It’s important to have a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend on your home before you start the building process. This will help you make informed decisions about the materials and features you can include in your home and avoid overspending.
At Buck Robertson Contracting we use project managment software to allow us to build a budget which is clean and detailed. This will allow you to understand where your money is being spent on your project.
Consider factors such as proximity to schools, public transportation, and your place of work when choosing a location for your home. You should also think about the overall character of the neighbourhood and whether it will be a good fit for you and your family.
Size and layout: Think about the size and layout of your home in terms of your current and future needs. Consider the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you will need, as well as the size and function of common areas like the kitchen, living room, and outdoor spaces.
Building a home that comfortable to live in year around is also a energy-efficient and will help to reduce your carbon footprint. Consider features like energy-efficient air tightness, Good HVAC systems, exterior insulation, and windows to help stay comfortable year around.
What is air sealing and how does it work? Air sealing is the means of locking the outside air out of your home (literally sealing the air out) and can be done by applying a selection of materials. There is also a new technique (used by professional services) that involves spraying a sealant to which fogs within the interior of your home and uses a high-powered fan to pressurize the building – so as the air tries to escape through the tiny holes in the building, it carries the sealant with it and plugs the holes in the process. So, there are many options for you when it comes to air sealing your home – the most important thing is that you do air seal your home.
Good air sealing in your home prevents moisture and bugs from entering; saves you money; and, overall, protects your investment (your house). Understanding how we can achieve this goal all starts at the design phase.
Let’s give an example by talking more about moisture: if you do not have good air sealing details, and the wind is blowing hard on the side of your house, the moisture within the air could get blown into the wall cavity – which makes a nice home for where mold can grow. To protect your home, we want to make sure that the air and moisture is stopped on the outermost layer of the building.
Bugs… we know we do not need them in our home – so good air sealing can help fill all the hidden holes in your home and prevent the little critters from inviting themselves inside.
Good air sealing also means you can have smaller HVAC systems, so when it comes time to clean them or replace them, you will save money – which alone is a good incentive to properly air seal your home.
When designing your home, we need to think about all these important home-improvement details ahead of time. Our job is to help walk you through this step and discuss strategies to achieve this goal.
In this video, we are installing our building envelope using VYCOR enV-S WRB (Weather Resistant Barrier), Passive Seal and Passive Tape – which was supplied by Powerhouse Building Solutions. We have their reps, Ryan and Andrew, onsite to provide us with a better understanding of the benefits of using VYCOR enV-S and Passive Tape.
***Disclaimer: This video is sponsored by Powerhouse Building Solutions. Though we are very grateful to be supplied with the materials for this house, our review and thoughts on each product are completely our own.
The Weather Resistant Barrier (WRB) is the material that wraps your house to protect it from water and wind. Your WRB can also act as an air barrier, as well, which is designed to stop the flow of air (and moisture attached to it) from entering a building envelope – which is all the elements of a building that separate and protect the interior from the exterior.
When talking about “a good WRB”, we mean one that is designed to be vapour-open; so if moisture does happen to enter the inside of the wall, there is a way for it to escape – and will do so effortlessly for years to come.
Water is the number one killer of houses, so we feel having a good WRB is one of the most important parts of the house, as it ensures your investment (your home) stays in good shape and lasts.
This was a home we did in the Trails Edge development in Lake Cowichan! We have built a beautiful energy efficient and healthy home. We put a lot of care and attention into bring this home to Step 5 and make it a Net Zero Ready Home – meaning you can add solar panels to officially make it a Net Zero Home, and therefore even more energy efficient! This is Part 6 (Short No. 7) of our virtual “Trails Edge House Tour”!
In this video, we talk about Halo Exterra foam and why it is important in preventing thermal bridging and how it helps with permeability; and we also talk about the importance of Rainscreen and its advantages in the building envelope.
Decide on the overall design and style of your home, taking into account your personal preferences and the character of the neighborhood.
Choose durable materials and finishes that will stand the test of time and suit your budget. This includes things like flooring, countertops, cabinetry, and appliances. Research the different options for construction materials and choose those that are suitable for your climate
If you or someone in your household has mobility issues, consider building a home that is accessible and accommodating. This might include features like wide doorways and halls, and main-level bedrooms and bathrooms.
If you think you might want to add on to your home in the future, plan for it now by leaving room for expansion and incorporating features like a unfinished basement or a flexible floor plan. This can also be though about planning for down sizing and living in place.
Make sure that your home is safe and secure by including features like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and security systems.
Make sure you are aware of any building code and zoning regulations that apply to your area, as they can affect the design and construction of your home. These codes and regulations may also affect the cost of your project.
https://www.nanaimo.ca/your-government/city-bylaws
https://www.nanaimo.ca/property-development/building-permits
Have questions or want to find out what Buck Robertson can do for you? Reach out and we’ll be sure to guide you in the right direction!
Don’t be shy. Send us an email or give us a shout to get your question answered!
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