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Building Consensus

Travis Brungardt, Brandon Jones

From controversy to consensus, this podcast addresses fundamental building issues as well as building science nuance through discussions with industry experts.

With each episode we seek to arrive at a common understanding, despite our dissimilar approaches or opposing views that reflect our unique experiences.

It’s a pursuit of that mythical beast “best practice” through some good natured ribbing and spirited debate. Hopefully, we’ll be reaching common ground regardless of the different paths we tread.”

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22 episodes
weekly
Avg 28 min
English

Episodes 22

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#209
Thursday · 28 min
The High Cost of Saving
Keeping the extra sticks of specialty trim or cutoffs from that last cabinet job can save you on the next one, but what does it really cost you to accumulate, store and manage those responsibly saved materials?
#208
August 20 · 28 min
Humble Pie or S. Sandwich
We all make mistakes, but when we do we often get the benefit of learning a lesson or at least a dash of humility. What happens when that humble pie is served in part by someone else leaving you with an “S” sandwich?
#207
August 13 · 25 min
Secrets Secrets Are No Fun
If manufacturers and suppliers have the ability to share the key details that make their products operate best then they have an obligation to do so. So why wouldn’t they?
#108
August 6 · 29 min
Waxing on Warranties
Should a warranty on a material or product drive our selection? Does it offer any real value to the project, or just a perceived value to our client? Find out on the next Building Consensus Podcast!
#107
July 30 · 30 min
All The Small things
When does it make sense for your firm to handle small projects and when do we need to decline them? How can we do either one with grace, efficiency and with profitability in mind?
#106
July 23 · 22 min
Navigating the Sea of Blame
When things don’t got precisely as planned on site, there’s often a period of assessing just who is at fault and who is responsible for the fix. Graceful execution of these conversations is critical to keeping partnerships alive and progress on track.
#105
July 16 · 27 min
To Flange or Not to Flange
Brandon wanted to call this one the in’s and out’s of European (flangeless) windows, but Travis wanted to compare and contrast the tradition exterior mounted flanged units with the mid wall or innie alternatives. Listen to see who got their way and let us know in the comments.
#104
July 9 · 32 min
Answer Request Line
We love receiving listener mail and even more so when there’s a question to answer, a problem to solve or a debate to be… debated. With some Building Science and Best Practices to parse here the fellas do their best to arrive at consensus yet again.
#103
July 2 · 22 min
Looking Back
In our milestone episode we take a moment to appreciate the support of our listeners, celebrate our past guests and even quiz Brandon on what we’ve been doing these past 2 years. Enjoy!
#102
June 25 · 24 min
We Are Not Created Equal
We all have our own strengths and weaknesses and each of us has potential and the ability to contribute. That said, there are simply some tasks that require a certain trait and we need to be honest about that. Painters need good eyesight, framers can’t be afraid of heights and so on.
#101
June 18 · 28 min
Yo Partner! or No partner
Having a business partnership rather than flying all your missions solo can certainly spread the burden and make it easier to bear, but it also complicates decision making and invites debate. Would you be better of going it alone?
#100
June 11 · 34 min
Dollars and Sense
In an ever-changing economy, we have to constantly adjust to labor rates, material costs and address market forces before we get stuck holding the bag. But how?
#99
June 4 · 31 min
Am I On Speaker?
In lamenting the many trials and tribulations they suffer day in and day out the fellas identify a few pet peeves that have real impacts.
#98
May 28 · 34 min
Good, Better, Best
The three levels of offerings often cited in building and other sales processes can offer useful comparative analysis for buyers looking to make an informed decision. Unfortunately, there is an implied but unspoken statement that “Good” is adequate and the others are unnecessary upgrades. Should we abandon GBB?
#97
May 21 · 34 min
Modesty: Asset or Liability
It’s always good to listen before you speak, learn what you can from others and maintain humility as we move through the world. That said, can you defer too much or spend too much time communicating praise of others when you should be positioning yourself as the valued expert? Sometimes we need a confident take-charge general in pursuit of productivity.
#96
May 14 · 21 min
Gratuitous Contracting
While many of us in renovation have received a little holiday treat or something extra it's definitely not the norm, day in and day out. Should we, as service providers be part of the gratuity demanding operations so many other industries employ.
#95
May 7 · 17 min
Does Brandon's Perm Matter?
Brandon enjoys upsetting Travis enough that he's once again brought up vapor. The permeance of materials in our assemblies does matter, but just how much is up for some debate.
#94
April 30 · 26 min
Lemme Finish
Travis Brungardt uses a candid shop-floor conversation to unpack one of construction’s toughest challenges: knowing when a project is truly finished. He discusses how builders often keep refining details long after schedules say the job should be done, chasing higher standards in trim, finishes, and overall presentation. The episode explores the tension between craftsmanship, timelines, budgets, and client expectations, especially when aesthetic standards are hard to define. Brungardt also talks
#93
April 23 · 28 min
Who Plays Nice In The Sandbox?
From time to time we have to schedule multiple trades in on top of each other to meet schedule. This can work, but only if all the players are organized and willing. The sandbox can be peaceful and productive if we can be nice or at least respectful, and if we all share the common goal.
#92
April 16 · 33 min
Out of Budget Sure, But Never Out of Options
What do we do when our clients don't track their spending, can't stay on budget (or won't)? Is there a reasonable responsibility we face that all parties agree to? What can we do to help our clients and ourselves finish their projects on budget?

Showing 1–20 of 22 episodes