PODCAST · education
All About Home Construction
by Terry Gunnell-Beck and Randy Blake
Hosted by local general contractor Randy Blake and Terry Gunnell-Beck, this show focuses on home construction, remodeling, and housing. It caters to those interested in building in the Appalachian Mountains, particularly in Watauga, Avery, and Ashe counties, but many listeners across NC and the USA enjoy our topics. Whether you're an experienced builder or simply curious, this podcast offers valuable insights and engaging discussions. Dive into various topics related to home construction, building, remodeling, and housing. Your House Will Thank You.
Episodes
-
Heat Pumps in the Mountains: Are They Worth the Money?
Can a heat pump really keep your home warm during a cold Blue Ridge Mountain winter? And will it actually save you money? This week on All About Home Construction, Terry Gunnell-Beck and Randy Blake break down the pros and cons of modern heating systems and what homeowners need to know before...
-
Home Storm Damage: What to Do Before Insurance Approval
What should you do when a storm damages your home and you're waiting for the insurance adjuster? Knowing how to protect your property, document the damage, and make temporary repairs can help prevent a bad situation from getting worse. On this episode of All About Home Construction, Terry...
-
Sawmills: From the Old Days to Modern Lumber Production
How did we go from men cutting logs by hand to modern sawmills using lasers, computers and high-speed bandmills? In this episode of All About Home Construction, Terry Connell Beck and Randy Blake take a look at the history and evolution of sawmills. We talk about the early water-powered mills…
more -
How Timber Was Logged Before Trucks and Modern Machines
How did loggers get massive trees out of the mountains before logging trucks, chainsaws, and modern equipment? In this episode of All About Home Construction, we go back through the history of American logging and timber harvesting — from the 1600s through the 20th century. We look at how loggers...
-
Rubber: The Material That Changed the World
This week on All About Home Construction, we take a look at a material most of us use every day but probably don't think much about — rubber. We talk about where natural rubber comes from, how people first discovered its waterproofing properties, and how rubber went from a product harvested from...
-
Labor Day: History, Facts and the Events That Changed American Work
Labor Day is more than the unofficial end of summer. In this episode of All About Home Construction, Terry and Randy take a look at the history behind Labor Day and some of the major events that shaped the American workplace. We’ll go back to the first Labor Day celebration in New York City in…
more -
General Stores
Before there was a booming Boone, paved roads, big-box stores, and modern construction, Watauga County was a collection of small mountain communities connected by trails, rivers, stores, mills, and the people who lived and worked there. In this episode of All About Home Construction, we go back…
more -
Not So Sci-Fi: The Future of Building Is Already Here
What sounds like science fiction is quickly becoming reality in the construction world. On this episode of All About Home Construction, Terry and Randy explore some of the remarkable materials and technologies changing the way we build—from self-healing concrete and transparent wood to...
-
How Homes Have Changed Since 1976
What would happen if you took an average American house from 1976 and compared it to one being built today? The differences are bigger than you might think. On this episode of All About Home Construction, Terry and Randy look back at 50 years of changes in the way we build and live in our homes....
-
Concrete: From Ancient Rome to Greener Construction
Concrete has been shaping the world for thousands of years—but today's concrete is changing in some surprising ways. This week on All About Home Construction, we take a look at the fascinating history of concrete, from the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to the incredible Roman structures that are...
-
Tiny Homes, ADUs, and the Future of Housing in North Carolina
Tiny homes have become one of the hottest conversations in residential construction, but what many people don't realize is that the debate is about much more than small houses. This week on All About Home Construction, we look at North Carolina's proposed changes surrounding Accessory Dwelling...
-
Built on Freedom: America's First 250 Years
This week on All About Home Construction, we're taking a special break from construction to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. Join us as we explore the founding of the United States, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the documents that shaped our nation. We'll also look...
-
Summer heat is here
Summer is here, and that means higher electric bills and increased water usage—but it doesn't have to! This week on All About Home Construction, Terry and Randy share practical, money-saving tips to help homeowners stay cool without breaking the bank. Learn how your thermostat settings can impact...
-
How Small Contractors Can Compete With Big Companies
This week on All About Home Construction, Terry and Randy discuss how small contractors can successfully compete with larger construction companies. From providing personalized customer service and building strong relationships with homeowners to leveraging local knowledge of mountain terrain,...
-
Listener Questions: Landscaping, Ladder Safety, and DIY Homeowner Tips
This week on All About Home Construction, we're answering listener questions from around the High Country and beyond. We cover practical landscaping tips, including drainage solutions, planting around foundations, and choosing the right mulch. We also discuss ladder safety, common mistakes...
-
Framing the Structure: Headers, Spans, and Load Calculations
This week on All About Home Construction, we're digging into the bones of a building—its framing. We discuss how builders determine the right size lumber to use, how span tables are used to safely size joists and beams, and why understanding load calculations is critical for any construction...
-
Lost Trades of Appalachia
This week on All About Home Construction, we take a step back in time and explore the lost trades that helped build Appalachia. From hand-hewn log cabins and stone chimneys to blacksmith shops, sawmills and mountain communities depended on practical skills and hard work to survive.
-
🐜 Carpenter Ants in Your Home? Don’t Ignore Them.
Carpenter ants might look harmless, but they can be a warning sign of hidden trouble inside your home. In this episode of All About Home Construction, we dig into carpenter ant damage, how to spot the early signs, and why they’re often tied to moisture problems rather than just “bugs in the…
more -
Saw Blades, Sharpening & Choosing the Right Blade
On this episode of the podcast, we talked all about saw blades — from choosing the right blade for the job to knowing when it’s time to sharpen or replace one. We discussed the differences between cheap and premium blades, tooth counts for 10-inch blades, and how the number of teeth affects the...
-
Hanging out with Cotton!
Randy's grandkid hanging out on the show today! We have a local celeberity!
-
Landscaping That Works: Drainage, Design & Smart Materials
On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we dig into landscaping—what works, what doesn’t, and what homeowners need to know before starting their next project. We talked about one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of landscaping: drainage—how to move water away from...
-
Insurance, Contracts, and the $40K Rule in NC
This week on All About Home Construction, we’re digging into the business side of building that can make—or break—a contractor. We start with the basics of protection: why general liability and workers comp aren’t optional if you want to stay in business and protect what you’ve worked hard to...
-
Scam Alert: Protecting Your Money in a Digital World
Scams aren’t just something that happen to “other people”—they’re happening every day right here in North Carolina, and they’re getting more convincing than ever. On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we step outside the jobsite and into the digital world to talk about the scams...
-
It All Starts With the Footer
On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we dig into one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of any structure: footers and foundations. Whether you're building a house, deck, porch, or addition, everything starts with a solid base. We explain what footers do, why…
more -
Your questions, answered!
Your questions, answered! On today’s episode of All About Home Construction, we tackle more homeowner concerns—from heating and cooling to water heaters and simple electrical tips. We cover: Why your heat pump blows cool air in the winter (it’s not broken!) Can you install a mini-split yourself…
more -
Welcome Home: A 2nd Grader’s View of the New Valle Crucis School
Here’s a show description written in your normal, conversational radio style for All About Home Construction: Welcome Home: A 2nd Grader’s View of the New Valle Crucis School This week on All About Home Construction, we got a very special perspective on one of the biggest building projects in...
-
Homeowner Help Desk: Your Questions Answered
On this week’s episode, we answered a fresh round of listener home-improvement questions covering some of the most common issues homeowners face. We talked about how to tell if your attic insulation is doing its job, simple fixes for a dripping faucet, and why certain rooms stay colder than the...
-
Myths About Solar Power: What’s True, What’s Not, and What Homeowners Should Know
Solar power is one of the most talked-about home upgrades—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. On this episode of All About Home Construction, we break down some of the most common myths surrounding residential and land-based solar systems and separate fact from fiction. We discuss…
more -
Is Homeownership Still Worth It? Renting vs Buying in Today’s Market
You’ve probably seen the headlines lately: “It’s cheaper to rent than to own.” But is that really the full story? On this episode of All About Home Construction, we break down what those articles are actually measuring — and what they leave out. We’ll talk about why homeownership can cost more...
-
How to Build a Successful Construction Business in 2026
What will separate successful construction companies from those that struggle in 2026? It’s not just the jobs they win—it’s how they adapt. On this episode of All About Home Construction, we break down what construction businesses must do right now to stay competitive in 2026. Using real…
more -
The Future of Battery Technology: Beyond Lithium, Solar, and Wind
Batteries are becoming just as important to our homes and buildings as wiring, plumbing, and insulation—but most people only hear about lithium-ion. On today’s episode of All About Home Construction, we take a practical look at where battery technology is headed and what it means for homeowners,...
-
Women Building the Future
This week on All About Home Construction, we shine a spotlight on the growing impact of women across the construction industry — from the job site to the drafting table. We talk about how women in the trades are helping address the skilled labor shortage and raising the bar for professionalism,...
-
The Benefits of Smart Home Technology
🎙️ On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we’re diving into the growing world of smart home technology and how it can make everyday living easier, safer, and more efficient. From smart thermostats and lighting to video doorbells, security devices, and voice assistants—we break…
more -
Holiday Home Prep: Quick Fixes Before Guests Arrive
On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we’re helping you get your home guest-ready just in time for the holidays! From simple maintenance tasks to one-day improvement projects, we cover everything you can do to make your home warmer, safer, and more comfortable for visiting…
more -
James from Appalachian Pressure Washing and Staining
This week on All About Home Construction, we’re talking about keeping your deck looking great and lasting longer! James from Appalachian Pressure Washing and Staining joins us to share expert tips on cleaning and maintaining outdoor wood. We dig into the details of modern pressure-treated lumber,...
-
💧 Flashing Problems: Small Mistakes, Big Leaks! 💧
This week on All About Home Construction, we’re talking about one of the biggest hidden troublemakers in your home — flashing. It’s those thin metal or rubber barriers that keep water out of your roof, windows, and walls… but when they fail, leaks and rot aren’t far behind! Join us as we break…
more -
Barns and Building Codes: Understanding NC’s Farm Building Rules
This week on All About Home Construction, we’re breaking down North Carolina’s updated building code—NCGS 143-138—and what it means for farmers, landowners, and anyone involved in agritourism. We’ll explore how the law defines a “farm building,” why barns used for events like weddings or meetings...
-
Old Ways, New Builds – Traditional Construction That Still Shapes Our Homes
This week on All About Home Construction, we’re taking a look back at the time-tested building methods that still influence how we build today. From Appalachian log homes and stone foundations to timber framing, passive solar design, and locally sourced materials, many of the “old ways” are…
more -
Winterizing Your Home for Snowbirds
Heading south for the winter? Before you lock the door and head for warmer weather, it’s important to make sure your home is protected against cold temperatures, ice, and unexpected winter storms. In this episode of All About Home Construction, we share practical tips for snowbirds on how to...
-
Mountain Strong – Recovery and Resilience After Hurricane Helene
In this episode of All About Home Construction, we take a closer look at how the High Country has recovered in the wake of Hurricane Helene. From wind-damaged roofs to water-soaked basements, homeowners across Watauga and surrounding counties faced enormous challenges. With nearly $2.5 billion in...
-
Exchanging Air!
On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we’re breaking down the blower door test — what it measures, what the grades mean, and how to understand those “theoretical hole” sizes. We’ll explain how air leakage impacts your home’s comfort, efficiency, and energy bills, and share...
-
Beams: The Backbone of Your Home
On this week’s episode of All About Home Construction, we’re diving into one of the most important parts of any house—the beams. From traditional solid wood to modern engineered lumber and even steel, beams are what give your home strength, stability, and open spaces. We’ll break down the…
more -
Driveway Decisions: Gravel, Asphalt, or Concrete?
In this episode of All About Home Construction, we dig into one of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of your home: the driveway. Should you go with the classic charm of gravel, the smooth finish of asphalt, or the durability of concrete? We compare the costs, maintenance needs, and...
-
Trus Joist® Explained: Stronger Floors, Smarter Design
On this episode of All About Home Construction, we dive into Trus Joist® by Weyerhaeuser, the engineered wood products that are changing how we build homes. From TJI® I-Joists that deliver long spans and open floor plans. We’ll cover the benefits, challenges, and proper installation tips. Whether...
-
Floor Trusses: Strong, Smart, and Span-Savvy
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…
more -
Strong Floors: Understanding Floor Joist Spans
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...
-
Holding the Line: Building Strong Retaining Walls
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…
more -
Holding the Line: Gabion Walls, Railroad Ties, and the Battle Against Erosion
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…
more -
Bardominium Part 2
Today we picked up where we left off last show!
-
Mountain Dreams & Barndominiums Realities
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...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hosted by local general contractor Randy Blake and Terry Gunnell-Beck, this show focuses on home construction, remodeling, and housing. It caters to those interested in building in the Appalachian Mountains, particularly in Watauga, Avery, and Ashe counties, but many listeners across NC and the USA enjoy our topics. Whether you're an experienced builder or simply curious, this podcast offers valuable insights and engaging discussions. Dive into various topics related to home construction, building, remodeling, and housing. Your House Will Thank You.
HOSTED BY
Terry Gunnell-Beck and Randy Blake
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does All About Home Construction have?
All About Home Construction currently has 213 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is All About Home Construction about?
Hosted by local general contractor Randy Blake and Terry Gunnell-Beck, this show focuses on home construction, remodeling, and housing. It caters to those interested in building in the Appalachian Mountains, particularly in Watauga, Avery, and Ashe counties, but many listeners across NC and the USA...
How often does All About Home Construction release new episodes?
All About Home Construction publishes regularly with 213 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to All About Home Construction?
You can listen to All About Home Construction on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts All About Home Construction?
All About Home Construction is created and hosted by Terry Gunnell-Beck and Randy Blake.
URL copied to clipboard!