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Buying New? Consider a Net Zero Home

Energy efficiency has quickly become a top consideration for new home buyers. In fact, CHBA’s Home Buyer Preference Survey shows that energy efficiency features like high-efficiency appliances and windows are frequently among the top 10 features homeowners are looking for in their homes year-over-year. This has led to a growing popularity in Net Zero Homes, … Continued

Top 9 Myths About Net Zero Homes in Canada

As the energy efficiency of homes becomes a higher priority for Canadians, many are trying to decide if a Net Zero Home is right for them. With the ease of information sharing these days, there are also a lot of myths about these high-performance homes. As a result, these myths sometimes cause confusion about what … Continued

Top 5 Projects for the Best Production Net Zero Home Award in the 2023 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

Home energy efficiency is a growing topic of conversation among Canadians. Buyers and homeowners are increasingly showing interest in Net Zero Homes – and builders and renovators across Canada are delivering.  The  CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence is Canada’s premiere competition for new homes, renovations, community development, and residential marketing. This year’s competition featured … Continued

Top 5 Custom or Renovated Net Zero Homes in this year’s CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

As home energy efficiency becomes a growing priority for home buyers and homeowners across Canada, custom or renovated Net Zero Homes, as well as production Net Zero Homes, are having their moment in the sun. From high-efficiency windows to a tighter building envelope, builders and renovators are increasingly being asked to meld energy efficiency requirements … Continued

A One-Stop Guide to Renovation Contracts

So, you’ve decided to take on a home renovation. You’ve determined what renovations you want done and landed on a rough budget. You’ve also started looking for contractors, but you’re having trouble deciding which ones are right for your renovation, even though you’ve done your due diligence getting recommendations and thoroughly interviewed possible candidates. During … Continued

Members and HBAs Recognized in the 2022 Association Leadership Awards

Every year, volunteer members, local home builders’ associations (HBAs), and their staff work tirelessly to build a strong community, strengthen the industry, and give back to cities, towns, and neighbourhoods across Canada. The Association Leadership Awards honour the leaders within the entirety of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) – both individuals and local and … Continued

What is Phantom Energy Usage and How Does it Affect Your Utility Costs?

Have you ever looked at your utility bill and wondered how you possibly used so much energy? As more workplaces adopt a work from home model, you’re likely using more energy than you ever have before. But if you’re someone who follows responsible protocols to conserve energy – like switching off the lights when they’re … Continued

Green is in: Net Zero Homes impress in the 2022 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence

Today’s homes increasingly prioritize energy efficiency – whether it be through high-efficiency windows, energy efficient appliances, or a tighter building envelope. So, it’s no surprise that Net Zero Homes are gaining popularity among home buyers and homeowners. Last week, the finalists of the 2022 CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence were announced – and Qualified … Continued

Net Zero Communities Across Canada

Net Zero Homes were once only seen in custom homes, but committed and passionate builders across Canada are now offering Net Zero production homes and even full communities. Energy efficient homes are becoming more desirable to many Canadians who are looking for superior quality, greater comfort, and who want to be environmentally responsible. And Net … Continued

Planning for What You Need – and Want – in Your Home

When looking to buy a home, you’ll probably start searching for one that meets your short-term needs. Maybe your company just went remote, and you want a place with a home office. Or maybe you just had a baby and need more space or somewhere without an elevator. While it’s great to search for a … Continued

Do Net Zero Homes save you money?

Jennifer Weatherston Vice President of Operations at Doug Tarry Homes Chris Williams Vice President at Avalon Master Builder As the effects of climate change redefine how we think about our energy consumption, more home buyers and homeowners are prioritizing home energy efficiency by purchasing a Net Zero Home or renovating their home to Net Zero. … Continued

A Look Inside an Award-Winning Net Zero Home

Greg Hasler, Founder and CEO of Qualified Net Zero Home Builder Hasler Homes Ltd. As home energy efficiency continues to be prioritized by new buyers, and government incentives like the recent Greener Homes Grant make home energy efficiency renovations more accessible to homeowners, Net Zero / Net Zero Ready Homes are growing in popularity. And … Continued

Why Net Zero Homes are healthier and more comfortable

Good Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) are both key to a healthier and more comfortable living experience. On top of being far more energy efficient than conventional homes, Net Zero Homes provide exceptional IAQ and IEQ for greater wellness and comfort. In this post, we break down why Net Zero Homes … Continued

Renovating Your Home for Energy Efficiency: Explained

What is an energy efficiency renovation? An energy efficiency renovation improves the energy performance of your existing home. Undertaking an energy efficiency renovation on your home is an investment that delivers a multitude of benefits that you will enjoy immediately, and it can also increase the value of your home when/if you decide to sell. … Continued

Are all energy efficient homes the same?

The difference between an EnerGuide Label and a CHBA Net Zero Home Label Thinking about building a new home or renovating your existing one? Investing in energy efficiency for your home will pay off in lower energy bills and can even increase the value of your home. But not all energy efficient homes are the same. There are a few options that you and your builder/renovator can choose from if you … Continued

What is a Net Zero Service Organization?

If you’re purchasing a Net Zero Home, whether it’s a model from a builder you love or you’re building a custom home, your main point of contact is likely going to be your builder. If you’re renovating your home to Net Zero, your renovator is your main point of contact, though if you’re still living … Continued

The Beauty of Energy Efficiency: Net Zero Homes in Canada

Net Zero Homes put on their best show yet in this year’s CHBA National Awards for Housing Excellence. From rustic to modern, budget-friendly to luxury, new builds to renovations, qualified Net Zero builders and renovators across Canada showed that Net Zero Homes are pushing the envelope in energy efficient design, construction, and renovation. To have … Continued

What’s the Difference Between Net Zero & Net Zero Ready Homes?

If you’ve researched energy efficient homes, you’ve probably come across the terms “Net Zero” and “Net Zero Ready.” But what do they mean, and how are they different? We’re breaking down the differentiating features of a Net Zero and Net Zero Ready Home. What is a Net Zero Home? Net Zero Homes are defined as … Continued

How Design Can Make a Small Home Feel Bigger

The 2020 CHBA Home Buyer Preference Survey, powered by Avid Ratings Canada, showed an interesting trend in the size of homes that Canadians are expecting to buy. The study asked recent buyers what size of home they’d be looking for if they were in the market again. It found that 56 percent of buyers expected … Continued

CHBA-Central Okanagan Members Build Gingerbread Homes in Support of Habitat for Humanity

After a hectic year where many have spent a lot of time at home, “there’s no place like home” has never rung truer. This Holiday season, members of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA-Central Okanagan) are getting involved in the “There’s No Place Like Home” virtual Gingerbread House Photo Contest, hosted by Habitat for Humanity Okanagan.   Through volunteer labour and … Continued