Toxic by Default: Why Most Remodels Are Still Making You Sick

Introduction: 

That fresh “new home” smell? It’s not as innocent as it seems.

In most remodels, the real story isn’t in the finishes you can see—it’s in the fumes you can’t. From “builder-grade” materials packed with formaldehyde to adhesives that off-gas for years, most standard construction practices are toxic by default.

Unless you’re working with a team that truly prioritizes health, you’re likely breathing in a cocktail of VOCs, microplastics, and hormone-disrupting chemicals every single day.

The Hidden Health Risks in a Typical Remodel

It’s not just about discomfort. Long-term exposure to toxic building materials can contribute to:

• Headaches, fatigue, and poor sleep
• Endocrine disruption
  Respiratory issues and allergies
  Cognitive fog and irritability
  

These symptoms are often brushed off or misattributed, but they can stem directly from what’s in your paint, your floors, your cabinets—even your air ducts.

And here’s the hard truth: these materials are baked into the industry’s baseline because it’s simply how things have always been done. Even though non-toxic alternatives are widely available—many from U.S.-based manufacturers—switching to healthier options isn’t “standard procedure” for most large-scale builders.

Why? Because change is inconvenient.

It takes retraining crews, rebuilding supply chains, and rethinking every line item. So most builders stick with what’s cheap, fast, and easy: conventional paints, standard insulation, MDF cabinetry, and synthetic flooring.

At Enso, we’ve built a different standard.

Every product, every layer, and every finish is selected with your health in mind. No greenwashing. No shortcuts. Just real materials that support long-term wellness—not just resale value.

Moved into a freshly “remodeled” rental?

That crisp smell could be off-gassing VOCs from synthetic carpets, vinyl flooring or solvent-heavy paints. This is an overlooked but major issue for health-conscious tenants.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Ask your landlord if zero-VOC paints were used.
• Ask to install a basic under-sink water filter or negotiate with the Landlord and see if they will install one for you! (They’re cost-effective and add long-term value.)
• Run an air purifier during the first 1–2 months of move-in, especially if paint or flooring was recently installed. I adore the Jaspr brand.
• Avoid sleeping near smart meters or routers (EMF exposure in tight spaces is real).
  

Pro tip for property managers: These simple upgrades cost less than a name-brand faucet, but speak volumes to a growing market of wellness-savvy renters who are actively seeking healthier homes.

It’s Time to Expect More

The truth? Most remodels are still toxic because the industry hasn’t caught up with what modern homeowners (and renters) now know:

Health belongs at the foundation of design—not as an afterthought.

At Enso, we believe the spaces you live in should help you thrive. That’s why we say no to materials that harm, and yes to intelligent alternatives—formaldehyde-free woods, zero-VOC finishes, clean adhesives, and construction crews trained to build with wellness in mind.

Whether you’re remodeling your forever home or renting your next space—you deserve to breathe easy. ‍