A podcast and Youtube channel about B.S.
Latest Episodes
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..." BUT, the internet and social media are shaking things up, in some cool but also disruptive ways.
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."
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 from "80/60" (80 degrees F & 60% RH) to "65/60" for portable units & "73/60" for whole house units (more real conditions).
- Jake closes out by "dibbing" "Dehumidifier Graveyard" as a rock band name...
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 list of resources comes out of this podcast!
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 indoor air quality, occupant comfort, and moisture management. Cool discussion of adding the "D" to HVAC: HVACD or HVAC+D. And apologies to all those expecting (forbearing?) Steve's closing humor...
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 pulling in expertise early in the design process may seem as though it is more costly. Still, in the long run, it is better to spend a bit upfront and get key input during design rather than costly changes deeper into the build process. Interestingly, the conversation went from cost to trust as a key element of Pre-Construction.
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, 2 dogs, and several cats are living there full-time. This should be a reality TV show, folks. But on the serious side, Daniel shares all kinds of details integrating the original structure, expansion in 3 of 4 directions, continuous control layers, structural integrity, and fully configured and compliant ACCA Manual J/S/D mechanical systems. The only thing missing from the episode: Steve does NOT close out with one of his "jokes...."
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 for a host of great topics included in this episode.
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 our podcast!
