Building Your New Home

When you build your own home, you want a final product that's better than any other on the market. Do it right the first time - get expert advice before you build to make your new home as energy efficient as possible. You'll keep your energy bills under control for years to come and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

Call on our expert EnerGuide for New Houses advisors to review data from your blueprints and make recommendations for upgrades to the following:

• air leaks and sealing
• the proposed structure's resistance to heat loss
• the energy efficiency of components such as windows and doors
• passive solar heat gain and house orientation
• heating system efficiency and heat distribution
• air exchange systems, including exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms

Homes in New Subdivisions

Some builders of tract homes in new subdivisions now offer energy upgrade packages for their different models. These upgrade packages have been prepared by the builder with EnerGuide for New Houses to assess house plans, predict energy costs and recommend ways to increase energy performance. These packages are offered to customers for a fee, just like any other upgrade.

Upgraded houses come with an EnerGuide for New Houses report and label that certifies the level of energy efficiency of the house. The rating is determined by an independent EnerGuide for New Houses advisor.

Custom Homes

If you're building a custom home, consult an EnerGuide for New Houses advisor. Your advisor will evaluate your house plans and identify opportunities for energy savings and improved home comfort in a personalized report. After the house is built, the advisor will evaluate it and provide an EnerGuide for New Houses rating and label.

Ask your builder for an EnerGuide for New Houses upgrade to your house plans and increase the future marketability of your house.

Take it One Step Further

Your EnerGuide for New Houses energy advisor can also help you access the R-2000 professional community. Houses built to the R-2000 Standard must achieve high energy-performance goals, be mechanically ventilated for excellent air quality, and use environmentally friendly products and practices during construction.

R-2000 is an official mark of Natural Resources Canada.