About this podcast
Planning a home remodel—or working to build better projects? Build Connected shares practical advice on preconstruction, remodel budgets, building products, and communication between homeowners, architects, and contractors.
Hosts Pace Blair and Adam Diamond are the partners behind Diamond Home Restoration, a Northern California general contracting company. Each week, they explore a building product or technique, an industry topic, and a story from the jobsite.
From building science and fire-resilient construction to design decisions and change orders, we discuss what helps projects succeed and what we learn when things go sideways.
New episodes weekly. Follow Build Connected for experienced perspectives and straightforward conversations about construction.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 79 episodes
- Episdode 79: Patio String Lights, Inspection Prep, PG&E · 19 min · Episode 79This week on Build Connected, we discuss the details that make patio string lights look better and hold up over time, from support cables to thoughtful layout. Then we share how…
- Episode 78: Floating Shelves, Homeowner-Hired Trades, and Remodeling Our Own Homes · 18 min · Episode 78What supports a floating shelf—and what happens when a homeowner hires subcontractors separately from the general contractor? This week on Build Connected, Pace Blair and Adam…
- Episode 77: Light-gauge steel, AI for Contractors, the Permit Maze · 22 min · Episode 77Steel fencing, AI, and a trash enclosure with more red tape than you might expect: this week on Build Connected, we discuss how fire-resilience requirements are changing material…
- Episode 76: Gutter Guards, Comments, Preparedness · 16 min · Episode 76This week on Build Connected, we look at gutter guards and what to consider for drainage, maintenance, and fire safety. We also discuss how construction conversations on social…
- What Makes a Good Contractor? | Ep. 75 · 21 min · Episode 75What actually makes a good contractor? It’s more than craftsmanship. In Episode 75 of Build Connected, Pace Blair and Adam Diamond step away from the usual format to tackle one…
- Episode 74: Jargon, Water, Instructions · 19 min · Episode 74Clear communication can prevent costly misunderstandings between builders and homeowners. Adam and Pace share lessons from a shocking water bill, irrigation changes, and a…
- Trusscore vs. FRP, Jobsite Damage, and Remodel Budgets | Ep. 73 · 21 min · Episode 73Is Trusscore a better alternative to FRP wall panels for a commercial kitchen? And how far should your remodel design go before you know what it will cost? In Episode 73 of Build…
- Episode 72: From Build Show Live · 18 min · Episode 72In this episode Pace and Adam are at Build Show Live. It reinforced an important idea: high-performance homes aren’t necessarily too expensive—we’ve simply set our expectations…
- Episode 71: Heavy Equipment, Rough Pricing, Cleanliness · 19 min · Episode 71In this episode Pace and Adam discuss when renting heavy equipment like a skid steer makes sense, using a restaurant remodel to show how it can save time and labor. They explain…
- Episode 70: Software, ADA, New Restaurant · 21 min · Episode 70Adam and Pace kick off episode 70 with a practical contractor conversation about software, professionalism, and why the right project management system matters for both the…
- Episode 69: Tyvek, Code Comparison, Service Window · 18 min · Episode 69Adam and Pace use a couple of real-world building code headaches to argue a bigger point: too many regulations get added by people far from the job site, while the people dealing…
- Episode 68: Garage Doors, Plans Sets, How Much Detail Do You Need? · 22 min · Episode 68Pace and Adam start with a practical homeowner topic, garage doors, then move into a bigger preconstruction question: how much detail belongs in the plans before construction…
- Episode 67: Liquid Applied, Free Estimates, More Discovery · 22 min · Episode 67Adam and Pace cover two practical construction topics that matter to both builders and clients: liquid applied weather-resistant barriers and why free estimates can be a bad fit…
- Episode 66: Asbestos and Over Regulation · 23 min · Episode 66In this episode, Adam and Pace explore the complexities of asbestos safety, building regulations, and community involvement in local policy changes. They share insights from…
- Episode 65: Flat Packed, Permits, Trees · 22 min · Episode 65In this episode of Build Connected, Pace and Adam talk about flat-packed products and how they can save you money...unless, someone else needs to assemble them. There's a lively…
- Episode 64: Exterior Trim, Bad Clients, Property Lines · 23 min · Episode 64In this episode of Build Connected, Pace and Adam discuss the nuances of contractor-client relationships, common pitfalls with bad clients, and practical tips on property line…
- Episode 63: Advanced Roof Deck, Budget Decisions, More Discovery · 20 min · Episode 63In this episode, Adam and Pace discuss a multifunction roof deck product, prioritizing project scope when it comes to hitting a budget, and the importance of quality and budget…
- Episode 62: Delta-Dry, Proper Installs, Wood Maintenance · 17 min · Episode 62In this episode of Build Connected, hosts Pace and Adam discuss the challenges of returning from vacation, the exploration of innovative building products, and the importance of…
- Episode 61: Indonesia, Trade Journals and Bookkeepers · 22 min · Episode 61In this episode, Adam and Pace share travel stories from Indonesia, discuss the evolution of trade journals and information sources in construction, and delve into the importance…
- Episode 60: CJ from CNC Electric · 23 min · Episode 60In this episode of Build Connected, Pace interviews CJ Nielsen from CNC Electric, an electrical contractor specializing in residential custom homes. They discuss CJ's journey…
