EnerGuide Rating for New Homes

There are a number of different construction standards for low energy and/or green homes in Canada. Depending on the region of Canada you are in, you may be familiar with one or more of the following…

Energy Efficient New Homes – Grants and Incentives

Currently, although Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) does not offer incentives to new home buyers or new home builders, NRCan manages the EnerGuide Rating System, ENERGY STAR® for New Homes, and…

Decor: Green Brings a Room to Life

On St. Patrick's Day, it truly is all about green! And what a great color when used in interiors, one that is equally at home in modern spaces as it is traditional rooms, with the ability to bring a…

Amazing Ways with Concrete Countertops

See What Designers Are Doing With This Versatile, Weatherproof Counter Alternative Concrete may not be the first material you think of for your countertop, but take note: Designers are doing some…

Spring planting: Wonderful wisteria

Classic Vines Add Fragrance, Color and Romance to Garden Designs Every spring, I see wisteria blooming on fences and pergolas, and every spring it surprises me all over again. Its twining vines have…

The Dry Garden – Great example of xeriscaping

As beautiful as private landscapes can be, and they can be stunning, none can match the poetry, joy and solace of a public garden done right. As proof, look no further than Arlington Garden in…

Xeriscaping – A sustainable landscape option

Whether by conscience or necessity, many people are looking to reduce their water consumption. The perfectly manicured emerald lawn may certainly look lovely but normally requires a great deal of…

The Importance of Bathroom and Kitchen Fans

Bathroom and kitchen fans are an important part of your home's ventilation system. They remove odours from your house, which improves indoor air quality. They also remove moisture, which decreases…

How to choose green building materials

At DrummondHousePlans, we scour the web for resources for you. With so much discussion about eco-friendly and green building options, it is great to see articles that are more factual than full of…

Indoor Air Quality

With Canadians spending more than 90% of their time indoors, much of it at home, the "healthiness" of their home is a serious issue. Poor indoor air can have a detrimental impact on people's…

We want your natural corks!

A lot of corks will be popping this evening, you may want to think about some creative recycling! An Ontario company specializes in the recycling of natural cork.

Holiday parody – On the 4th day of building…

Our parody on the Twelve Days of Christmas continues. We dare you not to sing them out loud!

Double-duty recycling of building supplies

Whether you are doing a remodel, a renovation or building new, it is surprising to find how many useable materials end up in site dumpsters. It seems like such a shame but these items can be…