The Build Show Podcast
Follow Matt Risinger on the Build Show Podcast as he discusses Building Science, Craftsmanship, & Best Practices for Building & Remodeling. Matt is a Builder who specializes in Architect Driven & Fine Craftsmanship Work.
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How Builders Use Blower Door Testing to Improve Airtightness
<p>Matt Risinger centers the conversation on blower door testing with Building Scientist Sam Myers from RetroTec, exploring how it functions as a practical tool for measuring and improving air tightness in residential construction. Myers outlines design choices that influence results, including keeping mechanical systems inside the conditioned envelope and minimizing major air leakage pathways. The discussion covers blower door equipment, typical costs, and training options, while emphasizing the value of builders owning and operating their own systems. Risinger frames testing as a hands-on method to diagnose air leakage, compare performance across projects, and refine construction practices in real time...
The Truth About Tough Clients and How to Spot Them Early |
<p>Matt Risinger reflects on the stress that difficult clients bring to custom home building, sharing early-career assumptions that other builders had it easier before realizing challenging projects are common across the industry. He frames client relationships as central to project success, emphasizing the importance of pre-qualifying prospects, aligning on budget, and identifying decision-makers early. Risinger outlines how clear communication, documented processes, and upfront expectations—especially around contracts and pricing models—help avoid conflict. He also underscores recognizing red flags, from resistance to fees to excessive contract changes, and treating the builder-client relationship as a long-term partnership built on trust, resp...
The Origin Series with Bernie Calcote
<p>On the Build Show podcast's Origin Series, host Matt Risinger sits down with Bernie Calcote, president and CEO of Melde Construction — a nearly 46-year-old Austin firm known for architecturally significant custom homes and high-end remodels. Bernie's path into construction is anything but conventional: he arrived in Austin as a musician and art substitute teacher before answering a Craigslist ad for a carpenter's helper at Melde, eventually working his way to the top. The conversation covers Melde's culture-first approach, Austin's collaborative building community, and the value of long-term mentorship in developing strong project managers and tradespeople. </p> <p>Thanks to tod...
The Origin Series with Brian Long
<p>Matt Risinger sits down with veteran custom builder Brian Long of Brian Long Custom Homes for a candid “Origin Series” conversation packed with real-world construction industry lessons—from Brian’s early days as a master carpenter and cabinet maker to building high-end custom homes in Dallas and eventually helping pioneer spray foam insulation in Austin. They break down what it really takes to succeed as a builder: developing relentless work ethic, building trust through integrity and service, finding elite subcontractors through references and jobsite quality checks, and staying hands-on to catch the details that protect performance, durability, and waterproofing. The epis...
A Backup Water System?
<p>Matt Risinger welcomes Aquaria’s Chris Christal to the Build Show Podcast to explore how atmospheric water generation works—turning humidity in the air into clean, potable drinking water. They dive into the technology behind the systems, real-world residential and commercial use cases, water quality benefits, costs, maintenance, and why this solution is especially compelling for builders, developers, and homeowners looking for water independence and resilience.</p> <p>Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, Arclin. Learn more at: https://www.Firepoint.Arclin.com</p> <p><p>Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. </p><p>https...
Top 5 Risk We Take
<p>In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger breaks down the top five risks custom builders face and how to mitigate them before they turn into costly mistakes. From construction defect liability and cash flow challenges to contract issues, labor risk, and personal burnout, this episode offers real-world insight every builder should hear.</p> <p>Huge thanks to our episode sponsor, North Atlantic Corp. </p> <p>Learn more at: https://www.northatlanticcorp.com/</p> <p> </p> <p><p>Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. </p><p>https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetwork</p><p>http...
From World of Concrete
<p>In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger and Steve Baczek record live from the Milwaukee Tool booth at World of Concrete. They break down the most innovative concrete products, new construction tools, and cutting-edge building materials they discovered at the industry’s largest trade show. From advanced concrete technology to smarter jobsite solutions, this episode covers the trends shaping residential and commercial construction in 2026. If you’re a builder, contractor, architect, or serious DIYer looking for the latest in building science and construction innovation, this one’s for you.</p> <p>Huge thanks to our episode sponsor...
The Origin Series with Branson Fustes
<p>On this episode of the Build Show Podcast, host Matt Risinger sits down with longtime friend Branson Fustes, founder of Pilgrim Building Company and Enabler LLC in Austin, Texas. Branson traces his path from Colorado carpentry and cabinet work to running three companies — a custom high-end general contracting firm, an in-house labor/carpentry company that spun off partly for insurance reasons, and a newer service company. The conversation covers building reputation through architect relationships, the economics of self-performing labor, raising the bar on craftsman wages and benefits, and the ongoing challenge of attracting the next generation to the trades. A...
The Origin Series with Matt Shoberg
<p>Discover the inspiring origin story of Shoberg Homes, a premier luxury custom home builder in Austin, Texas, featured on the Build Show Podcast. In this episode, Matthew Shoberg, founder of Shoberg Homes, shares how passion, craftsmanship, and integrity shaped one of the most respected high-end residential construction companies in the region. From building bespoke architectural homes with top Austin architects to expanding into expert millwork and finished carpentry, Shoberg Homes delivers unmatched quality and attention to detail. Learn valuable insights on building a successful construction business, hiring with character, and creating exceptional client experiences. Perfect for homeowners, architects, and...
A Look Back with Matt Risinger
<p>In this episode of The Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger marks a major milestone by reflecting on 200 episodes and nearly 30 years in the building industry. Looking back on early mistakes, hard lessons, and recent jobsite observations, Matt explains why basic construction details—especially water management and proper window installation—continue to be some of the most common and costly failures in residential building. He discusses the responsibility builders have to continually educate themselves and their teams, revisit fundamentals, and invest in long-term skill development. As part of this reflection, Matt recommends a book that has deeply influenced his approach to b...
