Episode 10: Balancing the Cost vs Performance Aspects on a Build

Welcome to another episode of the Build Show podcast! I'm Matt Risinger, a builder based in Austin, Texas. On this podcast, we dive deep into all things building, from building science to the business of building. Today, I'm joined by a special guest, Steve, who is the COO of my building company. Together, we're discussing a crucial topic: balancing the cost and performance aspects of a house.
This episode is sponsored by Builder First Source, now combined with BMC, offering over 500 locations serving builders and remodelers throughout the continental United States. As a longtime customer, I highly recommend reaching out to them for all your building material needs.
In this episode, Steve and I share insights from our years of experience in the building industry. We discuss the importance of making smart decisions that balance cost-effectiveness with high performance, particularly focusing on energy efficiency. Steve shares his experience in building his own house, highlighting key areas where he prioritized performance without breaking the bank.
One key aspect we touch on is the roofing system. Steve's house features a reflective roof with an air cavity underneath, helping to reduce heat gain and improve energy efficiency. He also invested in high-quality roofing materials that offer better durability and energy efficiency over time.
When it comes to wall insulation, Steve opted for a cost-effective approach using damp blown cellulose, combined with a commercial-grade Tyvek wrap and blue foam board on the exterior. While he considered more expensive foam insulation, he decided to prioritize water intrusion prevention and achieved excellent results.
In discussing the mechanical system, Steve focused on creating a tight building envelope with a conditioned attic space and hard, sealed metal ductwork. These choices not only enhance energy efficiency but also contribute to a more comfortable and healthy indoor environment.
Throughout the episode, we emphasize the importance of finding the right balance between cost and performance in building. While it's tempting to chase perfection, especially in high-end homes, we believe that achieving around 95-97% perfection is a more practical and cost-effective approach for most homeowners.
Join us as we explore these topics and more, offering valuable insights and practical tips for anyone involved in the building industry. Whether you're a builder, contractor, or homeowner, this episode has something for you. Tune in to learn how you can build a high-performance, cost-effective home that stands the test of time.
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Huge thanks to our Show sponsors Builders FirstSource, Polyguard, Huber, Rockwool & Viewrail for helping to make these videos possible! These are all trusted companies that Matt has worked with for years and trusts their products in the homes he builds. We would highly encourage you to check out their websites for more info.
www.bldr.com/
polyguard.com/
www.Huberwood.com
www.Viewrail.com
www.Rockwool.com

[@dosadoodle]

For posting these older podcasts, you can choose to publish without notifying subscribers or publishing to the Subscriptions feed. That can be a nice way to publish a lot of content at once on RUclips without bugging folks. You'll need to look for the setting when publishing.

[@tealkerberus748]

Needing to turn the hot water on four hours before wanting a hot shower is another reason to go for tankless electric hot water, imo. Or solar if you're in an area where that can provide your hot water all year around.

[@PretentiousPilot]

Stop spamming my feed.