The Complete 2026 Site Selection Guide: What I'd Check Before Buying Land to Build

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Why Site Selection Matters

THE 5 CRITICAL CHECKS:

Bonus Checks: Additional Due Diligence

Your Action Plan

Free Site Selection Toolkit [COMING SOON]

Download Complete Checklist (PDF) [COMING SOON]

⚑ TL;DR - The Quick Version

Short on time? Here's what you need to know:

Making an offer on land? Run these 5 checks FIRST:

βœ… Flood Zones β†’ msc.fema.gov (Avoid Zones A, AE, AO, AH, V, VE)

βœ… Cell Towers β†’ antennasearch.com (Minimum Β½ mile distance recommended)

βœ… Power Lines β†’ Call your utility for FREE EMF testing (Minimum 1/10 mile from high-voltage lines)

βœ… Contamination β†’ epa.gov/superfund (Check for Superfund sites, former industrial use)

βœ… Deed Restrictions β†’ Request CCRs from seller (Can add $50K+ in surprise costs)

πŸ“₯ Download the complete printable checklist here

⏱️ Time investment: 10-15 hours of research could save you $50,000-$500,000+ in remediation costs.

Introduction: Why I'm Sharing This

After 14 years as a corporate attorney and becoming a Certified Passive House Builder following my family's toxic mold crisis, I've learned this truth the hard way:

Your building site matters (maybe even more than your floor plan).

You can change your countertops, upgrade your HVAC, and repaint every room. But you cannot move away from a cell tower, relocate high-voltage power lines, change your flood risk, or remediate contaminated soil without extraordinary expenseβ€”if it's even possible at all.

I've worked with too many families who discovered these issues six months after move-in:

  • The basement that floods every spring

  • The constant EMF exposure from transmission lines they didn't notice

  • The contaminated groundwater affecting their well

  • The $50,000 driveway requirement buried in deed restrictions they never read

These situations are 100% preventable.

This blog and the guides I’ve prepared provide the exact site selection checklist I useβ€”combining my legal background, building science training, and hard-won personal experience.

Why Site Selection Deserves Your Full Attention

The Permanence Problem

Location decisions are fundamentally different from design decisions

πŸ’° The True Cost of Mistakes

Site-related issues often cost 10-50 times more to remediate than to identify upfront:

*Costs will vary greatly based on a variety of factors

πŸ₯ The Health Implications

As a certified Healthy Home Consultant, I've seen how environmental factors affect families:

  • Chronic EMF exposure disrupting sleep and cellular function

  • Mold growth from unrecognized flood risk destroying health and property

  • Chemical sensitivities triggered by contaminated soil off-gassing

  • Stress-related illness from ongoing environmental concerns

Prevention isn't just cheaperβ€”it's essential for long-term wellbeing.

CHECK #1: Flood Risk Assessment

⚠️ Why This Matters

"It's never flooded here" is not a risk assessment. Climate patterns are changing, hundred-year floods are occurring more frequently, and even "low risk" zones experience flooding.

Key Facts:

  • Flood damage causes billions in property losses annually

  • Creates perfect conditions for toxic mold growth

  • Affects property value and insurance costs permanently

πŸ”§ What to Do

STEP 1: Check FEMA Flood Maps

πŸ”— URL: msc.fema.gov

Actions:

  1. Enter the property address

  2. Review the flood zone designation

  3. Check historical flood data

  4. Download the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)

πŸ“Š Understanding Flood Zones

🚩 Red Flags

❌ Property in Zone A or V designation

❌ Historical flooding in area (ask neighbors!)

❌ Property at bottom of slope or in valley

❌ Poor drainage patterns visible

❌ Nearby creek, stream, or retention pond

❌ Recent flood zone map updates

πŸ’‘ Beyond FEMA Maps

FEMA maps show official flood zones but don't capture everything:

βœ“ Drive by during/after heavy rain
βœ“ Check with local building department
βœ“ Review topographic maps
βœ“ Talk to neighbors about actual flooding history

β€œPro Tip: Even if you’re not in a designated flood zone, consider the site’s elevation relative to surrounding properties and natural drainage patterns.”

CHECK #2: Cell Towers & Broadcast Antennas

⚠️ Why This Matters

Constant radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure, particularly during sleep when your body attempts cellular repair and detoxification, is a primary concern in building biology.

Key Difference: Unlike your phone which you can turn off or distance yourself from, a nearby cell tower creates 24/7 exposure you cannot control.

πŸ“š Professional Guidance

Paula Baker-Laporte, Certified Passive House Builder, recommends in A Healthy House:

MINIMUM Β½ MILE (2,640 feet) from microwave cellular and broadcast towers

This distance recommendation is based on decades of building biology field experience and research into RF radiation exposure levels at various distances.

πŸ”§ What to Do

STEP 1: Search for Nearby Towers

πŸ”— URL: antennasearch.com

Actions:

  1. Enter the property address

  2. Review ALL towers and antennas within 4-mile radius

  3. Note the distance to each tower

  4. Identify tower types (cellular, broadcast, microwave)

  5. Check number of carriers on each tower

Important: Multiple carriers = multiple sets of antennas = potentially higher exposure

🚩 Red Flags

❌ Any tower within ½ mile (2,640 feet)

❌ Multiple towers in different directions

❌ Direct line of sight to tower from property

❌ Tower at similar or higher elevation than your property

❌ Plans for 5G small cell deployment in neighborhood

πŸ’‘ Free Professional Testing

CRITICAL RESOURCE: Most public utility companies provide FREE on-site measurements for background electromagnetic field levels.

How to Request:

  1. Contact your local electric utility company

  2. Request a "background EMF survey" or "magnetic field measurement"

  3. Schedule assessment before purchase closing

  4. Request measurements at property boundaries and proposed building location

Additional Option: A Building Biology Environmental Consultant (BBEC) can conduct comprehensive RF measurements.
πŸ”— Find certified consultants at buildingbiologyinstitute.org

CHECK #3: High-Voltage Power Lines

⚠️ Why This Matters

Transmission and distribution lines create electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that decrease with distance but never reach zero. Constant exposure, particularly in sleeping areas, is a concern for building biologists and health-conscious builders.

πŸ“š Professional Guidance

Paula Baker-Laporte recommends in A Healthy House:

MINIMUM 1/10 MILE (528 feet) from high-voltage power lines

πŸ”§ What to Do

STEP 1: Visual Inspection

Drive by the property and surrounding area looking for:

⚑ High-voltage transmission lines (tall metal towers)

⚑ Distribution lines (wooden poles with transformers)

⚑ Substations

STEP 2: Identify Voltage

How to Estimate:

  • Count the number of insulators or wires

  • Higher voltage = larger towers and more wires

  • Transmission lines: typically 115kV-500kV+

  • Distribution lines: typically 12kV-35kV

STEP 3: Calculate Safe Distances

General Distance Guidelines:

πŸ’‘ Free Professional Testing (CRITICAL)

Most public utility companies provide FREE on-site electromagnetic field measurements.

How to Request:

  1. Contact your local electric utility company

  2. Request a "background EMF survey"

  3. Schedule before closing

  4. Get measurements at property boundaries and proposed building site

This service is FREE and provides actual EMF readings specific to your site.

🚩 Red Flags

❌ Transmission lines crossing property

❌ Lines within 500 feet of proposed home site

❌ Direct line of sight to power lines from bedrooms

❌ Substations within ¼ mile

❌ Buzzing or humming audible from power lines

πŸ’‘ If You Already Own the Lot

Design solutions if power lines are present:

  • Position home as far from lines as possible

  • Locate bedrooms on side away from lines

  • Use EMF shielding materials in walls facing lines if conditions/climate allow

  • Plant dense vegetation as partial barrier

  • Get whole-home EMF measurement and mitigation plan by building biologist

CHECK #4: Superfund & Contaminated Sites

⚠️ Why This Matters

Contaminated soil doesn't just stay in the groundβ€”it affects your air quality, groundwater, and health.

Common sources:

  • Previous industrial use

  • Underground storage tanks

  • Dry cleaning operations

  • Landfills

These can leave lasting contamination that makes a site unsuitable or extremely expensive to develop safely.

πŸ”§ What to Do

STEP 1: Search EPA Superfund Sites

πŸ”— URL: epa.gov/superfund/search-superfund-sites

Actions:

  1. Enter property address or zip code

  2. Review all listed sites within 3-mile radius

  3. Check contamination status (active, remediated, monitoring)

  4. Review list of contaminants present

  5. Check groundwater flow direction

πŸ“Š Understanding Site Status

National Priorities List (NPL) Sites:

  • Most serious contamination

  • Federal cleanup oversight

  • Multi-year remediation timelines

  • Potential health risks to nearby residents

Site Status Categories:

  • Assessment: Being evaluated

  • Cleanup: Active remediation

  • Remediated: Cleanup completed

  • Monitoring: Post-cleanup observation

Important: "Remediated" doesn't always mean "safe for residential use." Review the remediation plan and any deed restrictions.

πŸ” Additional Contamination Sources to Check

Former Industrial Sites:

βœ“ Factories, foundries, metal plating

βœ“ Chemical manufacturing or storage

βœ“ Railroad yards

βœ“ Auto salvage or repair

Dry Cleaners:

βœ“ Perchloroethylene (PCE) contamination

βœ“ Migrates through soil and groundwater

βœ“ Can affect properties blocks away

Gas Stations:

βœ“ Underground storage tank (UST) leaks

βœ“ Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination

βœ“ Check state UST database

Landfills and Dumps:

βœ“ Former municipal landfills

βœ“ Construction debris dumps

βœ“ Agricultural chemical disposal

Agricultural Use:

βœ“ Heavy pesticide application history

βœ“ Arsenic-based pesticides (older orchards)

βœ“ Lead arsenate in former agricultural areas

πŸ” How to Research

  1. County Environmental Health Department: Historical land use records

  2. State Environmental Agency: Contaminated sites database

  3. Title Search: Environmental liens or restrictions

  4. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment: Professional environmental report (recommended)

  5. Neighbors and Local Historians: What was here 50+ years ago?

🚩 Red Flags

❌ Property within 1 mile of Superfund site

❌ Former commercial/industrial use on or near property

❌ Discolored soil, stressed vegetation, or unusual odors

❌ Abandoned underground tanks or equipment

❌ Environmental liens in title search

❌ Seller reluctance to allow soil testing

πŸ’‘ Due Diligence Recommendations

For any property with potential contamination concerns:

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA):

  • Professional review of site history

  • Database searches

  • Visual inspection

  • Cost: $2,000-$5,000

  • Worth every penny

Phase II ESA (if Phase I raises concerns):

  • Soil and groundwater sampling

  • Laboratory analysis

  • Contaminant mapping

  • Cost: $5,000-$15,000+

Make purchase contingent on satisfactory environmental assessment.

CHECK #5: Deed Restrictions & Covenants

⚠️ Why This Matters (Attorney Perspective)

As an attorney, I've seen deed restrictions destroy project budgets and timelines more than any other single factor.

Real examples:

  • "Affordable" lot with mandatory brick exterior when you planned fiber cement? Add $30,000+

  • Required 600-foot paved driveway to comply with subdivision rules? Add $60,000+

  • Setback requirements forcing you into smaller footprint? Complete redesign

These requirements are legally binding. You cannot build your way around them without variance approval (expensive and uncertain) or complete compliance (expensive and certain).

πŸ”§ What to Do

STEP 1: Request Complete Documentation

Before making an offer, obtain:

  1. Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CCRs)

  2. Homeowners Association (HOA) Rules and Regulations

  3. Architectural Review Committee Guidelines

  4. Subdivision Plat and Restrictions

  5. Any recorded easements or restrictions

Where to Get These:

  • Seller should provide

  • Title company will identify in title search

  • County recorder's office (recorded documents)

  • HOA management company

  • Municipal planning department

πŸ“‹ Critical Items to Review

EXTERIOR MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS

Watch for:

  • Siding types (brick, stone, fiber cement, metal)

  • Roofing materials (composition, metal, tile)

  • Color palettes or prohibited colors

  • Minimum percentages of premium materials

Example: "All homes must be minimum 70% brick or stone on street-facing elevations" can add $25,000-$50,000 to your budget.

SETBACK REQUIREMENTS

  • Front, rear, and side yard minimums

  • Distance from property lines

  • Impact on buildable area

  • May limit home size or layout

DRIVEWAY AND ACCESS

  • Paved vs. gravel requirements

  • Minimum or maximum length

  • Shared access or private drive

  • Entrance location restrictions

Example: Rural lots with 500-1,000 foot driveway requirements can cost $50,000-$100,000+ for paving.

BUILDING SIZE AND HEIGHT

  • Minimum square footage requirements

  • Maximum height restrictions

  • Maximum lot coverage

  • Garage requirements

ARCHITECTURAL STYLE

  • Approved/prohibited styles

  • Roof pitch requirements

  • Window type and placement

  • Exterior lighting restrictions

LANDSCAPING REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum plantings

  • Irrigation systems

  • Fence types and heights

  • Tree preservation

OTHER COMMON RESTRICTIONS

  • Outbuilding limitations (sheds, workshops)

  • RV/boat storage

  • Solar panel placement

  • Exterior equipment visibility (HVAC, satellite dishes)

  • Construction timelines

  • Builder approval requirements

πŸ“ The Approval Process

Many subdivisions require Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval before construction.

Typical Requirements:

  • Submit complete plans for review

  • Pay review fees ($500-$2,500)

  • Wait 30-90 days for approval

  • Possible multiple revision rounds

  • All changes must be re-approved

Budget Impact:

  • Delays can cost thousands in carrying costs

  • Required changes may require architect fees

  • Some changes affect structural design (expensive)

🚩 Red Flags

❌ Seller unwilling to provide CCRs before offer

❌ Vague or outdated architectural guidelines

❌ Active HOA with history of lawsuits

❌ Restrictions that conflict with your building plans

❌ "Builder must be approved by developer" clauses

❌ Mandatory use of specific contractors

❌ Unusual or burdensome restrictions

πŸ’‘ Legal Review Recommendation

Have an attorney review all restrictions BEFORE making an offer, especially if:

  • Building in a new development

  • Architectural review is required

  • Restrictions seem unusual or overly restrictive

  • You plan anything non-standard (modern design in traditional neighborhood, metal roof, etc.)

Cost: $500-$1,500 for legal review
Value: Potentially saving $50,000+ in surprise cost

πŸ’‘ What If You Already Purchased?

If you own the lot but just discovered restrictive covenants:

  1. Work within restrictions creatively (architect can help)

  2. Request variance from HOA/ARC (prepare detailed justification)

  3. Negotiate with neighbors if private restrictions

  4. Check for unenforceability (restrictions may have expiredβ€”attorney can advise)

  5. Consider resale if restrictions make your goals impossible

BONUS CHECKS: Additional Due Diligence

πŸ” Soil Quality and Suitability

Why: Soil conditions affect foundation options, drainage, and construction costs.

What to Check:

  • Percolation test (if septic system needed)

  • Soil bearing capacity (for foundation design)

  • Expansive soil testing (clay soils that swell/shrink)

  • Rock depth (affects excavation costs)

Cost: $500-$2,000 for geotechnical assessment

Red Flags: High water table, expansive clays, bedrock near surface, poor drainage

πŸ’§ Water Table Depth

Why: Affects basement feasibility, foundation waterproofing needs, and drainage design.

What to Check:

  • Water table depth during wet season

  • Seasonal fluctuations

  • Impact on basement construction

  • Drainage requirements

How: Geotechnical engineer can assess during soil testing

Red Flags: Water table within 8 feet of proposed basement floor, significant seasonal fluctuation

🌬️ Prevailing Winds and Air Quality

Why: What you're downwind from matters for air quality.

What to Check:

  • Prevailing wind direction (typically west to east in US)

  • Upwind sources: industrial facilities, feedlots, landfills, highways

  • Seasonal variations

  • Local air quality data

Resources:

  • πŸ”— airnow.gov for air quality data

  • Wind rose data from weather stations

  • Topographic maps showing terrain features

Red Flags: Downwind from industrial operations, major highways, agricultural operations with odor issues

πŸ—οΈ Future Development Plans

Why: Today's peaceful lot could be tomorrow's commercial corridor.

What to Check:

  • Municipal comprehensive plan

  • Zoning of adjacent properties

  • Planned roads or infrastructure

  • Upcoming rezonings or variances

  • Development applications in area

Where to Look:

  • City/county planning department

  • Zoning maps

  • Capital improvement plans

  • Local planning commission agendas

Red Flags: Adjacent commercial zoning, planned road expansions, lots zoned for high-density development

🌾 Pesticide and Agricultural History

Why: Former agricultural use may leave lasting contamination (lead arsenate, DDT, etc.)

What to Check:

  • Historical aerial photos

  • County agricultural records

  • Former orchard locations (lead arsenate)

  • Cotton fields (arsenic, DDT)

Resources:

Testing: Soil testing for heavy metals and pesticide residues if agricultural history suspected

☒️ Radon Risk

Why: Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer (after smoking).

What to Check:

  • EPA radon zone maps

  • County radon testing data

  • Test results from neighboring homes

Resources:

Action: Plan for radon mitigation system ($1,500-$2,500) if building in Zone 1 (highest risk)

πŸ’§ Well Water Quality (If Applicable)

Why: Private wells aren't regulated like municipal water; testing is your responsibility.

What to Do:

  • Research Enevive water testing for FREE comprehensive analysis and customizable plan

  • Test neighboring wells (if permitted)

  • Plan for comprehensive water testing post-well installation

  • Budget for treatment systems based on likely contaminants

Common Issues:

  • Hard water (minerals)

  • Bacterial contamination

  • Nitrates (agricultural runoff)

  • Arsenic, uranium (natural geological)

  • PFAS (industrial contamination)

Your Action Plan: Step-by-Step Timeline

BEFORE MAKING AN OFFER

πŸ“… WEEK 1: Desktop Research (4-6 hours)

  • Run all 5 primary searches

  • Request CCRs and deed restrictions from seller

  • Review FEMA flood maps

  • Check AntennaSearch for cell towers

  • Search EPA Superfund database

  • Identify high-voltage power lines (drive-by + maps)

  • Create preliminary concerns list

πŸ“… WEEK 2: Site Visits and Conversations (3-5 hours)

Visit property at different times:

  • Morning rush hour (traffic noise)

  • Midday (light, shadows, noise)

  • Evening (activity patterns, lighting)

  • After rainfall (drainage, flooding)

Talk to neighbors about:

  • Flooding history

  • Development plans

  • Health concerns (tactfully)

  • HOA experiences

Visit local planning department:

  • Future development in area

  • Zoning of adjacent properties

  • Any variances or special permits nearby

πŸ“… WEEK 3: Professional Assessments (If concerns identified)

  • Schedule free utility EMF testing (if power lines present)

  • Request Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (if contamination concerns)

  • Attorney review of deed restrictions (if complex or restrictive)

  • Geotechnical assessment (if soil concerns)

πŸ“… WEEK 4: Make Informed Decision

  • Compile all findings

  • Calculate remediation costs if issues identified

  • Determine if site meets your requirements

  • Make offer with appropriate contingencies OR walk away

MAKING YOUR OFFER: Protecting Yourself

Include These Contingencies:

1. "Buyer's approval of all covenants, restrictions, and easements"

  • Gives you out if restrictions are unacceptable

  • Standard 5-10 day review period

2. "Satisfactory environmental site assessment"

  • If Phase I raises concerns

  • Seller may negotiate remediation or price reduction

3. "Buyer's approval of property condition and suitability for intended use"

  • Broader protection

  • Allows exit if any deal-breakers discovered

4. "Satisfactory soil and geotechnical assessment"

  • If building requires specific foundation type

  • Protects against unforeseen soil issues

Important: Work with a real estate attorney familiar with land transactions to craft appropriate contingencies for your situation.

AFTER PURCHASE: If Issues Are Identified

You already own the lot but discovered concerns?

Don't panic. Knowledge = better decisions.

FOR EMF CONCERNS:

  • Get professional EMF measurements

  • Position home away from EMF sources

  • Locate bedrooms on side with lowest EMF

  • Use EMF shielding materials in critical areas

  • Plan for wired (not wireless) home systems

FOR FLOOD RISK:

  • Consult with drainage engineer

  • Elevate home above base flood elevation

  • Design comprehensive drainage system

  • Avoid basements or use flood-resistant construction

  • Purchase appropriate flood insurance

FOR CONTAMINATION:

  • Phase II Environmental Site Assessment

  • Determine contamination extent and type

  • Consult environmental attorney about liability

  • May negotiate price reduction or cleanup

FOR RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS:

  • Have attorney review enforceability

  • Request variance from HOA/ARC

  • Consult architect for compliant design alternatives

  • Work within restrictions creatively

The Big Picture: Making Peace with Imperfection

After reviewing these five checks plus bonus items, you might feel overwhelmed. That's normal.

No site is perfect.

The goal isn't to find a lot with zero concernsβ€”that lot doesn't exist.

The goal is to:

βœ… Know what you're dealing with before you buy

βœ… Understand the costs of mitigation or remediation

βœ… Make informed trade-offs based on your priorities

βœ… Avoid deal-breakers that would make the site unsuitable

Prioritizing Based on Your Values

HEALTH-FOCUSED FAMILIES:

  • EMF exposure is oftentimes non-negotiable

  • Flood risk = mold risk (critical to avoid)

  • Contamination is highest concern

  • Deed restrictions are flexible

BUDGET-CONSCIOUS BUILDERS:

  • Deed restrictions could blow budget (critical to review)

  • Soil conditions affect foundation costs (test early)

  • Flood risk = expensive insurance + mitigation

  • EMF can be partially mitigated with design

LONG-TERM INVESTMENT:

  • Future development affects property value

  • Environmental concerns affect resale

  • Flood zone affects insurance and marketability

  • All concerns should be weighted

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • Which concerns are absolute deal-breakers?

  • Which can be mitigated with design or technology?

  • What's your budget for addressing identified issues?

  • How long do you plan to live here?

  • Are you building for your family or for resale value?

  • What trade-offs are you willing to make?

Your Site Selection Toolkit: Quick Reference

πŸ”— Free Online Resources

Flood Risk:
πŸ”— msc.fema.gov - FEMA Flood Map Service Center

Cell Towers:
πŸ”— antennasearch.com - Cell Tower & Antenna Database

Power Lines:
πŸ”— emfanalysis.com/calculator - EMF Safe Distance Calculator
πŸ“ž Your local utility company - FREE on-site EMF measurements

Environmental Contamination:
πŸ”— epa.gov/superfund/search-superfund-sites - EPA Superfund Site Search
πŸ”— Your state environmental agency - State contaminated sites database

Deed Restrictions:
πŸ“„ Request from seller or title company
πŸ›οΈ County recorder's office - Recorded restrictions

Air Quality:
πŸ”— airnow.gov - Current air quality data

Radon:
πŸ”— epa.gov/radon - Radon zone maps and testing info

Historical Site Information:
πŸ”— historicaerials.com - Historical aerial photos

πŸ‘₯ Professional Resources

Building Biology Consultants:
πŸ”— buildingbiologyinstitute.org - Find certified BBEC

Environmental Assessments:

  • Local environmental engineering firms

  • Phase I ESA: $2,000-$5,000

  • Phase II ESA: $5,000-$15,000+

Geotechnical Assessment:

  • Local geotechnical engineers

  • Soil testing: $500-$2,000

Legal Review:

  • Real estate attorney

  • Deed restriction review: $500-$1,500

πŸ“š Recommended Reading

"A Healthy House" by Paula Baker-Laporte, Erica Elliott, and John Banta

Comprehensive guide to healthy home building including site selection, materials, and building science principles. This is the foundational text I reference for EMF distance recommendations and healthy building practices.

πŸ“₯ Download Your Free Site Selection Checklist

I've created a printable PDF checklist with all 5 critical checks, bonus items, and resource links for easy reference during property visits.

What's Included:

βœ… Complete 5-check process with checkboxes
βœ… All tool URLs and resources
βœ… Red flags to watch for
βœ… Space for notes and measurements
βœ… Professional assessment recommendations
βœ… Contingency language suggestions

DOWNLOAD FREE CHECKLIST

No spam. Just practical resources for building your healthy home.

Final Thoughts: Due Diligence Is an Investment, Not an Expense

As both an attorney and a Certified Passive House Builder who learned these lessons through personal crisis, I can tell you:

Every hour you spend on site due diligence could save you thousands of dollars and years of health problems.

The cost of this research:

  • Your time: 10-15 hours

  • Professional assessments (if needed): $3,000-$10,000

The cost of discovering problems after construction:

  • Remediation: $20,000-$500,000+

  • Health impacts: Priceless

  • Emotional toll: Immeasurable

When my family experienced toxic mold exposure in our home, I learned that your home's foundation isn't just concreteβ€”it's the land it sits on. Every decision flows from that initial choice of where to build.

You deserve to make that choice with complete information.

Ready to Build Your Healthy Home?

For Homeowners Planning to Build:

Services Available:

🏑 Pre-purchase site assessments

πŸ”¬ Healthy materials consultation

πŸ—οΈ Healthy home design guidance

Schedule a Consultation β†’ New Client Intake Form

For Real Estate Professionals:

If you're a realtor serving health-conscious clients, the CHH Realtor Certification provides comprehensive training on site selection, healthy home features, and how to guide wellness-focused buyers with confidence and appropriate boundaries.

You'll learn:

  • How to identify environmental concerns during site visits

  • Proper disclaimers and liability protection

  • When and how to refer to specialists

  • Marketing your expertise with legitimate credentials

Learn More About CHH Realtor Certification

Share This Resource

Know someone buying land or planning to build? Share this guide with them. Prevention is always easier than remediation.


About the Author

Cristina, JD, CPHB

Founder, Conscious Healthy Home, LLC

Cristina brings a unique perspective combining 14 years as a corporate attorney advising Fortune 500 companies with specialized training as a Certified Passive House Builder and Building Biology Advocate. After her family's toxic mold exposure transformed her mission in life, she founded Conscious Healthy Home to help others avoid environmental health disasters through proper site selection, healthy building practices, and evidence-based guidance.

Cristina also serves as Vice President of Malachi's Message Foundation, a nonprofit supporting families affected by toxic mold exposure.

Credentials:

  • Licensed Attorney (14 years corporate law experience)

  • Certified Passive House Builder (Phius)

  • Building Biology Advocate (Building Biology Institute)

  • Creator, CHH Realtor Certification Program

Questions about site selection or healthy home building? Contact us directly (cristina@conscioushealthyhome.com)

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Last Updated: January 2026

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