Building Consensus
Education & Explainer
About
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.”
Episodes
- Does Brandon's Perm Matter?
Brandon and Travis discuss the permeance of materials in construction assemblies. They examine the varying degrees of importance regarding material permeance.
- Lemme Finish
In this episode, Travis Brungardt explores the complexities of completing construction projects. He discusses balancing high standards with practical project management, addressing the tension between craftsmanship, timelines, and budgets.
- Who Plays Nice In The Sandbox?
This episode discusses the challenges and requirements for scheduling multiple trades effectively. It emphasizes the need for organization, respect, and a shared common goal among participants to ensure a peaceful and productive project en…
- Out of Budget Sure, But Never Out of Options
This episode of Building Consensus addresses how to handle clients who do not track spending or stay within budget. It explores shared responsibilities and strategies to help clients and contractors complete projects within the agreed-upon…
- Hold on Loosely
The podcast episode 'Hold on Loosely' from 'Building Consensus' explores the idea that an overly tight grip on resources can hinder goal achievement. It questions the value of pursuing seemingly impossible dreams versus accepting reality.
- Listener Helpline! Accessory Building Science
Ryan questions the balance between building science performance goals and realistic expectations for existing homes or accessory buildings, exploring the line between responsible investment and budget or performance considerations.
- Who’s a Big Boy - Part Deux
Building Consensus discusses the practicality of acquiring a dump trailer for transporting heavy equipment and materials, following up on a previous episode about in-house equipment ownership.
- Talkin’ Shop
This episode of Building Consensus, titled Talkin’ Shop, discusses the criteria for establishing a company workspace. It considers scenarios such as needing storage for tools, generating revenue from on-site production, or housing an expan…
- Warranty THIS!
This episode of Building Consensus discusses the limits of contractor responsibility, especially when clients disregard expert advice on maintenance. It questions whether to stand behind work when clients make their own choices.
- Pipeline for the People
This episode of Building Consensus explores the concept of the 'pipeline' in the construction industry. Hosts Travis and Brandon debate whether businesses should expand their workforce to meet market demand or reduce their workload to matc…
- Blank Check or Calculate Risk
The episode discusses the tension between trusting trade partners based on their history of fair pricing and the necessity of obtaining written quotes for client and business protection.
- From Private to General - Part 2 with Wolfgang Clapper
Wolfgang Clapper explores the transition to becoming a general contractor, addressing key aspects like contract details, pricing strategies, subcontractor management, and profitability. This episode continues a question and answer session.
- From Private to General - Part 1 with Wolfgang Clapper
Travis Brungardt and Brandon Jones of Building Consensus speak with framer Wolfgang Clapper about transitioning from trade contractor to general contractor, covering topics like licensing, permits, contracts, and managing business operatio…
- Stick Frame versus Truss
This episode compares the cost, speed, and quality of traditional stick framing with engineered trusses. The hosts find no consensus, concluding that the choice between the two methods depends on individual project circumstances.
- Building Science Review with Brett Rindt of Truewerk
This episode features a Building Consensus strategic advisory for Brett Rindt of Truewerk regarding his home renovation in Golden, Colorado. The discussion covers the proper Building Science approach for a WUI zone deep energy retrofit, em…
- Movin’ On Up
Travis and Brandon debate essential DIY home tasks versus hiring subcontractors, prompted by Travis's move. They also explore the possibility of a homeowner building their own swimming pool on a modest budget.
- New Year, New Me
The hosts of Building Consensus reflect on the past year, deciding what to leave behind in 2025 and what changes to pursue in 2026. They cover topics such as celebrating growth, making strategic contractions, and incorporating hard-learned…
- Pick Em’: Follows Instructions or Knows Their Stuff
This episode of Building Consensus discusses the conflict between following instructions and relying on one's own knowledge within a team. It examines the inefficiencies caused by deviating from plans and questions whether adherence to ins…
- The Unbearable Burden of Certainty
This episode explores the difficulty of being correct about an impending problem and the challenges of working with a problematic subcontractor, suggesting that individuals might be partly responsible for such situations.
- Easier to Build New or Re-Do?
The podcast episode 'Easier to Build New or Re-Do?' from Building Consensus explores the nuanced decision between constructing a new home and renovating an existing one. It highlights the significant stakes involved, including client expec…
- Certifiably Passive with Jeremiah Sommer
Jeremiah Sommer joins the podcast to discuss the Passive House building standard, emphasizing that building techniques are key, rather than specific products. The conversation covers strategies for high-performance homes, applicable to bot…
- Not Mustard, Catch up.
Travis and Brandon connect on personal updates regarding their projects, teams, and lives. This episode focuses on sharing their individual experiences rather than debating or solving problems.
- HOA: Highly Onerous Assessment With Stephanie Dailey
This episode discusses the burdens imposed by Homeowners Associations (HOAs), questioning whether they add value or inflate housing costs. Guest Stephanie Dailey shares an example of a significant cost associated with an HOA in Utah.
- Serving, Not Selling with Dan Edelman
This episode features Dan Edelman discussing how suppliers and vendors can be a valuable resource, emphasizing a "help me help you" approach. Travis and Brandon are also featured.
- Affordable High Performance? with Jordan Smith
This episode discusses how to effectively utilize suppliers, vendors, and product representatives as resources. It emphasizes listening to their offerings and sincerely engaging with them, featuring insights from Jordan Smith.
- The Skill of the Irish (it ain’t luck!) With Michael Conneely
Mike Conneely of Greenside Design Build discusses the extensive details and decisions involved in luxury home construction, explaining why managing multiple high-end builds simultaneously is challenging. The episode highlights the skills n…
- Watching Paint Dry
Travis and Brandon discuss the importance of physical presence in project management, exploring when it's critical for teams to be on-site even with a good team and clear plan.
- What Cha What Cha Want
This episode discusses how expertise in managing all aspects of a build, while enjoyable and effective for achieving outcomes, might hinder profitability. The episode is sponsored by Champion.
- Man or Zone Defense
This episode of Building Consensus, titled 'Man or Zone Defense,' addresses how to manage client expectations when the familiar face who sold a job is no longer the primary contact on site. It emphasizes sorting out these potential issues…
- Failing Fast Fallacy
The episode explores the 'failing fast fallacy,' arguing that rushing to a solution can compromise the outcome. It questions the point at which extensive searching for a slightly better solution becomes a waste of time and resources.
- Putting The Suck In Success
This episode questions whether project success stems from builder skill, craftsmanship, or architecture, suggesting that effectively setting client expectations might be the simplest yet most critical factor.
- Are You Holding
This episode of Building Consensus explores the dilemma of whether to reserve schedule space for developing projects. It questions the business sense of trusting uncertain outcomes regarding plans, budget, and approval, contrasting it with…
- Straight to Jail
The Building Consensus episode "Straight to Jail" concludes a series on successful habits and tools for crews and companies by defining reasons for termination and immediate firing. It discusses when correction is necessary in the workplac…
- Welcome to the Party Pal
This episode of Building Consensus discusses the tools a new hire should provide versus what the company is responsible for having on-site for construction projects. It is part of a trilogy focusing on integrating new crew members.
- Seven Habits of Successful Tradespeople
This episode, the first in a trilogy, focuses on essential behaviors for tradespeople. It identifies seven specific habits that new hires should adopt to be successful in their careers and contribute effectively to operations.
- Another Creep? Not Scope but Schedule with Aron Jones
Building Consensus discusses schedule creep with Aron Jones, exploring who bears responsibility for project delays and the associated costs. The episode is sponsored by Truss.
- One for the Haters (of OverRoofs)
This episode of Building Consensus, titled 'One for the Haters (of OverRoofs),' addresses common misunderstandings about insulated overroofs by reviewing Instagram comments. The episode is sponsored by Rockwool.
- Give Me A Break
This episode discusses strategies for professionals who act as 'ringmasters' in their work to effectively unplug and take enjoyable vacations.
- Company Culture (Not a Yogurt Joke) with Josh Johnson
Josh Johnson from Cousins Construction shares strategies for building a company culture of joy and pride within the team, even while prioritizing project delivery, quality, and service. Techniques include activities like hide and seek and…
- Who’s Next with Kali Sudbrook
Kali Sudbrook joins the show to discuss potential sources for future tradespeople, including athletes, veterans, and individuals transitioning from academia or artistic careers.
- How Much Is Too Much? with Aron Jones
This episode explores the optimal duration for allowing new tradespeople to learn independently before providing guidance. It highlights the importance of balancing personal growth with maintaining quality craftsmanship and jobsite safety.
- Who’s a Big Boy?
Travis is considering purchasing his own equipment instead of renting for frequent site work due to high costs. He seeks advice from Brandon, an experienced owner-operator, on whether it's time to buy and operate equipment in-house for sma…
- Airing of Grievances
Hosts Brandon and Travis share project frustrations and offer advice on what to avoid during project closeouts, reflecting on moments of selfishness and errors in the field.
- Reno or Demo?
This episode of Building Consensus discusses the criteria for determining whether a house should be renovated or demolished. It explores how existing conditions and client expectations guide the decision between a remodel and a full scrape.
- Slow Children At Play
This episode of Building Consensus explores strategies to manage time better, limit redundancy, and reduce feelings of urgency when faced with a fast-paced world. The hosts aim to provide methods for slowing down projects and managing the…
- Who’s Creepin?
This episode of Building Consensus unpacks the issue of scope creep, addressing why contractors are often blamed when projects exceed their initial schedule and budget, despite changes occurring during the project.
- Cracking the Code
This episode of Building Consensus discusses residential building codes and inspections. Hosts Travis and Brandon share stories, tips, and strategies for successfully passing inspections to maintain project compliance and schedules.
- Right Now Mentality
The episode 'Right Now Mentality' from the podcast 'Building Consensus' emphasizes the importance of immediate action in addressing problems, whether it's informing clients about unexpected costs or completing essential tasks like utility…
- The Paradox of Help
The episode "The Paradox of Help" from the show "Building Consensus" discusses the time-consuming nature of seeking assistance. The paradox lies in needing to invest more time to hire and train someone when the initial problem is a lack of…
- Do You Let Your Clients Dictate Trades?
This episode addresses the dilemma builders face when clients request specific trade partners. It explores the difficulties of maintaining project control while satisfying client preferences for unfamiliar tradespeople.