⁠#139: Pretty Good House (ft. Dan Kolbert)⁠

We chat with building contractor and author Dan Kolbert about the need for - not only housing - but quality housing and the importance of Building Science.

We discuss how cost and quality often don't go hand-in-hand, the problems with housing as a source of wealth, the mental health benefits (or not) of building a house, McMansions and the difference between a House vs a Home.

We touch on the willful denial surrounding climate change and the perverse incentives across industries, the need for an 'adaptive' house and Dan offers some tips/advice about what to think about if you are buying a home.

References:

Book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/pretty-good-house-michael-maines/17201583?ean=9781641551656

Website: https://www.prettygoodhouse.org/

Cheap Old Houses instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheapoldhouses/

Grenfell Tower fire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grenfell_Tower_fire

‘Grand Designs’ episode overview: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastwhowouldwatchthis/video/7197567582881336578

Not So Big House book: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1361718.The_Not_So_Big_House

McMansion Hell blog: https://mcmansionhell.com/ and  https://www.reddit.com/r/McMansionHell/

Passive House: https://passipedia.org/examples/residential_buildings/multi-family_buildings/central_europe/selection_of_multi-family_passive_house_buildings_in_germany

Diagram Building America climate map: https://basc.pnnl.gov/sites/default/files/images/BuildingAmerica_ClimateMap_HighRes_RGB.jpg

Aging in Place in 2023: What Is It, and How Can You Do It?: https://www.healthline.com/health/aging-in-place

How Buildings Learn: What Happens After They're Built: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38310.How_Buildings_Learn?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=GPE7w5QvqQ&rank=1

Corsi-Rosenthal box: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corsi%E2%80%93Rosenthal_Box

Awair Air Quality Monitor Review: https://www.trustedreviews.com/reviews/awair-air-quality-monitor

DIY Storm Window: https://thecraftsmanblog.com/diy-storm-windows/

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Email us with feedback, questions, suggestions at [email protected].

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Harriet’s other shows:

WBAI Interpersonal Update (Wednesdays): https://wbai.org/program.php?program=431

Capitalism Hits Home: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPJpiw1WYdTNYvke-gNRdml1Z2lwz0iEH

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ATTENTION! This is a Boring Dystopia/Obligatory 'don't sue us' message: This podcast provides numerous different perspectives and criticisms of the mental health space, however, it should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your medical professional with regards to any health decisions or management.

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