Planning & Designing Sustainable Green Homes

Find the perfect space-saving staircase for your home renovation, from spiral stairs to clever folding designs, and learn what's legal under building code. Staircase options for new homes and  renovations: a homeowner's and pro's guide Renovating a home to add living or storage space can sometimes require…

As heat waves increase in frequency and duration, the health risks and energy consumption for cooling buildings is exacerbated. Find out design features to keep homes cool without AC. Urban heat island effect and how to mitigate it Have you ever noticed how much hotter it feels in the city on a sweltering summer day…

Our 2025 guide to laneway house and multiplex construction costs in Vancouver. We provide a detailed breakdown of soft, hard, and servicing costs, sample budgets, and explore the key factors and financing options for your ADU project in BC. How much does a laneway home or multiplex cost in Vancouver 2025? For…

Your complete guide to prefab wood home kits. Compare timber frame kit homes, see costs & DIY tips, and find reputable manufacturers of prefab kit homes in the US & Canada. Introduction to wooden prefab kit homes Prefab housing is gaining a lot of attention in the news and in the construction industry due to the…

All available heat pump grants in Quebec for 2025. Take advantage of the LogisVert and Rénoclimat programs, plus the federal loan, to reduce installation costs and boost your home's energy efficiency. Financial assistance for heat pumps in Quebec right now 2025 is an exceptional opportunity for Quebec homeowners to…

A practical guide to choosing the right green home certification. We compare the real costs, health benefits, and resale values of LEED, Passive House, and BREEAM certified homes with specific advice for the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. LEED ® vs. Passive House vs. BREEAM: a practical guide for…

Discover why prefab homes aren’t more popular despite their benefits. We answer your most frequently asked questions about cost, financing, permits, resale value, and more - helping you understand the challenges and advantages of modern prefab homes. Modern prefabricated houses built today are very different from…

The technique of waterjet cutting is making inroads into the green building community, and offers a non toxic 'green' method of material cutting. The future of residential construction is being shaped by more than just aesthetics or affordability, it's being built around sustainability. As climate concerns mount and…

Passive heating and off-grid ready construction can offer a feeling of security in a future of uncertain climate-related weather challenges. When the current owners of this rural property in Erin, Ontario began looking for an executive-style home within reach of the Greater Toronto Area, they quickly realized there…

Home batteries for power storage from solar PV to during outages or to power a home during the nighttime makes homes more resilient, but are very expensive. The electric car in your laneway could potentially power your house as a backup, find out how. As we transition away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy…

An in-depth look at the Liberal and Conservative housing plans, exploring challenges, industry obstacles, and opportunities to address Canada’s housing crisis and foster growth in the construction sector for affordable housing solutions. The challenges and opportunities in Canada's construction industry Canada’s…