FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

Podcast Episode 178: Interview With Home-Building Guru Mike Guertin

Mike and his apprentice Addison Oliveira stop by the Fine Homebuilding studio for a chat with Patrick about getting started in the trades, advancements in construction over the past few decades, job-site safety, and more.

By Patrick McCombe, Mike Guertin, Addison Oliveira
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles
The Fine Homebuilding Podcast Episode 178 (site)
Mike and his apprentice Addison Oliveira stop by the Fine Homebuilding studio for a chat with Patrick about getting started in the trades, advancements in construction over the past few decades, job-site safety, and more.
Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
/
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
0:00
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions settings, opens captions settings dialog
    • captions off, selected

      This is a modal window.

      Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.

      Text
      Background
      Window
      Font Size
      Text Edge Style
      Font Family

      End of dialog window.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.

      Follow the Fine Homebuilding Podcast on your favorite app. Subscribe now and don’t miss an episode:

      Watch on YouTube

      We are very fortunate this week to have one of our favorite people, Mike Guertin, in town to join in on the podcast. Many of you may know that Mike is one of Fine Homebuilding’s most prolific contributors, and with good reason: he is extremely dedicated to advancing construction methods, and equally determined to share his knowledge and experience with as many people as possible. Among other things, you will hear about how he got his start in home building; what it was like writing articles in the early days of Fine Homebuilding Magazine; and, in an interesting aside, his experience with transplanting rhubarb.

      Pre-assembling the deck in Rhode Island
      Addison pre-assembling the deck in Rhode Island

      Building the deck in the studio
      Then building (and Mike testing) the deck in the studio

      Mike, you described Addison as your employee. What is it you do Addison?

      WACTC Construction Trades program trains students for the growing construction and renovation market.

      What brought you guys to the carpentry trade?

      Do you guys have handy family members or friends who got you interested in carpentry?

      Mike's great grandfather and grandfather
      Mike’s great grandfather and grandfather

      Mike you’ve been involved with Fine Homebuilding and The Taunton Press for a long time. Do you remember your first article?

      Mike the gardener
      Mike the gardener

      Mike's first Taunton article
      Mike’s first Taunton article on rhubarb

      Mike’s first Fine Homebuilding article: Squaring and Leveling Mudsills

      Squaring and Leveling Mudsills

      How did you come to be involved at Taunton? How did you learn about Taunton press?

      What’s your worst building-related injury? What’s the worst injury you’ve seen?

      What are your favorite tools?

      What is your favorite kind of carpentry or homebuilding work? What is your least favorite?

      Carol nailing shingles

       

       


      Mike Keeping Craft Alive
      Mike Keeping Craft Alive

      #KeepCraftAlive

       

      Support the trades like Mike!

      Buy a #KeepCraftAlive hat or t-shirt!

       

       

      Follow Mike Guertin on Instagram!


      This episode of the podcast is brought to you by Windsor Windows & Doors, Protective Products, LP Outdoor Building Solutions, and Deck Wise

      This episode of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast is brought to you by Windsor Windows & Doors. Put your personal touch on your next home construction or renovation project by using Windsor Windows & Doors. Offering a full line of Wood Clad, Cellular PVC and Vinyl Windows and Doors, our products come in a wide variety of colors, finishes and optional accessories that give you the perfect look to match your home’s style. With our quality construction and industry leading warranty, Windsor Windows & Doors are built to last. Get started on your next project by visiting windsorwindows.com and find an authorized Windsor distributor near you.

      Also brought to you by Protective Products:
      The nation’s oldest, most trusted, direct-to-you supplier of Surface Protection and Dust Control.  From industry-leading Econo Runner, protection for most hard flooring, to Zipwall, the contractor’s choice for building quick containment areas, Protective Products works with you to keep your jobsites protected and your customers happy.  Show that you care about preserving your quality craftsmanship with their full line of Surface Protection and Dust Control Solutions, see it all at ProtectiveProducts.com.

      And LP Outdoor Building Products:
      Whether you’re looking to add a storage unit or an art studio to your backyard, LP offers beautiful and durable products that can help you turn your shed into a stylish extension of your home. Because at the end of the day, your shed says a lot about who you are. Why not shed it your way? For inspiration and to learn more, visit LPShed.com.

      The Fine Homebuilding Podcast is also brought to you by DeckWise:
      Does your hardwood deck need a makeover? Bring back the luster of the day it was first installed. Let DeckWise reverse time and erase its dullness to make the wood grains burst with natural beauty again. Start with our Wood Cleaner and Brightener and finish with our eco-friendly water-base formula, WiseCoat, or our low VOC Ipe Oil hardwood finish. Protect and preserve your deck to keep it looking brand new this summer! For more info on these products visit DeckWise.com.

       

      We hope you will take advantage of a great offer for our podcast listeners: A special 20% off the discounted rate to subscribe to the Fine Homebuilding print magazine. That link goes to finehomebuilding.com/podoffer.

      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 Mike Guertin, Justin Fink and Fine Homebuilding on Instagram, and “like” the magazine on Facebook. Note that you can watch the show above, or on YouTube at the Fine Homebuilding YouTube Channel.

      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.

       

      Other related links

      • All FHB podcast show notes: FineHomebuilding.com/podcast.
      • #KeepCraftAlive T-shirts support scholarships for building trades students. So go order some shirts at KeepCraftAlive.org.
      • The direct link to the online store is here.

      Sign up to get the Fine Homebuilding Podcast newsletter and special offers delivered to your inbox.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters
      ×

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      New Feature

      Fine Homebuilding Forums

      Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

      • X
      • facebook
      • linkedin
      • pinterest
      • email
      • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

      View Comments

      1. user-7434585 | May 04, 2019 12:40am | #1

        That was indeed great. Thanks for sharing.

      Log in or create an account to post a comment.

      Sign up Log in

      Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

      More The Fine Homebuilding Podcast

      View All
      • Podcast Episode 694: Bath Fans, Too Many Minisplits, and Second-Story Additions
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Can You Have Too Many Minisplits?
      • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
      View All

      Up Next

      Video Shorts

      Featured Story

      Drafting the 2027 IRC

      Key proposals for the next edition of the International Residential Code tackle room sizes, stair specs, emergency egress, and deck guards, among other requirements.

      Featured Video

      Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

      Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

      Related Stories

      • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
      • Vintage Sash Windows Get an Energy-Efficient Upgrade
      • A New Approach to Foundations
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper

      Discussion Forum

      Recent Posts and Replies

      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      • |
      View More Create Post

      Highlights

      Fine Homebuilding All Access
      Fine Homebuilding Podcast
      Tool Tech
      Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

      "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Video

      View All Videos
      • A New Approach to Foundations
      • FHB Podcast Segment: Advice for an Efficient and Affordable New Build
      • Podcast 608: Members-only Aftershow—High-performance Building with Mainstream Methods and Materials
      • Podcast 605: Members-only Aftershow — 3D Printed Houses
      View All

      Safety

      View All Safety Articles
      • Outdoor Lighting
      • Hazard-Free Hot Tubs
      • Eight Common Electrical Myths and Mistakes
      View All Safety Articles

      Fine Homebuilding Magazine

      • Issue 333 - August/September 2025
        • A Practical Perfect Wall
        • Landscape Lighting Essentials
        • Repairing a Modern Window Sash
      • Issue 332 - July 2025
        • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
        • Fight House Fires Through Design
        • Making the Move to Multifamily
      • Issue 331 - June 2025
        • A More Resilient Roof
        • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
        • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
      • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
        • Deck Details for Durability
        • FAQs on HPWHs
        • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
      • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
        • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
        • A Kominka Comes West
        • Making Small Kitchens Work

      Fine Home Building

      Newsletter Sign-up

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

      • Green Building Advisor

        Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      • Old House Journal

        Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
      • Fine Homebuilding

        Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X
        • LinkedIn
      • GBA Prime

        Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

        Start Free Trial Now
        • Facebook
        • YouTube
      • Old House Journal

        Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

        Subscribe Now
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • X

      Membership & Magazine

      • Online Archive
      • Start Free Trial
      • Magazine Subscription
      • Magazine Renewal
      • Gift a Subscription
      • Customer Support
      • Privacy Preferences
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Careers
      • Terms of Use
      • Site Map
      • Do not sell or share my information
      • Privacy Policy
      • Accessibility
      • California Privacy Rights

      © 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

      Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

      • Home Group
      • Antique Trader
      • Arts & Crafts Homes
      • Bank Note Reporter
      • Cabin Life
      • Cuisine at Home
      • Fine Gardening
      • Fine Woodworking
      • Green Building Advisor
      • Garden Gate
      • Horticulture
      • Keep Craft Alive
      • Log Home Living
      • Military Trader/Vehicles
      • Numismatic News
      • Numismaster
      • Old Cars Weekly
      • Old House Journal
      • Period Homes
      • Popular Woodworking
      • Script
      • ShopNotes
      • Sports Collectors Digest
      • Threads
      • Timber Home Living
      • Traditional Building
      • Woodsmith
      • World Coin News
      • Writer's Digest
      Active Interest Media logo
      X
      X
      This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

      Main Menu

      • How-To
      • Design
      • Tools & Materials
      • Video
      • Blogs
      • Forum
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Magazine
      • Members
      • FHB House

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Podcasts

      • FHB Podcast
      • ProTalk

      Webinars

      • Upcoming and On-Demand

      Popular Topics

      • Kitchens
      • Business
      • Bedrooms
      • Roofs
      • Architecture and Design
      • Green Building
      • Decks
      • Framing
      • Safety
      • Remodeling
      • Bathrooms
      • Windows
      • Tilework
      • Ceilings
      • HVAC

      Magazine

      • Current Issue
      • Past Issues
      • Magazine Index
      • Subscribe
      • Online Archive
      • Author Guidelines

      All Access

      • Member Home
      • Start Free Trial
      • Gift Membership

      Online Learning

      • Courses
      • Project Guides
      • Reader Projects
      • Podcast

      More

      • FHB Ambassadors
      • FHB House
      • Customer Support

      Account

      • Log In
      • Join

      Newsletter

      Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

      Signing you up...

      This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
      See all newsletters
      See all newsletters

      Follow

      • X
      • YouTube
      • instagram
      • facebook
      • pinterest
      • Tiktok

      Join All Access

      Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

      Start Your Free Trial

      Subscribe

      FHB Magazine

      Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

      Subscribe

      Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

      Already a member? Log in

      We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

      Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

      Start your FREE trial

      Already a member? Log in

      Privacy Policy Update

      We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

      Cookies

      Analytics

      These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

      Advertising/Social Media

      These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

      Essential

      These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

      Delete My Data

      Delete all cookies and associated data