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Home UnBuildIt

Unbuild It | Episode 108: Basements as Conditioned Living Space

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 as live (and even escape).

Pete's Resource(s):

1. Steven Baczek YouTube: "Dirty Basement" vs Clean Basement....How to Plan for it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB2nD-0eUZs

2. NDSU Extension Service "Foundation Insulation Effectiveness:" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwn0Vjw_ji0

5. Negative Side Waterproofing (GBA blogs): https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/author/peterbilt

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Episodes

UnBuild It Podcast - Live Recording!

Tune in to the UnBuild It Podcast at Build Show LIVE for lively discussions on building science, business management, and industry events.

Unbuild It | Episode 161: Back to Basics Part 1 - The Water Control Layer

Episode 161    

Resources for water management in buildings include guides by Joe Lstiburek, the EPA, and a book on moisture and mold by architects. These resources address all four control layers.

Unbuild It | Episode 160: EXTREME Events - Designing and Building for Them

Episode 160    

Learn how to design and build homes to withstand extreme events like floods, earthquakes, wildfires, tornados, hurricanes, and ice storms. Resources from FEMA, Simpson Strong Tie, and IBHS are available to help.

Unbuild It | Episode 159: 3Qs: Climate Zone 7 T&G Ceiling, Aging in Place Design, and Alternative PreFab Foundations

Episode 159    

This Q&A episode tackles listener questions on ZIP sheathing vs. Smart Vapor Retarder for cold-climate ceilings, zero-threshold exterior doors and Universal Design, and innovative wood-based alternatives to concrete foundations. The discussion wraps up with a look at below-grade SIP foundation systems and plenty of valuable resources for deeper exploration.

Unbuild It | Episode 158: The Doctor is In - Retired building scientist and pulmonary physician Nathan Yost

Episode 158    

Steve and Pete welcome Nathan Yost to discuss Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), exploring how building materials, indoor environments, and evolving medical understanding can impact those living with sensitivities. Nathan shares insights from years of working with clients, while Steve recounts recent projects where MCS dramatically influenced design decisions, specifications, and material choices—including one project in a surprising "dead zone."

Unbuild It | Episode 157: Three Guys on Four Highly Technical Building Puzzles

Episode 157    

Three hyperlinks to scientific articles: ScienceDirect article, PubMed Central article, and Frontiers in Physiology article.

Unbuild It | Episode 156: Building Standards for Building Professionals?

Episode 156    

In this episode, we dive into the construction industry’s obsession with standards, certifications, and “best practices” — and question whether they actually lead to better buildings. Through a lively discussion on education, building science, and the need to “chase friction,” we explore what it really takes to improve the way we design and build. Featuring insights, debate, and practical resources for building professionals and clients alike.

Unbuild It | Episode 155: ZIP-R on the roof?

Episode 155    

Plenty of folks in our industry have been talking about using Huber's ZIP-R panels on roofs, and certainly, Huber has been working on this as well. But Steve, Jake, and Nick Sabol (lead on Huber's Technical Team) take a deep dive into all the considerations: structural, hygrothermal, and long-term durability. And Pete's leading resource on this topic? Call Steve

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