The Need for Energy Efficient Homes

Flying Cars or No Flying Cars, the Future Needs Energy Efficient Homes

Our planet will be a very different place in the coming years. By 2050, Earth will be home to another 3 billion people, of which 70% will live in cities. Although many things about the future are still ambiguous, it is quite clear that there will be many new buildings where people live and work.

Whether flying cars will still be science fiction or a means to get to work every day, energy efficient homes will certainly be a big part of the future. Or at least they should be. Otherwise, the future may not be something to look forward to. The unprecedented rise in energy consumption will reach even bigger heights, risking the sustainability of everyone on the planet.

Ontario contractors who build energy efficient houses are playing a very important role in decreasing energy use. Many homeowners in Ontario know this from experience, as they hired such home builders to construct a beautiful, energy efficient house.

The Major Source of Energy Consumption in Homes

The growth in household wealth, among other things, have increased the demand for bigger houses, and therefore, for higher energy consumption.

The increased use of consumer electronics in modern homes has further increased energy consumption. From kitchen appliances to entertainment systems, there are numerous items spurring the energy consumed in homes today.

People certainly cannot do without such appliances and machines. What they can do however, is look towards energy efficient construction methods. ICF, short for insulating concrete form, is one such home building method that is an excellent way to do just that.

Perhaps the biggest source of energy consumption comes from temperature control. In Canada for instance, there is no way around a heating system in homes. Ontario contractors who offer ICF construction will tell you how you can conserve energy by using insulating concrete for building your home.

What Inefficient Buildings Do

Consume 40% of the world’s energy. That’s what our inefficient buildings are doing. Moreover, they emit more carbon than vehicles and industrial buildings such as factories. This inefficiency creates all sorts of problems for people and the world they inhabit.

A simple internet search will reveal the many effects of increased energy consumption. From rising global warming to shirking supply of drinking water, there is a lot of trouble brewing as a result of energy wastage.

What Home Owners Can Do

Fortunately, there are ways available that can be used to drastically diminish the energy consumed by buildings over the next four decades. Construction technology and techniques exist today that can cut energy consumption by anywhere between 50% and 80%. That is where the work of Ontario contractors specializing in building energy efficient homes shines most brilliantly.

The Three Beneficiaries of Energy Efficient Homes

The Home Owners

A long list of benefits of energy efficient homes built with ICF is enjoyed by the people living in the house. Benefits include:

• Energy Efficiency


• Strength


• Durability


• Peace & Quiet


• Comfort


• Cleaner Air


• Fire Resistant & Retardant


• Lower Insurance Premium

It makes sense too. There must be a reason why an increasing number of people are turning to energy-efficient construction methods such as using ICF construction.

The Environment

ICF construction offers the best of green construction. Less energy consumption means a better environment. With ICF requiring 40% less energy for heating, it makes for considerable energy saving.

There are many green, energy efficient home construction techniques and methodologies. ICF stands tall among these with the exceptional energy conservation it offers. So when home owners enjoy their energy efficient house, the environment enjoys them too.

The Government

Energy efficient homes are also a great relief for governments, which always seem to be pressed for energy. The huge energy conservation offered by ICF homes translate into a lot of usable energy made available for many development projects that would be otherwise impossible or difficult to undertake.

So in a way, the work Ontario contractors offering ICF construction helps governments oversee a much cleaner, faster developing nation.

Why Home Owners are the Key

The need for energy efficiency cuts across both residential and commercial buildings. Home owners and commercial property owners need to realize the importance of green construction. However, decisions in companies take time, sometimes too much. Even good decisions get delayed due to the number of people involved, ineffective communication, poor management and several other factors.

Home owners face no such problems. So, while companies are coming around and embracing ICF and other energy efficient constructions models, it is the home owners who have to lead the race away from an energy crisis and towards a better, cleaner environment.

No bureaucracy, no unnecessary meetings, no bean counters; home owners are in a much better position to make the right choice. Capable Ontario contractors are always around to help such home owners whether they are first-time home owners or those looking for a new, better house.

The Need for Builders that Specialize in ICF Construction

Almost every homeowner in Ontario wants the wonderful things that ICF homes offers. Those who are able to enjoy these benefits are who work with Ontario contractors that specialize in ICF construction. These companies know the ins and outs of insulating concrete form and have the expertise and experience to build a strong, energy efficient house.

ICF Home.ca, offers prospective homeowners in Ontario the best chance to own a beautiful, strong and unique home built with insulating concrete form. As one of the oldest Ontario contractors specializing in insulated concrete homes, ICFHome.ca offers a comprehensive home construction solution. Whether it is taking on your entire home construction, handling just the ICF portion, or sourcing hard-to-find energy efficient home components, ICF Home lets you choose how you would like to be assisted in building a great energy efficient home.

The Need for Energy Efficient Homes

It's Easy Being Green: Products that Will Save Energy, Water and Money

Easy Being Green

With energy and utility costs expecting to rise in the next few years, investing in environmentally friendly products can help you save energy, water—and perhaps most importantly, money. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of products that will help you live green.

Energy Efficient Bathroom Items

As much as 65% of all indoor water use occurs within the bathroom. If you’re not using low-water, energy efficient products, you’ll likely wasting thousands of litres of water every year – which can add up financially over time. That’s why it’s important to optimize your home’s bathrooms with environmentally-friendly products; reducing your impact on the environment and reducing your family’s overall water waste.

Low Flush Toilets

Traditional toilets can use up to 18 litres of water per flush – wasting hundreds of dollars per year. In comparison, low-flush toilets are designed to use six litres of water or less per flush, which can add up to substantial savings over time. In fact, the CHMC conducted a study comparing water-efficient toilets to standard ones in a single-family dwelling; the results reported a 68% decrease in water consumption between the two.

Low Flow Shower Heads and Faucets
The average family of three can take approximately 1,000 showers throughout the year; with the average conventional showerhead using 18 to 27 litres of water per minute—the costs can add up quickly. Consider installing a low-flow unit that typically uses 9 to 11 litres per minute, saving thousands of litres per year.

Most showerheads and faucets are based on an aeration technique by adding air into the water stream. This creates an even, full shower spray despite using less water. Low-flow showerheads and faucets come in a variety of styles and finishes, so you’ll be able to maintain the luxurious feel of any bathroom, without wasting water and money.

Energy Efficient Kitchen Items

Opt for new energy efficient refrigerators and freezers when designing your kitchen; ideally choosing a model with an ENERGY STAR for optimal efficiency. In fact, although an ENERGY STAR fridge costs a little more to purchase initially, they’ve generally paid for themselves within a few years.

When selecting your refrigerator, consider the size of your family and the storage requirements you have. The average household requires a fridge between 16 and 22 cubic feet for optimal storage. Selecting a fridge that’s too small can cause overcrowding – which can become inefficient; likewise, a fridge that’s too big will simply waste energy.

If your family requires a deep freezer, opt for a chest style over the upright models. Chest freezers are typically 25% more energy efficient than upright models which will continue to save you money in the long-run.

Energy Efficient Housing Items

High Efficiency Water Heater

Heating water requires extensive amounts of energy, often times heating the entire tank of water to maintain a temperature repeatedly. While this does, in fact, work well for most homes, opting for a high efficiency water heater can save you energy and money. Look into purchasing a per use water heater, which heats the water at the time of use – instead of consistently warming it (for instance, when you’re sleeping or at work). This way, you’ll only use energy to heat water you’re using at that time – instead of around the clock when you don’t need it.

Likewise, you can also insulate any visible water pipes to help eliminate any heat loss as well. By insulating the pipes, you’ll help keep the temperature consistent and use less energy in the process.

Added Insulation for Extra Warmth
If you’re looking to save some money on your heating bill, consider adding extra insulation (like spray foam) to your home’s structure. But adding spray insulation, you’ll be left with a fuller, thicker coverage – keeping your house warm and toasty in the winter by keeping the cold out. Likewise, you can opt to add additional insulation to the attic and basement of your home as well, which can improve the energy efficiency of your home too.

Properly insulating your home can reduce your year-round energy usage by 20-60%, which can add up to considerable savings over time. Likewise, insulation is one of the most cost effective ways to reducing your heating and cooling expenses over time.

Small Changes Add Up to Big Savings

While it might not seem like a lot of changes, making small improvements to your home’s structure and design can add up to considerable savings over the years. As more people understand the importance of living green, the value for homes with these features and qualities can hold or improve the retail value in the event they decide to resell down the road. Combined with the immediate savings you’ll see at the time of installation, having an energy efficient home is a no-brainer.

It's Easy Being Green: Products that Will Save Energy, Water and Money

Home Automation - Welcome to the New Age of Homeownership

Home Automation – Run Your Home Wirelessly

Home Automation – What’s Next?

While it was something once seen in science fiction movies and futuristic films, home automation (also known as SMART homes) are becoming an increasing trend as technology makes a greater push into society. With an increasing prevalence in modern home building, smart homes are becoming more common – with the ability to monitor and control various electronic devices from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.

Generally speaking, a smart home automation would seamlessly integrate most devices; lights, security cameras, refrigerators, door locks, sound system, televisions and thermostats – with more technology bringing new wireless technologies as each year passes. As more technological items begin to embrace the wireless capacity, more features will become available for integrating throughout the home.

The Benefits of Smart Homes

While there is obviously the benefit of convenience when it comes to smart home technologies, the benefit opportunity doesn’t stop there. Having the automation process of simple tasks set up throughout the home offers home owners the ability to save time. Whether it’s time they’d rather spend with friends or family, time they’d rather spend at the office or other hobbies – saving time on everyday items helps increase the selling proposition.

Smart homes typically also offer a more energy efficient capacity than standard home builds too. With an automated process, the ability to customize various home processes like temperature control, lighting systems, and water saving features can work to save home owners money on their utility bills, while lowering the overall impact on the environment.

The further development of automation also works to add additional security for the ailing and elderly generations as well – by eventually providing access to monitoring the movements of a relative suffering from mental health issues.

Current Smart Home Devices

While the current spectrum of smart home devices continues to climb, it seems that certain devices have become more popular in the last few years, as they work to establish main-stream capacity in new home builds. These devices can range from individual to individual, but generally work to connect in the following industries:

1. Automated Heating Systems

As utility costs continue to climb more home owners are interested in applying the automation products in their homes. These systems can help an individual monitor the internal temperatures of their home – setting the temperature from anywhere in the world, without having to enter the residence.

Nest thermostat claims to learn from you as you use it, which basically means it remembers your input and will eventually start making changes for you. It learns from you and your home, programs itself automatically, and helps save energy when you’re away. And you can control it using your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. 

2. Automated Lock Systems

With more carrying smart phones and devices, automated locking systems are steadily gaining in popularity. Unlike traditional dead bolt systems, the housing locks are controlled with an electronic release through approved devices. This means that you’ll never need a key to gain access to your home, using wireless key fobs or smart phone devices to gain entrance. This can prove helpful in the event you have hired helpers like a maid, nanny or other service provider needing regular access into the home. For those concerned about power outages, most locking systems include two traditional dead bolt keys – which can be used in lieu of electric devices.

3. Security Automation

With wireless technology brings advancement in security, connecting individuals to their homes and properties –even when they’re at work. This means an ability to stay in contact with their home and families, when you need to monitor what’s happening throughout the day. This also means parents will be able to monitor when their children return home, with visual images, two-way talk and text alerts when the door is open. Most security systems also include an integrated system that works to monitor carbon monoxide, abnormal entry and other optional features as well – sending instant alarms if there’s something suspicious.

4. Automated Lighting Systems

Often pictured in science fiction films, automated lights are becoming more common throughout new house builds – having a system arranged on a schedule or timer, or using motion sensors to trip the lights on/off function when in the room.The automated lights are useful for individuals not wanting to return home to an unlit house (especially late at night) or if they’re planning on taking a vacation and want to keep light on throughout the day for pets (or to deter intrusions).

The Future of Smart Homes

In order to optimize and harness the full capacity of smart home automation, manufacturers will have to work to develop technologies based on common open standards that can link into a cohesive system. When looking at households within North America, finding one specific brand throughout all electronic devices is rare, meaning a brand would need to be able to cohesively work with other competing technologies.

It’s a lengthy process to find a collaborative effort that requires complete communication; one that should be able to sync and work interactively with each other throughout the home. While we might not currently be in a totally automated world, as technology continues to expand, it’s not an unreasonable expectation to see continued growth and development in this spectrum of home building.

Engineers and builders in the process of advancing SMART homes anticipate changes in virtually every feature of the home. It starts with the construction of the home: 3D-printing technology has already been used to successfully make a working gun.

If used in construction, this technology known as Contour Crafting, could completely revolutionize the construction industry.

Windows are also getting smart. They are already making windows and walls that can allow adjustable amount of sunlight, fresh air, warmth, and heat in the home.

In the bedroom, self making beds, artificial sunrises customized to the time in which someone wants to wake up, a suggestions from a computer in the closet on outfits to wear based on the weather, activities for the day, and someone’s style.

Bathrooms will eliminate waste on their own. Showers will remember the temperature each individual in the household likes. Heated floors, lit mirrors and heated towels already exist. Some also predict hair styling devices and toothbrushes that work by themselves to get the best clean for its user.

Kitchen advances will include: faster cooking that can boil water in seconds and cook a full chicken in 15 minutes. The kitchen will be able to take an inventory of items it has and record items it needs,  as well as create personalized diets for each individual within the household.

Home Automation - Welcome to the New Age of Homeownership

7 Questions to Ask Your Custom Home Builders in Toronto

Custom-Home-Builders in Toronto

Deciding to hire a custom home builder in Toronto is a major investment of time and energy.

After all, you’re entrusting a company to design, create and build a home specifically tailored to your wants and needs – it shouldn’t be a brash or rushed decision. With hundreds of custom home builders in the GTA, making the final decision can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Consider asking your potential builder the following 7 questions can help you select the right company with confidence.

1. How many years have you been a business?

While this might seem like a basic question, it’s important to dig deeper than the standard “Four years,” response. Although the specific number of years may not be a deal breaker, it’s definitely a positive if the company has been around for a while. A valuable home builder should also feel comfortable providing the details of his company, like how many homes they’ve built, licensing documents and insurance details.

2. Can you provide any references from previous home buyers? Can we arrange a time to see a home you’ve built for another customer?

If the company you’re investigating offers a run around on references or visiting a custom home – take that as a warning sign. Chances are a company that has been around for a while has a compiled list of references you can contact. Follow through with previous customers and ask them about their experiences with the building process and the final result. Take notes for referencing purposes (in the event you’re speaking with multiple companies) and clarify any questions before making a decision.

3. What type of warranty do you provide on your work? Who do I contact if I have a concern?

Although standard wear and tear is expected, if you’re noticing any issues with your home, it’s important to know who to contact – and what the terms of a warranty (if any) include. These terms can vary substantially between companies, so make sure you get everything in writing. Also document any contact details for the builder like email, physical address and phone number – keep them for your records, should you need to discuss details or questions later.

4. How do you compare your workmanship to other builders? What are the benefits of the houses you build

Chances are—a home builder is used to the traditional questions prospective clients ask, so listen to their reaction carefully. Many times, it’s not the actual response given that matters – it’s how they voice it. Watch for any shifting behaviour or long pauses; this might indicate a potential problem. A confident home builder will know why his company excels in specific areas (and lack in others) – but shouldn’t take the opportunity to bad-mouth other companies in the process.

5. Who will manage the construction of my house? Does your company use sub-contractors – if so, are they regularly staffed or hired temporarily?

Having sub-contractors throughout the build is not uncommon – especially when it comes to electrical, plumbing or specific trades that require expertise—but having a short list is important. If your home builder frequently hires sub-contractors temporarily (or through an agency) ask what provisions are in place to ensure quality work is in place. Good custom home builders in Toronto will have a collection of highly qualified professionals (whether subcontractors or staff) that they rely on for the duration of a project.

6. How is the final price of my home determined? How long will my house take to complete?

Both of these questions are largely variable; but a general idea of both should be given. For instance, a home builder in Toronto might not know the total home price until you’ve decided on the features within the home (countertops, cabinets, lighting and any upgrades throughout), but should have a general idea of the price point.

Likewise, the construction of a home can vary depending on the contractors, permit process, and other common issues that can arise during the home building process. While delays sometimes happen, it’s important to have a general idea of completion. Be wary of builders who over-promise; chances are if they’re offering a new home in a time frame that’s much faster than other companies—they might be taking shortcuts on your property.

7. What happens if something goes wrong? How do you handle disruptions or complaints?

Although the most standard response will entail a “see what happens” approach, try to get a better understanding of what the process looks like should you be unhappy during the home building. The final outcome might change depending on the situation (for instance, the wrong design vs. a delay in the completion) but try to get a feeling on how they’d handle complaints.

If the home builder offers a discount or rebate on the home, get it in writing at the time of discussion for your records. No one likes to think of things going wrong, but should it occur during your home build, that documentation will be useful to have.

For over 30 years,  ICFhome.ca has been one of the leading custom home builders in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). A professional “one-stop-shop”, ICFhome.ca fully managed all home building services from design and planning, to  construction and landscaping of new custom homes.

With innovative architectural design, defined by leading interior designers and carefully crafted by skilled trades, every  home is a singular statement of luxury living forever.

We selectively build a number of fine homes in Toronto to ensure that its high standards are met so that clients can enjoy the home of their dreams. Dreams that are backed by the reality of a comprehensive ICFhome.ca warranty, and reinforced by the Tarion New Home Warranty Program.

If you dream of living in a distinctive and remarkable home, you can trust ICFhome.ca to deliver on time and on budget, the passion, vision and expertise that will transform your dream into reality.

7 Questions to Ask Your Custom Home Builders in Toronto

Top 9 Upgrades That Pay Off at Resale

If you’re purchasing a home from a new home builder, it’s important to consider which, if any, upgrades throughout the home you’d like to have installed.

While it’s important to create the home of your dreams, it’s also important to consider the resale value of you upgrades – in the event you’d like to sell. To help you better understand which upgrades are the best return for retail value; follow these 9 upgrades that pay off at resale.

1. Energy Efficiency

When you’re having a home built, it’s easy to overlook the finer details, which can often start within the walls of your home. Taking the time to ensure your home is energy efficient can not only pay off in the even that you sell the home later on; it can offer substantial savings on your utility bills as well.

With energy costs on the rise, it’s important to consider the potential increase in your utilities – while also considering the overall impact the upgrade will have on the resale of your home.

When having your home designed by a new home builder, you’ll have the option to stick with the basic insulation or purchasing an upgrade to spray foam insulation. The spray foam works by expanding between the joists of your walls – offering a more thorough application than fiberglass. This means your house stays warmer in the cold winter months and cooler in the hot, humid days of summer.

2. Granite Countertops

While it was once considered a sign of luxury, granite countertops are becoming a common feature if custom built homes—with good reason. When you’re deciding on the countertops for the kitchen, many homeowners opt for the cheaper laminate materials, in an attempt to save some money on the purchase price of their home.

By opting for laminate countertops, you might save a few thousand dollars off the initial purchase price (average granite counters sit at $3,500.00) but it’s a decision that may end up costing you more over the long-term.

Over time, laminate can warp, scratch and chip with repeated use – forcing you to replace them when that happens or when you eventually sell your home. Alternatively, granite is made from stone – producing a solid piece of counter space that is much less likely to scratch or chip.

3. Radiant Floor Heating 

Quite a few people have heard of heated floors, especially in the bathrooms – but minimal people realize floor heating is a modern method of heating your entire home. Radiant floor heating works by warming the floor, sending the heat upwards toward the rest of your home – instead of sending the heat out into the air.

While it is a newer method of heating, it’s an energy efficient method that can keep utility costs down. It’s best to install radiant floor heating at the time of home building, making it an innovative product that can increase the value of your home down the road.

4. Whole House Generator

With an increased demand for power, rolling black outs are becoming more common than ever before. Whether this is due to a winter storm or excessive heat wave – sitting in the dark for days can truly take a toll. That’s not to mention the impact it can have on your supplies; food, water, quality of life – with the average blackout ranging between 3-7+ days.

Installing a natural gas generator in the home can help your property run power, even during a city-wide black out. What’s more, opting to install a natural gas generator can improve the value of your home by offering an auxiliary power source.

5. Install an On-Demand Hot Water Heater

Standard water heaters are becoming a thing of the past – especially as more home owners demand energy efficient properties. That’s why installing an on-demand hot water heater is increasing in popularity.

Unlike traditional water heaters, on-demand water heaters offer substantial savings on your water and gas utilities. That’s because it only heats the water on a needed basis. That means you’re not going to have water “heating” at 4am when you’re sound asleep.

6. Upgraded Wiring

The more dependant society becomes the higher impact our devices will have on our electrical systems. That’s why it’s important to have an optimized electrical panel and wiring throughout your new home. By having a higher circuit throughout the house, you’ll be prepared for the increased demand of technology and offer a higher resale value on your home in the future.

Simply adding extra outlets and ceiling fans to certain rooms can make life much more comfortable without costing a fortune.

7. Grass Irrigation System

Landscaping is one of the key areas that can affect your home’s overall value when you decide to sell. Your front lawn is a main focal point for visitors, family, friends and potential home buyers; needing to be cared for throughout the week. Traditional watering methods can flood your lawn or leave burnt “missed” sections – becoming an eye sore over time.

Having an irrigation system installed can help you maintain your property, without having to sacrifice time and energy. Having an irrigation system can help you improve the overall property appearance and increase the value of the home in the event you want to sell.

8. Gas Line to Deck for Barbecue

Anyone who’s ever barbecued understands the frustration when you run out of fuel half way through cooking your hamburgers. Propane can be a costly fuel for a modest outdoor cook; requiring time and money to maintain. While natural gas does cost money to run, it’s often at a fraction of the price of propane.

You’ll never run out of natural gas while you’re cooking, and it’s a major improvement to the outdoor living space. Many potential buyers look for added perks like natural gas lines when buying a home – which can help you increase the overall resale value.

9. Overall Kitchen Upgrades

In a room you use every day, it’s important that the space is functional and practical. Cabinets are expensive to replace later. Installing high-quality cabinets will improve durability and appeal throughout the years – while continuing to help the resale value of your home when you decide to sell.

Look for key features like soft-close doors, high-quality handles and products that hold an overall cosmetic appeal, as well as both deepening and lengthening cabinets to ceiling height for a sleek, custom look and extra storage.

Top 9 Upgrades That Pay Off at Resale