At DrummondHousePlans, we strive to educate ourselves and share information regarding building trends and technology advancements. We encountered this article in Ideal Living Magazine and thought it would be of benefit to our readers…

Energy… that magical thing that illuminates our world. Few of us actually consider what it takes to generate the power to turn on our lights, run our computers and televisions, or cook our food. The daily “news” today touts “clean energy.” An international summit of 192 countries in Copenhagen met in December 2009 to discuss climate change and clean energy alternatives. It all seems a little abstract, and you might wonder how you as an individual can help the global climate and create clean, renewable energy.

Fortunately, some innovative developers and builders are implementing solutions to incorporate into your home. If you haven’t heard of “net-zero” and “zero-energy” homes in your location, you will in the near future. In Aiken, SC, and in Boulder, CO, a developer and architect are proving that you can create affordable, energy-efficient homes. Ron Monahan, developer of The Ridge at Chukker Creek in Aiken and Silver Leaf in Boulder, teamed with renowned Colorado architect George Watt to build net-zero or near-net-zero homes that achieve a 70% to 100% reduction in energy bills. These homes have exceeded the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design developed by the US Green Building Council) Platinum certifications for green building.

One Developer’s Dream
Monahan’s ideas and personal energy are infectious. He believes in creating affordable homes that generate their own power for everyday people. Monahan has been encouraged by the homebuyer’s response to his net-zero approach, with increasing sales at The Ridge during the economic decline.

Watt and Monahan recently partnered with the Savannah River Site (SRS) in Aiken to create a hydrogen-powered home to be completed in 2010. The home will have photovoltaic solar panels on the roof, which will in part power the house and in part pass energy through an electrolyzer that separates hydrogen from water. The hydrogen will be stored in a fuel cell and the by-product is oxygen.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to apply breakthrough technology to residential homebuilding. It would be hard to bring together this caliber of partnership were it not for the pioneering programs that are taking place in Aiken and in South Carolina,” said Monahan.

It wasn’t hard to convince architect Watt to be involved in designing net-zero homes. Watt said, “Ron and I talked for about two minutes about creating a net-zero project in Aiken. Ron said ‘we need to do this in Aiken.’ I said, ‘yeah, we do.’” And the rest is history. Watt, a carpenter before an architect, built his first solar home in the 1980s and realized then that energy efficiency should be implemented into home design; he’s implemented renewable energy systems ever since.

According to Watt, “Energy efficiency should be seamlessly integrated into the design of a building. It shouldn’t be flashy; it should just fade into the background. A home is a home and should feel comfortable and inviting.” Watt’s goal is to incorporate solar or other renewable sources without being an eyesore.

What’s the difference between net-zero and zero-energy homes?
Two types of energy-efficient homes are emerging—net-zero and zero-energy. While both types of homes are extremely efficient, there is a slight difference. Zero-energy homes run off the grid. The homes generate enough energy on their own to power all of the homeowner’s needs through photovoltaic, geothermal and soon even hydrogen power. Net-zero homes still operate on the energy grid, but generate enough energy to offset any annual usage through the same renewable energy means. When you own a net-zero home, you purchase energy from your electric company, but then sell back the energy that your home generates over the year.

“Green” Houses vs. Energy Efficiency
It seems that every successful product available today is marketed as “green.” Houses are no different. Often, the price tag on “green” materials is higher because of this marketing. However, it is possible to have an energy-efficient home that is affordable. Research into energy-efficient construction proves beneficial in creating the most efficient homes for the least amount of money.

It’s important to note the differences between “green-washing” and energy efficiency. You don’t have to have a “green” home to be energy-efficient and help reduce your carbon footprint and energy needs. Zero-energy homes may not be considered green in all areas but tend to have a much lower ecological impact in the long run than a “green” building that requires imported energy and/or fossil fuels.

Building a Net-Zero Home
Energy efficiency starts at the base level in home construction, including site plan, passive solar energy, insulation and energy-efficient appliances. According to Watt, “The key is to create a well-insulated building envelope so your energy needs are as low as possible. After you have saved energy everywhere you can in the house and determined what your energy needs will be, then it’s time to incorporate your renewable energy source.”

Site Plan
It wasn’t that long ago (prior to central heating and air) that homes were designed to capitalize on sunlight for passive heating and large porches to capture breezes to cool the home. This same technology still exists today and is the first step in creating an energy-efficient home. Orient the house with its long axis running east/west and utilize daylight to provide natural lighting.

Windows and Porches
Size south-facing overhangs to shade windows in the summer and allow solar gain in the winter. Utilize large porches to create shade for natural ventilation and reduce the need for mechanical cooling. Consider window-glazing techniques for different sides of the house. Use low U-value/low-E in all climates and low solar heat gain (low SHGC) windows in cooling climates.

Insulation
Increase foundation, wall and ceiling insulation. A well-insulated home drastically reduces the needs for heating and cooling. Seal all holes and cracks in walls, floor and ceilings to unconditioned spaces.

Appliances & Lighting
Look for EnergyStar® ratings when specifying and purchasing appliances. Consider tankless water heaters, as they are one of the largest electricity consumers in the home. Front-loading washing machines save energy and water consumption. When choosing lighting options, opt for LEDs and florescent fixtures.

Heating and Air
As stated above, use a passive solar energy. You may also want to consider using a geothermal system, which uses ground-source energy to heat and cool your home. The ground temperature around your house is fairly consistent year-round—approx 50°F in the north and warmer in the southern United States.

Add a Renewable Energy Source
Solar energy or photovoltaic energy captures solar energy and stores it in a battery or sends the energy back to the grid. Most people still think of solar as those unsightly large panels raised on the roof of a home. However, that’s not the case anymore. Major innovation has resulted in lighter, more durable panels as thin as 1/8”. Photovoltaic laminates can adhere directly onto roofing materials without damaging the roof. They even come in solar shingles these days.

George Watt designed a solar system to fit seamlessly into the roof in Boulder, CO, so you cannot tell the solar panels from the roof itself. Many states are even offering tax incentives and rebates to those implementing renewable energy sources into their homes.

If it’s not in your budget initially, you can always have it in your long-term plan and implement a renewable source at a later date.

When Will Net-Zero Reach Mainstream Building?
Smaller builders and developers are currently pushing the envelope to create the most innovative energy-efficient designs available. They are smaller and able to take more risks. Watt believes that as soon as the major builders develop these technologies, it will be available in the general market. The sooner the homebuyer demands this level of efficiency, you’ll see it in your area.

Visit Ideal Living Magazine for the complete article as well as related topics…

We are happy to say that we have a great assortment of homes and vacation properties with charming porches and covered decks that work well in the zero energy and net zero goals. We are also happy to work with you and your builder to modify any of our designs to achieve your energy efficiency goals.

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With over 1300 ready-to-build designs, there is a good chance that not every Drummond House Plan is perfect for every person. At a recent CHBA (Canadian Home Builders Association) meeting, we had the opportunity to speak with a number of fellow members about Drummond House Plans. CHBA members are trade and industry professionals and as such, tend to be quite candid (aka blunt). We were told that some of the designs were simply not applicable in the Western Canada market. Guilty as charged! I go back to speaking of the inventory of over 1300 ready-to-build designs – we are apt to find some regional differences in architectural styles and tastes.

When looking at a house rendering, one needs to look a little beyond the “lipstick and rouge”. The following models show how changing a roofline can dramatically change the character of a house.

DrummondHousePlans #2177 - Country

DrummondHousePlans #2179 - European

DrummondHousePlans #2199 - Manor

With this in mind, if a plan is “close but not quite”, you can take advantage of our free modification quote service. Change a floorplan, roofline, entryway, add a garage or customize your plan in any way you choose. In changing your plan, you will join the majority of our our clients who want to personalize their home to suit their exact needs. It is your home and you need to love it!

Also, remember that the personality of a house can be changed by using different exterior finishes and details. In Western Canada, houses have more of a tendency to use a blend of natural materials such as timber and stone accents which are typical in Northwest and Craftsman style homes. There is also an increasing use of fibre cement siding and cultured stone. The use of formal brickwork is more of an eastern style. Just remember that our renderings are suggested exterior details. The final finish should be decided upon with your builder.

As always, we welcome your questions and comments!

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In its May/June issue, Home Builder Magazine, the official magazine of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association did an interesting report about the evolution of house plans in Canada.  Judy Penz Sheluk contacted us to get our opinion about the stock plan industry and the emergence of house plans web sites.  You can read the entire article by clicking here.

Marie-France Roger, my partner, was the one interviewed by Mrs. Sheluk and explained that Stock House plans can be sold as is or modified to suit the customer’s needs.  We can even do a compelete custom project, on-line, by exchanging information with the customer / Builder. 

Some designer, like Mrs. Jane Cameron from Life Home Design, think that people can not be 100% satisfied with a stock plan…  Over the years more than 110 000 people can argue with that because it is the total number of stock plan we sold in the past 35 years !  However, a stock plan company must be able to do some modifications to their plans to make sure that we can serve all types of customers and this is what we do.

In the past, people who wanted to do some modifications or get a full custom design had to meet with a local designer to get a complete set of plans.  Today, we can all do it on line (we do more than 500 modified / custom house plans per year without meeting direct with the customer!) and tailor a complete design to the customer needs and then, by also contacting local engineers and/or architect during the project to complete the plans and meet the local regulations.  Customer saves time and money.  Our costs are about 1 to 3% of the total cost to build.  Get a quote right here !

If you go to a local designer with some images of a stock plans, make sure that the designer gets the copyright licencees from the original designer and work legally on your project because those plans are potected by our Canadian Copyright law.  The original designer has the total right to sue you and your designer…  Don’t get in trouble and work legally!

Drummond House Plans has some programs for local designers / drafters who would like to modifiy a plan based on our design;  it is simple, quick and not expensive !  Click here for more information.

Special thanks to Mrs. Sheluk and to Charlie Blore, Editor of Home Builder Magazine.

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A few days ago, I got and e-mail from a friend in Alabama, Architect Bob Chatham from Chantham Design Group, who featured in a very interesting TV episode from Dany Lipford.

The video will explain you the details of a green house and also how you can be greener in your existing home ! 

Congratulations to Bob who designed the featured house of this video.  The Fairhope Green Home Project is the first house in the state to receive Gold Certification from the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Program. 

Remember one thing if you build green,  this type of construction is a real team work !

Enjoy !

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You’ve thought about it for so long and now, you are close to start building your home!  What an exciting decision but are you ready?  Are you stepping down this path for the first time?  Nervous ?!…

Like any process, building a home can be tricky and there are many important details to consider as you get started.  Have you decided on a style of home yet? There are many styles such as American, Bungalow, Cottage, Country, Crafstman, and many more.  Try to find the style of a friend’s or a neighbour’s home that you like and you will probably find what you like.  Write down or draw the details you like and and keep it in a file so when you meet an architect or plan designer, you will not forget anything.   Browse the Internet and you may find the home of your dream through a Stock Plan Collection, or you can do some modifications of a stock plan through the original designer or do a complete Custom plan.

Where you build is very important too.  If you already own the land you plan to build on, you may have more options than an established subdivision with building scheme.  One thing very important though;  make sure you have your land before buying the plan.  Some people purchace plans before the land… only to discover that the home they dreamed of could not be built on the land they bought!

If you buy land in a subdivision, make sure you understand all the restrictions and limits of the developer.  These “covenants” are in place to assure that all the homes in the area are worth about the same and this will protect the value of your investment in the future.  Always remeber that a house is an investment that you have to protect and, even if you do not think about it now, you may want to sell it some day!  Protect it!

There are a lot of things to consider about the location of your new home: Distance to shopping, Schools, work have to be thought about.

Finding the right contractor is your next step.  Talk to some friends or relatives about their experiences and make sure, when you have identified the right contractor that you get at least 3 bids plus the names of satisfied customers you can contact.  Always remember the old adage: “If it is too good to be true, it problably is!”  To ensure that both you and your builder are satisfied with the work, make sure the details are spelled out in a written contract.  The time you spend at this stage and on the plan stage will avoid any confusion or unexpected expenses later on.

With the internet and groups like the Canadian Home Builders Association and your provincial groups, reams of information is available to help plan your home.  The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation also offers useful information including valuable question and answer sheets.

Beyond choosing a good contractor, you will also need a lawyer and a banker to handle legal matters and financing.  Finally, remember that some home builders are more concerned about structural integrity and the attractiveness of your home from the outside.  Remember that the interior should also be designed for practical concerns like – will all the furnitures you already have fit? Do not hesitate to contact an interior designer and kitchen and bathroom planner before starting to build;  they will help you to maximise your living space and avoid mistakes you will see once you live in your home !

Want to build green ?  Many links like LEED and Built Green can surely help you.

Enjoy !

this post was based on an article from the Cottage and Home Plans magazine provided by Tim-Br Mart. Some information was also supplied by CMHC and CHBA.

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Last Monday, I posted this messsage on my personal blog from one of our many satisfied customers )

Good Afternoon,

We recently purchased one of your designs and are currently in the process of having these plans approved by our local building inspector.  We thought we would share some comments he had about your design. 

We are going to be doing our own construction and we were very impressed by the detail provided in your plans.  Our building inspector indicated that he has never seen such complete and detailed plans and that it was a pleasure to review.  Your plans will not only be a hugh benefit to us as we begin to build but it obviously has facilitated the approval process.

Thank-you

Linda Lindsay, Flinton, ON

(original content posted on www.yvescarignan.com)

Considering the fact that the Ontario Building code is very strict, including the BCIN, we are very pleased with that kind of comments from our customers.  So, Ontario customers, get the peace of mind with Drummond’s plans !

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It is important to ask ourselves, “What is the main reason for pouring your foundation very early on in the project and leaving it all winter without building on it?” Certain contractors pour their foundations during the winter due to the fact that they have teams constantly moving from place to place and are always ready to build, even during the cold season.

It is a common practice in Quebec to pour foundations 12 months a year. The snow itself poses no real problems but rather serves as insulation. As for the foundation walls, it is suggested to add a membrane on them in order to avoid frost from sticking to it.

In regards to the footings, they will be exposed to the winter climate. They could be exposed to freezing and thawing which could cause them to be unstable. If the wood floors at ground level are not built upon the foundations, according to the building code, backfill must not be used any higher than 3 ft. 11 in. on foundations with a thickness of 8”. If the wood floor is built, it is permissible to backfill to 7 ft. and 6 in. high.

As for the CMHC, they unfortunately have no technical counsellors regarding this subject.

We also consulted the Canadian Cement Association and like us, they do not recommend pouring foundations in the fall without continuing the construction immediately for the same reasons as mentioned above.

It is therefore preferable to wait until spring to pour the foundation. This way, the expensive machinery will only have to be brought in once and you will avoid any major problems that could occur. Should you decide to go ahead, be sure to follow the correct steps in order to put all chances on your side and hope that nothing moves!

Keep us posted on your decision and invite the professionals in your region to comment on our reply. Some may have tricks of the trade that we do not know about.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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Deciding on which contractor will build your home is a critical step in making your dream a reality.  There are many things to consider when making your choice.

ROLE OF THE CONTRATOR

The contractor’s role is to control the construction process and manage all aspects of the job from start to finish.  They will work from your floor plans, obtain the necessary permits for construction in your local area, and arrange for materials to be delivered to your site from your local lumber yard when needed.  The contractor will also manage other necessary trades people (excavation, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, drywall installers, etc.) that will work on your home so that they arrive when needed and complete their jobs efficiently and quickly.  All this will be done in a time frame that you agree on and at a quoted cost.

Contractors should be members of the provincial or local home builders’ association which requires them to conform to a code of ethics as well as attend courses on the latest techniques, building code requirements and technologies to remain in good standing.  They should also be licensed to work in your area and you should be able to see these licences upon request.

Contractors should also carry insurance in case of an accident during construction or in the event of a dispute.  You should be familiar with the rules required by your local government, your home owner’s insurance policy and your bank to ensure that you understand the liabilities involved with building a home and how to protect yourself.

LOCATING A CONTRACTOR

It takes more than just looking in the phone book to find a contractor.  A good place to start is often with friends, family or neighbours.  Ask them if the contractor they used lived up to expectations and delivered what was agreed to.  Ask if they had any problems with the contractor and, if so, how they were resolved.  Most importantly, ask if they would hire the same contractor again.  You want to know they have a good reputation and a history of satisfied customers. 

Your local home show can be a perfect place to look for local contractors who do the type of work that you are planning.  You will be able to talk with several contractors and see photographs of their projects while learning about construction materials and getting advice from professionals.

You can also approach the Canadian Home Builder’s Association (visit www.chba.ca). They will be able to put you in contact with contractors from your local area that are members in good standing.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Before you begin hiring, take the time to do research.  Go online to familiarize yourself with the materials and local requirements for your job.  You can’t expect to learn as much as the professionals, but by educating yourself you will more likely be able to identify a contractor that may not be fully competent (or even dishonest).  Educating yourself now will also save you time and increase your confidence later when it comes to making decisions like picking fixtures and making choices on items such as flooring materials that will have to be done when construction is under way.

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You’ve thought about it and now you’re doing it, you’re building your own home.  It is an exciting decision to make.  Being able to choose, plan and live in a dream for many, but now you are making that vision come true.

Are you stepping down this path for the first time? Like anything, the process can be tricky and there are many important details to consider as you get started.

Style of your new home

Have you decided on a style of home yet?  If you need inspiration, go to open houses or remember what you like about the design of you friends’ and neighbours’ homes. Make notes.  If there is an interesting detail or feature, write it down so that it doesn’t get forgotten during the excitement of building.

Where you will build is very important too.  If you already own the land you plan to build on, your opinions may be more open than if you are building in an established subdivision.  Many subdivision developers have restrictions called “covenants” which may force you to build a house of a certain size or style.  They may limit where you can choose to build your home, even what colour it is when finished.  These covenants are in place to assure that all the homes in the area are worth about the same and this will protect the value of your investment in later years.  Remember that this is an investment and even if this is your dream home, there may come a day that you will have to sell it.  Protecting help ensure its value in later years.

What to consider

There are a lot of other things to consider about the location of your new home.  Distance to shopping, schools and work have to be thought about.

Finding the right contractor is your next step.  A new home is likely your biggest investment.  Make sure you don’t rush into it.  It’s always a good idea to get at least three bids and remember the old adage, “If it is too good to be true, it probably is”.

To ensure that both you and your builder are satisfied with the work, make sure the details are spelled out in a written contract.  The time you spend at this stage will avoid any confusion later on.

With the internet and groups like your provincial Homebuilders Associations, reams of information is available to help your home. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation also offers useful information including valuable question and answer sheets.  Their website address is http://www.cmhc.ca.

Finding a good contractor

To find a good contractor, ask around.  Ask family, friends and associates about who has a reputation for doing good work.  Ask your contractor to supply the names of satisfied clients.  If he can’t, look to another contractor.

Not offering a warranty on their services,  poor workmanship and extra costs are all pitfalls on the path to feeling good about building you new home.  Remember not every contractor plays by the rules.  It is best, of course, to avoid these people.

The contractor will also be handling the scheduling of other trades such as electricians, insulation and drywall installers and any other specialists that may be required to complete the construction of your home.

Beyond choosing a good contractor, you will also need lawyer and a banker to handle legal matters and financing.  Finally, remember that many home builders are more concerned about structural integrity and the attractiveness of your home from the outside.  Remember that the interior should also be designed for practical concerns like – will all that furniture you already have fit? So if it’s not already clear, researching and planning before the first nail goes in is the key to making your new home a great castle to be enjoyed for years to come.

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Single detached housing starts n Ontario dropped by 3%, while the more volatile multi-unit housing starts experienced a very significant increase of 94%.

media-release-significant-increase-in-multiple-housing.pdf

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