Indoor Air Quality

Mold and Radon Gas are the two largest offenders of lowering indoor air quality within your home. Because many people who have never build a home prior to the purchase of their home design plans, they do not know the dangers associated with these two air quality issues and therefore take their chances by not having necessary tests performed.

Stock home plan designers will generally issue some helpful hints for first time home builders that include information regarding preventing indoor air quality issues. One of the first things that you hear from the home plan designers is to ensure that the contractor or subcontractor installs the vapor barrier on the exterior walls in exactly the right way.

Studies have demonstrated there many homes build from purchased home building plans are constructed with the moisture barrier installed incorrectly. This can be a leading instigator for mold and mildew which pollute the air and could eventually destroy the home you build from your purchased home plans.

In addition, foundations that are not properly sealed or drained can also invite mold and mildew to form in your home. A builder who follows properly all of the instructions associated with your stock home plans will be able to ensure that the materials are installed correctly.

Soil testing is recommended for all home builders by custom home plan architects and designers. The reason is that some soil areas are just not meant for home building. Accommodations may be required in order to build on or near large amounts of water or over a mine area.

An environmental testing company can help! They will take soil samples and after analysis, they will be able to provide building plan recommendations that will help the homeowner to keep their air quality of high standards.

Environmental testing is also the method used to test a home for the presence of Radon gas. Outdoor levels can be tested in areas where a home hasn’t yet been built. By looking over the home building plans, a mitigation specialist can help the homeowner to adapt their home design or building location in order to reduce the danger presented by the presence of Radon gas in an area where stock home plans are to be turned into reality.

Regardless of what you find, before beginning construction from your home building plans, it is imperative that you have the necessary testing completed. Most environmental and air quality tests are not mandatory in most locales. However, for the health and safety of your family, the added expense is justifiable.

This home building article by:
Michelle McClory with AmazingPlans.com