This week on All About Home Construction, we’re diving deeper into the world of smart homes. Building on last week’s episode, we explore how homeowners can set up a reliable smart-home system, what the new Matter standard actually means, and how to keep devices working together without the headaches.
We also break down the pros of Amazon Alexa vs Google Home — which one makes the most sense for your lifestyle, your home, and your future plans. Plus, we highlight some of the newest AI-powered gadgets hitting the market, from companion robots and health wearables to advanced smart-home hubs.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your smart-home setup, this episode is packed with tips for beginners, insights for tech-savvy homeowners, and plenty of practical advice for making your home smarter, safer, and more efficient.
🎙️ On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we’re diving into the growing world of smart home technology and how it can make everyday living easier, safer, and more efficient. From smart thermostats and lighting to video doorbells, security devices, and voice assistants—we break down what these gadgets actually do and why so many homeowners are making the switch.
We’ll talk about the real benefits:
• Lower energy bills
• Increased home security
• More comfort and convenience
• Better accessibility
• Customizable home routines
We also cover a few things to watch out for, like Wi-Fi reliability, privacy concerns, and the real cost of upgrades, so listeners can make informed decisions before jumping in.
If you're curious about smart home technology, or wondering which devices are worth it, this episode is a great beginner-friendly guide to modern connected living.
On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we’re helping you get your home guest-ready just in time for the holidays! From simple maintenance tasks to one-day improvement projects, we cover everything you can do to make your home warmer, safer, and more comfortable for visiting friends and family.
We walk through every part of the house—inside and out—with fast, budget-friendly projects that make a big impact. Tune in as we talk about:
Entryway tune-ups to create a welcoming first impression
Heating efficiency tricks and easy draft fixes
Bathroom refreshes guests will appreciate
Kitchen maintenance before the big holiday meals
Lighting upgrades and ambiance boosters
Quick paint touch-ups and wall fixes
Flooring protection tips
Safety checks you don’t want to overlook
Guest room comforts to make visitors feel at home
Exterior clean-ups and lighting for safe arrivals
Smell and air-quality improvements
Plumbing checks to avoid holiday surprises
Whether you’re expecting a house full of relatives or just a couple of friends, these fast projects will help you get everything in top shape—without spending a fortune or a full week doing it. Perfect for weekend warriors, DIYers, and anyone wanting their home to shine for the season!
This week on All About Home Construction, we’re talking about keeping your deck looking great and lasting longer! James from Appalachian Pressure Washing and Staining joins us to share expert tips on cleaning and maintaining outdoor wood. We dig into the details of modern pressure-treated lumber, what chemicals are used in today’s safer formulations, and how to properly re-treat and seal your deck over time. Whether you’re fighting mildew, fading, or just want to protect your investment, this episode is packed with practical advice for every homeowner.
This week on All About Home Construction, we’re talking about one of the biggest hidden troublemakers in your home — flashing. It’s those thin metal or rubber barriers that keep water out of your roof, windows, and walls… but when they fail, leaks and rot aren’t far behind!
Join us as we break down the most common flashing problems, from improper installation and corrosion to cracked sealants and missing pieces — plus how to spot and prevent them before they lead to major damage.
🎙️ Tune in Saturday morning at 8am on WATA or catch the replay anytime on Spotify or YouTube.
💦 Don’t let a little flashing issue turn into a big repair bill!
#HomeConstruction #RoofLeaks #WaterDamage #Flashing #AllAboutHomeConstruction #BooneNC #WATA
This week on All About Home Construction, we’re breaking down North Carolina’s updated building code—NCGS 143-138—and what it means for farmers, landowners, and anyone involved in agritourism. We’ll explore how the law defines a “farm building,” why barns used for events like weddings or meetings are treated differently, and when these rules officially took effect. Learn how these exemptions balance safety and rural freedom while supporting the growing agritourism industry across the state.
This week on All About Home Construction, we’re taking a look back at the time-tested building methods that still influence how we build today. From Appalachian log homes and stone foundations to timber framing, passive solar design, and locally sourced materials, many of the “old ways” are making a comeback for good reason. We’ll explore how traditional craftsmanship, natural materials, and climate-smart design from generations past continue to show up in modern homes — not just for looks, but for performance and sustainability. Tune in for a fascinating mix of history, tradition, and modern building insight.
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.
On this episode of All About Home Construction, we’re talking all about retaining walls—from the popular segmented block systems to timber, concrete, and gabion walls. Whether you're holding back a hillside or just leveling out your yard, we’ll walk you through what you need to know: how retaining walls work, why drainage is critical, what mistakes to avoid, and when to call in the pros. Plus, we’ll share tips on permits, base prep, and design ideas to help your project last for decades. If you’re planning any backyard or landscaping improvements, this episode is a must-listen!
On this episode of All About Home Construction, we’re talking about two popular (and very different) materials used to build retaining walls and fight erosion: gabion walls and recycled railroad ties.
We’ll break down:
What gabion walls are and why they’re a smart, modern solution for drainage and slope control
How to build a gabion wall, what materials you’ll need, and where they work best
The pros and cons of using recycled railroad ties in your landscape
Why creosote-treated wood may pose health and environmental concerns
Safer alternatives for retaining walls that still look great and perform well
Whether you’re trying to tame a hillside, stop soil erosion, or just want a unique aesthetic in your yard, this episode will help you choose the right material for the job—and avoid costly mistakes.
Today we picked up where we left off last show!
You've heard about the efficiency and economic benefits of barndominiums – they're a hot topic for a reason! Now, let's get specific. In this episode, we're taking those "mountain dreams" of a unique barndo home and diving deep into the "realities" of building one right here in Boone and the NC Mountains. We'll uncover the specific pros and cons of constructing these homes in our high country environment, from navigating challenging terrain and local building codes to securing financing that understands non-traditional builds. Get the inside scoop on what it really takes to make your barndominium dream a reality in the Blue Ridge.
Randy's grandkids come on this morning's show!