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Home Build Podcast

Episode 92: Performance on a Budget

On this week's episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt and Jake go deep into building high-performance homes on a reasonable budget.

They talk about passive, net-zero, and net-plus homes and define their equation for a "really well-built house" (durability + health & comfort + efficiency) and what that means. 

They share the importance of the decision-making process, when that should happen, and how that feeds into the well-built house equation. They also discuss material choices, insulation, framing, and HVAC's role in the math of building science and budgets.

Listen in to learn if there's a building science silver bullet and some of the trade-offs you can make for a really well-built home.

Watch Matt and Jake's 2x8 challenge video here.

Revisit Jake's home here on the Build Show Network.

Jake's website is https://www.aarowbuilding.com/ and you can find him on Instagram here..

Listen to Jake and Steve's UnBuildIt podcast here and watch his original series, Build Show Build.

Join our newsletter here.


 

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Episodes

The Science Behind Air Leakage Testing | Build Show Podcast Ep 214

Matt Risinger explores how diagnostic testing with The Energy Conservatory informs high-performance construction, focusing on blower door testing, pressure mapping, and airflow measurement for airtightness and leakage identification.

Rethinking Insulation for Modern Homes | Build Show Podcast Ep 215

Episode 215    

Matt Risinger Talks Wood Fiber Insulation with Jason Todd of TimberHP </h2> <p style="margin: 0 0 18px; font-size: 16px;"> Matt Risinger talks with Jason Todd of TimberHP about the growing role of wood fiber insulation in high-performance construction. Todd explains how wood-based insulation products fit into modern wall assemblies, offering vapor-open performance, thermal control, and compatibility with airtight building strategies. </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 18px; font-size: 16px;"> The discussion covers manufacturing, supply chain challenges, and how these materials compare to foam and mineral wool in durability and environmental impact. They also touch on prefabrication, evolving building codes, and the shift toward low-carbon materials in residential construction. </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 16px;"> <strong>Episode Sponsors:</strong><br><br> <strong>Huber</strong> — <a href="https://www.huberwood.com/" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://www.huberwood.com/</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;|&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Pella</strong> — <a href="https://www.pella.com/" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://www.pella.com/</a> </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 10px; font-size: 16px;"> Watch full episodes of Matt on: </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 6px; font-size: 16px;"> Facebook<br> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork</a> </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 6px; font-size: 16px;"> Instagram<br> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/</a> </p> <p style="margin: 0 0 20px; font-size: 16px;"> Build Show Network<br> <a href="https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger" style="color: #c40000; text-decoration: none;">https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger</a> </p> <p style="margin-top: 24px; font-size: 16px;"> <strong>Don’t miss a single episode of Build Show content.</strong><br> Sign up for our newsletter.

The Tools Behind High-Performance Homes | Build Show Podcast Ep 213

Episode 213    

Matt Risinger talks with Bill Spohn and Eric Kaiser of Tru Tech Tools about how testing, diagnostics, and data-driven tools are transforming modern building performance, from airtightness and airflow to HVAC optimization and construction standards, with support from episode sponsor Pella.

Straw Bale Construction 101 | Build Show Podcast Ep 212

Episode 212    

Jacob Racusin and Matt Risinger discuss the benefits of using straw-based construction for high-performance buildings, focusing on durability, moisture management, and prefabrication. Huber Engineered Woods sponsored the episode.

How Builders Use Blower Door Testing to Improve Airtightness | Build Show Podcast Ep 211

Episode 211    

Matt Risinger and Building Scientist Sam Myers discuss blower door testing for measuring and improving air tightness in residential construction, emphasizing the value of ownership and operation by builders.

The Truth About Tough Clients and How to Spot Them Early | Build Show Podcast Ep 210

Episode 210    

Matt Risinger shares how managing client relationships is key to success in custom home building, highlighting the importance of clear communication, setting expectations early, and recognizing red flags to avoid costly conflicts.

The Origin Series with Bernie Calcote | Build Show Podcast Ep 209

Episode 209    

Matt Risinger interviews Bernie Calcote of Melde Construction about his unconventional journey from musician to CEO, the power of company culture, and building high-end custom homes in Austin’s collaborative construction community.

The Origin Series with Brian Long | Build Show Podcast Ep 208

Episode 208    

The conversation between Matt Risinger and Brian Long provides valuable insights on what it takes to succeed as a builder, emphasizing hard work, integrity, attention to detail, and continuous learning.

A Backup Water System? | Build Show Podcast Ep 207

Episode 207    

Matt Risinger and Chris Christal discuss atmospheric water generation on the Build Show Podcast, highlighting its benefits for water independence and resilience in residential and commercial properties.

Top 5 Risks We Take as Builders | Build Show Podcast Ep 206

Episode 206    

Matt Risinger discusses top risks for custom builders: construction defects, cash flow, contract issues, labor, burnout. Mitigate before costly mistakes.

From World of Concrete | Build Show Podcast Ep 205

Episode 205    

Exciting episode covering innovative concrete products and construction tools from World of Concrete. Essential listen for builders, contractors, architects, and serious DIYers.

The Origin Series with Branson Fustes | Build Show Podcast Ep 204

Episode 204    

Branson Fustes shares his journey in the building industry and discusses the challenges and rewards of running multiple companies in the construction field on the Build Show Podcast.

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