LivLive Ep. 0000035 - Michael Anschel

Michael Anschel joins the show — builder, educator, and a driving force in pushing the remodeling industry to think more critically about how we build.What made this conversation different is how naturally it connected three worlds:building science, teaching, and emerging tools like AI.Michael talks about what actually drives him — not just building, but helping people understand why things work (or don’t). From teaching flashing details at IBS to getting follow-up emails months later, there’s a clear throughline:when people “get it,” everything changes.One of the more interesting threads is the tension between being a maker and using tools that remove the “making” part. That shift — mentally more than technically — might be the biggest hurdle for builders right now.This was a thoughtful, honest conversation about:what we build, how we think, and what might need to change next.Michael shared a few tools and projects he’s actively working on:• AI Pulse (Weekly Tech Roundup)https://aipulseweb-bqfxmg34.manus.space/search• Tech of Interest (Ideas, tools, experiments)https://technewslet-ysuopz87.manus.space/• ConstructAI (Drawing + Spec Analysis Tool)https://constructai-kears88n.manus.space/project/1→ Upload drawings + specs to identify conflicts, missing info, and query your project instantly.And the incredible Basement/Crawlspace tool that he has built: https://belowgrade-qthxut5u.manus.space/Chapters:00:00 – Intro + LivLive kickoff (and no Instagram today)02:00 – How Dave and Michael first connected (COVID + Remodelers circles)03:30 – Who Michael is + IBS demo / teaching background04:30 – Why teaching matters (and what makes it fulfilling)07:30 – Helping people “get it” — impact beyond the jobsite10:30 – Transition: building science mindset vs typical construction thinking14:00 – Where projects actually break down in the real world18:30 – Drawings vs reality: gaps, interpretation, and risk23:00 – The hidden time drain: reviewing documents and chasing info28:00 – Introducing AI in a practical way (not hype)32:00 – 3D printing, visualization, and using AI to generate models36:00 – The “maker vs machine” tension (big mindset shift)40:00 – Using AI for real applications (design, communication, tools)45:00 – Basement tool + building science applications50:00 – Where this is all heading for builders55:00 – Closing thoughts + future opportunities