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!

Tune in for our re-play of a Memorial Day special!