Condron Homes Blog

Building Homes That Stand the Test of Time: Why Moisture Reduction Matters

At Condron Homes, we believe a home should be built to last—not just look good on move-in day. Every decision we make is guided by one simple standard: Would we feel good to having our own family members live here? That commitment to quality is why Condron Homes is the only builder in Spokane that dries out the framing of every home we build.

The Hidden Issue in New Construction: Moisture in the Framing

In standard new home construction, framing lumber typically contains around 20% moisture content. While this is considered acceptable across the industry, it creates long-term issues as that moisture slowly leaves the wood. As the wood dries, it shrinks and shifts—movement that most homeowners eventually notice as cracked drywall, nail pops, and other structural and cosmetic problems.

Excess moisture can also become trapped behind insulation and drywall, increasing the risk of mold and future, costly, repairs.

How the Dry-Out Process Works

Condron Homes partners with Eden Advanced Pest Technologies to address this issue before it ever becomes a problem.

Eden uses specialized commercial heaters—equipment they regularly use in pest control practices—to heat the entire home to over 120 degrees. While moisture begins to leave wood at lower temperatures, around 120 degrees is where moisture is driven out effectively and evenly, including moisture deep within the framing. At this temperature, the drying process accelerates dramatically, allowing excess moisture to be removed in days rather than over the course of several years. The home is completely sealed and heated for up to two days until the framing reaches a moisture content of 12% or lower, and in many cases as low as 5%.

The key is timing. This process is completed before insulation and drywall are installed, when moisture can be safely removed rather than trapped inside the walls.

Why Condron Homes Started Using Eden—and Why We Never Stopped

Condron Homes worked with Eden during a project where a basement flood introduced excessive moisture into a home. We asked Eden if their heating systems could be used to dry out the structure so the homeowner could move back in sooner.

The result was eye-opening.

Not only did the home dry quickly, but it was ultimately more stable than homes built before, thanks to the significantly reduced moisture content in the wood. From that point forward, Condron Homes made the decision to use Eden Advanced Pest Control Technologies on every single build.

Spokane’s Only Builder Using This Method

Eden has offered this same dry-out process to other builders in the Spokane area, and they have declined. Condron Homes chose a different path—one focused on long-term performance rather than industry shortcuts.

As Elmer Bensinger, Chief Operating Officer of Eden Advanced Pest Control Technologies, states:

“Condron Homes is the only builder in Spokane that uses the dry-out method to improve their homes.”

The Long-Term Benefits for Homeowners

By removing excess moisture early, Condron Homes significantly reduces:

• Structural shifting during the first 5–10 years

• Drywall cracking and cosmetic damage

• Mold risk caused by trapped moisture

• Warranty call-backs and long-term homeowner headaches

This process isn’t visible once the home is finished—but its impact is felt for years.

Added Protection with Bora-Care®

When mold is present before insulation and drywall, Eden applies Bora-Care®, a professional-grade wood treatment that penetrates deep into the framing. Bora-Care protects against mold, fungi, and wood-destroying organisms and is mandatory in many southern regions of the United States, where moisture levels are significantly higher.

Condron Homes uses this same level of protection when conditions call for it, reinforcing our commitment to building above the minimum standard.

Built for Your Family. Built for the Long Term.

Drying out the home and protecting the framing reduces future problems, increases long-term durability, and delivers a product that is far superior to what most builders offer.

At Condron Homes, we don’t build to minimum standards—we build homes we’d be proud to put our own families in. Being the only builder in Spokane using this dry-out method is just one of the many ways we protect that promise.