

1
85 - Q&A June 2023 35:22

2y ago35:22

35:22

Four Cool Questions: 1 - Airtight Drywall Approach from Aussie Sean; 2 - Continuous Insulation (moving from below-grade to above-grade walls) from UBIP buddy Ian; 3 - Frost Protected Shallow Foundations (anonymous) ; 4 - Roof penetrations from Jake's IG buddy Jeff Pete's Resource(s): 1. Myron Ferguson ADA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mh…

1
84 - Control layers on Trial 32:16

2y ago32:16

32:16

This week the UBIP takes on the topic of control. Jake tries to convince Peter and Steve that the hierarchy we address the four control layers is wrong. Can Jake turn Peter or Steve to his dark side of ideas? Probably not, but the conversation is still valid. Where do you land?By Unbuild It Podcast

1
83 - All Decked Out - From Frame to Decking to Railings and Stairs 37:43

2y ago37:43

37:43

Lots to consider from frame to finish in terms of materials and connection to main structure. The boys agreed that--for bulk water management--attaching the deck ledger to the main structure should be done either for lateral stability only or with the ledger spaced out from the main structure. Pete's Resource(s): 1. FPL Deck Guide: https://www.fpl.…

1
82 - Loads of Fun! That's Energy Loads in Homes 34:31

2y ago34:31

34:31

Space conditioning loads can be managed by building professionals through building enclosure and mechanical system efficiency--easy-peasy. But what about the loads determined by occupants and their behavior: domestic hot water, appliance, lighting and plug loads? The boys load up to tackle all kinds of issues and loads connecting energy efficiency …

1
81 - Hard Up for Topics, the Boys Turn to Concrete 32:19

2y ago32:19

32:19

From environmental footprint and slump tests to value-engineered footings and post-tension slabs, the boys do some solid coverage of concrete in buildings. While Pete suggested this topic, Steve goes from skeptical to the leader on all things concrete. Pete's Resource(s): 1. Concrete carbon footprint: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/re…

1
80 - Q&A April #2 2023 32:52

2y ago32:52

32:52

Listener Wes asks about radiant barriers (Pete goes way deep on this one...); listener Chris G wants to know if there is a "perfect" (ala Joe Lstiburek) shower wall (with Pete responding he had just taken a shower that had a "perfect" wall); listener Howdy (dubbed so by Jake 'cause we did not have his name) from Climate Zone 3 asks about new constr…

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