The Build Show Podcast

This week on the Build Podcast, Matt welcomes Justin Pratt from Builders Firstsource (BFS) back to the ROCKWOOL studio to explore the future of home sales, particularly whether traditional model homes are obsolete. Rising construction costs and changing buyer expectations have made 3-D digital tools a cost-effective and efficient alternative.With over 398 pre-vetted home plans at BLDRPlan.com, builders can license ready-to-build designs that integrate seamlessly with BFS’s advanced building technologies.The Home Configure system from BFS allows builders to showcase homes digitally, enabling buyers to explore layouts, customize finishes, and visualize their homes in 3D—all without stepping into a physical model. This streamlines the sales process, eliminates costly last-minute changes, and speeds up construction. By integrating prefabrication and digital modeling, the BFS READY-FRAME® system has been proven to reduce build times by 40%.What’s next from BFS? They are set to launch a real-time pricing module, similar to automotive “build & price” tools, allowing buyers to see accurate costs for their selections.Thank you to episode sponsor Viewrail. Learn more at viewrail.com. Resources:BLDR.comBLDRPlan.com. Find Justin on the Web:Instagram: @justinprattbfsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-p-86a7568/ Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/ Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025! Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Dive into the world of spray foam insulation, where closed-cell and open-cell types take center stage. Discover how closed-cell insulation can transform attics into conditioned spaces, enhancing energy efficiency and preventing moisture issues. Learn about the crucial role of low VOC emissions and high R-values in ensuring a healthy home. Matt shares tips on humidity control and the significance of skilled installation for long-lasting results, along with strategies for enhancing roof durability and leak prevention.

Live from the ROCKWOOL studio, Matt and Steve explore how to design and construct homes optimized for extreme health, focusing on mold resistance, superior indoor air quality (IAQ), and moisture control. They discuss essential strategies such as building tight, well-ventilated homes to prevent mold growth, using high-performance dehumidifiers, and implementing advanced HVAC systems with MERV 13+ or HEPA filtration. Matt and Steve highlight the importance of managing bulk water through proper site grading, overhangs, and pitched roofs while also considering leak detection systems and waterproofed mechanical rooms.For improved air quality, Matt and Steve emphasize eliminating duct board, minimizing flex duct, and opting for metal ductwork, which is easier to clean and prevents microbial growth. They also discuss alternatives to standard drywall, such as fiberglass-faced drywall, American clay plaster, or traditional lath and plaster to reduce mold risk. Additionally, ductless HVAC systems, like mini-splits, can further enhance IAQ by eliminating dust-collecting ductwork.The episode also touches on cost considerations, with case studies showing how clients with severe allergies or mold sensitivities have significantly benefited from controlled indoor environments. Whether you're a builder, architect, or homeowner looking to create a healthier home, this episode provides expert insights into mold-resistant construction, high-IAQ design, and smart moisture management. Listen now for a deep dive into building science solutions for extreme health.Thank you to episode sponsor MBRICO. Learn more at mbricotiledecks.com.Find Steve on the Web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/stevebaczekInstagram: @stevenbaczekarchitectYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stevenbaczekarchitect9431Website: https://stevenbaczekarchitect.com/info/Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025! Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowTikTok: @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/Find Jeremy on the web:Instagram: @rishermartinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RisherMartin/ Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/rishermartin-fine-homes-pfvwus-pf~2046903330? Website: https://www.rishermartin.com/ Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025! Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Matt does a deep dive into foundations and why one foundation might be a better choice than another, depending on your location.Many foundation styles came about because of frost-line differences. Northern builders might have a 3-foot frost line, which means it's necessary to dig below the frost line to avoid freeze-to-thaw issues in the wintertime. In other parts of the country, there might be a 1-foot frost line so a crawlspace makes the most sense. Finally, in the South and parts of the country with almost no freeze-to-thaw issues, slab on grade works great with a foundation embedded 12 - 18 inches into the existing soil.Matt considers how a foundation should be done when keeping ducts inside the conditioned space of a home. He focuses on crawlspaces versus slab on grade, with an emphasis on HVAC systems inside the conditioned envelope.Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowTikTok: @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter. Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Discover the top five blunders Texas builders often make. Learn why placing ductwork in unconditioned attics leads to inefficiencies and mold. Explore the vulnerabilities of flimsy cardboard sheathing and the superiority of durable alternatives. Unmask the myth that homes need to breathe as better airtight designs enhance air quality. Delve into issues with stucco installation and the benefits of using thermally broken frames for windows and doors. Embrace sustainable practices for improved energy efficiency and customer satisfaction.

In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, host Matt Risinger is joined by Lydia Crowder, better known as "Drywall Shorty," a seasoned second-generation drywall contractor from Bozeman, Montana. Together, they dive into the secrets of achieving flawless drywall results, focusing on the critical details that set high-quality builders apart from the competition. Lydia emphasizes the importance of proper framing, noting that uneven or crooked framing creates challenges that cannot be fully corrected with shims or mud. Climate control is another essential factor, as drywall and its compounds are highly sensitive to changes in moisture and temperature. Without consistent conditions, builders risk issues like swelling, shrinkage, or screw pops that compromise the finish. The conversation also explores the growing demand for modern architectural designs, such as floor-to-ceiling windows and clean, minimalist interiors, which leave little room to hide imperfections. Matt and Lydia discuss the value of temporary jobsite conditioning, such as using air conditioning in hot, humid climates or dehumidifiers in wet conditions, to ensure materials remain stable and perform as expected. Lydia shares practical advice on pre-drywall inspections, framing techniques, and the use of engineered lumber, all aimed at producing high-quality, lasting results. The episode highlights Lydia’s extensive expertise and her role as an educator in the construction industry, where she has built a significant online following. Matt also promotes the upcoming Build Show Live event in Austin, Texas, where industry experts and educators will gather to share insights and foster growth within the building community. Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Join master plumber Eric Aune, aka @mechanicalhub, as he shares his expertise in value engineering plumbing systems. Discover cost-effective strategies that maintain quality, including the shift from copper to PEX for durability and affordability. Eric compares the pros and cons of cast iron versus PVC for drainage systems and highlights the importance of investing in trusted fixtures. The duo emphasizes practical tips for designing accessible, efficient plumbing, ensuring long-term reliability and ease of maintenance.

Live from the ROCKWOOL studio, Matt discusses the pros and cons of fixed-price and cost-plus construction contracts with guest Jeremy Martin, co-owner of Risher Martin, a leading custom homebuilder in Austin. Jeremy shares his firm’s unique approach to fixed-price contracts, emphasizing rigorous pre-construction planning and detailed specifications to ensure predictable budgets and schedules. This method fosters trust and minimizes change orders by clearly defining project scopes, materials, and allowances upfront.Jeremy explains that fixed-price contracts work even for large-scale renovations by incorporating allowances for potential issues like structural damage. Pre-construction, often a nine to fifteen-month process, includes site inspections, constructability reviews, and close collaboration with architects and designers. While these efforts are treated as a "loss leader," they set the stage for efficient, on-time construction. Matt contrasts this with his cost-plus model, which offers clients transparency through access to detailed invoices and flexible budgeting. However, he acknowledges that cost-plus often involves making decisions during construction, increasing the potential for delays or unexpected costs.Both agree on the importance of peer-to-peer collaboration and continuous learning to navigate industry challenges. They highlight how thoughtful planning and communication can lead to client satisfaction and successful project execution, making it a valuable listen for builders, homeowners, and industry professionals. Thank you to episode sponsors:Viewrail: learn more at https://www.viewrail.com/Benjamin Obdyke: learn more and request your sample kit at buildbetter.comFind Jeremy on the web:Instagram: @rishermartinFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RisherMartin/Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/rishermartin-fine-homes-pfvwus-pf~2046903330?Website: https://www.rishermartin.com/Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisingerInstagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshowTikTok: @thebuildshowYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshowWebsite: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025! Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025!Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.

Zack Dettmore, a Build Show expert and host of the series “Let's Renovate a Bathroom,” shares valuable insights into transforming bathrooms. He covers the balance between DIY tasks and hiring professionals, emphasizing practical strategies for renovations. Zack highlights maximizing space with a freestanding shower and the charm of subway tiles. He discusses the importance of craftsmanship, using durable materials, and preserving a home’s history. Listeners are empowered to tackle manageable projects while mastering essential construction skills.