UnBuild It Podcast

142

THE GOOD news: our homebuilding industry is jam-packed with new materials, new techniques, and new systems, and it’s so easy to get information online in an instant. THE 

BAD news: How do we know what we can trust, what will work, and under what conditions? Where do we turn to separate the spin-and-hype from the true-and-square? We’ve got you covered! The UnBuild It Podcast is an industry-leading opportunity to get good information. UnBuild It podcast is a three-member team – Peter Yost, Building Scientist; Jake Bruton, Builder, and Remodeler; and Steven Baczek, Architect. We are nationally recognized industry leaders: Jake as a homebuilder, Steve as an architect, and Peter as a building scientist. You can find us at leading homebuilding industry events, in top-notch publications, and online media outlets. We believe that solid industry-related information has four key ingredients;

RELEVANCE: You need insight on your job site. Jake, Steve, and Peter are in the field regularly doing what we strive to do. We walk the walk – then talk about the walk. We have worked together long enough to build on each other’s expertise and not take ourselves too seriously. We are among the best at taking what may seem like complicated concepts, breaking them down, and turning them into job-site-ready breakthroughs.

ACCURACY: Jake is often quoted as saying, “Trust but Validate.” We don’t ask you to be the bleeding, leading edge; we develop trusted solutions based on our work in the field, pushing each other to practice what we preach. Our accuracy comes out of triangulation: building, design, and performance.

UTILITY: We guarantee that each podcast episode will move you from all ears to all action. Our information is born from our work. We pride ourselves on delivering information you can use the same day you listen to an episode. 

CAMARADERIE: We work together because we love homebuilding, hitting the airwaves, and humor. We are not doing our job if you are not enjoying learning with us during each episode.

Recent Episodes

Episodes loading...

Recent Reviews

Mitch~Idaho

EP 124

Pretty negative on other creators when Jake doesn’t agree that there could be another way. It’s a post frame because it’s not built with poles. Way to be open minded. Those buildings are easily assembled by 2 guys and 1 machine. They can be engineered to meet desired local loads. Maybe educate yourself on how people are building homes with post frame buildings.
RCBitt

Tone down the banter

A lot of great content. Unfortunately, I have to wait through five minutes of nonsense banter to get to it. Like my wife tells me you’re not a comedian don’t make jokes. I think it would be better served respecting peoples time and getting to the heart of the matter more quickly. Hope this helps. Best of luck in the future.
rod scarington

Gotta have it

Love the banter and the knowledge gained is astounding!!
WillBNice

Declining quality

This podcast started off really well it was very informative and provided great content. It was instructional mixed with explanatory and covered a wide variety of important topics related to building science. Now with the hosts recent rise to online popularity and seemingly successful businesses it seems as though they are getting “Caulky” pun intended. One host is very immature and one of the other hosts is a “know it all” while both being condescending. The third host just contributes stupid jokes. It has become a waste of time to listen to for those of us looking to increase our knowledge to use out there in the real world.
NVR/DV8

Quick witted and informative!

I love listening to the guys! They have resparked my insatiable appetite for building science. Back in 2008... I know Jake was still a youngin :) - haha!, some articles in a Fine Homebuilding magazine (Energy Smart Homes) spoke to building science that immediately sparked my desire to studying it more. Fast forward to 2024, the recession hit real estate, then eventually Covid, and for the past couple of years I have listened to these guys as if they were writing the articles "live" in the magazine I still have today. These guys are amazing, their passion for passing on the knowledge is very evident in each podcast!
dogsarepeoplet00

Nerdy and hilarious

So thankful to have these guys together
builderhugh

Should be higher

This podcast is on my regular listen list. It would have gotten a higher rating if Steve were less rude. It is a good thing to think deeply and be a contrarian. It is not a good thing to degrade people or their effects. Yes, I am obvious in the hypocrisy of this statement. My hope is that it will make the show easier to listen to. Steve’s knowledge and wisdom are an important part of the value this show delivers.
sienna user

Great information and entertaining

The information is top notch but besides that there is great chemistry between the hosts. I often walk around with a goofy smile on my face as I listen to UBIP.
tylerwhit91

Huber wood propaganda but still great

Just listened to your episode on decks. Seems odd that you didn’t mention metal stud framed decks, which are far more common than aluminum. Does Huber tell you what you can and can’t talk about? Mostly kidding. I am a huge fan though. Keep up the good work
Little Pink Houses

Great content - room for improvement

9/10 times it’s a great conversation. Plenty of industry knowledge. Ask great questions of their guests. Learning something new every time I listen. In terms of a top-notch podcast (and I don’t know if that’s their goal), they still fall short in the production from time to time; mouth breathing, distant mic syndrome, and distracting humor. For someone who doesn’t know the subject matter, when they interject with a bad dad joke - it’s hard to keep the mental model I’m trying to create. They do a fantastic job of describing a building science method or plan detail- and then lose the listener with a dog of a joke. Maybe the dad jokes are part of the pod. If so, then, ok. I’ll still listen. Rather than lose the jokes, they should work on getting better at them. If the guys took a comedy class and worked on their timing and joke choice and ironed out some production kinks (it’s probably much easier said than done, there’s a reason sound engineers are paid well) this show would easily be in my top three. All in all- good stuff. Good mission.
Nate 4753

Easy to understand Building Science

Building Science explained in a way everyone can understand. Great podcast for everyone involved in any phase of a building project.
Arp32

Good content, 95% of the time

Good content, I like the three perspectives. The best parts are when they talk about houses they’ve worked on or looked at. Would be 5 stars except for reoccurring moments where one host interjects with unfunny distractive comments. I think he thinks he’s being funny.
Hy-Ho

Nerds!

Building nerds trying to help the cool people.
tools at work

Came for the building science stayed for the puns

Very informative. Every builder should listen to this
Intrepid185

Informative and Fun

I’ve been following Jake, Steve, and Matt on social media for quite some time and it’s great to hear them all together on one podcast to share their knowledge, expertise, all while keeping it fun as they bust each other’s chops with the occasional sarcasm and playful banter. Their content is always fun to listen to and learn from- especially for those with a passion for home building and building science in general. Thanks guys!
8676325

Fantastic show for anyone interested in building better homes

The show is great if you’re trying to learn how to build better houses. The guys discuss topics from three different perspectives, providing a well rounded response to all concerns related to building high performance homes.
satirist76

Fantastic Nerdy Building Science Fun

Guys, I discovered your podcast last week and I'm studying every episode. I’m just an average homeowner, learning as much as I can and daydreaming about a whole-house renovation with intent toward passives house standards. Today I just want you to know that I appreciate the improvements in audio quality. I started Ep. 18, and listening to all the Dad Jokes and riffing, it sounds like everyone now has a decent mic and you’re talking into it. So much more enjoyable to listen when I don’t have to strain to hear. Keep up the great work and fantastic content!
Lew in Chicago

Better

While listening to Tribute to BSC I was looking at diagrams from BSC.com learning about Res Spray Foam assemblies.
Profit First

You are the culmination of who you surround yourself with

It has been said many times that you are a sum of the 5 closest people you surround yourself with. Tune in to see how Jake, Steve and Peter have elevated their craft and how they challenge assumptions and how to build a better and learn better. If you like listening to a group of good friends having great conversations then tune in!
NEPA Builders

Valuable Building Interpretations

Great content coming from industry leaders. Social media is nice but podcasts are a great way to get “into the weeds” on these topics. Keep the education coming, thanks guys.
kimberlibragg

New Best Friends

These guys are my new best friends and constant companions while I’m working. As an architect and relatively new GC, I find every episode to be a wealth of building knowledge, industry insight and comical commiseration.
Joanie_D

Nice n easy convo for construction nerds

Super thoughtful fellows share experience and science. Steve & Jake need to build me a house.
steve joyce jr

Snow season

It would be cool to talk about all the things you can tell when looking at a house while driving around since most of us are driving while listening. You can see a lot by how the snow has melted on the roof, around the perimeter, where icicles are forming. Your podcast is pretty good keep it up. And get joe on.
Under Pressure-RD

Great podcast

As a former builder I love the honesty and humbleness of how tough this industry is. I also love the war stories of horrible clients and losing money. Now that I work in a building science specific job I enjoy all the detail paid to air sealing, thermal bridging, and energy efficiency. It’s the perfect podcast for me, keep up the great work. -Rob Delaney, Building Science Enthusiast
ht00438

Good content. Bad audio

Love the content of the show, very informative, entertaining. But the audio is terrible all I hear is echo and I can’t stand it.
poohbearmo

Best building science podcast out there

The most entertaining way I’ve found to learn about building science. The guys are experts in their field and know how to explain complicated topics to the uninitiated.
Jtrue14

Great insight from quality professionals

Glad to see the intro music was changed. The first one you were using was kinda creepy! Thank you for doing the podcast.
guy hhhjkj gf se

Great info

Wonderful podcast, found it after listening to Modern Craftsman podcast and hearing Steve’s episode. I’ve watched most of Steve’s and Jakes episodes on BSN! Lots of great information!! Also wanted to let Steve know that antelope(pronghorn) really are to great at jumping they tend to more slide on their belly under fences
glauserbuilding

A Must Subscribe For All Building Professionals

This podcast is a consistent, in-depth education on building science. The topics discussed are pertinent to anyone in the building industry interested in building better. Also, the colloquial banter between friends keeps it fun. Enjoyable and educational!
UCLA_Alum_88

Excellent Content ...

As a semi-retired lawyer who loves building, this podcast is really good for anyone who want to know what today’s “best practices” are in residential construction & building. Yes, the volume needs improvement (get better microphones and speak into them guys). There are a lot of ways to build ... and what’s best in one climate may not be any good in another climate. But just knowing the best practices is empowering. Keep up the good work boys! Mike C Spring TX
Dano0430

Get better audio

Great info but it’s a terrible strain to hear you guys at times. There are many times I cannot turn headphones or the car loud enough to hear you guys. I appreciate what you have to share just can’t hear it all.
Spy8

Great info

I’m learning a ton as non-builder or architect. The volume level is too low as another reviewer pointed out.
Dr-Greg

Solve Your Audio Issues

This is a good podcast with good information but every time I listen on any vehicle stereo or anything else, the audio levels are way too low and they fluctuate too much due to the podcast guys not maintaining good microphone discipline. In my truck I have to crank up the volume so much just to hear someone talk over road noise that the stereo will blast radio audio at me and nearly blow out my speakers as soon as I switch off the Bluetooth pairing of my phone. I do not have this issue with any other podcast I listen to, so I can only suggest you guys get an audio mixer or something that allows you to boost your levels while recording. This is ridiculous.
Nathan Insulation Unlimited

Listen up

Steve, Pete, and Jake (age before beauty) are three names that you need to know if you care about building well, and their contribution to the industry cannot be overstated. And you and I get to listen to them discuss important details of building science on a regular basis. Stop reading this review and start listening.
NoleManSam

Love the info

Really appreciate the content. I’m not even part of the industry but the information and breadth of experience that it is discussed with makes it for a great listen. One complaint though, I crank the volume to 100 and there are times when I can barely hear you. Help me out here.
Porter802

Roll that tape!

As a builder I feel obligated to listen and learn what these guys are saying. I thought Peter was a little soft on the Huber rep... Keep it up!
chris_c_517

UnBuild It Thursdays are the best days

Jake, Peter, and Steve have a great rapport and their respective experience and areas of expertise lends different perspectives to building and building science. Their true gift is the ability to communicate complex concepts in a language that’s understandable and entertaining to listeners across a range of expertise levels. Don’t miss an episode.
Sailor Bob 1987

Great Pod Cast.

I love the pod cast. It is a great description of building science. I look forward to each new episode. F
Jake Bruton

How is it possible these three didn’t do this sooner???

It is time to embark on a journey of building science with three of the best minds in the industry. They are informed, able to explain, and so far are giving the best building science info I’ve heard in any podcast. Pay attention and subscribe so you don’t miss these guys. I really like the broad perspective they bring to the table.
SupKurt

Super Joe Has trained these guys well

I wonder how much they can elaborate on the perfect wall! There are climates where the windows can be open 6 months per year. I can’t tell you where or you’ll all come here and drive up prices!
kdmylin

No BS in this BS Podcast

Gentlemen, I love the podcast. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and knowledge with others in this way. For all who are looking to learn from some of the industry’s best, this is a great starting point. May I make a suggestion? Since the podcast is about education and collaboration in a more "fireside chat" format, could you list or comment on additional resources concerning the topic at hand? There is a lot of information out there and some of it is just not accurate. Hearing from you three where to go for further education would be helpful. Thanks again and keep up moving forward!
Gillgables

Pay attention

If you are in the market to buy or finance a passive home you need to be studying these conversations. Otherwise, how can you determine if you are driving the correct conversation for your long term needs?
Nikky007

#longliveourbuildings

If you’re in the homebuilding industry and not listening to these podcasts then you’re doing it wrong!
TheBeardInMaine

Long live our buildings

These three hosts draw on deep and unique wells of knowledge and experience, combined they bring an open, thoughtful, and nuanced approach to the big & little issues of building. Looking forward to hearing them hit their stride.
bs_and_beer_kc

Worth the wait

Three of the top minds in building science have finally come together to entertain and educate us.
laguna949

Must listen

These guys are the 1927 Yankees of homebuilding. If your contractor doesn’t know about these guys then he’s not worth it.