The Holistic Homes Podcast

If you think you can just tell your contractor "no moldy lumber" and expect perfect results, you're setting yourself up for a nightmare scenario. You don't want to be standing in a 90% framed house that's riddled with visible mold and no way to fix it without starting over.Today, I'm sharing the exact step-by-step process I use to ensure clean lumber gets installed from day one. Because I've witnessed firsthand what happens when this conversation doesn't happen early enough, and it's devastating.Here's the reality: some lumber is more susceptible to mold than others, and certain structural components like trusses can't just be rejected and returned like a bundle of 2x6s. If custom-fabricated trusses show up moldy, you're often stuck with them unless there's a structural defect. That's why this conversation needs to start with your architect during the planning phase, not when the lumber truck pulls up to your job site.I'm walking you through the entire process, from architectural planning to lumber yard tours, from contract negotiations to being present during that critical first week of framing. This is about preventing problems, not trying to fix them after the fact.In today's episode, we're talking about:Why trusses and structural lumber are the biggest risk The lumber yard tour that could save your project How to get your expectations in writing The pre-framing meeting that sets everyone up for success Why you must be present during the first week of framingConnect with me: Instagram

If you think all architects are the same or that hiring a "designer" will give you the same results as a licensed architect, this episode could save you from making a costly mistake that derails your entire custom home project.Today I'm breaking down one of the biggest mistakes I see in new build journeys: hiring the wrong type of professional to design your home. This isn't just about semantics. The difference between a draftsman, designer, design-build contractor, and licensed architect can literally make or break your project.I recently worked with a client who learned this lesson the hard way. They hired what they thought was going to give them professional architectural services, only to discover they were working with someone who couldn't provide the level of detail needed for a healthy, custom home. They ended up having to start over completely, losing both time and money in the process.Your plans are your contract. What's on those drawings is what gets built. If those plans are light on details or missing critical specifications (like avoiding spray foam or implementing proper window flashing), you're setting yourself up for constant phone calls, change orders, and a home that doesn't meet your expectations. The person you hire to create your plans is literally responsible for documenting your vision and expectations.In today's episode, we're talking about:The critical differences between draftsmen, designers, and licensed architects Why design-build contractors might seem convenient but often deliver underwhelming plans The hidden costs of hiring the "cheaper" optionWhat makes a robust set of construction documents Why hiring an architect separately from your builderConnect with me: Instagram

If you think buying a brand new home guarantees you'll be free from defects, Brittney's story will completely shatter that assumption, and potentially save you from a nightmare that nearly destroyed her family's health and finances.Today I'm sharing a deeply personal and eye-opening conversation with Brittney, who purchased what she thought was her dream home from a well-known Texas builder in December 2023. Within just 1 month of moving in, she began experiencing terrifying symptoms: gasping for air in her sleep, neurological issues that left her nearly bedridden, and a persistent musty smell that no one else seemed to notice.What followed was a two-and-a-half-year nightmare of fighting for answers while her entire family was slowly poisoned by their own home. After hiring the best mold inspector in Texas, they discovered an astronomical 2 million spore count throughout the house – when even 50,000 would be considered dangerous. The root causes? No vapor barrier wrap, an oversized HVAC system, and construction practices that created the perfect storm for mold growth.Brittany's story exposes the dark reality of new construction defects, builder cover-ups, and the nearly impossible task of getting out of a mortgage on an uninhabitable home. But more importantly, she shares the practical steps she's taking in her new home to prevent this from happening again, and the proactive monitoring systems every homeowner should consider.In today's episode, we're talking about:The shocking construction defects Why builder-hired mold inspectors can't be trusted The financial nightmare of escaping a defective home 5 practical steps you can take in any homeHow to be proactive rather than reactive Connect with me: Instagram

Signing a contract with your contractor is like signing a marriage certificate. If you don't know what you're actually getting, you're setting yourself up for a very expensive divorce.Today, I'm diving into the financial side of contractor selection that can make or break your project. I've seen too many homeowners get blindsided by inadequate contracts, surprise costs, and change orders that nobody saw coming. You're literally handing over your vision and your budget to someone else, so you better make sure you understand exactly what you're paying for.In previous episodes, we've talked about vetting contractors from a relationship perspective, but today I'm getting laser-focused on the numbers. I'm giving you practical tools for understanding build costs, preventing those dreaded change orders, and most importantly, revealing what it actually costs to build a healthy home. Because here's the reality: it might be very different from what you've budgeted for, and you need to know this upfront, not when you're mid-construction facing a $50,000 surprise.I've seen projects start with no contracts at all, and let me tell you, you absolutely do not want that. Today, I'm breaking down exactly what you need in your bid, how to structure it properly, and why transparency is everything when it comes to your construction budget. In today's episode, we're talking about:The three types of contractor bids and why cost-plus contracts give you the transparency you desperately needHow to get preliminary cost estimates that actually matter (and why square footage alone won't cut it)Real percentage breakdowns for upgrading your foundation, exterior walls, and roof assembliesWhy your contractor must be involved in the design stage to prevent budget disastersThe truth about what it actually costs to build a healthy home (hint: start budgeting at $400+ per square foot)Connect with me: Instagram

Everyone thinks selecting healthy paint is just about finding something that says "zero VOC" on the label. I'm here to tell you that's barely scratching the surface, and it might actually be hurting your home's performance.In today's episode, I'm answering the most common question I get about paint selection, and it goes way beyond just avoiding volatile organic compounds. As a licensed GC and holistic construction consultant, I've seen too many projects where paint gets treated as just a design afterthought when it's actually a critical component of your exterior wall assembly.Here's what most people don't realize: that beautiful semi-gloss wall paneling in your entryway could be creating a vapor barrier that traps moisture in your exterior walls. And all those "green" paints at the hardware store? Many still contain biocides, defoaming agents, and other chemical additives that won't show up on the VOC label.In this episode, we're chatting about:• Beyond VOCs • Paint permeability science• Acrylic vs. mineral-based paints • Team collaboration strategy

Last week I was working with a client going through her second mold remediation when I caught a massive flooring issue that everyone else involved in the project had completely overlooked.As a licensed general contractor and holistic construction consultant and I see this same costly mistake over and over again. Everyone gets so focused on selecting the lowest VOC, non-toxic flooring materials (which I love!), but they completely ignore proper installation. I've seen flooring failures in multimillion-dollar homes with engineered and solid wood floors, so price point won't save you from this.In this case, my client Lisa was living in a six-year-old production build where the rain gutters weren't even connected to drains, there was no vapor barrier under the slab, and here's the kicker-during the first mold remediation, nobody touched the flooring. Turns out there was mold growing on the backside of every single plank because moisture was wicking up through the concrete slab.I'm sharing my 3 step Holistic Homes Healthy Flooring Strategy so you never have to live in fear of what's happening behind your floors. We're talking foundation knowledge, material matching, and installation intelligence, including the moisture test that made one contractor ask me "What's that?" (which is terrifying). You can have the most expensive, lowest-VOC flooring in the world, but if it's installed wrong, you could still end up with mold growth on the backside.In today's episode, we're chatting about:• The production builder disaster• My 3-step flooring framework • The calcium chloride test • Good, better, best flooring options

Most homeowners think a "leak detection system" covers everything in their house, but the truth is your whole-home device only monitors plumbing lines. They leave out the drain lines that cause some of the most expensive water damage!In this second part of my leak management series, I'm breaking down the critical difference between plumbing lines (hot and cold water coming into your home) and drain lines (water going out through showers, toilets, and sinks). Understanding this distinction is key to creating a comprehensive monitoring system that actually protects your investment.You'll discover why I believe every single home in America should be required to have a whole-home leak detection device, how to strategically place battery-operated detectors for drain line monitoring, and why that dishwasher drip pan could save you thousands in water damage. Plus, I'm sharing real stories from my own home where these systems caught leaks before they became catastrophic.This episode is about taking the fear out of the "what ifs" and giving you a dashboard for your home just like you have in your car. No more lying awake wondering if something is leaking behind your walls—these safeguards will give you the peace of mind every homeowner deserves. My goal is for you to feel confident and safe in your home without that gnawing fear eating you alive.In today's episode, we're chatting about:• The three types of leaks • Whole-home leak detection systems• Strategic battery-operated detector placement • The layered approach to leak managementConnect with meInstagram

One in every 60 homes will experience a devastating plumbing leak this year, with the average insurance claim reaching $14,000 in damages—but most homeowners have no idea it's happening until it's too late.As a licensed GC and holistic home consultant, I've seen too many families devastated by water damage that could have been prevented. In today's episode, I'm sharing my three favorite "no-brainer" leak management strategies that I implement in every project, whether you're building new, renovating, or have been living in your current home for years.I'll walk you through exactly how to install access panels for "x-ray vision" behind your walls, where to strategically place battery-operated leak detectors, and why I believe every single home in the US should be required to have a whole-home leak detection system.Look, I want you to sleep peacefully at night without wondering "is that toilet above my head leaking?" There should never be lingering questions about what's happening behind your walls, especially if you're coming from a moldy situation. This is part one of my two-part leak management series, and I'm giving you all the practical takeaways and resources you need to safeguard your home before disaster strikes.In today's episode, we're chatting about:• Access panels everywhere: How to get "x-ray vision" behind your walls• Strategic leak detector placement• Whole-home leak detection systems • Real-world implementationResources Mentioned:Access Panel GuideAccess PanelsWhole Home Leak DetectorConnect with me: Instagram

One in 60 homes will experience a plumbing leak this year, resulting in over 1,400 insurance claims daily with an average payout of $14,000, but most of these disasters are completely preventable.In today's episode, I'm breaking down the leak management strategies that should be standard in every home but rarely are. Whether you're building new, renovating, or have been living in your home for years, these safeguards can save you from catastrophic water damage and give you the peace of mind to sleep soundly without wondering what's happening behind your walls.Plumbing leaks aren't always due to poor construction. Human error happens, accidents occur, and even the best built homes can develop issues over time. That's why I'm sharing 3 no-brainer leak management strategies: strategic access panels that give you eyes behind the wallsbattery-operated leak detectors for early warning systemswhole-home leak detection devices that can shut off your water automatically during a catastrophic failureThese aren't just theoretical solutions, they're practical safeguards you can implement today. This is part one of a two-part series focusing on safeguards; part two will cover prevention strategies.In today's episode, we're chatting about: • Why 1 in 60 homes experience plumbing leaks and how to avoid being a statistic • The strategic placement of access panels for maximum leak detection coverage • Battery-operated leak detector placement guide for every area of your home • How whole-home leak detection systems work and why every home should have one • The difference between safeguards and prevention (and why you need both)Connect with me: Instagram

Your contractor is probably recommending spray foam insulation without telling you about the class action lawsuits, permanent installation risks, and potential for years of toxic off-gassing.In today's episode, I'm breaking down everything you need to know about spray foam insulation before making this permanent decision for your home. While spray foam offers excellent performance as an air barrier, vapor retarder, and insulation all in one, there are serious downsides that most contractors don't discuss: it's permanent (requiring expensive remediation to remove), it can off-gas for years if improperly mixed, and it requires perfect application to avoid moisture trapping and mold issues.The biggest problem I see is that spray foam isn't just a simple material swap during construction. Closed cell and open cell spray foam have completely different R-values and permeability ratings, and you can't just decide mid-construction to switch to mineral wool or fiberglass without redesigning your entire building assembly. This conversation needs to happen during the design phase, not when your contractor is ready to spray.In today's episode, we're chatting about: • Why closed cell vs. open cell spray foam aren't interchangeable (and how this affects your building plans) • The verification protocols every spray foam project needs (including third-party testing) • Safer alternatives to spray foam and why they cost 30-50% more • How to spot greenwashing in "non-toxic" spray foam marketing • The real costs of spray foam failures and why perfect application is critical

Your builder might be skipping a required building code test that could save your home from mold, humidity problems, and toxic indoor air, and you probably don't even know it exists.In this episode, I'm breaking down the dangerous myth that homes need to "breathe" through their walls and why this outdated thinking is creating serious health problems in modern construction. The truth is, your home should breathe like your body does, through a controlled system (your nose), not through random leaks in your skin. Yet builders are still constructing homes that pull in unfiltered outdoor air through walls, windows, and foundations, creating the perfect conditions for mold, humidity issues, and poor indoor air quality.Here's what's really frustrating: since 2012, there's been a building code requirement for something called a blower door test that measures exactly how leaky your home is. This test gives you a specific number (ACH 50) that tells you how many times per hour your home's air is completely exchanged with outdoor air. Older homes from the 1950s-70s often test at 10-20 air exchanges per hour, which means you have zero control over your indoor environment. But many jurisdictions still aren't enforcing this testing, and contractors often don't even own the equipment.The real problem isn't just energy efficiency, it's that as homes have gotten tighter over the years, mechanical systems haven't kept up. You end up with homes that can't breathe properly through their HVAC systems, creating a toxic indoor environment. Whether you're building new or renovating, understanding blower door testing and proper air sealing could be the difference between a healthy home and one that makes your family sick.In Today's Episode, We're Chatting About: • Why the "homes need to breathe" myth is dangerous for your health • How to read blower door test results and what numbers to aim for • Why your builder might be skipping required building code tests • The connection between air sealing and mechanical system design • When and how to demand proper testing during construction

Many of us get into this industry because we have personal horror stories with mold. For me, I bought a home that had floor to ceiling mold in the kitchen. It was completely invisible to the naked eye, until we started the renovation process and took walls down to the studs.For today’s guest, Megan Carson, she was reaching a sever level of mold toxicity and couldn’t identify the source until having an ERMI test and an inspection. Luckily, she was able to get out of her lease and high tail it out of there! But that led her down the path to becoming the founder of Guided Well LLC. She is a certified mold inspector and IEP with a specialized focus on client education and building defect identification related to poor building science and design in relation to indoor air quality issues. After her own four walls made her sick, she’s making it her mission to help other people out of that sort of situation.For any of you home renters out there, we’re starting this conversation with some safe guards that all renters need to know about. From getting your own inspections (not through management) to discussing additional clauses in the lease to guarantee a way out if water damage becomes an issue. Then, we’re chatting all things remediation so you don’t have to go into the process already overwhelmed.In this episode, we’re chatting about:Why Megan became a mold inspectorThe importance of good testing and validation before remediationHow to vet a mold inspectorWhat the sampling process should look like (hint: it’s not supposed to just be air samples in the middle of the room)Learning the difference between restoration and remediationWhy encapsulation should only be used as a last resortConnect with Megan: InstagramConnect with me: InstagramMore Resources

Less than 2% of homes survived the devastating LA fires, and they all share one critical feature that most builders ignore.Four months after the LA fires destroyed over 16,000 homes across 50,000 acres, a clear pattern has emerged among the few structures left standing. I've been analyzing what separates the homes that survived from the thousands that burned to the ground. So let's chat about it, because the answer may not by what you expect. The common denominator isn't expensive fire-resistant materials or elaborate sprinkler systems. It's the attic design. While most homes burned from the inside out due to their ventilated attics acting like wind tunnels that pulled in fire embers and fueled the flames, the surviving homes had sealed, non-combustible attics that prevented embers from entering and eliminated the airflow that feeds fires.This isn't just a California problem. Ventilated attics create issues in every climate zone, from ice damming in freezing climates to mold problems in humid areas. In today's episode, we're chatting about: • Why ventilated attics act as fire accelerants during wildfires • The specific design features that saved homes in both LA and Laguna Beach fires • How sealed attics solve problems beyond fire resistance in every climate • Why retrofitting existing homes requires careful architectural planning • The construction cost considerations and performance benefits of sealed attics

Most people spend more time planning their wedding than the home they'll live in for decades, and that's a costly mistake.Join me while I break down the critical six-month design development phase that should happen before breaking ground on your new construction or major renovation. As the founder of Holistic Homes, I've seen countless projects go sideways because homeowners rushed through this crucial planning period and I don’t want that to happen to you.The six-month timeline includes specific milestones and I’m taking out all the guess work by going through the specifics of each month.month one focuses on floor plan development and pre-planning checklistsmonth two refines the floor plan and exterior elevationsmonth three dials in the building enclosure and material selectionsmonth four involves engineers and architectural detailsmonth five integrates your contractor into the processmonth six finalizes the construction document set and bidding.Each phase builds upon the previous one, creating a comprehensive roadmap for your project. Most importantly, I explain why documentation is everything in construction. If your expectations aren't clearly specified in plans, material selections, and contracts, they'll likely be forgotten during the building process.Connect with Christine!

Welcome to Season 2 of the Holistic Homes Podcast! Season 2 is all about in depth solo content from Christine!In episode 5, Christine takes us on a deep dive into all things contractors! In this episode, Christine goes over why it's important to start with the right architect and architectural plans before selecting your contractor.In this episode, Christine chatted about:Getting clear architectural plans firstWhy it's important to have clear architectural plans, even if you love and trust your contractorMaterials selection, paint selection, flooring, waterproofing materials expectationsEmphasizing materials selection portionNot blindly trusting your contractorConnect with Christine:Instagram

Welcome to Season 2 of the Holistic Homes Podcast! Season 2 is all about in depth solo content from Christine!In episode 4, Christine takes us on a deep dive into three strategies for building a water tight basements! In this episode, Christine goes over the pros and cons of various materials and construction strategies for basement build outs.Listen to this episode to find out the nitty gritty on water tight basement materials, what to look out for and avoid, and specific calculations and tests you should be doing for your basement build out.In this episode, Christine chatted about:ICF material and off gassingSub-terranean basement vs partial basement vs walk out basementWhy it matters to properly water tight your basement for overall health and performance of the houseAvoiding water intrusion and toxins in your basement build outWaterproofing on the exterior sideProper drainage on interior and exterior of footingWaterproofing of concrete wallsVapor retardant on the bottom of concrete slab/floorDimple MatInsulating basement wallsConnect with Christine:InstagramResources mentioned in this episode:Vapor retardantDimple mat

Welcome to Season 2 of the Holistic Homes Podcast! Season 2 is all about in depth solo content from Christine!In episode 3, Christine takes us on a deep dive about all things healthy flooring! Concrete, tile, wood, laminate oh my! In this episode, Christine goes over the pros and cons for each floor option, as well as specific tests you should do for different flooring options.Listen to this episode to find out the nitty gritty on each flooring option, what to look out for and avoid, and specific tests you should be doing for your flooring choice.In this episode, Christine chatted about:Concrete flooring pros and cons, and specific ways to lay concrete floors correctly on new buildsTile flooring and what test you should do for tile flooringSpecial considerations for LVP flooringWood flooring pros and consConnect with Christine:InstagramResources mentioned in this episode:Calcium Chloride Test to test moisture content in the subflooring

Welcome to Season 2 of the Holistic Homes Podcast! Season 2 is all about in depth solo content from Christine!In episode 2, Christine takes us on a deep dive about all things attics! Ventilated vs conditioned attics! In this episode, Christine goes over the pros and cons of ventilated attics vs conditioned attics.Listen to this episode to find out the nitty gritty on ventilated attics and conditioned attics, what to look out for and avoid, and specific calculations and tests you should be doing for your attic choice.In this episode, Christine chatted about:Attic type pros and cons, and specific ways to calculate for ventilated atticsR Value requirements for conditioned atticsWhy it matters to properly condition your attic for overall health and performance of the houseConnect with Christine:InstagramResources mentioned in this episode:Calculator for ventilated atticsAeroseal for conditioned atticsEcosealant for conditioned attics

Welcome to Season 2 of the Holistic Homes Podcast! Season 2 is all about in depth solo content from Christine!In our first episode of Season 2, Christine takes us on a deep dive about all things architects! From advocating for yourself when meeting a new architect, to why it's important to have as much details in your architectural plans, to examples of possible details you may want in your architectural plans.Listen to this episode to find out why it's important to vet your architect, and to get an idea on some of the details your architect should add to your architectural plans.In this episode, Christine chatted about:Why you should vet a potential architect (and ask a lot of questions!)How to advocate for yourself when meeting with a potential architectWhy it's important that the architectural plans are as detailed as possibleSome examples of details you might want in your architectural plansHow detailed architectural plans sets up the entire project for successConnect with Christine:InstagramResource mentioned in the episode:Selecting the Right Architect and Contractor

Being forced out of your home because the walls are filled with Black Mold is a nightmare. Finding no legal recourse for the damages inflicted on your health and your finances is even worse. So today, we’re digging into the legal side of holistic home building.Kristina is a national trial lawyer who represents sick people against the companies that made them sick. She founded Just Well Law to help clients recover financially so that they can rebuild their health and their lives. Kristina’s experience with water damage in her home was absolutely devastating for her family.From neurological damage inflicted on her children to a complete depletion of her entire family’s financial safety net, Kristina genuinely lost it all due to negligence on the builder’s part. After that experience, she was fight the system that has been repeatedly allowing this to happen.Listen to this episode to understand exactly what you can do if you find yourself in a moldy home. Kristina really wants to drive the point home that you have to get out of that house. No matter what the financial devastation looks like, the deterioration of your health is not worth staying.In this episode, we’re chatting about:How Kristina advocates for sick familiesKristina’s personal experience with Black Mold in her homeInsurance and builder accountabilityWho is ultimately responsible when negligence leads to an unhealthy home?What your options are if you’re experiencing untenable circumstances in your homeConnect with Kristina: TiktokInstagramWebsiteLinkedinConnect with me: InstagramMore Resources