What if the biggest health risk in your life isn’t what you eat but what you live in? In this episode of Builder Buzz by Home Nation, host Quinton Comino sits down with Jeff Halsted, Owner of Halsted Home LLC, to explore the emerging world of healthy homes. While most construction conversations focus on speed, cost, and sustainability, Jeff brings a fundamentally different perspective: how building materials directly impact air quality, mental health, and long-term wellness. Jeff explains how many standard construction materials, such as fiberglass insulation, spray foam, and plastic-based composites, continuously off-gas harmful VOCs into the air we breathe. He contrasts these with natural alternatives, such as wool, cork, hemp insulation, and lime plaster, materials that not only avoid toxins but also actively regulate humidity, prevent mold, and improve indoor air quality over time. The conversation dives deep into why healthy homes are not just a luxury trend, but a long-term investment in human health. Drawing from personal experiences with mold-related illness and childhood asthma, Jeff shares why this mission is deeply personal and how poor indoor air quality can affect energy levels, cognitive performance, and overall well-being. He also outlines how homeowners can make practical, high-impact upgrades, starting inside the walls, without needing a full custom build. What You’ll Learn: What “healthy homes” really mean and how they differ from traditional builds How VOCs and off-gassing affect physical and mental health Natural insulation options like wool, hemp, and cork, and why they matter Why lime plaster is making a modern comeback after centuries The real connection between mold, air quality, and wellness How to prioritize healthier materials without blowing your budget Why “cheap” construction often becomes expensive long term Connect with Jeff Halsted & Halsted Home LLC: 👤 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeffhalsted2 Connect with the Show: Builder Buzz by Home Nation: https://homenation.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/builder-buzz-by-home-nation/id1816072711Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0VIgdx6CEGJGJlFTHb3xXOAmazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d96c24c3-0ed9-41ad-96ed-8a4ef1242edf/builder-buzz-by-home-nationYouTube: https://youtube-Builderbuzz Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. If you liked this episode, share it with someone in homebuilding, real estate, or modular housing, and don’t forget to leave us a review. New episodes drop weekly!
