Heading south for the winter? Before you lock the door and head for warmer weather, it’s important to make sure your home is protected against cold temperatures, ice, and unexpected winter storms. In this episode of All About Home Construction, we share practical tips for snowbirds on how to winterize a home before leaving for months at a time. From shutting off water and draining lines to setting thermostats, checking gutters, and keeping your house secure, we’ll walk you through the steps to prevent damage and give you peace of mind while you’re away.

In this episode of All About Home Construction, we take a closer look at how the High Country has recovered in the wake of Hurricane Helene. From wind-damaged roofs to water-soaked basements, homeowners across Watauga and surrounding counties faced enormous challenges. With nearly $2.5 billion in claims filed statewide, only a portion have been paid, and many families have found themselves navigating tough battles with insurance companies.

We talk about why roof and wind damage claims were often more successful than foundation or flood damage claims, how low flood-insurance coverage in western North Carolina made recovery harder, and why neighbors helping neighbors has been just as important as insurance payouts.

It’s a story of resilience, rebuilding, and the strength of our mountain communities—because when times get tough, the High Country proves we’re truly Mountain Strong.

On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we’re breaking down the blower door test — what it measures, what the grades mean, and how to understand those “theoretical hole” sizes. We’ll explain how air leakage impacts your home’s comfort, efficiency, and energy bills, and share practical steps you can take to tighten up an existing home. From sealing attic penetrations and basement rim joists to weatherstripping doors and improving ductwork, we’ll cover the best ways to reduce air leakage. Plus, we’ll talk about how making your home tighter might also mean adding proper ventilation with an HRV or ERV. If you’ve ever wondered how leaky your house really is — and what you can do about it — this episode is for you.

On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we’re diving into one of the most important parts of any house—the beams. From traditional solid wood to modern engineered lumber and even steel, beams are what give your home strength, stability, and open spaces. We’ll break down the different types of beams you’ll see in residential construction, when and why each is used, and how builders determine the right size for the job. Plus, we’ll cover costs, building code requirements, and even how exposed beams can add beauty as well as structure. Whether you’re building new, remodeling, or just curious about what’s holding up your home, this episode will give you the insight you need to understand the backbone of residential construction.

In this episode of All About Home Construction, we dig into one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of your home: the driveway. Should you go with the classic charm of gravel, the smooth finish of asphalt, or the durability of concrete? We compare the costs, maintenance needs, and longevity of each option—plus what works best in the mountains of North Carolina. From climate considerations to curb appeal and common installation mistakes, we’ve got the insights to help you choose the right driveway for your home.

On this episode of All About Home Construction, we dive into Trus Joist® by Weyerhaeuser, the engineered wood products that are changing how we build homes. From TJI® I-Joists that deliver long spans and open floor plans. We’ll cover the benefits, challenges, and proper installation tips. Whether you’re building, remodeling, or just curious about the future of framing, this episode has the answers you need.

Ever wondered what’s holding up your floor—and why some builders choose floor trusses over traditional joists? In this episode of All About Home Construction, we dive deep into the world of floor trusses. We’ll explain what they are, why they’re so popular in modern builds, and how they compare to solid lumber and I-joists.

We’ll cover the benefits like long spans and easy mechanical access, as well as the drawbacks such as cost, lead time, and fire safety requirements. Plus, we’ll talk with an expert to answer common questions: How far can they span? Are they worth the investment? What should you know before using them in your home?

Whether you’re building new, renovating, or just curious about how homes are put together, this episode will give you the knowledge to make smarter decisions.

Listen now and learn why floor trusses might be the best choice for your next project!

In this episode of All About Home Construction, we’re taking a deep dive into floor joist spans — a crucial part of building safe, strong, and long-lasting floors. We’ll cover the basics of what a span is, why it matters, and how lumber size, spacing, and wood species all come into play.

You’ll also learn the difference between live load and dead load, why “maximum span” isn’t always the best span, and how to prevent those bouncy or squeaky floors. Plus, we’ll talk about when engineered solutions like I-joists or LVLs are the right choice for big, open rooms.

Whether you’re a DIY homeowner, a future homebuilder, or just curious about how your home is put together, this episode will give you the knowledge to make smarter, safer choices in construction.