Here at Robin Ford Building, we pride ourselves on crafting custom homes with your wellbeing in mind—and that includes having quality air within those homes. As a qualified Indoor AirPLUS builder, one of only six in the greater Baltimore metropolitan area, we’re happy to say that 100% of our homes are built to that standard. With that said, we feel that it’s important to highlight what goes into being qualified as an Indoor AirPLUS builder partner and how the homes we build are unique as a result.
What Are Indoor AirPLUS Certified Homes?
Indoor AirPLUS is a voluntary partnership and labeling program that has specific construction practices, product specifications, and other requirements aimed at reducing exposure to any airborne pollutants. Having clean air is essential for growth and health, which for many families investing in a custom home is a priority. These requirements involve the selection and installation of moisture control systems, HVAC systems, combustion-venting systems, radon resistant construction, and low-emitting building materials—all aimed at giving you a custom home better equipped for healthy living.
How Did Robin Ford Become Indoor AirPLUS Certified?
Indoor AirPLUS certified builders must first get their ENERGY STAR certification, which is a government-backed symbol related to energy efficiency. This is a sign that a home exceeds the minimum build requirements and aims to reduce greenhouse gases. Additionally, the builder then must add additional design and construction features to protect a home from moisture, mold, pests, and combustion gases, as well as other airborne pollutants that you may not even know are within many homes. To be qualified, the homes are then inspected by an independent third-party that verifies the home was built in compliance with the EPA’s rigorous standards.
Why Should It Matter to Homeowners?
To understand why making this difference matters, let’s break down some stats:
- Around 46% of homes have high allergen levels, causing stuffiness and sneezing.
- Humid homes are much more likely to suffer from dust mites and mold once a home’s humidity level is over 50%.
- Roughly 1 in 10 homes report evidence of either rodents or cockroaches in their homes.
- One out of 15 homes has high radon levels: a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer.
- Volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde are between 2-5 times higher indoors compared to outdoors. Some of these cause adverse health effects, from allergies and asthma to cancer.
There are just a few reasons that having an Indoor AirPLUS certified home matters. To ensure good health for you and your family, invest in your air quality.
Robin Ford can help you to build the custom home of your dreams!
With over 30 years of award-winning custom home building experience, Robin Ford and his team of expert craftsmen have earned a stellar reputation for their commitment to quality. Click here to learn more about financing options and how we can help you build a home within your budget.
As an Indoor airPLUS Partner, ENERGY STAR® Partner, Certified Green Professional, and Maryland’s only proud member of the exclusive Southern Living Custom Builder Program –Robin Ford Building and Remodeling, Inc. is equipped to build you a home that your children’s children will want to own.
Call 410-239-8850 or contact us here to start experiencing The Robin Ford Difference today. You can also connect with us on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+, and LinkedIn.
