New Building

Prioritizing Your Home Renovation

by Bevony on 19 February 2021 Comments Off on Prioritizing Your Home Renovation

If you are getting tired of seeing those same walls every day, maybe it’s time to get some work done on your house. With many of us staying inside a lot now, working from home, and homeschooling our kids, all we see is our home. For many what used to be a space, you loved coming home to is now a space you’re getting just a wee bit tired of. 

After spending a year at home for many, it’s easy to see all the things you wish about. Are you wishing your kitchen was nicer, or your bathroom was bigger? If you are that we understand, and we understand that you may be tempted to tackle the projects, especially if you can see how you can afford it. But we want to caution you about how to go about your home renovation in today’s article. 

Prioritize Your Renovations

You want to start with renovation tasks that will be the best option for your home in the long term. Before you engage a contractor you want to have an understanding of your home and the best way to keep it strong for years to come. That is the real priority at the end of the day. 

You want to start out by looking around your home, and we recommend you create two separate lists. These will be: 

  1. Need To-Do List

This list will have things that are related to your house’s health and structure. These can address an aging furnace, an old roof, creaky or drafty windows etc. 

You also want to look for anything odd like unexplained water stains or bubbling paints only in a particular area. Make note of these, even if you don’t know the exact issue, these are things you need to get looked at, and they are going to be a priority. 

  1. Want To-Do List 

This list includes those aesthetic overall goals, the dream renovation ideas you have that you saw on HGTV. These can include changing up your kitchen, adding a deck, a pool etc. Here you can also list jobs that you can do yourself or that can be complete in one day. 

If you find yourself with a very long Need To-Do list you are not alone so don’t be discouraged or intimidated by the list. 

Start With Structure

Now that you have made your lists and are ready to act on your needs, where do you start? Structure – you want to start with anything that will affect the structure of your home. So a failing roof, siding that is falling apart or cracks in your foundation are all great places to start. Pay attention to the parts of your home that keep sleet, rain and other moisture out of your home. These are very important to keep in tip-top condition. 

If there is anything you aren’t sure about, get a licensed contractor to look over your list and your home and help you decide where to start. If you found any oddities without apparent cause they may be able to help you figure out the cause so you can determine if these need to be prioritized or if they can go lower on the list or even into the want list. 

Going Through Your List

As you go through your list and get rid of things you may see that these items are affecting the items on your want to do list. So you may find yourself adding to your want list. For example, if you get a new roof, your water intrusion problems will be solved. So now you can add painting to your want list and get it done later on down the road. 

Whatever you want to add to your list, just keep adding and maintaining a priority. If you come up on a problem that has more priority than others that were previously on the list, then go ahead and replace whatever you need to when you rearrange your list. 

When you properly plan and prioritize your renovation you won’t go wrong. Always start with the structural concerns and then continue into your dream upgrades. 

If you are entirely tired of your current home and ready to move on to a new one, give us a call. We are custom home builders who can build your dream home from the ground up. Get the home that is made just for you right here at SilverBeam Homes

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BevonyPrioritizing Your Home Renovation

Low Supply for Detached Homes Increases Prices

by Bevony on 15 January 2021 Comments Off on Low Supply for Detached Homes Increases Prices

Sales for detached homes in greater Vancouver were up 70% in December 2020. Houses are being sold above asking price as more people are looking to purchase homes. With the low interest rates being offered, buyers are now able to increase their spending power. And the fact is there are just not enough homes, so when a home goes on the market, there is a flurry of potential buyers and most often the highest qualified bidder wins. 

The inventory as at January 2021 is at 2.7 months and whenever inventory goes below 4 months, the prices always rise. So all the sales increases we saw in 2020 were all due to a scarcity of inventory. 

What To Do If You Can’t Find a Home to Buy

Give us a call. Yes, no, really – do give us a call. Here at SilverBeam Homes we offer home building services. We can build you the home of your dreams, according to your specifications and on your budget. 

The truth is that the economy is not recovering as well as the housing market. And with so many changes in our lives we all now have different needs for our homes. Now more than ever families are having unique situations and needs and need their homes to fulfill those needs. 

When you choose to build your home you can create a design that will completely match your needs for your home. So is it that you need more office-like space? Do you now need your kids to have a dedicated space to have online classes? Do you now need more space in your kitchen because you are having to do more home cooking? All these and more are some of the questions you can ask yourself to determine what your home needs to have to serve you best. 

Maybe the idea you had for a dream home is no longer feasible due to our current situation with the pandemic. Maybe you have lost income and your dream of owning a home has been blighted. But before you decide you can no longer afford it, especially with the increases in house prices, give us a call. We may be able to help you make your dreams of homeownership a reality still. 

Are the Price Increases Really That Bad? 

You don’t have to take out words for it, take a look at the market yourself. Look at some listings, look at what the houses have to offer and look at those prices. The truth is that with this high demand and low inventory these high prices won’t be going away soon. Check in with the real estate agents on some of these houses and you will see that a lot of them have over asks and multiple offers. 

This is great news for sellers who can now really cash out of their homes and move on into a new era, but for buyers this can be disheartening news. 

If you need a home, give us a call. Don’t let these prices and this type of news deter you. Let us help you make your dream of owning a home a reality. 

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BevonyLow Supply for Detached Homes Increases Prices

The Home Renovation Market for Greater Vancouver

by Bevony on 8 January 2021 Comments Off on The Home Renovation Market for Greater Vancouver

Not everybody is living in doom and gloom during the pandemic. Many are seeing the opportunities where they are and are moving to go and grab them. That is why people are looking to Surrey, Squamish and Coquitlam for home ownership. This is because the permitting times are shorter here. So one can purchase and renovate a home which is cheaper than buying a new one and can get the necessary work done in less time. 

How Do They Work So Fast on Renovating Shows?

How often do you watch home renovating shows? They can be really satisfying as you watch a property be transformed into a beautiful dwelling. But watching these shows and actually doing the process yourself are two different things. When it comes to the permitting process there are headaches and hiccups to be had. Even the pros on the shows have to submit like the rest of us but you just don’t see that part of the process. 

Waiting for Permits in Vancouver

Waiting for a building permit can take months. Often other things are filmed while they are waiting on the permits to be sorted. Also with multiple projects being worked on at the same time it is easier for them to provide the content without you seeing all the red tape they have to go through to get to the actual building and the actual transformation. 

Vancouver has a significant permit waiting time with some straightforward renovations waiting for up to a year. While there are people that are willing to wait for years for their homes, not everyone is like this. A Lot of this wait time is believed to be due to a backlog of applications. Over the past twenty years, the city of Vancouver has seen a number of new renovations and new builds. 

As professionals, we always warn our clients about the potential wait time when it comes to the permit process. We do all we can, so our clients are not stuck with a mortgage and house they can’t live in at the same time. But the reality is that this happens when you are not building your home from the ground up . So it would be a great idea for you to choose us to build your dream home. 

What to Do if You Want to Renovate

If you are looking to renovate we recommend you choose a home in one of these areas. They are Surrey, Squamish or Coquitlam as these areas have a shorter wait time when it comes to processing permits. These areas also offer more affordable prices as well for potential homeowners. 

We can help you make your dream of owning a home in Vancouver a reality. We are house builders for the Greater Vancouver and British Columbia areas. That home you have wanted with those specific design features does not have to elude you. Give us a call today, so we can set up consultations and show you how we can help make your dream a reality. 

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BevonyThe Home Renovation Market for Greater Vancouver

Silver Beam Homes – Our Value Proposition

by Bevony on 12 November 2020 Comments Off on Silver Beam Homes – Our Value Proposition

How much house can you afford in the current housing climate because more than ever people need stability and nothing is more stable than owning your own home. Do you even know what housing options are going for in terms of price? If you are wondering about these things, it is likely because you are ready to take the next step to being a homeowner. If you are ready for that, then you are also ready to explore your options. Let’s explore a newly sold housing option in Vancouver, its costs and what it has to offer to you as a homeowner.

Fairview Town Home

This development features 25 units with an internal courtyard. It was designed and developed by Michael Green Arhitecture in 2014. Most recently sold out of the development was a two bedroom unit which sold for $1,288,000.00.

The development can be found on Vancouver’s West 6th avenue. It is built with a very distinctive look with its modern row of townhomes. On the inside you will find that the townhomes features three levels with an open-plan living space complete with a sleek kitchen.

On the top floor you will find the master bedroom alongside a Den that measures 14 by 7 feet. The second bedroom can be found on the lowest level next to a flex room and an office.

Pets and rentals are allowed, but a purchase of one of these units coms with a monthly maintenance fee of $601.94 cents. What could you do with that money per month?

Our Value Proposition

vancouver luxury home builders

Here at SilverBeam homes we specialize in creating the home of your dreams. We are professionals in our field and have been featured on Houzz. We can help you at every step of the way. You will get a design build process so you can get a custom home project build specifically to meet your needs and the needs of your family. Here at SilverBeam Homes, we have a full staff complement to cover your project at every step of the way. Where we don’t have members on staff here we have a network of supporting professionals who we can reach out to at a moment’s notice. So we really have every aspect of your project covered.

Our team is known for its versatility as well as the wide cross section of professionals we offer. This ensures you are covered to ensure your custom construction is done successfully while also meeting all your needs under one roof.

Ready to build from the ground up? Ready to make your dream house your reality? So what’s your next step? If you answered yes to the above questions, it is because you are ready to go. And guess what? We are also ready, ready to help. Now you can check out answers to our frequently asked questions. Contact us today for a free estimate. You will not regret it!

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BevonySilver Beam Homes – Our Value Proposition

Conscious Design for The Home Front

by Bevony on 7 October 2020 Comments Off on Conscious Design for The Home Front

Designers and architects are driven by a need to find solutions for everyday irritations and problems. Designers reflect on how we live to provide the solutions that we need even before we notice we need them.

In 2020, everybody has had the opportunity to do some inner reflecting. We have had the chance to look at the things we have taken for granted and what we will no longer do any more. Designers get the chance to reflect and with new needs from the population on a whole they have had the opportunity to revamp their designs and bring designs that proved meaning for their clients. With designers focusing more on how we live, we start seeing people looking at sustainable design and architecture. 

What is Sustainable Design?

Sustainable design has the aim of reducing a building’s negative impacts on the environment and on the health of the building’s occupants. This in turn helps to improve a building’s performance. The basic objectives of sustainability are:

  • Reduce consumption resources that are not renewable
  • Create a health environment
  • Improve productivity of an environment
  • Minimize waste 

One sustainable material is Timber, it is good for the environment as well as it is good for our lungs. It is ideal for use in homes of asthma sufferers and allows for a better living environment for even those without respiratory conditions. 

If you want to achieve wellness in your home, you have to look into the types of materials that are used in the construction. You also want to consider the types of materials used in your furnishings. For example, check what type of cushioning agent is used in your sofa. Natural foam would be a sustainable material instead of polyurethane foam, which is toxic. 

Change the World for the Better 

The choices that we make can really make a big difference. Look at the Californian wildfires, they show us that we need to do better to protect our environment; our home. We have taken so much from mother nature, and we really need to consider it is long overdue for us to start giving back. 

Here at SilverBeam Homes we strive to help you build the best home that you can afford. We can include more sustainable materials in your build as we offer customized building solutions to our valued customers. Considering building a home? Partner with us and let us help you make your dream home your reality. 

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Different Types of Roofing and their Advantages

by Bevony on 6 May 2020 Comments Off on Different Types of Roofing and their Advantages

If you find yourself needing a roof replacement there are a couple of options. You will find a number of different roofing materials that you will be able to choose from. You will want to educate yourself on the different types so that you can have a meaningful and well education conversation with your contractor when the time comes for that. 

Varying roofing materials will have their own lifespans and costs as well as a number of other characteristics that will cause them to provide both pros and cons. With an investment as big and as important as a roof you want to make the best decision. Here we will look at the most popular roofing types and all their advantages so you can make the best choice for your needs.

Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles

Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles

This roofing type is possible the most popular when it comes to roofing material. It has been a popular choice for many decades thanks to its durability. This roofing option features shingles made from fiberglass and asphalt as the base. The base is then covered with protective granules that bolster its durability. This type of roofing is also very affordable and is among the easiest type when it comes to installation. These tiles can be installed over your existing shingles as long as the roof deck on your building is in good condition. 

This roofing type is safe as it is considered to be Class A fire-resistant with the ability to withstand fire fora approximately two hours. If you live in an area that is fire-prone there may be better options out there when it comes to fire resistance. If you choose this type of roofing you can expect them to last for 20 to 50 years and you will be able to find them at your local home improvement store quite easily. 

Asphalt Architectural Shingles

Asphalt Architectural shingles are similar to the 3-Tab asphalt shingles discussed above. They are made from the same type of materials and are recyclable. The only difference is that with these architectural tiles, an extra layer is added to provide a better aesthetic appeal as well as to increase durability. The added layer gives this roofing type an added 10 years minimum so you can look for these lasting at least 30 years and up to 50 years. 

Wood Shingles 

Wooden Shingles are often called Shakes and are a type of roofing that has been around for centuries but are still quite common in use today. This option is quite durable as it is made most often from hardwoods. There are also options made from composite wood materials. Their lifespan is longer than asphalt roofing as they can last a minimum of 25 years. In warmer climates, you can find these roofs lasting a minimum of 30 years. Note that the life expectancy is based on the type of wood that is used to make these shingles as well as the thickness of the shingles and the climate of your local area. 

One of the best attributes of wooden shingles apart from their lifespan is their aesthetic appeal. These will provide a natural look and also weigh less than your other roofing types. They still offer the appropriate strength and moisture protection necessary for a fully functioning roof. These roofing options are environmentally friendly as they are made from wood and have that biodegradable nature. 

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are the option that offers the longest lifespan. You can expect these roofs to last anywhere between 40 and 80 years. Bear in mind that the climate conditions in your region will affect their lifespan. Modern metal roofing options are quite versatile. You can find metal roofing that can match pretty much any architectural style and in a variety of colors. 

Today’s roofing options are attractive and can be made fro metals such as aluminum, copper, or steel. 

Aluminum panels are naturally corrosion and rust-resistant. 

Most steel panels are coated with a metallic coating and then completed with a painted finish. This is to prevent rust while also improving the aesthetic appeal of the roof. 

Metal roofing options offer fire resistance and in most areas having metal roofing can lead to the lowering of your insurance rates. Metal roofs also have the ability to increase the resale value of your home. 

Slate Shingles, Concrete Tile, and Clay Tiles

These options are among the most durable roofing types you can find as their lifespans are approximated at a minimum of 100 years. These types of roofing materials are non-combustible and tend to be extremely fire resistant. They will not rot and are resistant to insects 

When you invest in a tiled roof, you can reduce your energy bill significantly. The inherent qualities contained in tile shingles allow for energy reduction. 

Which roofing type sounds like the best choice for your needs? What roofing type do you currently have on your home and what kinds of problems are you facing? We’d love to hear from you, drop a comment down below. 

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BevonyDifferent Types of Roofing and their Advantages

The Future of Freeing up Floorspace

by Bevony on 29 April 2020 Comments Off on The Future of Freeing up Floorspace

With many places on lockdown, many people are spending a lot more time at home. As such the ability to free up floor space is quite appealing. this is so especially to those who live in homes that accommodate extended families. This is especially appealing to those who live in small quarters. 

Freeing up Floorspace

When it comes to freeing up to floorspace the answer lies in the ceiling. This we see from Bumblebee Spaces. The San Francisco based company makes a modular system for storing home furniture in the ceiling. The design allows for accessories and furniture to be stored in the ceiling and to drop down when they are needed. 

With such a design system, when working you need your desk and chair, and not your bed. You also won’t need your dresser or nightstands. With this system, these items can be stored away from sight. That way you only have the things you need to work so you can remain focused while working. 

The Inspiration Behind the System 

Murphy from the company notes that a move from Maryland to San Francisco meant making do with less space. He is a previous engineer of Tesla and Apple but notes that he had always been interested in home space. His personal frustrations made him even more interested. At the time of his move, the cost of a two to a three-bedroom home in Maryland could only get him a studio or one-bedroom apartment on the West Coast. 

Murphy noted that he had a growing family and also had to deal with parents coming to visit. He got inspiration from the Micky Mouse Clubhouse cartoon and began to prototype a floorplan in his home’s garage. The cartoon had him thinking about how the clubhouse could transform from one space to the next. After mulling over that for a while, he realized the importance of first moving shoes, clothes, etc before being able to move rooms. 

He went on to note how ceilings were really dead space and how they could be unlocked while also having the ability to liberate walls. Not only would this free up floor space but it would also create better air circulation and result in less clutter and less furniture in the home while offering more natural light. 

How their Modular System Works 

The system can work with any ceiling that is 9 feet or higher. Anchors are put in place to distribute weight across the entire ceiling. Modules are added using retrofitted furniture which takes up approximately a depth of one foot. 

The software that Bumblebee Spaces uses allows individuals the opportunity to have insight into what their homes are capable of. Looking at your home through this software will really cause you to take a look at your possessions and how you are using them. It can also help you to get a handle on items that are not entirely necessary within your home. 

Available Bumblebee Modules

Modules by Bumblebee offer desks that descend as whole work stations to include anything you want to leave out on a desk including a computer and even your pens and smaller implements. Items only come down as you needed them so when you want your desk you get only that and when you don’t need it, it won’t be taking up any of your footprints. 

Ultimately Bumblebee is giving people space; physical space which further turns around to provide mental space. This allows people to live their best lives on a budget. They can afford a home without having to invest in larger home spaces.  Future homeowners may find that they have more money to go around. Thanks to having less money going towards rent and mortgage payments. 

Are you considering building a home? Here at SilverBeam Homes, we offer house building services to help make your dream a reality.

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BevonyThe Future of Freeing up Floorspace

What is Mortgage Default Insurance?

by Bevony on 4 March 2020 Comments Off on What is Mortgage Default Insurance?

So you’ve heard about it and now you want to know what is mortgage default insurance. This is one requirement placed upon first time home buyers by the Government of Canada. Who is required to pay this?
Persons that are first-time homeowners.

Persons with a downpayment of less than 20%

Banks are allowed under the Bank Act to lend a maximum of 80% of the purchase price of a home. If you have your 20% downpayment there is no need for mortgage default insurance. If you have your 20% downpayment you will qualify for a conventional mortgage. When you don’t have the required deposit amount you can be granted a high ratio mortgage. In such a case, the insurance company will compensate the mortgage lender in the event that you default on your mortgage.

How to Qualify for Mortgage Default Insurance

If you think you may be eligible for mortgage default insurance, first contact your bank. Find out what are the usual qualifications for a mortgage and find out what the underwriting standards are for your mortgage insurer. Not sure where to find this type of insurance? Contact the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. They can give you a list of their approved insurers offering this type of insurance. Each insurer from this list will have their own criteria of evaluation so you need to check out if you meet their qualifications as well as if the property you are interested in meets their qualifications for this insurance as well.

Benefits of Mortgage Default Insurance

The primary purpose of mortgage default insurance is to protect the lender. The insurance protects them in the event that you default on your mortgage payment. But it also benefits you. With this insurance, you now are able to purchase your home a lot sooner and with a downpayment as low as 5%.

Important points to note about mortgage default insurance;

  • This does not provide protection to you or your interest in the property purchased in the event that you default, you will lose all.
  • You don’t have coverage for a mortgage payment under this insurance policy. If you are unable to make your payment or if you pass away your mortgage goes into default.
  • This insurance is only available for homes that are priced at less than $1,000,000.
  • Your premium will be calculated as a percentage of the borrowed amount.
  • You can have a lower premium if your down payment is bigger.
  • Payments can be made over a period of 25 years and these can be combined with your monthly mortgage payments.
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BevonyWhat is Mortgage Default Insurance?

Why You Need an Interior Designer for Your Custom Home

by Bevony on 15 January 2020 Comments Off on Why You Need an Interior Designer for Your Custom Home

If you are considering building a custom home in Victoria, we can help you with everything you need. We have a team of professionals that can help make your dream a reality. Among the team members are capable and expert Interior Designers. They can take your vision and turn it into a reality when we are done building your home.

An interior designer can help to bridge the gap between your vision and the home. This way, we the builders know exactly what the end product will be like. When you have this input early on in the building game it ensures a better quality build in the end.  A designer can ensure that your needs and wants work for you and your family. While also ensuring they work with the building restrictions of the area, the geography of your lot and any municipal bylaws that may apply along with any neighboring homes close by. 

What Does an Interior Designer Do?

An interior designer is not the same as an interior decorator, but the two are often confused. The interior designer does a lot more than an interior decorator. They are involved in the build process whereas an interior decorator is involved after the completion of the building. The interior designer ensures that design spaces are safe, functional and finished in a way that is aesthetically pleasing according to the homeowner’s vision. 

An interior designer will work very closely with the team of architects, engineers and the contractor that is building your home. They will ensure that the spaces that are being created will meet all of your needs. An interior designer can work with you to give you an idea of what different colors and textures will look in a room. They can inform you of how these colors, spaces, lighting, and furniture can all work together. 

Your interior designer will be reading blueprints. They will be knowledgeable of all the latest trends. They are aware of municipal building bylaws. An interior designer is up to date with local building codes and know about the universal accessibility standards. An interior decorator does not require knowledge of all these things to do their job.

Why You Need an Interior Designer?

If you are renovating or building a new home from the ground up you will find that having an interior designer can be very advantageous. That is why when you hire SilverBeam Homes you are hiring a team that includes a skilled interior designer to assist you all the way. Our designer will be your liaison between the build team and yourself. This will help to ensure that your vision does not die in the hands of the builders. Here is how you can benefit from having our interior designer on your side. 

Stay Within Your Budget

We all understand the importance of staying within your budget. Our designer will not only help you to stay within your budget but will also advise you on ways that you can save money. With their knowledge of building codes and average material costs, they can even help you stay abreast of what is best if you ever want to resell your house later on down the road. 

Our designers have years of experience and they can use that experience to help you to prevent costly mistakes. They know about how materials will stand up to the BC climate and geography and have a wealth of knowledge to impart so you can make the best decisions when spending your money.

Save Time

When building a custom home you want to get it done right the first time. The whole point of a custom home is so you don’t have to have things redone. Your designer can help you save time by ensuring that your design works for now and for the future of your family and what those future needs may be. An interior designer will ask the questions that matter at all the right stages to ensure that obstacles are seen from afar and dealt with so they don’t mess up your timeline. 

Get Honest, Expert Opinions

It can be so easy to get overwhelmed in the design process as there are many choices. When you work with a designer they can narrow down these choices so that the ultimate decision is a lot easier to make. As a neutral third party, they can make the process of decision making even easier.

Protect Your Interest

When you are working with a professional interior designer you are less likely to get ripped off. They will work with their usual suppliers and partners to provide you with all you need. This way you don’t even have to be very involved in the sourcing of suppliers and supplies.

Get You Better Deals

With a track record of success, an interior designer will have their regular suppliers as mentioned above. As such they may be able to get you deals you would not get otherwise.

When you are creating a dream home, you need to have an interior designer on your team. We understand the importance of this professional and we want you to understand this as well. Now that you have purchased the land and you know what you want your layout to be like, it is time to talk to an interior designer. Let us get you to the next step in creating your custom home here at SilverBeam Homes.

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BevonyWhy You Need an Interior Designer for Your Custom Home

New Standards for Building Energy Performance throughout British Columbia

by Bevony on 1 January 2020 Comments Off on New Standards for Building Energy Performance throughout British Columbia

There is a revolution happing in code development in British Columbia. The rest of Canada is also seeing this. As a result, there has been an increase in residences being built with better energy performance. There has been a 70% increase in construction over the past two years. This increase is noted by the British Columbia local government. 

The BC Energy Step Code being developed is set to be fully encompassing all new construction in British Columbia for 2032. The code has measurable performances at its root. It, however, does not prescribe specific approaches and materials. It does, however, indicate the lowest performance outcomes that are expected and each of these is grouped into the different steps of the code. Because of that builders now have this guide to using when designing and building new homes.

There are 5 steps that a home can meet according to the code. A step  5 home is the best at energy efficiency because it is the top of the tier. Due to this, the construction industry in the driver’s seat for creating the homes to meet this step code. Different experts from across the industry and at different stages of the home design to build process can help to create more efficient homes. These include architects, builders, and engineers who must all work together for a common goal. 

These professionals are not left to their own devices. They must demonstrate with an energy model how their project will meet the requirements of each step of the code.

Metrics of the BC Energy Step Code

The Range of Metrics used in the BC Energy Step Code includes TEDI and MEUI. There is also, the percentage lower than EnerGuide Reference House. As well as there is airtightness. The latter is expressed as hour at a 50-Pa (1-psf) pressure differential (ach 50).

In December 2017, the government of British Columbia indicated that by 2032 it would need all newly built buildings to meet the specified energy performance requirements. As a result, the code came into force in December 2017. It is not a mere standalone code, it is instead a part of the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC) To meet the requirements, the government developed a directive that is transforming communities in the province steadily.

The BC Energy Step Code is already being used by several local governments. The number is currently growing. Because the local government as shown so much interest in the code, the province has provided alignment with the regulatory requirements and the steps of the code.

With each edition of the code, there is more stringency. As such there are changes in what is required for 2022, 2027 and 2032. This has triggered an increase in training for persons employed for different roles throughout the industry.

How the BC Energy Step Code Works

Each step of the code represents a higher amount of efficiency. Each step of energy efficiency is defined by a particular metric. It has already been made the standard in the bylaws of several communities. Each proposed new project must demonstrate its ability to meet the requirements of the current standard step.

As a result, an energy model must be submitted for any building project. This along with the necessary drawings are used for the application of a permit. The official will confirm if the project meets the requirement and will issue a permit. After the completion of the building, the builder must show that the building does confirm to and meets the standards as specified by the initial documents used to secure the permit to build. 

This is step 1. Each step has different requirements because the protocol allows time for the industry to get up to the task. The highest is Step 5. It is the top step and denotes a net-zero energy ready single-family home. As a result, one can expect the utmost energy efficiency from a home with step 5 designation. 

Increase in High-Performance Projects

Because of there being a buyer’s market, there is a huge rise in construction in British Columbia. Because of the CleanBC program, there is an added boost for new projects being built to the BC Energy Step Code. The CleanBC incentivized program targets Part 3 buildings. It also targets residences that are targeting Passive House Certification.

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BevonyNew Standards for Building Energy Performance throughout British Columbia