Totally agree about MVHR making a big difference. We went with trickle vents first, but honestly, they weren't quite enough on their own. Ended up adding a dehumidifier too...not ideal, but it did the trick. Seems like builders should really be thinking this through better from the start.
- Had a similar experience myself...trickle vents alone just weren't cutting it, especially in winter.
- Ended up getting MVHR installed after a few months—bit of a hassle retrofitting, but honestly worth it.
- Agree builders should definitely consider ventilation more seriously from day one. Seems like it's often an afterthought.
- Also, quick tip: if you're stuck with trickle vents for now, cracking windows open slightly for short bursts each day helps more than you'd think. Not ideal long-term, but it made a noticeable difference for us before we upgraded.
- Never had to use a dehumidifier myself, but heard they're pretty effective as a temporary fix. Glad it worked out for you!
MVHR is definitely the way to go if you can swing it. I've inspected plenty of new builds where ventilation was clearly an afterthought, and it's frustrating because proper airflow isn't just about comfort—it's crucial for preventing mold and maintaining indoor air quality. Good call on the window trick too; even short bursts of fresh air can make a noticeable difference. Glad you found a solution that works for you...more builders should really get ahead of this issue.
"I've inspected plenty of new builds where ventilation was clearly an afterthought, and it's frustrating because proper airflow isn't just about comfort—it's crucial for preventing mold and maintaining indoor air quality."
Couldn't agree more. I've managed properties where tenants complained about dampness and mold within months of moving into brand-new units. It's baffling how often ventilation gets overlooked, especially when the fixes later on can be costly and disruptive. MVHR systems are great, but even simple extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens can make a huge difference if installed properly from the start. Builders really need to prioritize this stuff earlier on...
I've seen this happen way too often myself. A few years back, I was called out to a nearly brand-new townhouse complex after a big storm. The owners were convinced they had roof leaks because water stains were popping up everywhere. Turns out, the roofs were fine—no leaks at all. The real culprit? Terrible ventilation. Moisture was just trapped inside, condensing on ceilings and walls, especially after heavy rains.
"even simple extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens can make a huge difference if installed properly from the start."
Exactly. In this case, the bathrooms had extractor fans, but they were venting straight into the attic space instead of outside. You wouldn't believe how common that mistake is... and how quickly it leads to mold and structural damage. Builders sometimes cut corners thinking they're saving money, but it always ends up costing more in the long run. Proper ventilation isn't rocket science, but skipping it sure can cause a mess down the road.
