Creating a healthier home doesn’t necessarily require expensive materials or major design changes. Often, it begins with thoughtful planning, careful product selection, and attention to the details that impact indoor air quality.
At the 2026 Virginia Builders Summit, architect Andrea Allen Sis of EcoNest Architecture explored strategies builders can use to reduce moisture problems, limit exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, and create healthier living environments for homeowners. “I’ve found that there are a lot of really small but practical things we can do to make homes healthier,” said Sis, an Oregon-based architect and sustainable design expert.
The session focused on common challenges, including mold, off-gassing from building materials, inadequate ventilation, and hidden water leaks. Sis emphasized that many of these risks can be addressed through relatively straightforward construction practices.
Key takeaways
- Control moisture from the beginning. Proper drainage, waterproofing, humidity management, and building assemblies designed to dry effectively are essential to preventing mold growth. Managing moisture is one of the most important steps builders can take to protect indoor air quality.
- Choose materials carefully. Paints, flooring, cabinetry, insulation, and other building products can release chemicals into indoor environments. Selecting lower-emission materials can help reduce exposure. Builders should also look beyond basic volatile organic compound (VOC) certifications when evaluating products.
- Build tight, ventilate right. Energy-efficient construction reduces uncontrolled air leakage, but tighter homes also require properly designed ventilation systems. Effective ventilation helps manage indoor pollutants and humidity while maintaining energy performance.
- Plan for radon protection. Sis encouraged builders to consider radon protection during new construction, noting that mitigation systems are considerably easier to install before a home is completed. These systems can help prevent radon gas from accumulating indoors and can be upgraded with an extraction fan if testing reveals elevated levels after construction.
- Prevent small leaks from becoming major problems. Leak detectors, automatic water shutoff systems, accessible plumbing connections, and moisture-resistant materials can help prevent water damage before it becomes a costly repair or indoor air quality concern.
- Focus on practical solutions. Healthier homes require coordination among builders, designers, trade partners, and homeowners. The goal is to balance indoor environmental quality, building performance, and affordability.
The central message: Healthy homes begin with good building practices, Sis said. By managing moisture, improving ventilation, and making informed material choices, builders can reduce risks, improve homeowner comfort, and deliver a better finished product.