Healthy Home Building

Health & Wellness has been a “hot” phrase lately and so we wanted to understand how it relates to home building.  Here is what we found:

Eco-friendly building materials: By using salvaged or reclaimed wood, the construction uses already-cut trees, yielding much less environmental impact. Other materials that are eco-friendly include: Recycled Steel, Bamboo, Pre-Cast Concrete, & Plant-Based Polyurethane Rigid Foam (insulation).

Using Non-VOC materials: People have learned that VOCs (volatile organic compounds), are carcinogenic. Now, many paint manufacturers are making VOC-free paints with fewer associated health risks.  Builders, manufacturers & designers have become more aware of VOC’s in carpeting and other materials and are now using materials that aren’t toxic.

Indoor Air Quality: healthy indoor air requires a constant, steady exchange of filtered fresh air coming into a space while exhausting the stale indoor air out.  Proper ventilation can be delivered through special ventilators either as a dedicated system or connected to your heating/air conditioning system.

Dedicated Work-Out Space: Daily exercise is essential in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic disease, including heart disease, diabetes, many types of cancer and musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis or osteoporosis. More & more people are opting to work out at home or at least have the option.

Space for metal rest or self-care: Creating a space to read, meditate, or an area that minimizes distractions and promotes productivity is also essential in healthy home building.  Carving out a nook or adding a finished attic space is an option.

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