It’s natural to want to source the best price when taking on a home project, however cost alone will not ensure the best outcome.
Whether building new or tackling a renovation, construction today involves building science and high-tech materials that require educated and knowledgeable contractors.
Working with a professional renovator or licensed builder will ensure you have access to a team of industry specialists who are educated in their trade. This way, you can be sure your project meets permitting requirements and ultimately, delivers the best outcome for your family. It’s also worth noting, by working with professionals, you will gain access to trade pricing for materials and skilled trade teams, which is important for proper product installation and warranty protection. There are also often rebates and government incentives to improve the energy efficiency of your home, to help save you money.
High-performance homes
Homes built above the basic code that are operating with higher efficiencies are referred to in the industry as high-performance homes. The B.C. government has targeted 2032 as the deadline when all new homes in the province should be built to a Net-Zero ready standard, meaning the components are in place for the home to be able to produce as much energy as its homeowners consume, for a ‘net-zero’ energy consumption level.
The same outcomes can be realized when you renovate your current or new home and you can look to incorporate certain features of high-performance into your project. Renovations are currently not required to meet the same energy performance levels as a newly built home however, the changes are being encouraged through federal grants and provincial rebate programs. Talk to a professional contractor for more information.
Tangible rewards
In addition to energy cost savings and the environmental benefits of high-performance homes, there are many other tangible rewards that your family will experience. Building to a higher performance level means you will be building a legacy – a home that will last through the ages. Or, if you are looking to sell in the next five to 10 years, the resale value will be protected as comparable new homes on the market will also be built to these higher standards.
High-performance buildings are constructed with better wall assemblies, creating a more airtight home. Combined with the new heating and cooling mechanical systems, fresh air is regularly circulated for a higher standard of indoor air quality – a huge benefit for anyone dealing with allergies or asthma, not to mention smoke from forest fires experienced in recent past years.
Indoor climate control becomes a non-issue when building high performance. Built to create an constant year-round temperature, your home will be warm in the winter and cool in the summer, with an effortless touch of a button.
The benefits continue
Better built doors and windows not only add to comfort control and noise abatement, durability and security is increased with higher quality hardware and frames. Add in automated systems and you can monitor your property, control lighting and locks from anywhere via your phone.
In addition to materials, the overall livability and comfort can be realized through a holistic design approach focused on your family’s needs and lifestyle patterns to create the best ergonomic environment for improved livability.
Take the time to plan
As one of your largest investments, maximizing the overall benefits, durability, usability, and comfort levels are as important as controlling your expenditures. Take the time to properly plan. Connect with the professionals. havan.ca/find-a-professional
