FOREVER HOME WITH STEVE BACZEK

The Forever Home original series features long-time building collaborators Steve Baczek and Jim Wolffer of Boston’s Shoreline Builders as they team up to build a custom, multi-family, multi-generational home in Duxbury, MA with the help of Builders FirstSource’s READY-FRAME pre-cut framing package. Watch as they lead viewers through the decisions and strategies needed to build a 5,000 sq. ft. home that can accommodate special needs for vision-impaired and wheelchair-bound family members.

EPISODE 7 - BREAKING DOWN ROOF, WALL AND UNDER SLAB DETAILS

In this episode, Steve dives into the details that define long-term comfort and durability. Using a full-scale exterior mockup, he breaks down roof eave and rake assemblies—from AZEK trim and proper overhangs to smart water management and vented roof design. He then heads to the basement to show a rock-solid slab-to-foundation system with robust vapor protection and under-slab insulation.

MORE FOREVER HOME EPISODES

Episode 1 - Defining Forever: Multi-Family, Multi-Functional Home

In the first episode, the team tackles the demolition of an outdated Cape Cod home. Demo day highlights the team’s commitment to recycling materials responsibly, and then Steve introduces the design for the new 5,000-square-foot home. The new first floor features wide circulation paths, open living spaces, and clearly defined zones, including a fully accessible suite. Upstairs and downstairs will include additional suites, guest rooms, recreation spaces, and mechanical systems, showcasing a holistic design that balances privacy, family connection, and future-ready living.

Episode 2- Casting Foundation Walls

With pump trucks running, crews on deck, and concrete flowing, Steve walks us through the casting process step by step, highlighting the planning required to get this critical stage right. He emphasizes the importance of water management strategies, anchor bolt placement and long-term planning to ensure a durable foundation. Beyond the build, Steve also shares insights for every builder regarding foundation design and structural detail.

Episode 3 - Water & Thermal Management Down Under

In episode 3, Steve dives into the foundation phase, exploring the science and strategy behind building a dry and efficient home. He walks through the insulation installation and explains its role as both a protective and thermal layer on the foundation walls. Steve also demonstrates a water drainage test to evaluate the coastal soil’s performance and assess risk. He also shares insights on sub-slab insulation, vapor barriers and managing moisture for long-term durability.

Episode 4 - Floor Framing

Steve walks viewers through the essentials of floor framing, breaking down the materials, methods and structural decisions that create a strong and efficient base for the home. With joists, LVLs, and subflooring going in on-site, he highlights the craftsmanship and engineering that ensure long-term performance in this coastal build.

Episode 5 - Wall Framing

In Episode 5, Steve dives into the impact of Builders FirstSource’s READY-FRAME® — a fully pre-cut framing package that dramatically reduces waste, increases accuracy and accelerates build time. Watch Steve interview the builders, all of whom share enthusiastic feedback about how READY-FRAME® improved material quality and cut framing time nearly in half.

Episode 6 - Roof Framing

In Episode 6, roof framing takes shape, revealing how engineered roof trusses drive both performance and design. He breaks down the anatomy of a truss — top chord, bottom chord, webs and plates — while showing how they support high R-value insulation, continuous air barriers and long-term durability. He also shows how trusses enable architectural flexibility without compromising structural integrity.

ABOUT STEVE BACZEK

Steve Baczek is a registered architect with over 30 years of construction industry experience. Utilizing his strong Building Science background, he strives to integrate sound design practices with good construction practices to provide exceptional solutions. His residential work includes over 50 Leed Platinum Homes, numerous Zero Energy Homes, and Certified Passive Homes. Many of Steve’s renovation projects with older homes include Zero Energy, Deep Energy Retrofits, as well as the first Certified Passive House Renovation in the U.S. under the “Enerphit” program.

BUILD SCIENCE™ 101 and 201

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Our Build Science™ 101 series will sharpen your foundational knowledge, introduce game-changing concepts, and perhaps even challenge a few beliefs. Be prepared for a transformative journey through the art and science of building. Build Science™ will teach you techniques to improve indoor environmental quality, energy efficiency, and overall occupant health and comfort.

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Build Science™ 201

Build Science™ 201 is here and will cover more advanced techniques and subjects including water and air management as well as vapor and thermal control. Throughout the series, you will learn from real-world successes and failures to help you take the next step in your career by gaining the knowledge and confidence to build better homes.

Learn More About Build Science™ 201

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