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Share on LinkedinThis week, Matt goes solo to highlight five common construction mistakes made by Texas builders and offers practical solutions to improve building quality.
- Ductwork in Hot Attics
Placing ducts in unconditioned attics leads to inefficiency, mold growth, and energy loss. Builders should relocate ducts into conditioned spaces using techniques like closed-cell foam insulation or innovative Rheia duct systems. - Cardboard Sheathing
Flimsy, paper-based sheathing lacks durability and fails to resist air and water infiltration. Durable materials like plywood, OSB, or Huber ZIP-System sheathing offer superior performance and longevity. - "Houses Need to Breathe" Myth
Air leaks degrade indoor air quality and cause microbial growth. Builders should create airtight homes with proper ventilation systems, such as ERVs or HRVs, and incorporate dehumidifiers for moisture control. - Poor Stucco Installation
Improper stucco systems fail when exposed to irrigation. Using resilient materials and ensuring proper drainage can prevent structural degradation and water damage. - Steel Windows and Doors
Non-thermally broken steel frames cause condensation, leading to damage. Thermally broken frames, wood-clad windows, or triple-glazed options are better choices for Texas’s climate.
Matt emphasizes sustainable building practices and learning from past mistakes to Know Better. Build Better.™ He encourages builders to adopt modern techniques to improve energy efficiency, durability, and customer satisfaction.
Find Matt and The Build Show on the web:
- Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger
- Instagram: @risingerbuild and @thebuildshow
- TikTok: @thebuildshow
- YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow
- Website: https://risingerbuild.com/ and https://buildshownetwork.com/
Save the Date for Build Show LIVE 2025 in Dallax, TX: October 16-18, 2025!
https://www.huberwood.com
Episodes
Build Podcast | Episode 175: Stop Bidding for Free (why every builder needs a pre-construction agreement)
Episode 175
Matt is joined by Risinger Build Executive Project Manager Daniel Glauser to discuss pre-construction service agreements (PSAs), emphasizing the importance of getting paid for the extensive time and effort builders invest before actual construction begins. They explain how PSAs help weed out unserious clients, foster transparent collaboration with architects and homeowners, and ultimately ensure a smoother, more efficient building process.
Build Podcast | Episode 174: How Will Tariffs Impact Builders?
Episode 174
The Build Podcast tackles a very timely and top-of-mind topic: tariffs. This episode dives deep into the current (as of April 28, 2025) and forecasted state of the U.S. housing and remodeling industry, with a spotlight on tariffs, economic uncertainty, and demographic trends. Matt is joined by two experts from Zonda (a leading housing data and insights company) to discuss how global tariffs are expected to raise material costs by up to 9%.
Build Podcast | Episode 173: Ask The Experts (Part 1)
Episode 173
Welcome to the first official “Ask The Experts” edition of Build. Matt answers real questions from builders, architects, and fans of the show. This episode covers a wide range of high-performance building topics that every pro should consider.
Build Podcast | Episode 172: What Makes a Great Project Manager?
Episode 172
What makes a great project manager in the residential construction world? Matt and Risinger Build business partner, Tim Hill, sit down to discuss what they’ve come to define as a GREAT project manager. Drawing on years of experience, they identify five essential qualities: leadership, collaboration, communication, work ethic, and people management.
Build Podcast | Episode 170: Understanding Profitability for Builders, Contractors, and Remodelers
Episode 170
Matt and Tim discuss the challenges of profitability in the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of realistic budgets and aligning with clients and architects to avoid financial losses.
Build Podcast | Episode 169: Mold Prevention & Indoor Air Quality (Part 2)
Episode 169
Matt welcomes Sean Harris back to the studio to continue their discussion indoor air quality improvements for existing homes, focusing on mold prevention, HVAC upgrades, filtration, and dehumidification—especially in hot, humid climates like Texas. Both Matt & Sean encourage homeowners to prioritize practical, science-backed IAQ improvements for a healthier living environment.
Build Podcast | Episode 168: Prairie Sun & Timber
Episode 168
Matt welcomes fellow Build Expert, Travis Brungardt, to discuss the brand-new Build Original Series® Prairie Sun & Timber, which follows Travis as he builds a hybrid high- performance home blending Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and traditional framing. Travis outlines the project, noting that the upper level utilizes SIPs for insulation and strength, while the walkout basement level is conventionally framed with ZIP-R9 panels for flexibility.
Build Podcast | Episode 167: Mold Prevention & Indoor Air Quality in New Construction
Episode 167
Matt welcomes indoor air quality (IAQ) expert Sean Harris to explore mold prevention strategies for new construction. They discuss key building science principles, including air sealing, moisture management, and proper dehumidification to prevent mold growth in hot, humid climates like Texas.