American builder Matt Risinger, left, has aired his 'concern's over framing in Austrlian homes.
An American builder has raised significant concerns about Australia’s construction practices in a recent YouTube video. In his channel, Build Show, Matt Risinger criticized the country’s building standards after attending a conference in Australia in May 2023. His video, titled “Australian framing, I have some concerns,” was posted in July and has since drawn attention for its candid observations about construction methods in the country.
During his visit to Brisbane, Risinger toured various construction sites and noted what he perceived as issues related to air-tightness and insulation. He remarked, “This is really how we built houses – and I’m not meaning to disrespect my Australian builder friends – but this is how we were building houses in America in the 1970s.” Risinger highlighted the use of house wrap directly on studs and ductwork situated in hot attic spaces as outdated practices that could compromise indoor air quality.
His comments sparked a discussion around the effectiveness of current building methods, especially concerning energy efficiency. He stated, “I mean this house is definitely not going to fall down. But this house is certainly susceptible to some indoor air quality issues.”
Risinger also examined homes built with steel frames in Queensland, expressing concern about the potential for condensation issues. “Everything is steel, the whole shebang. How do you think they prevent condensation when it’s cold out?” he questioned, emphasizing that steel conducts heat well and requires additional insulation to prevent moisture-related problems that can lead to rust and mould.
In response to Risinger’s critiques, Australian host Duayne Pearce defended the use of steel framing. “From what I’ve been told it’s about 20 to 30 percent cheaper,” Pearce said, explaining that the material not only reduces costs but also replaces traditional tradesmen labor with machine labor in factory settings.
As the video gained traction, many Australian viewers voiced their agreement with Risinger’s assessment in the comments section. One viewer, identifying as a builder in Australia, commented, “Our standards for construction methods are SHIT!” Another expressed gratitude for Risinger’s insights, stating, “So glad you made this video. I’m Australian and have been watching your channel for years lamenting at how poor our building practices are.”
Risinger’s video has sparked a broader conversation around the need for improvement in building practices in Australia. Many viewers echoed his concerns about energy efficiency and construction quality, underscoring a desire for change in the industry.
As discussions about building standards continue, Risinger’s observations illustrate the growing scrutiny of construction practices worldwide and the importance of adapting to modern standards to ensure better housing quality and energy efficiency.
