In today’s podcast, FHB editor Justin Fink and design editor Brian Pontolilo get editorial director Rob Yagid’s title wrong. Again. Supposedly by accident. Rob is not, in fact, the “executive editor.” We don’t have one of those at Fine Homebuilding. Sorry. They also refer to this episode as Episode 46, but it is really Episode 47. After that start, the guys talked about heating systems, cabinets with legs, concrete vs granite for sinks and counters, witch windows, building codes, and how architects work with builders. Plus a listener asks about paint removal tools and chemicals, which leads to a discussion of pros and cons, the ineffectiveness of “green strippers,” and Brian’s “brain shutdown” paint-stripper story. Another listener wants advice on making interior doors.

We did produce an extra podcast episode this week, so please check out Episode 46 here.

We also have two requests for listeners: (1) Let us know what you think about kitchen countertops — granite vs concrete vs quartz vs pine vs corrugated tin. If you have something to say on this topic, please email [email protected]. Also, (2) we need all our listeners to take our podcast feedback survey, by clicking here.

This episode is sponsored by Warmboard, the radiant heating system.

The show is driven by our listeners, so please subscribe and rate us on iTunes or Google Play, and if you have any questions you would like us to dig into for a future show, shoot an email our way: [email protected]. Also, be sure to follow Justin Fink, Rob Yagid, and Fine Homebuilding on Instagram — and “like” the magazine on Facebook.

The Fine Homebuilding Podcast embodies Fine Homebuilding magazine’s commitment to the preservation of craftsmanship and the advancement of home performance in residential construction. The show is an informal but vigorous conversation about the techniques and principles that allow listeners to master their design and building challenges.

Resources mentioned in (or related to) this podcast episode:

• A Wikipedia article on witch windows, found in Vermont.
• Andy Beasley’s Paint Stripper Torture Test (subscription required).
• Paul Levine’s article: Build Your Own Interior Doors (subscription required).

Here is listener Victor’s picture of his neighbor’s low-slope shed roof with six windows (unevenly spaced):

And here is listener Katie’s lovely stone American Foursquare / Craftsman house, circa 1915: