Living a low-tox lifestyle is more than a trend—it’s becoming a priority for families who care about long-term health and wellness. While striking design and luxury finishes are a given in every custom home we build, at BOLD Construction, we also offer something just as essential: the option to build a healthy home. That means cleaner air, purer water, and materials carefully chosen to reduce harmful toxins and allergens.
In this blog, we’ll explore what a healthy home truly is, how it differs from green building, and the specific ways BOLD Construction helps clients in Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, and surrounding areas create homes that are as healthy as they are beautiful.
What Is a Healthy Home?
A healthy home is built with one goal in mind: promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the people (and pets) who live in it.
That might sound like a lofty concept, but in practice, it’s rooted in very tangible construction choices. From the materials we use behind the walls to the products you touch every day—paint, flooring, cabinetry, air systems—we ensure they’re safe, nontoxic, and built to reduce indoor air pollution, allergens, and moisture-related problems.
Green Building vs. Healthy Building: What’s the Difference?
The terms green building and healthy home building are often used interchangeably—but they’re not the same thing. While both share common values, they serve different purposes:
| Green Building | Healthy Building |
|---|---|
| Primary Goal: Reduce environmental impact | Primary Goal: Promote occupant health |
| Focus: Sustainability, energy efficiency, resource conservation | Focus: Indoor air & water quality, nontoxic materials, wellness |
| Materials: Recycled, reclaimed, or sustainably harvested | Materials: Low-VOC, mold-resistant, free from toxins or allergens |
| Outcomes: Lower carbon footprint | Outcomes: Cleaner air, fewer chemicals, better sleep, less illness |
Bottom line: Green building is about preserving the planet. Healthy home building is about protecting the people who live inside. At BOLD Construction, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between the two—so we combine both where possible.
How Do We Accomplish a Healthy Home at BOLD?
Building a healthier home starts well before we break ground. From the materials we recommend to the mechanical systems we design, every detail is grounded in building science, industry best practices, and a deep commitment to your family’s well-being.
1. Healthier Air
We go beyond standard ventilation to ensure the air inside your home is as clean and breathable as the landscape outside your window.
Low- and No-VOC Materials
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AdvanTech™ Subfloor Adhesive
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Water-based hardwood floor sealers
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Zero-VOC insulation options like cotton or wool
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Induction cooktops (safer than gas appliances)
Advanced Filtration & Ventilation Options
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Whole-house HEPA filters and MERV-rated media air cleaners
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UV-C air purifiers and LED filtration lights
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Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) or Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs)
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Electronic air filters
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Integrated dehumidifiers for moisture control
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Garage ventilation fans with motion sensors
Better HVAC by Design
We take HVAC planning seriously, from duct sizing and zoning to proper return placement—ensuring clean air is circulated efficiently and consistently.
UV-C Light Technology
“UV-C light cleans up pathogens and is harmless to humans. These options reduce the number of chemicals we might currently utilize for the same cleaning.”
— Fred Maxik, Chief Technology Officer, Healthē by Lighting Science
Extra Safeguards
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Sealed, conditioned crawl spaces
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Proper site grading and drainage
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Bora-Care® with Mold-Care® treatment
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Duct sealing and pressure testing
2. Cleaner Water
Water is one of the most frequently used resources in your home—and it directly impacts your health.
PEX Plumbing
We use PEX piping instead of copper or CPVC for better resistance to corrosion and chemical leaching.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
RO systems remove a wide range of contaminants—including lead, arsenic, and pharmaceuticals.
Smart Leak Protection
Systems like Flo by Moen® detect leaks in real-time and automatically shut off water if needed.
3. Health-Conscious Surfaces
Surfaces in your home should not only look beautiful—they should also protect your family’s health.
Nonporous Countertops
Quartz resists bacteria, mold, and mildew without harsh sealants.
Touchless Fixtures
Delta® Touch Technology faucets help reduce germ transmission.
SurfaceShield™ Exhaust Fans
Antimicrobial light helps reduce mold and mildew in bathrooms.
4. Smart Design for Wellness
We design homes that feel good to live in—spaces that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Natural Light & Noise Control
We optimize window placement, house orientation, and insulation to support your circadian rhythm and reduce stress.
Humidity & Moisture Management
Drainage, ventilation, and dehumidifiers work together to prevent mold and allergens.
Dedicated Wellness Spaces
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Home gyms and yoga studios
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Swim-in-place or lap pools
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Cold plunges, steam rooms, and saunas
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Massage tubs and spa-like bathrooms
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Meditation or music rooms
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Home theaters and wine cellars
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Outdoor living spaces
Living in Place (Universal Design)
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Curbless showers and larger bathrooms
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Elevator shafts or pre-installed elevators
Additional Considerations
We also recommend early design decisions that contribute to long-term health and safety:
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Radon mitigation for slab-on-grade homes
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Termite-resistant treatments
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Passive solar site planning
Why It Matters
The average person spends 90% of their time indoors, and indoor air can be up to 5x more polluted than outdoor air.
Whether you’re raising kids, managing allergies, or simply prioritizing health, a healthy home enhances your day-to-day life—and adds long-term value to your investment.
And because many healthy building practices overlap with green building strategies, you also reduce your utility bills, conserve energy, and protect the environment.
Building Healthier Homes in North Carolina
At BOLD Construction, we’re proud to lead the way in healthier home building across Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, and Hillsborough. Whether you’re dreaming of a wellness-focused home or just want to make more mindful choices, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to Build a Healthier Custom Home?
Let’s talk. We’d love to help you breathe easier, live better, and build BOLDLY.