Had a similar experience with our new build—seemed airtight at first, but then condensation issues popped up. Turns out ventilation was the culprit, not insulation. Added some passive vents and upgraded to a heat recovery system, and things improved massively. IMO, builders often tick the ventilation box without really considering airflow dynamics or moisture control... it's worth looking into how your place manages humidity before sealing everything tight.
"IMO, builders often tick the ventilation box without really considering airflow dynamics or moisture control..."
Couldn't agree more with this. When we moved into our new build, I thought we'd nailed it—great insulation, energy-efficient windows, the works. But after a couple of months, I started noticing condensation on the windows every morning. At first, I blamed the insulation too, but after some digging (and a lot of googling), it turned out our ventilation was basically non-existent.
I looked into heat recovery systems like you mentioned, but honestly, the upfront cost was a bit steep for us at the time. Instead, we opted for a simpler solution—installed trickle vents in key rooms and upgraded our bathroom extractor fan to one with a humidity sensor. It wasn't as fancy as a full HRV system, but it made a noticeable difference almost immediately.
One thing I learned from this whole experience is that airtightness is great for energy efficiency, but without proper ventilation, you're basically sealing yourself into a moisture trap. Builders definitely seem to underestimate how much moisture everyday activities like cooking, showering, and even breathing can generate.
Funny enough, when I brought this up with our builder later on, he just shrugged and said something along the lines of "well, we met all the building regs." Technically true... but clearly not enough to guarantee comfort or avoid damp issues down the line.
Anyway, if anyone else is dealing with condensation and humidity issues but can't swing a full heat recovery system right now, I'd definitely recommend looking into trickle vents or upgrading your extractor fans first. It's budget-friendly and surprisingly effective.
Totally relate to this. We had similar issues and ended up adding passive vents in bedrooms. Not perfect, but it cut down condensation noticeably. Builders really should think beyond just ticking boxes... comfort matters too.
Had a similar experience myself—moved into a new build a few years back and it felt like living in a greenhouse every morning. Ended up installing trickle vents in the windows, which helped, but honestly, builders should know better. I mean, it's not rocket science... air needs to move around! At least now I don't have to wipe down windows before my coffee kicks in.
I can definitely relate to your frustration. When I moved into my first home—a new build—I encountered similar issues. Initially, I assumed condensation was just a temporary thing, maybe due to fresh plaster drying out or something. But after a few weeks, it became clear the ventilation was simply inadequate. Like you, I found myself wiping down windows each morning, which quickly became tedious.
After some research, I realized that modern building practices often prioritize airtightness for energy efficiency, but unfortunately, proper ventilation sometimes gets overlooked in the process. It's ironic because good ventilation is crucial—not just for comfort, but also for preventing mold growth and maintaining indoor air quality. You'd think builders would factor this in as standard practice by now.
In my case, I ended up installing mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR). It was a bit of an investment upfront, but the difference it made was substantial. The system exchanges stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air while recovering heat, so you don't lose warmth in winter. Since installation, I've noticed a significant reduction in condensation and humidity levels overall.
Trickle vents are definitely helpful too—good call on installing those. They're a simpler and less expensive solution that can make a noticeable difference. Still, it's disappointing that homeowners have to retrofit these solutions themselves when it could easily be addressed during construction.
Anyway, glad you found a workable solution. It's always reassuring to hear from others who've navigated similar challenges successfully.
