As new home builders in Calgary, you probably already know that insulation has come a long way. From lining old walls with newspaper to asbestos-filled fibers to our current models, materials have vastly improved, especially these past 10 years. We now have highly energy efficient insulation available. As you work on your dream home, here are…
A heat recovery system will provide a continuous supply of fresh, warm air to the inside of your Calgary home. It’s extremely important that these systems meet installation requirements for proper performance. There are two types of heat recovery systems and three ways to install the ductwork for the incoming fresh air and the exhaust…
Water is a precious natural resource, why not conserve it whenever we can? There are many little tips to keep your water consumption to a minimum but which systems can you implement in your Calgary Custom Home to maximize water efficiency? Low-flow Water Saving Devices for Your Calgary Custom Home Low-flow fixtures like faucets, shower…
Up to 30-percent of a home’s heat loss occurs through its windows and each time you increase the setting of your thermostat by one degree, your energy use increases by two percent. Your dream home should have energy-efficient windows and you’ll need to understand a few simple terms before you discuss your preferences with your…
Hardwood or laminate flooring are often choices offered by luxury home builders. Calgary homebuyers that desire the look of wooden floors must decide between hardwood, engineered hardwood, or a laminate. Which flooring is best for you is determined by a number of factors. While the resale value of your home is a consideration, durability must…
>Completion & Warranty When your home is complete the local authority will conduct an inspection and issue an Occupancy Permit. This permit states that all work is substantially complete, and that all inspections have been properly completed and signed-off. You will have a prepossession walkthrough, noting any unfinished work or defects. Any additional work will be…
Construction Once funding is approved and your contract is signed, the builder obtains all necessary permits and construction insurance, verifies that sub-trades have met workers compensation or equivalent requirements, and begins the construction of your home. Inevitably, there will be last minute changes that could not be anticipated during the design process. These changes are…
Designing The Interior Spaces At this stage you select the materials, colors, and finishings that bring the interior of your home to life. An interior designer is very involved at this stage to assure the interior your home is beautiful with the look and feel you envision. All your selections are used to provide you…
Watch this great intro on Structural Insulated Panels or SIPs. Very Energy Efficient system that is 300% stronger than conventional stick framing. “Structural insulated panels (SIPs) create structures that use roughly half the energy of similar, code-built stick-frame buildings. Here Steve offers a quick tour of how SIPs work.” Watch more great “How To” videos…
This is the stage at which a schematic for the design of your home is created. You will design the style and flow of each space to suit the specific needs of your lifestyle. If your tastes are traditional, you’ll design rooms separated by walls and doors. If you prefer a more contemporary style of…