Planning & Designing Sustainable Green Homes

Tips for home renovations for seniors and universal access. How to create safe comfortable living spaces for those with mobility issues. As the leading edge of the baby boomer generation is now closing in on 80, many are at the point of needing home care in some form, be it retirement communities or planning to age…

The main principles of Net Zero house and Passive Solar house can be applied to the same house. We've decided to compare them, as a way of getting to the bottom of the issue. The Net Zero Energy home. The concept of the Zero Energy home is appealing in its simplicity: a residence that generates as much renewable…

Ever talk about a topic you know well, only to realize halfway through that the other person has a completely different understanding of the terms you're using? This happens to me often when discussing building design, insulation, and insolation. Is it spelled insulation or insolation? A clear guide to knowing the…

As California faces an escalating wildfire crisis, urban areas are vulnerable. With recent insurance regulation updates, the question arises: Are current building codes enough, or what changes can protect vulnerable communities from catastrophic fires. This week’s fires in California have been a wake-up call with…

Flipping homes for profit - how to make money renovating and selling homes and how not to lose your shirt! Buying a property to renovate and to turn into a Green home: Key factors to consider for a smart investment and healthy return. What to look for when buying and renovating to flip a home for profit Purchasing a…

Traditional new construction in Canada mean site-delivered lumber and tradespeople turning up on-site to build a home from scratch - but this type of construction is unlikely to produce the 3.5 million homes needed by 2030, according to the CMHC. Housing affordability and availability are major challenges in Canada…

Asbestos in building materials is a health risk for humans when disturbed and particles become airborne. Protect the air quality of your home by identifying and mitigating risks of asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral with excellent heat resistance and durability, leading to it being widely used in construction…

We live in an age of rapid urbanization that brings with it an endlessly growing demand for new homes, which has impacted the quality and lifespan of the homes we build. The current fate of older homes is typically one of demolition, sadly, rather than deconstruction. The relatively low-cost of the industrial waste…

An in-depth guide with checklists to help make the best choices when buying a home, by outlining the advantages or disadvantages of buying a Fixer-Upper vs. Move-In Ready or New Property for sustainability, health and investment potential. The classic dilemma when buying a property is whether to buy new, to buy…

What is a 3D printed house? What are the pros & cons of 3D printing homes? Ecohome takes a detailed look at the printed home idea using new technologies and gives its verdict on this innovative construction technique that is very popular in the media. We've seen more and more headlines calling 3D Printed homes, 'the…

A guide to the best home renovation shows for aspiring DIY enthusiasts and first-time home buyers and where to stream them. Are you considering buying a first home, a fan of home renovation shows on TV, and so perhaps pondering embarking on your own fixer-upper adventure? If so, you're somewhat in luck! North…