If you’re on the hunt for a new home, you’ve probably come across plenty of renovations or new construction that seem all nice and shiny. But just because it looks fresh and updated doesn’t mean it’s been done properly. There are some red flags to watch out for to avoid major issues down the road, even with brand new projects. And according to HGTV’s Mike Holmes of “Holmes on Homes,” one of the biggest red flags to keep an eye on is in the bathroom – improper ventilation and exhaust.
Holmes says, “Bathrooms are one of the most common places we find serious problems hiding behind nice-looking tile.” The lack of proper ventilation in bathrooms can cause moisture to build up quickly, leaving walls vulnerable to long-term damage. He stresses that excess moisture in bathrooms can be a silent killer, leading to mold, mildew, and even structural problems over time. And quick fixes that don’t properly address ventilation are a major red flag. So whether you’re house hunting or renovating your current home, make sure the contractor is taking care of the real issue, not just putting a bandaid on a humid bathroom.
Why improper ventilation is a red flag
Mike Holmes’ golden rule for bathrooms is simple – moisture needs to be able to escape so it doesn’t slowly destroy the space over time. The key is to have a fan that vents directly outside. And while opening a window might seem like an easy solution, Holmes warns that “opening a window isn’t enough.” In the winter, you’re not going to leave it open long enough to clear out the moisture, and even in the summer, the outdoor humidity will just make its way back inside, not solving the core issue. Other quick fixes like dehumidifiers may work short-term, but to truly take care of the bathroom, an exhaust fan is crucial.
If you’re renovating, consider it a red flag if the contractor says you don’t need an exhaust fan. Without proper ventilation, every steamy shower pumps tons of moisture around the room. That moisture doesn’t just disappear – it can soak into the paint, compromise the grout, and even travel into the wall cavity, becoming a breeding ground for mold.
Issues to look out for with your exhaust fan
Just having a fan isn’t enough to prevent issues, either. Holmes warns that if the fan isn’t the right size for the room, it’s basically useless. To figure out the proper size, you’ll need to look at the fan’s cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating – the bigger the bathroom, the higher the CFM needs to be to properly vent the moisture. If your contractor installs a cheap, low-powered fan, it’s just going to create future problems since it can’t move enough air.
Another red flag is if the vent duct doesn’t actually lead outside, but just ends up in the attic instead. That means the moisture is just traveling there and getting trapped. Blocked vents and ducts are also an issue – it creates the illusion of ventilation without actually getting rid of the moisture.
The bottom line is, bathrooms are constantly pumping out humidity and moisture. If you don’t invest in proper ventilation to let the room breathe, you’re going to be paying for it down the line. As Holmes says, “Doing it twice costs a lot more than doing it right.“
