In today’s world, one of a contractor’s biggest challenges is to find experienced skilled tradesmen to hire. This trend began around 2012, after the construction industry took a big economic hit in 2008. During that time, many contractors closed their businesses and baby boomers went into retirement. Then in 2019, the construction industry took another hit due to Covid. Many tradesmen hung up their tool belt for the last time.

So much has changed

When I started out as a carpenter in the late 70’s, a carpenter was expected to do so much more than carpentry. We needed to weld, roof, form, pour, and finish concrete, insulate, drywall and tape, install tile and flooring, frame with metal studs, and install acoustical ceilings. In my case, I had to shoot elevations and operate equipment. From today’s standards, we were certainly called “Jack of all trades.”

Today, much of construction has become segmented. This means that a carpenter will only do
carpentry, an insulator insulates, a concrete person does concrete, a flooring contractor only does floors and so on. From a contractor’s view, the advantage of specializing in a trade is to get in, complete the task, and get out quickly. This minimizes risk and increases profits for one’s specific niche.

There have been big changes in building materials as well. A once somewhat clean concrete mix now has many different chemical additives like super plasticizers, reducers, accelerators, and fly ash. All of these prevent the concrete from drying out, which results in off-gassing. Solid wood building components are replaced with compressed wood chips held together by toxic flammable glues. Petrochemical based building finishes such as flooring, cabinets, wall panels, paints and stains have replaced natural healthy materials and finishes. Even our mechanicals and smart appliances have transmitters that send RF wireless radiation throughout the home.

Conventional building design is not exempt. The laws of thermodynamics are not always considered when designing foundations, wall assemblies, roofs, and mechanicals. This results in moisture and mold problems down the road. Not understanding the lead and lag side of a building and window placement can affect air quality and natural lighting. Even conventional mechanical designs, installation, and electrical components can highly affect indoor air quality and increase electrical and magnetic fields.

Conventional construction is more focused on completing the building project as quickly as possible, getting paid, and moving on to the next project. Considering healthy options in the building process isn’t always a priority for most contractors, yet there are some who are becoming aware of this problem.

Today’s Results

In 2016, alarm bells began to ring as waves of construction defects were appearing everywhere. These construction defects were occurring because of poor designs or defective materials. There were also the added issues of inexperienced workers being in the industry, and poor workmanship. The main resulting problems had to do with water intrusion, and improper roof and window flashing. This was causing water damage in walls and attics which enhanced the development of mold.

A couple of years ago, I was inspecting a roof on a home that had gone through a tear off and reroof. As I was inspecting the flashing areas (where 90% if roof leaks occur), I noticed that the skylights were caulked to the newly laid shingles rather than using the proper step flashing. Then I looked into the attic. Mold was covering the attic’s building components due to the years of roof leaks around those skylights.

Unfortunately, I’ve come across other common construction defects too. These defects have included settling of foundation and floor slabs, leaky pipes in the walls, inadequate indoor ventilation, and faulty window and siding installations.

Something to Consider

If you want a contractor to build (or remodel) a home that enhances health and wellness, it’s necessary to explain those procedures to the contractor in an understandable way for them to perform the work.

At Holistic Dwellings, I’ve created subcontractors’ specifications, awarded projects to hundreds of contractors, and managed them through the completion of work with great success. Years of experience and skill pulls it all together for a successful project completion.

If you are contemplating building a new home, remodel, or an addition, I can work with you or your architect to help implement design standards and specifications that enhance health and wellbeing. It’s always best to incorporate healthy principles in the beginning stages of your project.

– John