Why Building to Code Isn't Enough — The Build HD Standard Explained

About this episode

Matt Risinger discusses the Build HD standard with Jim Gunn, emphasizing the importance of building beyond code for durability and performance.

On this episode of the Build Show podcast, host Matt Risinger sits down with Jim Gunn of South Pass Design Build in San Antonio, Texas — the builder behind the Build Show's live tour house. The conversation centers on the newly developed Build HD standard, a streamlined framework that builds on code to prioritize water management, air control, structural performance, and durability. Jim explains how the standard helps translate complex building science into clear expectations for trades and design decisions, from mechanical room placement to monopoly framing using Huber ZIP System sheathing. The two dig into why building to code alone isn't enough, and how thoughtful systems thinking from the design phase forward leads to homes built to last.

People in this episode

Host: Matt Risinger

Guest: Jim Gunn

Topics covered

• building standards
• construction
• building science
• water management
• air control
• structural performance
• durability

Keywords

• Build HD standard
• building to code
• water management
• air control
• structural performance
• durability
• building science

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: South Pass Design Build

Places: San Antonio, Texas

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• The 5 Principles of a Healthy Home · May 15, 2026 · 35 min
• Energy Efficiency - I Do Not Think That Word Means What You Think It Does · May 8, 2026 · 35 min
• Rethinking Insulation for Modern Homes · May 1, 2026 · 40 min