The Holistic Homes Podcast

Christine Cimabue | Holistic Construction Consultant
  • 5.0 (46)
  • How To
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Holistic Homes Podcast, the place for homeowners who are considering a new build or renovation and are ready to take the power of their home’s health into their own hands. Building failures are happening everyday, Yes! even in new construction. I don’t want that for you, so I’m here as your holistic construction resource to guide you thru it all. I’m your host Christine Cimabue, and I’m a licensed contractor and holistic construction consultant. Everyday I hear stories about people moving into their dream home, only to realize months later that faulty construction is negatively effecting their health. This situation breaks my heart and I believe in empowering people to speak up in every step of the process. This podcast is where real, confident and stress free healthy home building begins! Best of all, you don’t have to learn how to be contractor to effectively communicate your healthy home vision to your contractor or design team. I’ll show you how! Join us as we chat about everything from mold prevention to the effects of different lighting on your health. What should you be asking your contractor? What's the best performing building materials? and how to spot red flags during construction? We’re walking through it all together. So whether you're interested in understanding the health risks in modern builds, creating a healthy bathroom, or finding the right contractor for your holistic home build, I’ve got you covered. It's time to create a safe and healthy home that aligns with your vision. Tune in to the Holistic Homes Podcast and start your journey towards your dream healthy home.

  1. 2d ago

    The 4 Independent Inspections Every Custom Home Needs | Ep. 37

    Build a healthier home with aligned professionals nationwide using our free Holistic Homes Directory 🏡🌱 https://holistichomesdirectory.com/ Want to apply to be listed in the Holistic Homes Directory? DM me APPLY on Instagram 📩 https://www.instagram.com/holistichomes.bychristine If you think passing city inspections means your home is protected from mold, leaks, and construction defects, you may be making a very expensive mistake. Building inspectors are there to verify minimum code requirements, not to ensure your home is healthy, watertight, or built to your personal standards. Missing the right inspections during construction can lead to hidden failures that aren't discovered until years later. Today, I'm sharing the four independent inspections I consider non-negotiable during a custom home build if your goal is a healthy, high-performance home. In 2025 alone, my team worked on projects across the United States, helping homeowners navigate the complex realities of healthy home construction. One of the biggest patterns I continue to see is that many costly defects could have been prevented with a few strategic inspections performed at the right time. These inspections often cost only a few hundred dollars, yet they can identify issues that would cost tens of thousands to repair after construction is complete. One of the most common mistakes I see is homeowners relying exclusively on city inspections. While permit inspections are important, they are designed to verify minimum building standards, not evaluate moisture content in framing, hidden plumbing issues, window performance, or the long-term durability of the home. By the time a problem becomes visible, the damage is often already done. That's why I encourage homeowners to bring in independent inspectors who work directly for them. From verifying foundation preparation before concrete is poured, to inspecting framing before drywall covers everything, to performing leak testing on windows before move-in, these inspections create accountability and uncover issues while they are still easy to fix. I also share why one of the most overlooked inspections happens after construction is complete: your warranty inspection before the builder's warranty expires. In today's episode, we're talking about:Why building code inspections are only the minimum standardThe importance of pre-foundation inspectionsWhat to look for during a pre-drywall inspectionWhy window leak testing is worth the investmentHow warranty inspections protect homeowners after move-in

    20 min

  2. Jun 17

    The Construction Material Blacklist: What I Never Use in Healthy Homes | Ep. 36

    Build a healthier home with aligned professionals nationwide using our free Holistic Homes Directory 🏡🌱 https://holistichomesdirectory.com/ Want to apply to be listed in the Holistic Homes Directory? DM me APPLY on Instagram 📩 https://www.instagram.com/holistichomes.bychristine If you think all building materials are basically the same, you could be making decisions that impact your family's health for years to come. Some of the most commonly used products in construction today can contribute to poor indoor air quality, moisture problems, mold growth, and costly remediation down the road. Today, I'm sharing my material blacklist — the building materials I avoid whenever possible and the healthier alternatives I recommend instead. In 2025, I consulted on healthy home projects across the United States, helping homeowners make informed decisions about every layer of their homes, from insulation and exterior assemblies to paint, flooring, and millwork. One of the biggest mistakes I see is assuming that common building materials are automatically the best choice simply because they're widely used. The reality is that every material selection has a good, better, and best option depending on your health goals, budget, and climate. In this episode, I break down the materials that consistently raise concerns during my consulting projects and explain why they can create problems long after construction is complete. From conventional paints and cabinetry finishes to MDF trim products, spray foam insulation, and vinyl flooring, many of these materials are installed in massive quantities throughout a home. When you look at them individually, they may seem insignificant. But when combined, their impact can be substantial. I also explain what healthier alternatives look like and how to have productive conversations with your architect, builder, and interior designer before construction begins. Because once some of these materials are installed, replacing them can be difficult, expensive, and disruptive. The goal isn't perfection — it's making informed decisions that support better indoor air quality, moisture management, and long-term durability. In today's episode, we're talking about:Why conventional paints can impact indoor air quality beyond VOC levelsThe hidden concerns with MDF, OSB, and composite wood productsWhy spray foam remains one of my most controversial blacklist materialsHow vinyl flooring and wallpaper can contribute to moisture problemsHealthier material alternatives for a cleaner, more durable home

    14 min

  3. Jun 9

    3 Steps To Healthy Indoor Air | Ep. 35

    Build a healthier home with aligned professionals nationwide using our free Holistic Homes Directory 🏡🌱 https://holistichomesdirectory.com/ Want to apply to be listed in the Holistic Homes Directory? DM me APPLY on Instagram 📩 https://www.instagram.com/holistichomes.bychristine If you think building a “high-performance” home automatically means you’ll have healthy indoor air quality, you may be making one of the biggest mistakes in modern construction. I’ve seen homes with premium materials, airtight construction, and luxury finishes still end up with contaminated air, humidity problems, mold inside ductwork, and unhealthy living conditions because the mechanical system was treated like an afterthought. Today, I’m sharing the three decisions that will determine your home’s indoor air quality for the next 30 years — and why your mechanical strategy needs to work hand-in-hand with your building enclosure from day one. In 2025 alone, my team has consulted on healthy home projects nationwide, from large-scale renovations in cold climates to custom new builds in Southern California and beyond. One of the biggest patterns I continue to see is that even high-end homes are being designed without proper mechanical calculations, without airtightness targets, and without a long-term filtration and humidity strategy. I routinely walk into projects where no Manual J, Manual D, or Manual S calculations were ever completed — despite homeowners investing hundreds of thousands or millions into their homes. I walk through a real project where a large renovation was already under construction before anyone had established the home’s airtightness target or properly designed the mechanical system around it. The ductwork and equipment were simply based on “a similar sized home,” which is an incredibly risky approach when you’re trying to create a healthy indoor environment. We had to completely backtrack and redesign the strategy so the home could actually perform the way the owners intended. I also break down why airtight homes are not the enemy — uncontrolled air is. From wildfire smoke infiltration during the Los Angeles fires to mold-contaminated ductwork hidden inside attics and crawlspaces, I explain why controlling, filtering, and managing the air inside your home matters more than ever. I also share my perspective on rigid vs. flexible ductwork, why mini splits require far more maintenance than most people realize, and how whole-home filtration and dehumidification strategies create healthier, longer-lasting homes. In today's episode, we're talking about:Why airtight homes are healthier when designed correctlyThe three mechanical decisions that impact indoor air quality mostWhy Manual J, D, and S calculations matter for your homeRigid vs. flexible ductwork and how it affects contamination riskWhy whole-home filtration and humidity control are essentialThe hidden problems with mini split systems and poor duct designHow uncontrolled air leads to smoke, moisture, and contaminant issues

    20 min

  4. May 27

    Healthy Home Design Starts With Hiring the Right Architect | Ep. 34

    Build a healthier home with aligned professionals nationwide using our free Holistic Homes Directory 🏡🌱 https://holistichomesdirectory.com/ Want to apply to be listed in the Holistic Homes Directory? DM me APPLY on Instagram 📩 https://www.instagram.com/holistichomes.bychristine If you think hiring an architect is just about finding someone with a beautiful portfolio, you could be making one of the biggest mistakes in your entire build. I’ve seen homeowners spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on plans that still led to water intrusion, poor air quality, missing construction details, and homes that completely failed to support their health goals. Today, I’m sharing the four steps I use to help homeowners confidently hire an architect who can actually support the creation of a healthy, high-performance home — not just a beautiful one. In projects across the U.S., my team regularly collaborates with architects, builders, waterproofing consultants, HVAC engineers, and independent specialists to help prevent mold, moisture failures, and indoor air quality issues before construction even begins. One of the biggest patterns I continue to see is that many homeowners assume their architect is handling every technical detail — when in reality, critical parts of the project are often left undefined or delegated to the field during construction. In this episode, I walk you through what actually matters when selecting an architect beyond aesthetics. I share why homeowners need to clearly define what a “healthy home” means to them before even starting interviews, how to identify gaps in an architect’s experience, and why understanding their consultant relationships can completely change the outcome of your project. I also share a real example from a Tennessee project where a homeowner believed they had hired an architect capable of delivering a full construction document set — only to later discover they were actually working with a designer and drafter who didn’t provide the level of detail needed for the project. The result was delays, additional costs, and the need to bring in a new architect mid-process. Situations like this happen far more often than people realize, and they’re exactly why proper vetting matters so much before construction begins. Most importantly, I explain why construction administration may be the single most overlooked part of the entire architectural process. Your architect should not disappear once plans are complete. The most critical moments for oversight happen during foundations, wall assemblies, windows, roofing, and enclosure detailing — because that’s where healthy homes are either protected or compromised. In today's episode, we're talking about:Why beautiful portfolios don’t guarantee healthy home expertiseHow to define your healthy home goals before hiring an architectThe hidden gaps homeowners miss when reviewing architectural servicesWhy consultant relationships matter more than most people realizeThe critical role architects should play during construction

    19 min

  5. May 19

    Wellness Rooms Done Right: Avoiding Mold & Air Quality Failures | Ep. 33

    Build a healthier home with aligned professionals nationwide using our free Holistic Homes Directory 🏡🌱 https://holistichomesdirectory.com/ Want to apply to be listed in the Holistic Homes Directory? DM me APPLY on Instagram 📩 https://www.instagram.com/holistichomes.bychristine If you think adding a sauna, cold plunge, or luxury gym automatically creates a “wellness” home, you may be creating one of the most moisture-prone and toxic spaces in your entire house. I see stunning wellness rooms constantly filled with hidden humidity problems, poor air quality, mold-prone materials, and mechanical systems that were never designed to handle the load. A beautiful wellness room means nothing if it’s quietly becoming a mold farm behind the walls. Today, I’m sharing how to properly design a true wellness room — from gyms and steam showers to saunas, cold plunges, lighting, air filtration, and humidity control. In 2025 alone, I’ve consulted on luxury projects nationwide ranging from smaller wellness additions to large-scale estates with fully integrated wellness wings, detached pool structures, infrared saunas, steam showers, and advanced indoor air quality systems. One of the biggest patterns I continue seeing is homeowners investing heavily into aesthetics while completely overlooking the mechanical planning, vapor control, drainage, and filtration systems that actually determine whether these spaces are healthy or harmful long term. I walk through the biggest mistakes I see in modern wellness spaces — from steam showers built like standard showers, to rubber gym flooring trapping moisture beneath it, to mini split systems quietly growing mold while recirculating contaminated air. I also explain why wellness rooms are one of the highest humidity-load environments in a home and why improper planning can lead to long-term water damage behind expensive finishes. I also break down what actually works: dedicated mechanical systems, HEPA filtration, circadian-friendly lighting, emergency floor drains near cold plunges, humidity extraction strategies, dedicated laundry spaces, and designing wellness spaces around prevention instead of aesthetics alone. Because a true wellness room should support your health — not slowly compromise it. In today's episode, we're talking about:Why most luxury wellness rooms are missing critical health considerationsThe hidden mold risks behind steam showers, saunas, and cold plungesWhy lighting and circadian-friendly LEDs matter more than people realizeThe dangers of mini splits and rubber gym flooring in wellness spacesHow proper mechanical design transforms indoor air quality and moisture controlWhy prevention-focused wellness design matters from the planning stage

    16 min

  6. May 12

    Healthy Bathrooms Explained: Prevent Mold, Leaks & Costly Repairs | Ep. 32

    Build a healthier home with aligned professionals nationwide using our free Holistic Homes Directory 🏡🌱 https://holistichomesdirectory.com/ Want to apply to be listed in the Holistic Homes Directory? DM me APPLY on Instagram 📩 https://www.instagram.com/holistichomes.bychristine If you think your bathroom is waterproof just because it has tile, you may be setting yourself up for one of the most common and expensive failures inside a home. I’ve seen families uncover hidden leaks, mold, rotted framing, and major structural damage years after a “beautiful” bathroom renovation was completed — simply because the waterproofing failed behind the walls. Today, I’m sharing what actually creates a healthy bathroom, why so many bathrooms fail, and the critical mistakes most homeowners and contractors completely overlook during renovations and new construction. In 2025 alone, I consulted on healthy home projects across the country involving everything from small bathroom remodels to large custom estates. Bathrooms continue to be one of the most common sources of hidden leaks, mold growth, wood rot, and long-term moisture damage. Many of these failures begin with improper waterproofing, poor material selection, skipped leak testing, or contractors covering up moisture before materials are fully dry. I walk you through what should happen before any bathroom rebuild even begins — including post-remediation clearance, moisture testing of framing and slabs, and why rebuilding too quickly often creates even bigger problems later. I also break down the real differences between center drains and linear drains, why large-format tile changes your waterproofing strategy, and the hidden maintenance issues most people never think about until it’s too late. I also explain what actually works when building a robust, healthier bathroom: properly tested waterproofing systems, leak testing shower pans beyond minimum code standards, waterproofing outside the shower itself, avoiding MDF baseboards, and using more durable wall systems like interior glass mat drywall instead of traditional paper-faced drywall. The goal is simple — every material in your bathroom should be able to handle water and humidity without slowly creating damage behind the scenes. In today's episode, we're talking about:Why bathrooms are one of the biggest hidden mold risks in a homeThe critical mistake homeowners make after mold remediationCenter drains vs. linear drains and what most people overlookWhy tile does NOT make your shower waterproofThe importance of leak testing shower pans and waterproofing entire bathroomsBetter wall and baseboard materials for humid environmentsHow to build a bathroom that can actually handle water long term Connect with me: Instagram

    23 min

  7. May 5

    How to build a healthy kitchen | Ep. 31

    Build a healthier home with aligned professionals nationwide using our free Holistic Homes Directory 🏡🌱 https://holistichomesdirectory.com/ Want to apply to be listed in the Holistic Homes Directory? DM me APPLY on Instagram 📩 https://www.instagram.com/holistichomes.bychristine If you think your kitchen is one of the safest spaces in your home, you may be overlooking one of the biggest sources of hidden damage. I’ve seen minor leaks from dishwashers or refrigerator lines turn into full mold remediation projects—costing tens of thousands and impacting indoor air quality for years. Today, I’m sharing what actually goes into designing a healthy kitchen—from water management to air quality and appliance decisions. In my work as a licensed general contractor and holistic home consultant, I’ve seen kitchens repeatedly show up in mold remediation projects across new builds and renovations. From Southern California to nationwide consulting projects, kitchens are one of the most failure-prone areas due to the concentration of plumbing, appliances, and ventilation systems—all interacting in one space. I walk you through what I consistently see behind the walls: a “spider web” of plumbing lines feeding sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators, and ice makers—often spread throughout the kitchen. When one small leak goes undetected, it can sit for years, damaging cabinetry, subfloors, and indoor air quality. One of the biggest shifts I recommend is creating a dedicated wet zone—centralizing plumbing around the sink, dishwasher, and ice maker. This not only reduces the number of hidden leak points but allows for better containment with drip pans and leak detection systems. It’s a simple design decision that can prevent major failures. I also break down the reality behind common design choices. Pot fillers may seem like a luxury upgrade, but they introduce stagnant water lines and additional leak risks. Gas ranges, while preferred for cooking, can impact indoor air quality if not properly accounted for in the mechanical design. And even high-performance homes can fail if ventilation and makeup air aren’t properly calculated. The takeaway is this: kitchens aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re one of the most technical and risk-sensitive areas of your home. When planned correctly, they can support both your health and long-term durability. When overlooked, they become a major source of hidden damage. In today's episode, we're talking about:Why kitchens are one of the highest-risk areas for hidden leaksHow to design a dedicated wet zone to prevent major damageThe truth about pot fillers and why they often backfireGas vs. induction ranges and their impact on air qualityThe layered approach to leak detection that actually works Connect with me: Instagram

    18 min

  8. Apr 28

    Avoid these toxic materials | Ep. 30

    Build a healthier home with aligned professionals nationwide using our free Holistic Homes Directory 🏡🌱 https://holistichomesdirectory.com/ Want to apply to be listed in the Holistic Homes Directory? DM me APPLY on Instagram 📩 https://www.instagram.com/holistichomes.bychristine If you think upgrading to “luxury finishes” automatically means you’re creating a healthier, better home, you may be exposing yourself to hidden toxins that compromise your air quality, trap moisture, and lead to long-term damage. I’ve seen homeowners invest 2–4x more in high-end materials—only to end up with mold risks, VOC exposure, and costly remediation down the line. Today, I’m sharing the truth about luxury materials that aren’t as safe as they seem—and what to use instead to create a truly healthy home. In 2025 alone, I consulted on projects across multiple states where high-end builds prioritized aesthetics over building science—resulting in elevated VOC levels, trapped moisture behind finishes, and even full material removals. From Southern California to nationwide consulting work, I’ve seen firsthand how decisions like spray foam insulation, MDF millwork, and vinyl finishes can quietly undermine both health and durability when not properly evaluated. I walk you through real scenarios, including a project where we lab-tested a “green” spray foam sample that still showed unusually high VOC off-gassing—forcing a full pivot before installation. I also break down how common design choices like MDF paneling and vinyl wallpaper can introduce formaldehyde, trap moisture, and even lead to mold growth behind walls. These are the kinds of issues most homeowners don’t discover until it’s too late. Then, I shift into what actually works—how to choose solid wood over MDF, vapor-open materials over moisture-trapping finishes, and smarter flooring options for wellness spaces. You don’t have to sacrifice beauty to build a healthy home—but you do need to understand what’s behind the finishes and how materials behave over time. In today's episode, we're talking about:Why spray foam insulation isn’t the “perfect” upgrade it’s marketed to beThe hidden dangers of MDF in trim, paneling, and cabinetryWhy vinyl wallpaper can trap moisture and grow mold behind wallsThe risks of rubber gym flooring and how to use it safelyHow to balance luxury finishes with low-toxicity, durable alternatives Connect with me: Instagram

    23 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Holistic Homes Podcast, the place for homeowners who are considering a new build or renovation and are ready to take the power of their home’s health into their own hands. Building failures are happening everyday, Yes! even in new construction. I don’t want that for you, so I’m here as your holistic construction resource to guide you thru it all. I’m your host Christine Cimabue, and I’m a licensed contractor and holistic construction consultant. Everyday I hear stories about people moving into their dream home, only to realize months later that faulty construction is negatively effecting their health. This situation breaks my heart and I believe in empowering people to speak up in every step of the process. This podcast is where real, confident and stress free healthy home building begins! Best of all, you don’t have to learn how to be contractor to effectively communicate your healthy home vision to your contractor or design team. I’ll show you how! Join us as we chat about everything from mold prevention to the effects of different lighting on your health. What should you be asking your contractor? What's the best performing building materials? and how to spot red flags during construction? We’re walking through it all together. So whether you're interested in understanding the health risks in modern builds, creating a healthy bathroom, or finding the right contractor for your holistic home build, I’ve got you covered. It's time to create a safe and healthy home that aligns with your vision. Tune in to the Holistic Homes Podcast and start your journey towards your dream healthy home.

Information

  • Creator
    Christine Cimabue | Holistic Construction Consultant
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Christine Cimabue | Holistic Construction Consultant
  • Show Website
    The Holistic Homes Podcast

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