Part 1: New Builds Knowledge preface: the Canadian Home Builders’ Association defines airtightness as “the degree to which unintentional openings have been avoided in a building’s structure.” A more airtight building will leak less air, thus losing less heat (which you’ve paid for!). …

Windows aren’t something you buy every day and we certainly didn’t learn about them in grade school. So how do you know which windows to buy? And how can you ensure that you have access to rebates offered by governments if you improve your windows thermal performance? Window Ratings Windows can be…

And why is it so different than just choosing a house plan — By Tyler Hermanson 1. I want my home to be healthy and safe to live in Spending large amounts of time indoors can have a tremendous effect on our health. The Covid 19 pandemic just highlighted the impacts of a lockdown on our wellbeing and mental health. Beyond that, many products typically used to build new buildings can be highly toxic. …

Sustainable, Durable & Efficient Retrofits — By Tyler Hermanson I have been in, around and on top of Green Building in Alberta for more than 8 years as a designer, consultant and inspector on some of Alberta’s most sustainable homes. As an instructor for R-2000 builders, and a LEED Canada for Homes Provider and Accredited Professional…

Beyond a basic economic analysis — By Tyler Hermanson I’ve been trying to answer this question for many years. A simple question seemingly impossible to answer. However, it may not be an entirely economic question. Return on Investment Energy saving upgrades typically need 10 years or more to “pay back” and “investors” seems stubborn to buy in even at…