Blog Sherry Donovan

Efficiency Nova Scotia Demonstration Homes Last Weekend for Open House

2011-12-09T02:19:38Z

Energy efficiency is top-of-mind when homeowners are considering building or buying a new home. This year, the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association, in partnership with Efficiency Nova Scotia presented two of the most energy efficient homes in Nova Scotia – the Efficiency Nova Scotia Demonstration Homes to demonstrate what is possible for homeowners who want to make energy efficiency a priority in new home construction

There have been several questions in regards to photovoltaic (PV) panels and solar thermal panels throughout the weeks the homes have been opened. The homes are close to net-zero, which means the home is able to produce as much energy as is required to operate, which is large part due to the on-site renewable energy sources the homes use. The reason two different panel systems are used on the demonstration homes is because they each have a different purpose. The PV system generates electricity and the solar thermal water panels heat hot water.

When speaking with Caleb Howden from Denim Homes, one of the Efficiency Nova Scotia Demonstration Homes builders, he explains the two systems and how they tie into net metering as follows:

Solar Thermal Water

The solar thermal water panels do not generate electricity, they are there to specifically heat water. Many homes use electric water heaters to create hot water, which accounts for approximately 20% of the home’s electricity demand. The water panels absorb the sun’s energy and transfers it into a liquid (usually glycol), and this liquid is circulated through a heat exchanger in your hot water tank, heating the water rather than electrically heating cold water from the street (or well). When the sun is shining, you are provided with sufficient hot water for your home, and will probably only need the heating element in your tank on the coldest days of the year.

Photovoltaics

Photovoltaic (PV) systems generate electricity. The Sackville home has the PV system Grid-Tied interacting with the utility. The PV panels mount on your roof, converting sunlight directly into electricity. That electricity is used to power the house and whatever is not used is directed to the grid. This is called a grid-tied PV system, utilizing Net Metering.

Net Metering

Net metering allows Nova Scotia Power customers to connect their home to the utility’s distribution grid through a meter that measures electricity flows in two directions. In such a system you have a meter that allows the electricity your panels are generating to flow on to the grid, crediting your account. Net metering customers will receive payment for the amount of excess electricity generated. The Net Metering program provides Nova Scotians with a risk-free way to meet their own energy needs from renewable sources while still having the security of being able to draw from the grid when needed.

This is the last weekend the homes will be open to the public. For more information on the details and locations of the homes visit www.demonstrationhomes.com or phone 450-5554.

An Open House of Energy Efficiency

2010-09-18T01:21:00Z

If a new home is something you have been thinking about, you will want to check out for yourself some of the latest advances in energy efficiency with the EnerGuide for New Houses Open House weekend taking place September 25 – 26. The houses will be open each day from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm and will show homebuyers a number of options, which are available to them in new home construction.

Each of the homes are EnerGuide rated through the Energy Rating System’s EnerGuide for New Houses program and will provide homebuyers with an understanding of the energy options that were chosen for each of the homes.

“This Open House is a great opportunity for people to see how to incorporate energy efficiency choices in their new homes,” says Paul Pettipas, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association. “The EnerGuide for New Houses is an excellent option for homebuyers to be able to compare the energy efficiency of one home to the next.”

EnerGuide for New Houses is a program developed by Natural Resources Canada. The Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association (NSHBA) manages the program in Nova Scotia. There are now a number of new home energy efficiency rebates available through the province’s PerformancePlus program (www.conservens.ca/performanceplus) and through Nova Scotia Power Inc.

A list of the houses and locations of the builders participating in the EnerGuide for New Houses Open House weekend will be available on-line next week at www.nshomebuilders.ca.

Partners for this event include Nova Scotia Power Inc., RBC – The Royal Bank, Conserve Nova Scotia, BellAliant and EnerGuide for New Houses.

Performance Plus – A great opportunity for your new home

2010-09-11T01:20:00Z

When it comes to building your new home the choices you will make throughout the entire process are extensive, from choosing your builder, the house location and design, what products and features you want to include, to name but a few. One new option, which will be of great benefit to your home’s energy savings, is the opportunity to participate in the Performance Plus program.

The Province of Nova Scotia announced its Performance Plus new home energy efficient rebate program on Tuesday, September 7th which provides new home buyers with an opportunity to incorporate greater energy efficiency into their home and to receive rebates based on the home’s energy performance.

“Anytime there are programs that further the education and awareness of energy efficiency while rewarding consumers for their commitment to making the changes, it is a win for everyone,” says Paul Pettipas, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association. “This program helps to continue to advance the way homes are built in Nova Scotia and challenges others to continue to make energy efficiency a priority.”

The rebate amounts for the new Performance Plus program include:

EnerGuide rating of 83 or 84 - $3000
EnerGuide rating of 85 to - $5000
EnerGuide rating of 88 and above - $7000

An additional $200 rebate is available for Performance Plus homes that are Solar Ready and a rebate of $1000 is available if solar equipment is installed.
Nova Scotia Power Inc. also has various rebates for homes that reach an EnerGuide rating of 83 or higher.

Applications for the EnerGuide program can be found on the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ website at www.nshomebuilders.ca and the eligibility criteria for the Performance Plus program can be found on Conserve Nova Scotia’s website at www.conservens.ca/performanceplus

Getting ready for Fall Weather

2010-09-04T01:19:00Z

September has typically been known as hurricane season in Nova Scotia and with the threat of Hurricane Earl looming in the distance it is important for homeowners to be prepared. This is just the start of the season, but it is important to make sure steps are made to keep everyone and your property safe in the event of inclement weather.

This is even more important if you are building or renovating a home as there tends to be more materials on site and debris that could create damage to your home, or your neighbours.

A few tips to consider to help keep your site safe during the weather include:

Arrange to have dumpsters removed or emptied off your site
Ensure all debris around your house or construction site is removed
Secure or remove unnecessary materials or equipment from the site
Reschedule material deliveries so you won’t have extra material onsite which may cause damage if not secured
Make sure you have important numbers available to reach your contractors if damage does occur
If you are working with a contractor, make sure you communicate with them to gain a better understanding of what they are doing to keep your site safe

“It is important to be prepared in advance of bad weather and the result will mean potentially less damage than if you wait until the last minute,” says Paul Pettipas, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association. “Understanding ways to keep your home safe is an important tool for everyone.”

For more information on building or renovating contact the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association at 450-5554 or visit our website at www.nshomebuilders.ca.

Choosing your Neighbourhood

2010-08-28T01:16:00Z

Deciding to build a new home is a large investment and you want to take the time to do it right. One of the many questions that should receive a great deal of your attention once your decision to build a new home has been made is the location of your home.

Although this may not seem as appealing as choosing a home design, fixtures and colours, it is an important step you will be glad you took the time to research. You want to make sure you not only enjoy your home, but also the neighbourhood in which you choose to live.

Some items to consider when choosing a neighbourhood for your family include:

Are there schools and playgrounds located in the area that you are looking at? Will your children have to take a bus to get to school or will they be able to walk?
How close is public transportation to your home? If you regularly depend on public transportation then you want to make sure it is easily accessible from where you are looking to build your home.
What amenities are close to the location, such as grocery stores, fitness facilities and shopping facilities in the area? Are there any plans for future amenities for this area?
Do you prefer larger lots in a neighbourhood to allow for greater privacy or do you want a smaller lot that will not involve much outside maintenance?
Are there any restrictions or covenants in the neighbourhood that may have an impact on your new home?

To find out what is available in the neighbourhoods you are interested in, check with your builder and real estate agent to make sure the needs of your family will be met.

For more information on building or buying a new home, request a new home package on the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association website at www.nshomebuilders.ca

Check a Contractor’s References Before you Begin

2010-08-21T01:14:00Z

One of the most important choices that you will make with your new home or renovation project is choosing the right contractor for the job. Often overlooked by homeowners is the follow up on the references a builder provides them with. Although this may not seem overly important, it should be done before you make your final decision. When you are checking a contractor’s references there are certain questions that you should ask their past clients.

Some of these questions include:

Did the builder deliver what was promised?
You want to know if the work was done correctly and on time as indicated on the contract. Find out how the contractor handled changes or problems that may have come up, if any, once the project began.

Were the company’s work crews and the site organized and professional throughout the project?
Check to see if the work crews arrived on time and if they kept the project and the area around the project as organized as possible. As there are so many trades that will be onsite it is very important to work with a company who is organized to ensure the project remains on schedule.

Was there open communication between the builder and the client?
Find out how the builder went about keeping the client informed of the progress of the project and if they were easily accessible when the client had any questions.

And finally, if they were to do the job again, would they hire the same contractor?
If they say no, it is a pretty good indication that the contractor may not have met all of the client’s needs. If this is the case, you will want to check several of the other references as well to see if there were any problems with any of their other clients.

One thing you may want to remember when it comes to hiring your contractor is that if they are unable to provide you with references of past projects this may be an indication that they were not able to satisfy past clients. You want to make sure the contractor you hire will be able to meet your needs. This is just another step that you can take to make sure your project is a success.

For more information on building or renovating or for a list of Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association members visit the website at www.nshomebuilders.ca

Is it worth it to Renovate?

2010-08-07T01:00:00Z

When it comes to renovating your home there are a number of questions homeowners ask themselves before they begin. A few of these include whether or not it is actually worth it to renovate. Another question that is frequently asked is whether or not all of the disruptions the renovation will create are actually worth it for the family. The question that crosses many people’s minds is whether or not it is worth it to do the renovations themselves, or to hire a professional renovator.

All very valid questions in the decision making process and can mean a great deal toward the difference between a positive renovation experience or one in which you would rather forget about.

The whole idea of whether or not it is worth it to renovate should be looked at in depth by the homeowners in terms of the work that is needed. What renovations are you considering? Will you be staying in your home for many years? Does your home meet the size requirements for your family? Are you satisfied with the location of your home, the neighbourhood you live in, the amenities that are around your home, the schools, etc.? How is your health and those living in the home – and if this is a concern, can the home be adapted to meet any changing health requirements? If you are satisfied with your home and feel that it meets your family’s needs, but that it just needs some changes, renovating may be the best option instead of selling the existing home relocating to a new home.

If the decision is that renovations are the best answer, the next step is to understand and prepare for what the renovations will mean to your lifestyle while they are taking place. Without a doubt, when it comes to renovations, the whole goal is to make changes and with that comes some form of disruption. It is important for homeowners to prepare for this and make sure there is a good understanding of what this will mean for the family. Every renovation is different, but you want to make sure guidelines are set before the renovation begins to ensure people working in your home have a clear understanding about smoking areas, use of bathroom facilities, daily cleanup, etc. As I mentioned, renovations do cause disruptions in your day-to-day lives while they are taking place, but being prepared is key.

When it comes to whether or not you should hire a professional or do the work yourself you need to consider the scope of the project. If the renovation includes just minor repairs you can probably do this without much difficulty. If the renovation is of a larger scale you will want to hire a professional. Remember, professionals have the experience to make sure the renovation is done correctly and they will have liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage to ensure everyone is protected. You will also want to consider the amount of time it will take you to complete the renovation versus the length of time it will take a professional who has the expertise and proper equipment. And remember - get it in writing.

For more information on your renovation planning, visit the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association’s website at www.nshomebuilders.ca.

Summer Renovation Tips

2010-07-31T01:00:00Z

Although our July has been a great one, there has been a smattering of rain here and there, and it is always good to take the time while the weather is nice to do some house maintenance.

“Taking the time to do house maintenance on a regular basis can save you a time and money in the long run,” says Paul Pettipas, chief executive officer of the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association (NSHBA). “It may seem tedious at the time, but in the end, you’ll be glad you took the time to do the small repairs and maintenance work.”

Some suggested maintenance tips include:

Check your eavestroughs. This should be done several times during the year as well. If you let debris and leaves fill up the eavestroughs, there is a potential for leaks and water damage.

Check your attic for signs of water. If there are signs of water damage in the attic, it is important to find the source and have it fixed immediately. The longer the leak is left, the larger the potential is for interior damage to occur which can result in mould.

Check the humidity levels in the home. This is especially important with wet weather. You do not want to turn off your heat recovery ventilator (HRV – also known as an air exchanger). If you have an older home that does not have an HRV you will want to invest in an energy efficient dehumidifier. This will reduce moisture levels in your home, which can be a challenge in wet and humid weather.

Check for water that pools outside of the home. If there is substantial water pooling around the foundation of your home you should consider additional drainage to draw the water away from the home. Reducing the potential for water to enter your home is a much better option than trying to remove it once it makes its way insider your foundation.

These are just a few simple inexpensive tips you can do to protect your home and help sustain it through all of the seasons for years to come. For more information on home renovations or new home construction visit the NSHBA website at www.nshomebuilders.ca or phone 450-5554.

Indoor Air Quality for your Home

2010-07-23T21:13:32Z

Indoor air quality may not be something you have given much thought about, however, for those living with asthma, breathing challenges or sensitivities, this is something that is thought about every day. When it comes to your home, where you spend a great portion of every day, you want to make sure the quality of the air you are breathing is healthy and not harming your health.

If you are building or renovating your home, this is an area you want to give some consideration to during the decision making process. There are a number of factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality within a home, one main factor being moisture, which can lead to mould growth which can be extremely harmful to your health. The kitchen and bathroom areas of a home are susceptible to mould growth if they are not properly ventilated. The installation of proper exhaust fans can help to eliminate mould growth in these areas of the home.

If your home has a heat recovery ventilator - HRV (also referred to as an air exchanger) system already installed, you want to make sure it is in proper working condition and well maintained throughout the year. This includes having the filters cleaned regularly. If you do not have an HRV, having one installed can increase the quality of the home’s indoor air quality by removing the stale air from the home and replacing it with fresh, pre-heated air and by reducing a home’s moisture and dampness.

Another factor to consider in regards to the indoor air quality of a home is the products you choose for your home, such as flooring, paint, cabinets, etc. You want to ask for products that have minimal or no off-gassing to reduce the potential for noxious gases to be emitted in your home. When it comes to building or renovating there are a number of healthy choices you can make to create a healthier indoor environment for everyone living in your home.

If you are planning to build or renovate visit the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association’s website at www.nshomebuilders.ca for more information.

Friday, July 23, 2010 Homes Etc.
The Chronicle Herald
Sherry Donovan, NSHBA

Top reasons to renovate this summer

2010-06-24T12:22:16Z

Summer is always the top renovation season for homeowners – once the weather turns nice it makes it a lot easier to get work done to fix up your home. But whether you are renovating now or in the months to come, you still want to make sure you plan ahead.

A few items to consider in your decision making process include:

Energy Efficiency Rebates – for homeowners who have an energy evaluation done on their home and complete a series of energy efficient upgrades, they can qualify for energy efficiency rebates from the provincial government and Nova Scotia Power Inc. A list of recognized upgrades is available through Conserve Nova Scotia (www.conserve.ns.ca).

Seal up your air leaks – Energy costs continue to rise and summer is the perfect time to get the air leaks sealed up in time for the colder months ahead. Seal up the cracks in your windows, doors and ceiling to prevent your warm air from escaping.

Schedule vacation time while your renovation is underway – If major renovations are on your agenda during the summer you may want to consider using this time to relocate to allow the renovator to complete the work without having to work around household schedules. If you are moving off site during the renovation, it is very important to check with your insurance provider to ensure you have the adequate insurance coverage while you are away from your home while it is under construction.

Remember, if renovations are in your future, make sure you get a contract in writing, check the renovator’s references and ask for proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage.