Turns out that the air inside an average home is more polluted than air outside. The EPA says that on average, indoor air is four times more polluted than outdoor air (according to California Air Resources Board). Paints, building materials and furnishings emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and can contain compounds like formaldehyde and urea that can cause skin and respiratory irritation, nausea and even cancer. Pesticides can be unintentionally tracked indoors. Molds, bacteria, and dust mites can trigger allergies and other ailments. Since most Americans spend ninety percent of their time indoors (and 65% of that time at home), we should insure that the air inside our homes is better than the air outside.

We build homes that are virtually free of indoor air pollution by using low- or no-VOC paints and stains, and low VOC millwork. Our homes are steel framed to reduce the possibility of mold. To keep contaminants on your shoes from tracking into the home, we add a permanent walk-off mat by the front door. Our radiant heating system doesn't force contaminants back into the air the way conventional forced-air systems do. In homes with attached garages, we employ an exhaust system that runs for a few minutes after the door opens to remove carbon monoxide from the air. Some of our homes also include a built-in indoor garden, with select plants that are prolific oxygen creators, and others that filter the air of certain contaminants. Fresh air … coming soon inside a (Living)Home near you.