The Holistic Homes Podcast

Christine Cimabue | Holistic Construction Consultant
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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. 4D AGO

    Maximize Your Build Budget: Where to Spend, Save, and Splurge | Ep. 17

    If you think spending more on finishes automatically means a better-built home, you may be setting yourself up for a very expensive failure. I’ve seen families pour hundreds of thousands into marble, cabinetry, and fixtures, only to discover water intrusion, mold, and structural issues hiding behind the walls years later. Today, I’m sharing how to actually maximize your build or renovation budget by knowing where to spend, where to save, and where cutting corners will cost you far more in the long run. In 2025 alone, my team consulted on projects ranging from small renovations to multi-million-dollar custom homes across multiple states. I routinely review builds quoted anywhere from $300 to over $1,000 per square foot, and the biggest failures I see have nothing to do with square footage and everything to do with how the enclosure, roof, and moisture systems were prioritized. One of the most common mistakes I see starts early, when builders quote a cost per square foot without clearly defining what’s included. Most of the time, that range is driven by finishes — appliances, fixtures, hardware — not by the performance of the exterior walls, roof, or foundation. That’s dangerous, because those are the parts of your home you’ll likely never rebuild. I walk through a real, high-profile $22 million Los Angeles home that became the center of a major lawsuit after the buyer discovered active water intrusion and mold — issues caused by aesthetic-driven exterior decisions and minimal waterproofing. The home looked flawless, but it wasn’t built to manage water. That single oversight turned into a catastrophic financial and legal situation. What actually works is reversing how you think about budget. Start from the outside in. Prioritize one-and-done systems like basements, roofs, exterior walls, and waterproofing. Then allocate what’s left to interior finishes, especially the ones that are easy to upgrade later. This approach protects both your investment and your health, and it prevents the kind of failures I see every single week. In today's episode, we're talking about:Why cost per square foot is a misleading budgeting toolThe “one-and-done” systems you should never cheap out onWhere healthy home upgrades actually matter mostWhich finishes you can safely save on (and upgrade later)How to have smarter budget conversations with architects and builders Connect with me: Instagram

    21 min

  2. JAN 21

    Why Building Code Isn’t Enough: The Case for Third-Party Testing | Ep. 16

    If you think passing building code means your home is protected, you may be trusting a system that was never designed to safeguard your health. I’ve seen brand-new homes with leaking windows, trapped moisture, and failures that cost families tens — sometimes hundreds — of thousands of dollars to fix after move-in. Today, I’m sharing exactly why third-party testing is the most important step you can take when building or renovating a truly healthy home — and why it rarely happens unless you demand it. In 2025 alone, I’ve consulted on residential projects across California, Texas, and the East Coast, many with 30–40+ windows per home. Time and time again, I’ve watched projects rely solely on 30-minute city inspections — inspections that are designed to check boxes, not detect water intrusion, flashing failures, or enclosure defects. Even with modern materials and premium windows, failures are common when no independent testing is performed. I walk you through two real projects that illustrate the stakes. In one, we coordinated third-party leak testing at the mock-up stage — testing the first few windows as soon as they were installed. When issues showed up, the team corrected them immediately before the remaining 40 windows went in, saving months of delay and enormous cost. In another project, testing was postponed until after all windows were installed. Within minutes, the first two windows failed. Water entered the home, revealing incompatible sealants and missing flashing details. The result? Every window had to be corrected, construction paused, and difficult accountability conversations followed — all of which could have been avoided. I also explain what proper testing actually looks like: controlled, standards-based testing (ASTM / AAMA), not garden hoses and guesswork. This process stress-tests your home under pressure, revealing failures before drywall, stucco, or brick locks problems in place. It’s proactive quality control — not reactive remediation. In today's episode, we're talking about:Why building code is the bare minimum, not a quality benchmarkWhat third-party testing actually is (and what it isn’t)When leak testing should happen during constructionReal-world examples of window failures and how they were caughtHow to budget and plan for testing without derailing your project Connect with me: Instagram

    26 min

  3. JAN 13

    2025 Wrap-Up: How We're Making Healthier Homes in 2026 | Ep. 15

    If you think renovations are the “safer” or more affordable path to a healthy home, you may be setting yourself up for one of the most devastating mistakes you can make. I’ve watched families plan for a $20,000 remodel only to face $300,000+ in hidden damage, years of displacement, and ongoing health issues. Today, I’m sharing what 2025 taught me — why my firm focuses almost exclusively on custom new builds, what actually works, and the painful realities I see behind the scenes when renovations go wrong. In 2025 alone, my team consulted on nearly $100 million in real estate projects across 15+ states, from 1,000 sq ft homes to 30,000 sq ft estates. Less than 2% of that work involved renovations — and that number is intentional. Renovations often uncover failing plumbing, deteriorated building paper, leaking windows, and slabs without vapor barriers, turning “small projects” into unlivable homes. I walk you through a real Southern California project that spiraled from a simple remodel into a full interior gut, leaking brand-new windows, and the looming possibility of stripping the entire exterior. The emotional toll on families — especially those with sick children — is something I see every single week. I also peel back the curtain on what does work: pre-construction planning, third-party leak testing during construction (not after failure), data-driven design decisions, and builders who welcome accountability instead of resisting it. These strategies are how we prevent mold, water intrusion, and catastrophic failures — not Band-Aid fixes after the damage is done In today's episode, we're talking about:Why renovations fail far more often than people realizeThe hidden risks in older homes no one budgets forScope creep and how it destroys families financially and emotionallyWhy third-party testing during construction changes everythingHow proactive planning creates truly healthy homes Connect with me: Instagram

    30 min

  4. 09/17/2025

    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

    30 min

  5. 09/10/2025

    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" optionWhat makes a robust set of construction documents Why hiring an architect separately from your builder Connect with me: Instagram

    29 min

  6. 09/03/2025

    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 homeHow to be proactive rather than reactive Connect with me: Instagram

    43 min

  7. 08/20/2025

    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 needHow 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 assembliesWhy your contractor must be involved in the design stage to prevent budget disastersThe truth about what it actually costs to build a healthy home (hint: start budgeting at $400+ per square foot) Connect with me: Instagram

    37 min

  8. 07/30/2025

    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

    21 min
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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
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Christine Cimabue | Holistic Construction Consultant
  • Show Website
    The Holistic Homes Podcast

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