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energy efficiency Tag

High-performance Custom Home Design is in demand these days. But if you are thinking about a high-performance Custom Home, which features should you consider? And why are these features important?  We are covering the answers to these questions, and more.  4 High Performance Features For Your Custom Home Design  1. Insulation  Quality insulation is key for a high-performance home. While many people think about the insulation on the...

People talk a lot about “good Interior Design”, but what makes it “good”? There are a few simple elements that people are really referring to when speaking about good Interior Design.  Today, we are going through these elements so you know what to consider when thinking about Interior Design for your home.  5 elements of good Interior Design  1. Thoughtfulness  There is a lot of creativity that you...

While a Net-Zero house involves a higher up-front cost than traditional builds, over time it will pay for itself.  But how long does that take? Are we talking one year? Ten? A hundred?  Today, we explore the financial side of Net-Zero homes.   Why A Net-zero Home Costs More  There are a few reasons a Net-Zero home costs more upfront than a traditional build. These include:  1. Better quality materials  Net-Zero...

The BC Energy Step Code is now in place in a number of cities across British Columbia. Step Code is important and it means changes for new homes and major renovations being built now and in the future. How will it affect you and your Custom Home Design? What future government initiatives do you need to keep in mind? Today, we are covering everything...

With the introduction of the new BC Energy Step Code, all homes having to be Net-Zero ready in the coming years, and the climate change crisis, building or renovating a house can feel overwhelming. Should you make your home energy efficient or Net-Zero? Will that be affordable? What standards do you need to meet? This is where Custom Home Design can help!   Why now...

A new building wrap can make a significant difference in your home’s energy usage, your comfort, and your health. Why is that the case? And when is the best time to upgrade your building wrap? Today, we are tackling the important topic of building wrap to help you plan your next set of renovations. The importance of building wrap Building wrap can seem like...

The BC Energy Step Code is already in place for builds in most BC cities. By 2032, however, all homes in Canada must be Net-Zero. That means many Homeowners will have to make major renovations before then. What are these renovations – and when is the best time to do them? Take a page from Step Code for your renovations The Step Code is...

In April 2017, the provincial government adopted the BC Energy Step Code. While the Step Code has been embraced by many Cities, Builders, Designers and Homeowners, there are some people who have asked why it was created in the first place. Here at Draft On Site, we believe in the importance of Step Code and want to share why we see it as such...

Windows and doors have a significant impact on your Custom Home Design in Vancouver. While there are numerous points of impact, there are four key areas of focus. These are: Air Tightness Insulation Value Design Cost Here is how these four elements come together, to help you achieve your ideal Custom Home Design. Key ways windows and doors impact your Custom Home Design in...

With the BC Energy Step Code in place, now is the perfect time to give your Vancouver home an energy efficient renovation! But what is included in such a renovation? There are several components that make up an energy efficient renovation. This article breaks down what these components are – and the impact they have on the finished home. The Key Components Of Your...

The BC Energy Step Code has now been in place for over a year. However, we find many clients are still confused about how the Step Code works and what level is in place for them, mostly because each City implements its own rules about how the Step Code applies to residential construction locally. Here, we address which “Steps” are in place in several...

Last year, the BC Building Code for 2018 was released. A new Building Code can lead to many questions and concerns regarding your new home construction project, or your renovation. Below, we go over the most common questions we are asked, giving you the answers you need to navigate your build in spite of the changes. Is my project covered by the BC Building...

In recent years, we have seen a shift in Custom Home Design, with many of our clients wanting to make their homes more eco-friendly. One of the best ways to do this is through the materials used to build a new home. Look for materials that minimize your environmental impact, such as recycled products. Not sure which materials fall into this category? We are featuring 12...

If you are doing an energy efficient renovation in your Vancouver home, now is the time to consider a heat pump. Why is that? The City of Vancouver and Efficiency BC have teamed up to offer rebates for heat pump installations. To help you take advantage of these rebates, we have put together information on what is available, who is eligible and how to apply. Why Add...

Owning a character home can be a dream, especially for Vancouverites who love classical architecture. Buying a character home, however, comes with its own range of challenges. In October we spoke about these challenges and more at the Vancouver Home Show’s Ask the Experts panel. Now, we want to share some of the key information we discussed about character homes with you. What is...

We are proud to announce that our talented Designer Tannaz is now Passive House Certified! That means Draft On Site can now design Passive Houses for our clients in the Lower Mainland! Why does that matter? Let us take you through all the details – and you an insight into why we are excited about the Passive House movement. Why being Passive House Certified...

Draft on Site was recently invited to consult with the Sustainability Office of the City of Vancouver. During that meeting, we made recommendations about how to make it easier for Home Owners to achieve better energy efficiency in their houses. We also addressed which upgrades we would make to the current City of Vancouver Energy Efficiency requirements and why we would make them. Why...

When planning your custom home design, inspiration is key. Before Designers start a new project, they will often spend some time looking at interesting ideas and styles from around the world. Now, you can draw on such inspiration too, with this list of our favourite global designs of the moment.    Our top four global inspirations for your custom home design   1. The green machine [caption id="attachment_3700"...