Healthy Home Construction, Building Smarter, and the Future of Better Homes with Lauren Riddei

Healthy home construction is more than just a buzzword—it’s fast becoming the next frontier for serious builders, and Lauren Riddei is right in the middle of the shift.

Lauren Riddei is a strategic advisor and consultant specializing in building health, indoor air quality, and the use of non-toxic materials. Her background spans brand strategy, marketing, and now an intense focus on how homes affect the health of the people living in them.

In this episode of Builder Straight Talk, Lauren breaks down why healthy home construction isn't just for luxury clients anymore—it’s something buyers are starting to demand across all market levels. From indoor air quality and moisture control to material selection and smart ventilation, Lauren lays out how even small decisions during construction can have huge impacts on long-term occupant health.

“The way we’ve been building for speed and cost efficiency has introduced real health problems—especially in energy-tight homes.”

Lauren shares how the industry’s push for energy efficiency created a second problem: homes that don't breathe properly. Without better ventilation, filtration, and smarter material choices, today's "tight" homes can trap pollutants inside, leading to serious health consequences over time.

She’s clear about this: healthy home construction isn’t just about switching to non-toxic paint or eco-friendly insulation. It's a full systems approach that builders need to understand if they want to future-proof their projects—and protect their reputations as client expectations rise.

Lauren also highlights simple, practical ways builders can start improving their builds today:

• Choosing low-VOC and formaldehyde-free materials
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• Implementing balanced ventilation systems
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• Designing for proper moisture management from slab to roof
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• Educating clients early to set realistic expectations about upgrades and options

“You don’t have to flip your entire process overnight. Start small. But start thinking differently.”

One powerful insight Lauren shares is how the pandemic shifted consumer awareness. People are now more concerned than ever about the air they breathe indoors—and that awareness is bleeding into how buyers shop for homes, especially in competitive markets.

Builders who lean into healthy home construction now will be positioned as leaders, not laggards, when these demands become standard across the industry.

She also touches on the financial angle: properly executed healthy home features can actually increase property value, drive better appraisals, and offer a new angle for marketing homes in crowded markets.

“You can’t afford to ignore this. The clients are waking up. It’s not a niche anymore—it’s an expectation.”

If you’re a builder, developer, or tradesperson serious about staying ahead of market shifts, Lauren’s insights will show you how to integrate healthy building practices without blowing up your margins or operations.

Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen here or on your favorite podcast platform.

About Lauren Riddei
Lauren Riddei is a building health consultant and brand strategist dedicated to improving the construction industry's approach to occupant wellnes