The Build Show Podcast

In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger sits down with Matthew Cooper, COO of PEG, and Justin Pratt from Builders FirstSource to discuss how preplanned MEP  (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) design is transforming residential construction. Drawing from Matt’s own ultra-tight .50 ACH Risinger Build, the conversation highlights how digital tools—like Revit and advanced modeling—are making HVAC layouts, material coordination, and on-site execution faster and more precise.  With PEG supporting MEP planning for over 50,000 homes annually, the lessons shared scale from high-volume production to regional and custom builds. From clash detection and smarter truss integration to improved energy code compliance and construction speed, this episode is packed with insights for builders looking to modernize their process.  To learn more about how PEG can support your projects, contact Matthew Cooper at solutions@pegenv.com.  Find Matt and The Build Show on the web: * Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger [https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger] * Instagram: @risingerbuild [https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild] and @thebuildshow [https://www.instagram.com/thebuildshow] * YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow [https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow] * Website: https://buildshownetwork.com/ [https://buildshownetwork.com/] Save the Date for Build Show LIVE [https://www.buildshowlive.com/en/home.html] 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025! Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter [https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter#mc_embed_signup].

In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger sits down with South Dakota builder Josh Stange—featured in the premiere of Building Across America—to dive deep into what it really takes to build high-performance homes in rural America. A true one-man show, Josh not only designs, frames, and insulates his projects but recently shocked the team with a .18 ACH50 blower door result—before mechanicals. Together, Matt and Josh explore the details behind this incredible feat, from innovative Zip System ceiling air barriers to cost challenges with skeptical clients. Whether you’re building in big cities or small towns, this episode is a must-listen for pros seeking durability, craftsmanship, and airtight performance without the big crew. Insightful, technical, and surprisingly relatable—this story will change how you see "small" builders.  Find Matt and The Build Show on the web: * Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger [https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger] * Instagram: @risingerbuild [https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild] and @thebuildshow [https://www.instagram.com/thebuildshow] * YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow [https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow] * Website: https://buildshownetwork.com/ [https://buildshownetwork.com/] Save the Date for Build Show LIVE [https://www.buildshowlive.com/en/home.html] 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025! Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter [https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter#mc_embed_signup].

In this episode of the Build Show Podcast, Matt Risinger welcomes second-generation builder and Build Show contributor Stephanie Dailey to unpack the unexpected truths behind a recent remodel project outside Salt Lake City. Based on her ongoing video series That 70s Remodel, Stephanie shares the hidden challenges of bringing a dated home up to modern performance and code—from termite damage and cardboard sheathing to insulation gaps and seismic shear reinforcements. Together, they discuss how remodel assumptions can quickly shift budgets, why owner-builds often fall short, and how climate zone considerations drive structural decisions. This episode is packed with insight for builders, remodelers, and homeowners alike navigating the murky waters of existing homes.  Thank you to our episode sponsor Huber. Learn more at:  https://www.huberwood.com/ [https://www.huberwood.com/] Find Matt and The Build Show on the web: * Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger [https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger] * Instagram: @risingerbuild [https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild] and @thebuildshow [https://www.instagram.com/thebuildshow] * YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow [https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow] * Website: https://buildshownetwork.com/ [https://buildshownetwork.com/] Save the Date for Build Show LIVE [https://www.buildshowlive.com/en/home.html] 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025! Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter [https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter#mc_embed_signup].

In this deeply personal episode of The Build Show Podcast, host Matt Risinger opens up about his 20-year business journey, sharing hard-won lessons about debt, financial struggles, and the path to recovery. As he reflects on three significant anniversaries - 20 years in business, 10 years debt-free, and 15 years since accumulating massive debt - Matt provides a candid warning to fellow builders about the dangers of speculative building and overleveraging. Matt recounts his early days starting Risinger Build in 2005, moving to Texas without connections and turning to spec homes to build his reputation. What began as calculated risks quickly spiraled into financial catastrophe during the 2007-2008 recession, ultimately leaving him $300,000 in debt and on the verge of bankruptcy. He shares the painful reality of paying $7,000 monthly for four years to dig out of debt, the strain on his marriage and family, and the spiritual journey that helped him persevere. This episode serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration, demonstrating how contentment, faith, and disciplined financial management can lead to recovery. Matt emphasizes the importance of avoiding the trap of comparing yourself to clients' lifestyles and the dangers of using debt to fund desires rather than necessities. Now completely debt-free except for his mortgage, Matt offers practical wisdom for builders and entrepreneurs about sustainable business growth and the true cost of financial overextension.  Thank you to our episode sponsors Aquor Water Systems [https://www.aquorwatersystems.com]and Champion [https://www.championpowerequipment.com/]. Learn more at Aquor.com [https://www.aquorwatersystems.com] & Champion.com. [https://www.championpowerequipment.com/] Resources: • https://www.championpowerequipment.com/home-standby-generator-selector/ Find Matt and The Build Show on the web: * Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger [https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger] * Instagram: @risingerbuild [https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild] and @thebuildshow [https://www.instagram.com/thebuildshow] * YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow [https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow] * Website: https://buildshownetwork.com/ [https://buildshownetwork.com/] Save the Date for Build Show LIVE [https://www.buildshowlive.com/en/home.html] 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025! Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter [https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter#mc_embed_signup].

Are you ready to nerd out? This week on the Build Podcast, Matt welcomes Deputy Building Official of Beaumont, TX and Host of The ICC Pulse Podcast, Beau Hansen, to explore updates in the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) compared to the 2021 version.  Key changes include tighter blower door score requirements, enhanced moisture management, evolving energy compliance, and more flexible emergency escape provisions. They highlight the importance of builders owning and understanding the code book to improve accountability, reduce job site errors, and improve build quality. Matt & Beau delve into wall and ceiling R-values, exterior insulation strategies, and improvements for mass walls, floors, and windows, emphasizing continuous insulation as a game-changer.  They conclude with a discussion around inspection challenges and builder responsibilities in unregulated jurisdictions. Both Matt and Beau advocate for broader builder engagement in code development processes.  Thank you to episode sponsors Huber & Pella. Learn more at huberwood.com [https://www.huberwood.com/] & pella.com [https://www.pella.com/]. Resources: * ICC Pulse Podcast on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2wAS8ubbEE9m5ke8vSLa8l?si=c87bb15d05354915] / Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/icc-pulse-podcast/id1351021505] / YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ICCMEDIA/podcasts] * Free ICC Resource: https://codes.iccsafe.org/ [https://codes.iccsafe.org/] Find Matt and The Build Show on the web: * Build Show Videos: https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger [https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger] * Instagram: @risingerbuild [https://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild] and @thebuildshow [https://www.instagram.com/thebuildshow] * YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow [https://www.youtube.com/@buildshow] * Website: https://buildshownetwork.com/ [https://buildshownetwork.com/] Save the Date for Build Show LIVE [https://www.buildshowlive.com/en/home.html] 2025 in Dallas, TX: October 16-18, 2025! Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter [https://buildshownetwork.com/newsletter#mc_embed_signup].