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Creating a Seamless Transition Between Your Indoor & Outdoor Living Spaces

There has been a growing trend in home design in recent years to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. This concept of creating a seamless transition allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, bringing the beauty and serenity of nature into your living space.

Whether you have a small urban townhouse or a sprawling suburban house, incorporating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas can transform your home into a harmonious and inviting sanctuary. In this article, we will explore some practical tips and design ideas to help you achieve this remarkable integration.

Open floor plans

One of the fundamental elements in creating a seamless transition is to embrace open floor plans. Removing physical barriers such as walls and doors between indoor and outdoor spaces allows for uninterrupted sight lines and easy access. The open-plan design approach not only promotes better airflow and natural light but also encourages a sense of continuity between the two areas. Consider removing or minimizing partitions between the kitchen, living room, and patio or deck to enhance the visual connection.

Sliding glass doors and folding walls

Integrating sliding glass doors or folding walls is a great way to establish a flexible connection between your indoor and outdoor areas. These versatile architectural elements allow you to effortlessly open up your living space to the outside. Choose large, floor-to-ceiling glass panels that offer unobstructed views of the outdoor environment. When opened, they create a seamless flow, blurring the lines between the two spaces.

Consistent flooring materials

Using the same flooring materials throughout your indoor and outdoor spaces is crucial for achieving a smooth transition. Opt for materials that are durable, weather-resistant, and suitable for both environments, such as stone, tile, or concrete. By continuing the flooring material from the inside to the outside, you create a cohesive visual flow that connects those two spaces seamlessly.

Harmonious colour palettes

To create harmony between the two spaces, choose a colour palette that works well both indoors and outdoors. Neutral tones, earthy hues, and soft pastels create a calming and inviting atmosphere. Incorporate these colours in your walls, furniture, and decor elements to ensure a cohesive aesthetic between the two spaces. You might consider adding pops of colour through accessories or natural elements, such as vibrant plants or flowers.

Outdoor living spaces

You can extend your indoor living experience to the outdoors by creating functional and comfortable outdoor living areas. Adding quality outdoor furniture that mirrors your interior style, while providing a comfortable seating and dining experience; then arranging these furniture pieces in a way that complements your indoor layout, fosters a sense of continuity and connection. Enhance the ambiance with lighting, rugs, cushions, and other decorative elements that echo your indoor decor.

Landscaping and greenery

Lush greenery and thoughtful landscaping can significantly contribute to a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces. Strategically plant trees, hedges, and shrubs to frame your outdoor areas and create a sense of enclosure. Incorporate vertical gardens or planter boxes near windows or glass doors to bring in the beauty of nature indoors. Integrate indoor plants that thrive in natural light into your interior decor, further blurring the boundaries between spaces.

Outdoor cooking and entertainment

To further enhance the merging of your indoor and outdoor spaces, consider incorporating outdoor cooking and entertainment areas. A well-designed outdoor kitchen or grill area not only adds convenience but also encourages social interaction and gatherings. Install a fire pit, patio heaters, or outdoor speakers to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere for entertaining family and friends. As the sun goes down a big screen TV or projection screen can convert your outdoor conversation area into a home theatre.

The takeaway

Creating a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor spaces can transform your home into a sanctuary that promotes relaxation, rejuvenation, and a closer connection to nature. By embracing open floor plans, using sliding glass doors, employing consistent flooring materials, and harmonious colour palettes, you can achieve a smooth visual flow. Thoughtful landscaping, outdoor living spaces, and cooking areas help tie it all together.

You may also like: Creating a Seamless Indoor / Outdoor Living Space: Blending the Boundaries

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Creating the Perfect Living Room: A Guide to Remodelling

The living room is often considered the heart of the home, a space where family and friends gather to relax, entertain, and create lasting memories. If your living room needs a refresh or you're looking to transform it into a space that reflects your style and personality, a remodelling project can transform the space.

Assess your needs and style

Before diving into a remodelling project, take some time to assess your needs and define your style. Consider how you currently use the living room and what activities take place there. Do you need ample seating for large gatherings or a cozy nook for reading? Are you drawn to a contemporary, minimalist design or a more traditional, cozy aesthetic? Understanding your preferences and lifestyle will guide your decisions throughout the remodelling process.

Define or reimagine the layout

Your living room's layout sets the foundation for its functionality. As you plan and sketch out your new space, evaluate the current layout and determine if it meets your needs. What's working? What needs to change? Consider factors such as traffic flow, furniture placement, and focal points. Experiment with different arrangements to find the optimal layout that maximizes space and facilitates conversation. Keep the scale and proportion of furniture in mind, to ensure a balanced and visually pleasing arrangement.

Expanding your living room space can dramatically transform the overall feel and functionality of your home. One popular approach is to remove a wall to create an open-plan area. This not only enhances the flow of natural light but also allows for seamless integration between the living room, dining area, and kitchen, creating a spacious and interconnected living space. By removing barriers, you can create a sense of openness and facilitate better communication and interaction among family members and guests.

You may consider moving a wall to reconfigure the layout or even building an addition to expand the living room. These options provide the opportunity to customize the space according to your specific needs, whether it's for accommodating larger gatherings, creating a dedicated entertainment area, or adding extra square footage to your living space.

Lighting design

Proper lighting is essential in creating the right ambiance and functionality in your living room. Natural light can brighten up your living room and make it feel more inviting. Consider adding or enlarging windows to bring in more sunlight. Incorporate a mix of task, ambient, and accent lighting to create layers of illumination. Install dimmer switches to control the intensity of the light and create a cozy atmosphere for different occasions.

Colour scheme and materials

Choosing the right colour scheme and materials can greatly impact the overall feel of your living room. Opt for a colour palette that aligns with your style and desired atmosphere. Neutral tones can create a timeless and versatile backdrop, while bold colours add vibrancy and personality. Plush browns and bold reds are the top shades to watch in 2023.

Select materials that are durable, easy to maintain, and reflect your desired aesthetic. Incorporate textures, such as plush fabrics or natural materials like wood and stone, to add depth and visual interest to the space.

Furniture and accessories

Selecting the right furniture and accessories is crucial in creating a functional and stylish living room. Invest in comfortable seating that accommodates your family and guests. Consider multifunctional pieces, such as ottomans with hidden storage or a sofa bed for overnight guests. Add accent chairs, coffee tables, and side tables to complete the seating area. Incorporate accessories like rugs, artwork, and decorative objects to add personality and tie the room together.

Entertainment and technology

When it comes to choosing an entertainment or media wall unit for your living room, there are several factors to consider. Think about the size and layout of your space. Measure the available wall area and space for traffic flow to determine the appropriate size of the unit. Consider the storage needs for your media components, such as a wall-mounted TV, gaming consoles, DVD/Blu-ray players, and speakers, as well as any additional items like books, decor, or display items.

Look for a wall unit that offers a combination of open shelving, closed cabinets, and drawers to accommodate your storage requirements. Conceal wires and cables for a clean and organized look. Additionally, ensure proper connectivity for streaming services, gaming consoles, and smart home devices.

Storage solutions

Clutter can quickly diminish the aesthetic appeal of your living room. Integrate storage solutions into your remodel to keep the space organized and tidy. Consider built-in cabinets, a hide-away bar, shelves, or entertainment units that provide ample storage for media equipment, books, and other items. Optimize wall space with floating shelves or wall-mounted storage systems. Incorporate storage ottomans or benches with hidden compartments to stow away blankets or other items.

Finishing touches

The final step in creating the perfect living room is adding the finishing touches that make it feel like home. Add cozy pillows and throws to your sofas and chairs to bring in texture and colour. Incorporate artwork or wall hangings that reflect your style and create a focal point in the room. A well-placed mirror can not only enhance the visual appeal but also make the space feel larger and brighter.

Don't forget about lighting—strategically place floor lamps, table lamps, or pendant lights to create a warm and cozy ambiance. Adding plants and greenery can also breathe life into the room, making it feel fresh and vibrant. Pay attention to the small details as well, such as choosing stylish and functional curtains or blinds, selecting a rug that complements the furniture, and arranging decorative accents like vases, candles, or bookends.

You may also like: Living Room Remodels: Designing the Perfect Living Space

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Designing and Finishing Your Basement

Finishing a basement is an excellent way to add more living space and value to your home. Whether you're looking to create a new family room, home office, or guest suite, a finished basement provides a blank canvas to turn your dreams into reality. In this article, we'll explore the planning and design process, and popular basement remodel projects to help you create the perfect finished basement.

The planning process

Before embarking upon any basement remodel project, it's essential to plan carefully. Here are some of the key steps you should follow when planning a basement renovation:

Establish what you want from your basement: Decide on what you want to achieve with your finished basement. Consider the functionality, the style, and your budget.

Evaluate the space you have to work with: Assess the condition of your basement and identify any potential obstacles such as low ceilings, water issues, or poor lighting.

Do your homework: Learn about the remodelling process, so you're familiar with the terminology you'll need to describe the project to your contractor.

Hire a professional: Plan on hiring a design-build contractor to help you with the design, planning, building permits and build out of your basement remodel.

Popular basement remodel projects

A finished basement can be used for many purposes, depending on your lifestyle and interests. And if you have enough square footage, you can include more than one of these in your floor plan. Here are some projects to consider when planning your basement remodel:

Home theatre: Create a home theatre with comfortable seating, surround sound, and a large screen. Add a bar fridge for refreshments and snacks, and it's the perfect option for movie lovers and families who enjoy spending time together.

Home gym or workout space: Convert your basement into a home gym with equipment, mirrors, and rubber flooring. This is a great option for fitness enthusiasts who prefer to work out in the privacy of their own home.

Guest suite: Add a guest suite with a bedroom, bathroom, and sitting area. This is the ideal option for homeowners who frequently have guests staying overnight.

Playroom: Convert your basement into a playroom for your kids. Add storage for toys and games, colourful flooring, a comfy couch, TV and bright lighting to make it a fun and inviting space.

Home office(s): Create a home office space with a desk, comfortable office chair, and plenty of storage. This is an excellent option for those who work from home or need a quiet place to study.

Laundry room: The basement can be a practical location for a laundry room. In addition to the washer and dryer, consider adding a utility sink, folding area, and ample storage for supplies.

Rec room/games room with bar A recreation room can be used for a variety of purposes such as hosting parties; setting up games like pool, foosball air hockey and ping pong; hosting the guys' poker night; or pulling out a few couches and projection screen to watch a game. If you're adding a bar, consider installing a sink, fridge, and plenty of bar stool and recliner seating to create the perfect bar experience.

Read more about finishing your basement.

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Remodelling to Create Your Dream Kitchen

Designing and remodelling a kitchen can be an exciting yet daunting task. The kitchen is the heart of your home. It's where we cook, eat, and spend time with family and friends. It is essential to have a functional, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable kitchen that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle.

Planning stage

In this phase you will be gathering ideas, creating a few rough sketches, setting a budget, and creating a timeline. You can browse through home decor and shelter magazines, visit home improvement stores, save images in Pinterest or check out online home renovation websites for inspiration.

Once you have a clear vision of what you want, you can begin creating a budget and deciding on a timeline. Be realistic about your budget and be prepared to make compromises if necessary. Additionally, it is important to consider the practicalities of the remodelling process, such as where you will cook and eat while the work is being done.

Design stage

This stage involves creating a layout and selecting cabinets, countertops, flooring, finishes, appliances, and fixtures that fit your budget and style. Your designer-builder will consider factors such as the size and shape of the room, the placement of windows and doors, and the location of electrical and plumbing systems to help you come up with a design that works. It is essential to create a functional and ergonomic layout that maximizes storage and counter space while minimizing clutter and traffic flow.

Need more space? Will you need to extend the floor plan by moving a wall, or with a bump out addition? Popular kitchen layouts include the L-shape, U-shape, and galley style.

Choose materials that are durable, easy to clean, and complement your style. Consider features such as countertop materials, cabinet finishes, and flooring options. When selecting appliances, choose energy-efficient models that fit your needs and lifestyle.

Execution / construction stage

After planning and designing, the final step is execution. Your design-build contractor will draw up the plans, order materials, and oversee the remodel process. Hire a reputable contractor who has experience in kitchen remodelling, with good references. Ensure that the contractor is licensed and insured and obtain a detailed contract that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule.

During the remodel process, be prepared for some disruptions to your daily routine. It is essential to communicate regularly with the contractor so you can make any necessary decisions promptly. Be flexible and prepared to make changes if necessary, but also be firm about your expectations and budget.

The takeaway

Designing and remodelling a kitchen can be a complex and challenging process, but it will also be a rewarding and exciting experience. By following the planning, design, and execution process above, you can create a kitchen that meets your needs and fits your style.

Remember to stay within your budget, choose materials and appliances that are functional and look great, and communicate regularly with your contractor. With careful planning and the right design-build team, you can have the kitchen of your dreams.

Read more at Kitchen Remodelling: Designing a Kitchen You’re Going to Love for Years

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Creating a Home That Brings You Joy: Designing a Meaningful Living Space

Your living space should be comfortable, inviting, and reflective of who you are. It should also be functional and organized to make everyday life easier. Designing a meaningful living space that makes you happy is about more than just picking out furniture and decor. It’s also about understanding the importance of creating an environment that is free from clutter and stressors, one that allows for relationship time, entertainment, relaxation and restful sleep.

The first step in designing a meaningful living space is determining the purpose of each room in your home and who will be spending the most time there. Identify how much time you spend in each area and what activities occur there most often: is it for entertaining guests, relaxing after work in the home theatre room, or playing with the kids? Once you identify the main uses for each room, think about how to create an atmosphere that will enhance your enjoyment of the space.

Furniture placement can help define different areas within one room; rugs can add warmth; wall hangings can set the tone; lighting can create ambiance; plants bring nature indoors; artwork adds personality… all these touches contribute to making a house feel like home. Organization is key when designing a calming living space - it ensures everything has its place so your home looks neat and tidy no matter what activities may take place inside it.

Colours have the power to evoke emotion, so it’s important to choose colours based on how they make you feel. If bright colours energize or excite you, incorporate them into your home office design; if soft earth tones provide peace and tranquility, use those in abundance in places where you unwind. Consider introducing accent pieces like pillows or rugs. These small additions can add personality without overwhelming the space with too much colour variation.

It’s important to focus on comfort when creating the living space that makes you happy by adding personal touches and making sure everything works together cohesively. When selecting furniture for each room in your house think about what activities take place there most frequently – do people gather around for conversations? Is it mostly used for reading? Making sure all seating arrangements are both practical and aesthetically pleasing will tie everything together, providing a harmonious experience.

Wall decor helps bring out one's unique character as well as making any room come alive with personality through art pieces chosen carefully. Be creative with this step – explore different ways such as hanging artwork on the walls. Framed photos of loved ones keep happy memories close by.

Don't forget details when designing a meaningful living space such as adding plants, which creates natural ambiance within their environment – plus they give off oxygen throughout day/night cycles, keeping air fresh indoors. Try incorporating textiles like throws and blankets onto couches and chairs, which adds comfortability and warmth during cold winter months.

Remember lighting fixtures, because having adequate lights installed strategically throughout rooms brings balance between darkness and brightness, allowing more control over mood and atmosphere, wherever needed most.

Read more: Designing Meaningful Living Spaces that Make You Happy

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Do you Need an Architect, Interior Designer or Decorator?

Whether you’re having a custom home built, or are renovating an existing one, knowing whom to call can be confusing. There's a glut of information on the web, and you'll quickly discover that not only are there overlaps between roles, but the terms seem to mean different things to different people.

To help you narrow it down, we've defined the roles of architectural designers, design-build contractors, interior designers and interior decorators.

Architects and architectural designers

Architects design the structure and facade of your building. Whether you’re building a custom house, moving a few walls or extending the floor plan during a major remodel, your architect’s job is to convert your design ideas into a structurally sound building, that’s fully up to code, functional and aesthetically pleasing. Architects often oversee the construction as well.

Good architects have the technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, understanding of the municipal building code and zoning, are up to speed with the BC Energy Step Code (in British Columbia, Canada), and are exceptional communicators. An architect will draw up the plans for the home or remodel and create 3D renderings, so you can visualize what your home will be like when it's finished. When you’ve approved the plans and renderings, the building plan can be delivered to the municipal office for approval.

Design-build contractors

In the more conventional ‘design-bid-build’ approach to construction, the architectural designer and building contractor are hired separately. After the architect/designer completes the plans, the project is put out for bid with several builders. Gaps in communication between the architect and building contractor can sometimes result in change orders being submitted to the architect for additional revision work.

The ‘master builder’ approach dates back even further than ‘design-bid-build’, with a single builder handling the entire project. 'Design-build' is the modern term for the time honoured ‘master builder’ approach. The designer-builder takes your project from design to completion, offering a far more unified approach. The design-build team typically partners with trade subcontractors, but the entire simplified project comes under the administration of a single source of leadership.

Interior designers

Interior designers create functional living spaces within your home, based upon the understanding of the behaviours of the inhabitants. When the structural construction has been completed, the interior designer furnishes and accessorizes the interior. Designers take your preferences, needs, lifestyle and budget and create a better living experience.

Design-builders deliver the complete building, whereas interior designers focus on creating the desired look, mood and feel within its walls. They can save homeowners money, by taking over most of the legwork, preventing costly mistakes, passing on manufacturers' trade discounts, increasing the durability of the elements and finishes by knowing when to pay extra for quality, and eliminate future expenses.

Interior decorators

Interior decorating is the furnishing and adorning of living spaces that have already been designed and completed with decorative elements to achieve a certain aesthetic. Decorators can help you pick colour schemes, choose the furniture for interior and outdoor areas, and tastefully accessorize each space.

Decorating helps give a seamless look to every room or space, without changing the key elements and finishes, or the layout of the room. Great interior decorators know how to integrate your personal elements, family heirlooms, treasured pieces of art, antique furniture and souvenirs into their compositions.

Read more about hiring architects, interior designers and decorators

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Building a Dream House? How to Choose Your Custom Home Builder

A custom dream home is typically the culmination of years of saving, daydreaming, clipping ideas and endless hours of research. And now, your designer/builder can bring your dream to life, from the very first 3D renderings you view, to that unforgettable day when your site passes its final inspection and you receive your occupancy permit.

Don't grab the lowest price; choose the highest value

We're all looking for ways to save money, and it can certainly be tempting to choose the builder with the lowest bid. If a builder is coming in well below the others, there could be a reason for that:

The builder in inexperienced and does not understand the true costs of the labour and materials

The proposal may have been written to deliberately mislead you

The information is inaccurate or incomplete

Low-quality materials are being used

Inexperienced subcontractors and labourers are being used

The builder is planning to go out of business and fund their exit with your deposit

It's important to understand that extensive repairs to a home after its built could easily cost more than any savings realized by accepting the low bid. Builders who submit the lowest bids usually don't allow enough to complete the job at the contracted price. They are either forced to cut corners on materials and labour to avoid losing a lot of money, or they'll come up with creative ways to demand more money later.

If you are unable to afford a quality builder right now, postponing construction until it can be built right could be the best decision.

Excellent communication skills are essential

For most people, a custom home will typically be the largest investment they’ll make in their lives. A good contractor will understand just how important this home is for you and will be available to answer any concerns.

You should have your builder's cell phone number(s). The best builders are very busy, and may not always be able to take your call, but they will have a point person who will accept a direct call from you.

Requesting items that aren't in the contract

If it’s listed in the contract, it’s included; if it’s not listed, it’s not. Scope creep is what happens when the list of items grows after construction is underway. Homeowners often change their minds and make additional requests. Some even plan to add more requests later, hoping they won't have to pay for those extras. But if they're not in the contract, these are handled with a change order.

Scope creep can impact the entire project, resulting in it coming in over budget, late, or both. Good builders have systems in place for this. You'll want to know your builder's change order process and the procedure for requesting changes and additions.

Trust your gut feeling

Compatibility matters. It's important that you have a good feeling about working with your builder and team. The initial planning stage, construction, and post-construction support typically take about a year. It's essential that you feel your builder understands and shares your vision.

When you start the project you should feel confident that your builder is trustworthy, transparent in their dealings, and that your needs are their top priority. If you feel uneasy and stressed when you communicate with them, it could be your sixth sense telling you it may not be a cooperative, enjoyable relationship.

Do your due diligence

Be sure to check out the builder carefully. How long have they been in business? Do they have extensive knowledge of the municipality in which you’ll be building? Read the unbiased reviews and check their Better Business Bureau status. Confirm that they use top sub-trades and high-quality materials. Check their references.

Read more about choosing the right custom home builder

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Roof Systems in High-Performance Homes

When we think about energy efficiency in a high-performance net zero home or passive house, we think of super-insulated walls, triple- or quad-glazed windows, cutting-edge HVAC systems, Energy Star appliances, and LED lighting. Often overlooked are the roof systems that will keep hot or cold air in.

More than 85% of Canadian homes have poorly designed or failing roofs. Many have dark, non-reflective materials that absorb rather than reflect heat. With a heat-absorbing roof, rooftop temperatures can get 32 to 38°C hotter than the outside air.

Energy-efficient roof design

The pitch, shape and aesthetics of the roof become a significant design element influencing overall appearance of the building. A significant factor in many areas is the weather. Heavy snowfall, torrential rainforest downpours, strong winds and a high bushfire risk (BAL 29 and more) in wooded areas should be considerations in the roof's design.

Another consideration is solar panels, and the optimal orientation. The BC Energy Step Code is pushing local Canadian city and municipal governments to have all new construction Net Zero Ready by 2032. Your roof can not only generate renewable power for your family; it can also collect and heat your water.

Choosing roofing materials

Here's a quick introduction to the most common roofing materials used in high-performance homes on BC's West Coast:

"Cool roof" shingles are asphalt shingles that have been engineered for higher solar reflectance and thermal emittance properties. Shingles with a higher solar reflectance reflect more sunlight and allow less heat to transfer into your home. Shingles with higher solar reflectance values are considered “cool” products, and these can achieve ENERGY STAR certification.

Permanent metal is very strong and long-lasting, holds up well against rain and wind storms, or big dumps of snow; and it's non-combustible, providing a barrier against sparks from bushfires. Modern standing seam metal roofing offers a range of design options, including a wide range of colours and hidden fasteners. Metal roofs require virtually no maintenance, and have a life expectancy of 40 to 70 years.

Terracotta tiles, made from kiln-fired natural clay, remain a popular choice for high-end homes. Combined with super-insulation, tiles are an excellent material for a net zero home or passive house. The tiles are finished with a glaze to lock in the colour, so they age very well. Clay tiles are made from subsoil, one of the most abundant resources on the planet. Lighter shades of terracotta reflect the sun’s heat, which keeps your home cooler during the summer.

Concrete tiles are wind resistant and fire-resistant, and they don’t decay under wet conditions. Concrete's most attractive feature is price. But weight is its biggest drawback, and the house needs to be engineered to support that weight.

Genuine slate tile roofing is a classic, known for its durability. Hard slate, like a grayish-black Buckingham slate, can last 150 to 200 years; and even softer slates have a life span of 75 to 90 years. Slate is mined, and most of it comes from Italy. It's very resistant to BC's rain storms and freezing temperatures, and it's fireproof. Like concrete tiles, slate tiles are heavy.

Synthetic slate shingles look indistinguishable from real slate from the curb. The shingles are manufactured from recycled materials. Synthetic slate shingles costs less than real slate, and they are very lightweight. It should provide 40 to 50 years of service.

Read more about roof systems for high-performance homes.

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Heating, Cooling and Ventilation in High-Performance Homes

When designing a performance home, the designers and builders have considerable latitude in choosing the approach for reaching desired energy targets. There's also some cross-over between the solutions used in the two primary approaches: Passive House and Net Zero.

Passive House approach

The passive house building standard the only internationally recognized, science-based, proven energy standard used in the construction industry. The passive house standards focus on energy efficiency.

The international Passive House (Passivhaus) standard requires:

space heat demand maximum of 15 kWh/m2a OR heating load max. 10 W/m2,

pressurization test result at 50 Pa max. 0.6 ACH (both over-pressure and under-pressure), and

Total Primary Energy Demand maximum of 120 kWh/m2a

Passive house building envelopes are always airtight. An airtight building envelope not only delivers significant energy savings, but it also improves the comfort and noise levels, while making the house a lot more durable. Thermal bridging is minimized in the walls, and vapour barriers make sure vapour can escape, while warm air does not. Walls and roofs are super-insulated, windows are triple- or quad-glazed, and doors use a 'thermally broken' design.

Most passive houses are orientated on a north-south axis, with most of the windows facing the south for maximum passive solar heat gain. Windows on the south side will usually be detailed with overhangs. The overhangs allow as much sun as possible to enter the home during the winter months when the sun is at a low angle, while providing shading in the summer.

A heat recovery ventilation (HRV) system removes stale air and continually replaces it with fresh air, while recovering up to 85% of the heat from the outgoing stream of air. The home may be airtight, but it is comfortable, dry and always filled with fresh, filtered air. During the summer, the incoming air is cooled, and during the winter it is heated.

Net Zero approach

Net Zero homes are designed to produce as much renewable energy as they use on an annual basis. In colder climates, like those found in Canada, most net zero homes will produce a surplus of energy in the summer, but then need more energy than they can produce during the winter months. The solar “credits” produced in the warmer months are fed to the power grid, and then drawn from it during the cold winter months.

Like passive houses, net zero homes utilize a superior airtight building envelope. High-performance continuous insulation is used in the exterior walls, floors, ceilings and foundation, and they use high-efficiency windows and doors.

An air-source heat pump (ASHP) typically provides year-round comfort, with heat during the cooler months and cooling during the warm summers. ASHPs take heat from the outside air and move it indoors. In the summers, heat pumps typically use 50% less energy than air conditioning.

The takeaway

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to designing your high-performance dream home. Heating, cooling and ventilation solutions are often combined to arrive at a particular efficiency target. Passive house and net zero approaches have differences, but a passive house can also be net zero, with the addition of solar panels.

Read more about heating, cooling and ventilation in high-performance homes.

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How to Plan Your Home Renovation Project

A renovation can be a very rewarding and cost-effective way to increase the enjoyment and value of your home. Family needs change and regular maintenance sometimes isn't enough, and one day you realize it's time to renovate.

Some common exterior projects include roofing, painting, landscaping and sprinkler systems, fencing and rock walls and an upgrade of the heating or air conditioning system. Inside, there might be floor and ceiling refinishing, plumbing and light fixtures, water heater replacement, door and window upgrades, new appliances, kitchen cabinets, minor bathroom remodels, and garage doors.

Home renovations that allow you to get more enjoyment out of your home, improve its functionality, improve its curb appeal or address structural damage are usually a very good investment.

Is your home a good candidate for a renovation?

If you're living in the right location, with all the amenities and advantages you want in a home, you don't want to move away from the neighbourhood that has given you everything you need and love. If your home requires some updates and repairs to make life easier and bring more enjoyment to your family, a renovation makes sense.

Home prices in Canada are skyrocketing. It's easy to become seduced by the high prices properties are selling for and your potential return on investment, until you consider the cost of marketing your existing home, searching for and purchasing another property in today's incredibly competitive market, covering Realtor® fees and closing costs, then the moving expenses, and finally the renovations you'll probably need to make your next property home. Renovations to your current home are by no means cheap, but usually a whole lot more affordable.

If you're planning to live in your home for years to come, a renovation can allow you to rework your living spaces so they are more functional, and it's an opportunity to add your own unique touches.

Renovations are one of the easiest ways to increase the value of your property and dramatically improve its curb appeal. If your home is not one of the most visually appealing on the street, renovations that elevate its curb appeal, so it's one of the nicest on the block, can be a solid investment strategy.

You'll want to have your home inspected for structural damage. Not all damp and subsidence-related damage are a serious problem, but they can turn some older homes into a money pit. It's a good idea to confirm that your house has good bones before investing a lot into a renovation project.

Should you do the work yourself, you bring in a renovation contractor?

If you're an accomplished carpenter, or have home improvement skills, you may be able to complete much of the renovation work yourself. If the project you’re planning puts you outside your comfort zone, or involves permits or licensed tradespeople, you should plan on bringing in the professionals.

When hiring a renovation contractor, or tradespeople, you should trust them to be in your home and have every confidence they will complete the job to your satisfaction. If you don't feel that way, price alone should not influence your decision.

Read more about planning your home renovation.

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Net-Zero vs Passive House: How are the Similar, and how are they Different?

Canada is among the world's countries with an average household usage of 60 to 70 percent of energy for heating and cooling. This is seen across all buildings constructed as per the Canadian building codes. Canada is also constructing Net Zero and passive homes as a key measure to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and carbon emissions.

Net Zero homes

Net-Zero house designs in Canada feature an energy-efficient building envelope, premium windows, and high-efficiency heating and ventilation systems to maintain the overall energy consumption as low as possible. They are ultra-low energy homes that generate as much energy as they use.

A Net Zero energy home is 80% more energy efficient than an average home constructed per the current building codes. Benefits of these homes include:

• Airtight, with reduced temperature fluctuations • Fresh air supply with little energy use • They last longer than the average homes • Energy efficient • They enjoy a high resale value

Passive Houses

These employ strict designs that reduce and maintain energy efficiency while keeping you comfortable. A passive house caters to air tightness, ground insulation, wall insulation, roof insulation, free construction, and reducing thermal bridging as key design principles. The homes are built with an absolute target for maximum energy consumption. Key benefits of the passive house designs include:

• Better temperature control • Reduced energy expenditure • Better indoor air quality

Similarities shared between Net Zero and Passive House designs

These homes are more sustainable and strive to have energy consumption that is as low as possible. Here are the key similarities between the two:

• Have an air tight building envelope (walls, foundation, roof) to prevent air leakage, control air inside, and conserve more energy. • Employ less thermal bridging and the installation of highly efficient windows. • Have mechanical ventilation to keep the air inside fresh. • Have efficient mechanical systems and appliances that are energy efficient and perfectly designed to suit the home. • Employ shading on the roof and windows • They use other sources of renewable energy like solar to generate more energy despite the stringent energy-efficiency measures.

Differences between Net-Zero and passive houses

Net Zero and Passive House homes are primarily concerned with energy efficiency. A net zero home produces as much energy as it uses over one year, while a passive house needs the heating or cooling energy load not to exceed 15kwh sqm. of living space.

The two homes also use different approaches to achieve this energy efficiency. For example, a passive house must adhere to strict regulations for insulation, airtightness, and passive solar energy usage to lower the building's energy requirements.

However, a net zero home focuses more on maintaining energy balance, which frequently ensures a building produces as much energy as it uses. Most often, renewable energy sources are added to construction projects to achieve Net Zero homes.

How Much Does It Cost to Construct an Energy Efficient House?

The cost of constructing an energy-efficient home in Canada is five to ten percent or higher than typical homes constructed per different energy codes. Canada’s different certification procedures may further increase these costs.

The only advantage is that you'll recover costs through rebates and long-term energy efficiency. There are also various financial incentives for BC residents wishing to upgrade their homes.

Final Thoughts

Canada is moving forward in combating the looming effects of climate change with Net Zero and Passive House standards. Through these programs, more homeowners will the savings from energy efficiency, meet operating energy requirements from renewable sources, and cut carbon emissions.

Read more about Net Zero homes and Passive Houses