The Holistic Homes Podcast

S2EP18: The 5-Step Process to Ensure Clean Lumber in Your Custom Build

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 framing Connect with me: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/holistichomes.bychristine/]

S2EP17: Draftsman vs. Designer vs. Architect: What You're Actually Getting for Your Money

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" option * What makes a robust set of construction documents * Why hiring an architect separately from your builder Connect with me: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/holistichomes.bychristine/]

S2EP16: 2 Million Mold Spores in a New Build: The Dark Side of New Home Construction

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 home * How to be proactive rather than reactive Connect with me: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/holistichomes.bychristine/]

S2EP15: Stop Getting Ripped Off: The Contractor Bid Breakdown Every Homeowner Needs

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 need * How 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 assemblies * Why your contractor must be involved in the design stage to prevent budget disasters * The truth about what it actually costs to build a healthy home (hint: start budgeting at $400+ per square foot) Connect with me: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/holistichomes.bychristine/]

S2EP14: How to Actually Select Healthy Paint for Your Home

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