Part 2: LOW BUDGET Details For A High Performance BUILD

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

3 Things from Scott's building practices: 1) framing to slab connection, 2) Wall to roof connection, 3) All holes you poke through (pipes, wires, windows, and doors, anything that is a hole). There are so many ways to air seal....Pick one air seal practice, but be thorough. Right on Scott. Noted with thanks💯👍

[@constructivainspections]

I did a framing inspection on one of Scott's builds several years ago. It was a pretty good looking build with a short inspection report. One of the better builders I've seen around the Austin area.

[@JoeTaber]

I like how Scott uses his own house to experiment on in order to make informed decisions for clients homes based on his own real world experience. A true craftsman.

[@buildshow]

Indeed. Scott is awesome

[@joshua3084]

SCOTT is the NEXT PERSON , I WANT BUILD MY HOUSE in DALLAS, TX

[@smplfi9859]

Yep, one to learn from for sure!

[@chrishayes8197]

​@@buildshow - regarding Scott's passive duct make-up air for the dryer having a manual switch to open; commercial HVAC will use an Air Flow Switch (e.g. Bravo Controls, Part number : AFS _ $27) to prove airflow. I wouldn't want one of these in the outflow of a dryer, because the flap on the switch would get stuck with lint, but seems like putting on on the intake side of a dryer would work. That way just turning on the dryer would move the Air Flow Switch, which could then be used to open the passive make-up damper. (I'd prefer not rely on anyone remembering "the thing" for any system to work properly)

[@BruceKing-gq6rd]

If you get him to come, I will join with you. Want to start my build in 2024@@joshua3084

[@SowellProductions]

Need more Scottent! It's excellent budget minded stuff like this that makes everything that the build show talks about attainable for the everyman. It's cool to see multi-million dollar one offs but it's more exciting to see what's real.

[@jasonroets660]

I met Scott at the National Builder show and talked to him for quite awhile. He is always looking for creative solutions to make his homes better. We need more innovators like him.

[@JoniAntonio]

Scott is where most of us aspire to be one day, Matt’s level is on another level, so it’s nice to see Scott’s content for us regular builders.

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Yes, Come Back Matt! 💯 👍 I really like this Scott fella! ⭐👍 He is trying to show us that you can build an air tight home without going over the top, and he comes across as sincere and very keen to try different things and work things out. Not only that but to give us the heads up on making a mock up so that the trades people can see what to do....Scott! Thank you so much for all your smart work.☺🇨🇦 Matt, please return and give Scott more time to explain so much more.....we can call it the Scot Build Show, and have both the Build Boston Build show to keep a wide audience interested. Some of us are not millionaires so Scott is more out sort of builder to listen too and look to apply or purchase the lower budget items and ideas.

[@stevecrawford6958]

scott kills it. clearly a good guy doing things the right way.

[@MateiFM]

I love the budget details. Scott True needs to be added as a regular guest to the Build Show.

[@grahamblack4]

Good on you for the charitable spotlight. I hope everyone that is able to helps out in any way possible!

[@Werdna12345]

Woohoo!!! Looking forward to more scott content and cost effective Home performance building

[@Ninjump]

Scott is such a rock star - I love the way he is bringing these details to a more attainable market with thoughtful decision making and building science fundamentals. This is the kind of thinking we need to address the big challenges in the housing market at large! One thing that stuck out to me was the OSB on the roof. Anecdotally, In building our own home we were trying to lift different panels into place using a grabo vacuum lifting handle (shout-out to GRABO) . No matter how we tried though we found that we just couldn't lift regular OSB. Lifting zip sheathing from the coated side would work and the vacuum pump would cycle on and off occasionally. Manufacturer told us uncoated OSB is just too porous to pull a vacuum on. Now, practically this may not matter in a house that is slightly pressurized via ERV like Scott is doing, but it was a powerful example in how much air could pass through a seemingly solid sheet of material. I could imagine that making a difference on a blower door test for sure. Scott to join the build show network permanently IMO, dude is a pioneer and not afraid to put his own money out there to try new things!

[@ScottTrue]

In terms of the blower door, I have houses that are all OSB (the roof and the walls) with taped seams and numbers below 1 ACH 50. I think it's safe to say that Zip is tighter than OSB but OSB be can tight if needed.

[@ScottTrue]

Also, I do not slightly pressurize my homes. You can do that and I've heard that it can work but I prefer to aim for 100% balance.

[@Ninjump]

@@ScottTrue good to hear your real world experience on the past builds! Like I said my story was anecdotal. Thank you for sharing your experience, looking forward to learning more!

[@pats9414]

It didn’t hold suction because it’s not a perfectly smooth surface. Nothing to do with air moving through it.

[@oliviermorris1320]

Really like this guy honesty is most important characteristic a man could have.

[@enchantederic3792]

God Bless EveryShelter and carpenter (once and always) Scott Key. Builders concerned with all aspects of housing, even when it is simple basic needs, like getting your family off the cold earth in the winters in a Turkey disaster area.

[@michaelanglin903]

Matt, as a new builder/ remodeled I really love your videos, I really enjoy seeing Scott on your shows and all his innovative ideas. Keep up the great work!! Thanks!!

[@fernandolino6493]

I am using 2x8 exterior walls with 3" closed cells and the extra cavity space with fiberglass insulation...5/8" zip sheathing and 5/8" gyp. In Minnesota.... the houses are performing like passive homes without going to crazy in details.

[@alphabrett2502]

MORE OF THESE! I'm subscribed to both of you, but the world needs more videos like this. Budget friendly/high-quality homes. The world we live in today makes it SO expensive to build and content like this is of paramount importance not just to homeowners but to regular/run of the mill builders out there who aren't building million dollar + homes but still getting that quality but at a lower price point 🙏

[@AvantAddict]

I'm not a builder, but have learned so much. I'm amazed how many somewhat luxury buildings I see going up that don't do anything for performance.

[@byronmrackley2261]

Scott well done. You're the real deal man, thanks for showing us a budget way to build high performance. Love how Matt just understands both level of budgets and accepts a good build either way.

[@kingkong-my5po]

What smart and great builders you are guys i really do like it, its an inspiration for all.... Many Thanks and Please Continue doing this...

[@shawnweaver3955]

Matt, Scott, and Corbett. Amazing minds, amazing content. Thanks for your dedication to better buildings. With my family's health journey, I've realized how healthy, high quality, homes to live in are so critical to personal health which in turn impacts all areas of life. I'm putting this content to use immediately as I'm building our healthy tiny home. Thanks again!

[@davesusek3330]

I am just a home owner in a 30 year old house so out of date. You 2 have educated me so much about modern building thank you. I hope to do a rehab on a new/old 1900 home and your videos will be my go to source for information. Thank you.

[@joshuacarpenito6716]

Love Scott and his way of thinking, would love to see a follow-up when his house is finished!

[@jontallman3878]

HI Matt, as an employee and stockholder with BFS here in Austin, I am happy to support your channel. Great work!!

[@DonTruman]

Ya'll need an electrical contractor (like me) to provide tips on better quality electrical construction. E.g.: put the meter outdoors, put the breaker panel indoors. Use metal boxes, not plastic. The screw holes strip out easily in plastic boxes then it's very difficult to replace them. People use larger screws in the holes but eventually the hole breaks then you're screwed. And use larger outlet boxes. You'll see boxes with a gagillion wires in it, then you try to jam the device into it. That's how screw holes strip out in plastic boxes. Use "deep" boxes if you need extra wiring space, or 5S boxes, or add some large junction boxes in central locations and branch off of it (so there are fewer wires in outlet boxes). Don't put a single GFCI outlet in the garage or wherever then feed others off of it (e.g. bathrooms). Something trips it 4 years later and the homeowner doesn't know why their bathroom plug isn't working. Just put a separate one in each location they're needed (BUT you need a larger junction box or it's going to be a tight cram to fit it in there, stripping out those plastic screw holes again...). Etc. But even in these high-end builds I see no attention given to any of these things. Slam Bam Cheapo Electric. You'll pay the price later. But, I know, that's not as sexy as energy savings. Easier to sell watertight and airtight than it is better screw holes for switches.

[@jimsubtle886]

Good God, Matt. If you spent a whole series just touring how builders across the areas are making newer tech work in their niche. That would be some really even better content than the already great content we get all the time. I loved this episode! Thanks !!

[@jessicat3951]

It’s fun to see the things we can’t afford and dream… but it’s SUPER fun to see practical ways we can realistically get more & better performance!

[@TitusPeterson]

Awesome, excited to see more Scott content!

[@tonyparlak9413]

Definitely like the long format videos! Thanks, Matt. Give the people what they want! 😁

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

I am watching this video again..⭐..this Scott fella adds quality to your channel.✔ He helps show that we do not have to be millionaires when considering building our home. Scott comes across as sincere, genuine and obviously consciencious and hard working. No frills, bells and whistles, keeping it simple, smart and innovative and within some "lower budget" considerations for us "never to be millionaires. Well done Scott 💯and we hope to see more of what you do more frequently in this channel 🙏🇨🇦

[@ktmacgoo]

Love that Scott is putting the money where it gets the biggest bang for the buck. As I am on the hunt for property I long to find a home builder like Scott in Idaho!

[@MrCannonls]

Where in Idaho are you looking to build?

[@jb4109]

Scott's genuine! You can tell he's trying to do his best, with the budget he has to work with. Keep up the good work 👍🍻

[@danielmcneely1579]

I’m not a builder, but my wife and are getting ready to build our house this summer. We don’t have the money to build a “bomber” house, so I’m always trying to think of ways to achieve the performance more economically. The last video with Scott where he encased the soffits with Zip got me thinking about how to use less material, and my solution is exactly what Scott did in this video. When a pro validates it I’m more confident in taking it to my builder.

[@xanthanx]

Hello, Scott! Good to see you're incorporating your building science and technology into your own house - a huge contrast compared to other builders who won't practice what they build if it was thier own house. Very educational for me to expect for my next built.

[@brennangraves6458]

Scott is really outstanding. Constantly thinking and looking to improve his techniques as well as materials.

[@paulmurray3837]

Always great to hear Scott's advice.

[@guylambrechts2303]

Good job Scott! Even on a budget this is Build Show level!

[@MrAdarity]

It's great to see some less costly versions of what Matt has been showing us. Hopefully this becomes more and more mainstream.

[@HistoricHomePlans]

Matt seems to have grown a foot since I saw him last. I'm LOVING this house. The discipline of tighter budgets so often helps to bring out the creative best.

[@travishatch4303]

As a mechanic, not a builder, thats renovating a 100 yr + old house, I have been doing some self education. For someone like me, content like this is extremely valuable. When you dont know what questions to ask, its hard to learn on your own. This has answered many questions I would never think of asking and paints a picture for the kind of thinking needed for building. What builders like this consider Commen knowledge, I wouldnt even think about. Now, there is a huge difference from an old house renovation to building a tight calculated, and experienced home. Even still, there is a lot I can take away from this, and gives a thought to other questions to ask. Thanks

[@harrisorourke6926]

Wow. So much information here. It is sort of like trying to drink from a fire hose. Many of these topics could easily be 20-minute tutorials. It would be good to see some detailed sketches of the various techniques because I can only imagine the details of the installations. I appreciate what I have so far gleaned and will be rerunning and carefully studying this to figure out how to implement many of these good ideas.

[@lacklustre222]

What a Frickin awesome way to spend a Friday night 🍺 these videos empower me to build to a higher standard than everyone else! God I just want to go out and side a house right now

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Scott, went to your build website and saw how you handle large hole with multiple wires sticking out. Smart! You put the wires through a PVC pipe and then sealing around the PVC pipe in the wall made for a half decent air seal! And....Nice photo of you with our Canadian legend Dr. Joe Lstiburek! 🇨🇦👍 Keep up these video's Scott...we need to have your style of builder on Matt's channel....some of us want air tight but we are not millionaires and have huge homes. 🙏☺🇨🇦

[@fixittony]

Scott looks and comes across as truly genuine and down to earth. What an awesome video and find!! Keep it up!!

[@BuildingABetterWay]

I love low budget ideas because low budget can be used for all homes and getting PH available to everybody should be the goal of all builders and Architects. Great job Scott in finding better ways to do better with less.

[@lucasvandyke8438]

Scott, I like how you did your garage storage and stairs going up to it. Wish you would have shown that.

[@Austin-fc5gs]

Love the long format videos, keep it up!

[@mooncakewasleftinfinalspace]

MORE BUDGET BUILD TIPS! These videos with Scott are great. You should do one video a month with him! You got the time and money to drive Matt. Scott you need a KZbin channel.

[@charlesrodriguez7984]

I love budget build tips as they’re the most economical and affordable option to upgrade a home’s performance in general. Honestly i could see some of these things becoming code requirements in the future.

[@luciaadamkovagabor6193]

Thank you Matt and Scott so much for these videos. Im building my first house using all the great material like zip sheathing and its such a struggle with the tradesmen as they are not understanding what Im trying to achieve. We have R-3 rated zip sheathing and as soon as I explain to them (framers/electrician/plumber) how they need to treat my walls with care and I turn away here - another unnecessary hole in the wall... People cut before thinking and its so hard not to be in their face all the time and let them work in peace. And so Im very thankful for all your videos and Prosoco and Zip liquid flash and all your tricks as Im constantly filling and fixing and straightening what is wrong... I am building in California and I am constantly being schooled by the "pros" that I dont need ERV and this you wont see so It does not matter... OMG YOU GUYS ROLL and I wish every contractor knows you and follow your advise and use brain! Do you want to come visit us?

[@wd8545]

Loved the laid back theme. I always learn a lot . Thank you Matt .

[@d1m4d]

Love the channel, thank you for raising awareness of the refugee crisis. 👍🏾

[@jeremyjedynak]

Love the long form, and would like to see more of Scott's builds! Part 3, please! Scott also needs a YT channel!

[@duanethieme4186]

Bring Scott on more often! Thank you.

[@doomsdaypreppersofsouthcar9301]

Good stuff....would love to see a video after a build on what one could do to upgrade abit in a few places... on a budget for a DIY

[@hanksnowden5288]

Scott is Risinger Jr. on a every man's budget. Really great to see such inspiration!

[@fixittony]

I love this guy! He is real and practical and doesn’t live in an ivory tower!

[@buildshow]

First!

[@Zorlig]

LOL Lots of details = win :)

[@rbnhd1976]

LMAO

[@shannabolser9428]

😂 that's awesome!

[@powerof9915]

What a clean build out! Nice work

[@edwardlucero9665]

Great information is worth our time watching!

[@Flintlock1972]

Great video, as always. The anyshelter flooring system should hook up with DOD for Force Provider contract to then have an income stream to offset donations. We could have used these floors during the war. As engineers, we built temp structures for Soldiers from all NATO forces and we lived in tents with plywood and 2x4 constructed floors. If you remember the price per sheet of plywood in the 2004 to 2008 period it was mostly due to what the military was buying and using in both Iraq and Afghanistan. These floors would have cut down the time of construction and then the time to move to the next construction base. The DOD could also use these in the humanitarian relief efforts both domestic and abroad. Great idea.

[@Michael-vi1kn]

great show especially highlighting Every Shelter Org. Thanks

[@CPK007]

Scott, love your pragmatic solutions! Bravo

[@MusicGodsNFT]

It is nice to see low budget items in what I would consider to be a very well built home. I just spoke to a builder today who said he has been using reliabuilt windows in his builds and has been very pleased with the performance. When I set out on this journey I was looking into Passive Haus standards but quickly realized the cost per sf made it unrealistic. I don't like cheap but I do like frugal and if high performance can be had I am into it. Thanks for a great episode Matt and I would also like to see Scott around a bit more often. TC all.

[@peterk2455]

Wow, that building the quality really pops out. That will be a great place that will last for years. At least 30 to 40 years.

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Scott! Using Joe Lstibureds "perfect wall" assembly....insulation on the OUTSIDE, sheathing on the in...plus more sheer strength with sheathing against the studs. AND you applied Steve Baczeks window framing WRB application....WRB over the sheathing....Water control....right! 💯✔ Well done Scott....and Kudo's to your Wife for being involved to keep the Budget in check....💪 Right on 👍

[@gladdenhandymanllc962]

Scott is one of the more likable people to guest on the channel

[@lesliegrossman9104]

I'm just a regular person starting my 3rd home build (since 1994). My builder is a hands on guy, and I Can't Wait to discuss these efficient ways to seal my home and stay within my tight budget! I agree with Meg'sCarpentry,lovedogs ... Scott, please start a KZbin channel for us non-mega-millionaires :)

[@kitsurubami]

so happy to see a frost-proof sillcock used in Texas.

[@stephent4486]

Love the longer/in-depth content!

[@moosedrink]

Love the idea of Every Shelter. If it could be made out of a recycled plastic we could turn trash into durable insulated reusable flooring.

[@grmrtnz]

Matt can you have your camera man to use a gimbal. If he is using one already, please ask him/her turn off the camera's image stabilizing feature. Every time ha moves the background moves erratically or the angles get extremely distorted which is very distracting. On a positive note, thank you for teaching non-builders about building science and best practices. As prepare to build a new house through a semi-custom builder, I have made many changes to their design and materials in order to ensure my new house is air tight and last us a life time.

[@richarddicktaylor219]

Matt on a trip back home to Australia (from the UK) I got stuck behind a Jeld Wen delivery truck in suburban Melbourne. it's a very small world & another great video.

[@cryalowicki]

Huge fan of this guy!

[@tyb3938]

A touch ironic that today some homes are so air tight we have to bring in makeup air, years past leaky homes hid this challenge

[@jacobecorder]

To stagger my seams, I used carpet tape to hold the sheets up instead of cap nails. Rain screen holds everything on in the end. That carpet tape worked awesome I had a 2 story house foamed in 2 layers also, but fasteners besides the rainscren creating a thermal break. It worked awesome. 100 bucks in carpet tape to get it up. Tyvek over foam then battens.

[@DawgBone]

I like how this cat is trying to spare the homeowners expenses and just "do it right", and earning his worth... Whereas Matt, is more of a, "let's just throw money at it"....I'm sponsored attitude! !!!

[@Jin420]

I think I'll look into the zip system when I get ready to redo the exterior (previous owner put new siding directly over the original siding from 1931. It needs sheathing, house wrap, etc... to ensure that it is done properly). Thanks 😊

[@jamesblackwell5141]

The long format is better, especially for those of us wanting to learn more details.

[@tonyparlak9413]

100% Agree

[@aaronconner2010]

I’d love to see a follow up on what his insulation plan is. Very helpful for good builders but still on a budget. Thanks for sharing!

[@NewVisionLCS]

Scott's building style is more along my budget. I'm wanting to build a decent 4br single story home for around 300k-350k!

[@ALLworldCONSTRUCTIONLLC]

Hose bib my favorite part, new content is great

[@D2O2]

I think those "bibs" look great when they are not in use, but are worse than a standard bib when you are actually using them or always have a hose connected for frequent use.

[@matthewbono3273]

Really like this content and the demo that you can be energy efficient and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Maybe a dumb question, I have watched many of the other videos and I still don’t know that I could list the benefits of spending noticeably more money for an erv. What does one get from sensor that Brian doesn’t given the automated controls Scott discussed.

[@ScottTrue]

The automation and buttons discussed are connected to the ERV for ventilating. The important thing is to NOT use traditional fart fans (that's what typical builders call them) because they will depressurize the house and cause problems. Air will be made up through the path of least resistance. You might notice the problems right away but sometimes you'll notice them a decade or so later (even though the problems are there on day 1). The benefit of the ERV is to establish balanced ventilation so you don't have depressurization.

[@ScottTrue]

Also, I have ways to keep the costs down on the ERV. I'll make a video about that because that's several details to consider.

[@FranciscoJavier32423]

I liked that flat electric plugs, feels futuristic

[@lb7wade518]

I see these houses that rely on tape!! What will be the state of that tape in 50 years??

[@tiencothern5770]

It’s great! My shed has been completed and it turned out nice looking and sturdy and it is way better than the sheds that many of my neighbors had put up. Of course, I'm pleased with the outcome and this Ryan’s kzbin.infoUgkxGZedDTcDfgD7fG_uU4esfx_EgxzlY2_1 Plans was extremely useful to me as a guide.

[@gchesterton]

Great episode as usual. Request for future episode: prefabs. I'd love to get your take on the pros / cons of a product from Turkel, etc.

[@nhiakhang2622]

Scott True is an animal!!

[@KennyJacobs]

I'd love a video on what a homeowner can do after the house has been completed to create a better air barrier. I bought a new Lennar home and it is obvious many corners were cut during construction. The foam at the bottom for example is hanging in some spots and gaps. Would like to know the best way to seal that siding to slab connection.

[@OPiguy35]

Long format is great!

[@myparentskid]

That one raised box for the tile, who made that?

[@98grand5point9]

I think if you do two sheets overlapped you should do the first with the foil in and the second with the foil out to radiate energy both ways. I'm curious why you don't use the HVAC for dehumidification? Do you know about Hy-Dry also? If you aren't getting sufficient humidity control you can institute fan control on many models that starts with a low fan setting to remove additional humidity before the fan ramps to full speed for cooling. I recommend HY-Dry for humid climates. Cheaper and removes another component for failure.

[@ScottTrue]

HVAC can absolutely be used for dehumidification. In fact, that is what I promote most of the time. If you go that route, it's critical that you get the design and sizing right, which we do. The dehumidifier, in my opinion, is a luxury item that controls humidity in the short shoulder seasons when HVAC can't quite do the job totally.

[@joshcowart2446]

I’m a plumber who recently installed my first aquor hose bibbs and I have to say not a fan. They look nice but they are not practical. The standard frost proof hose bibbs is better. There’s several issues I saw or foresee in the future. The main issue is turning them on and off. There’s no way to control flow. They’re either on or off. To control flow you have to buy a separate part and it makes the frost proof useless. You also have to keep up with a part to turn them off or on in the first place. If you want it angled down you have to buy a separate part. There’s also no way to take them apart and repair them. So if down the line something stops working, you’ll have to cut drywall to repair it. None of these are issues on standard frost proof or regular sill cocks.

[@jojogomez26]

I love this! Thank you 😊

[@dosadoodle]

Suggestion on interview format: Matt, I think your excitement may get the better of you sometimes, leading to too many interruptions of the other person. ♡ Maybe someone to watch on how to scale it back is Kevin on This Old House, even if not going quite to the extreme he goes in that sense. Kevin knows a lot, but he intentionally makes it appear he knows far less, offering a "learning buddy" for the audience. He rarely say how things are or what's good. Instead, he asks questions to help the person he's talking to lead through the details in an efficient and clear manner, including asking questions on items that the person may otherwise omit that are important. I don't think you need go "full Kevin", but a step in that direction could have made this and some of your other interviews run much more smoothly and avoid the situation that is happening right now where two people are each trying to lead the video that results in some of the communication in the video being bumpy and muddled. If you do switch up your format, you should also rest assured that we all know you know your stuff even if you aren't describing the details and are just asking questions. You've been our Building Science teacher for 15 years and counting!

[@Scubamike4499]

Thank you for the shout to Kevin. I see so many comments criticizing him that he doesn't know anything. He asks the questions on purpose to let the worker answer them It's his job to educate the viewer

[@CornelioAustin]

This is so good. I would love to come build in Texas.

[@arthurperrea3714]

I like the staggering foam joint on my house I went one layer horizontal/tape and next layer vertical.

[@ryanmolloy5421]

Not sure if it's a problem in Texas as much as it is in the north, but will mice try and chew through the connection area between the foundation and the base frame? Those little pricks are destructive and will do anything to get in to a house in the cold months.

[@unclewayne19]

The best thing to use is a miterial called polor beat it is a glue . Base coat that stiks to anytiing and can be tooken off .. any kined of tape can be pealed off

[@josephmerritt1411]

Have you considered using the Fantech Make-up Kit with a Y-duct serving the Kitchen exhaust fan and the Dryer. A current sensor on the dryer circuit turns on the Makeup Air System and opens a damper sending 200 cfm to the Laundry room with the dryer. A separate sensor with the Kitchen Exhaust Hood opens a damper on the other leg of the Y-duct to allow 400 cfm to go into the kitchen. A Fantech inline duct heater with a thermostat control can be used to heat the outdoor winter air.

[@BigJohnson1566]

You can have your house fast, cheap or good. I’ll take it fast and cheap, then it ain’t going to be good. I’ll take it cheap and good then it ain’t going be fast. Nice work fellas!!👍🇺🇸