Daily Informative Updates on
New Residential Real Estate & Construction News
for Vancouver Island Communities

Could your home or business benefit from automated window coverings? Consider the energy efficiency, privacy, and security needs that automation can offer. Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island offers a variety of automation options with Lutron smart shades, blinds and more. 

Smart shades, lights, and thermostats from Lutron all integrate easily with your choice of smart home devices that that include Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Nest, Sonos and more.

You’ll be able to monitor and control your smart blinds, lights, and home temperature from any mobile device by using the Lutron app. Use the app to create lighting schedules that change with the seasons, and provide added security when you're away.

With Lutron, your home or business shades and blinds can be programmed to automatically open and close for both peace of mind and energy savings. You can set your blinds to automatically tilt throughout the day to diffuse sunlight or maximize the privacy in your space.  And best of all, they install quickly and easily, with no new wiring required.

Start your home automation with just a single window or room - Lutron automated shading systems are modular and can be easily expanded. 

And Budget Blinds will measure, install and do it all for you. It’s smart and easy. Ask about Lutron smart home automation today! 

Contact your local store today to learn more: 

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

Our Vancouver Island weather varies dramatically from season to season, and depending on the direction your rooms face, that variability can be even more impactful. Your home’s direction impacts how and when the sun hits each room and this can mean big changes in heat and light, depending on the season and direction each room faces.

South-facing windows

If your home faces South, it may have higher energy bills in the summer. Direct sunlight from the south causes heat to build up, forcing the AC to work harder. However, it may also be warmer in the winter for the same reason. 

Southern exposure makes a room cozy in the winter. The addition of shades to the window allows the option to raise the shades and enjoy the sun's warmth during those chilly winter months. However, it can also make summer too hot or bright without the right window treatments. That’s why it’s essential to work with a professional window treatment designer to determine which product will work best for a southern-facing window.

North-facing windows

Windows that face north receive natural light all day but don’t receive direct sunlight. Interior shutters are a great way to take advantage of the indirect sunlight from north-facing windows. Their louvers can let in as much or as little light as you like while the cordless design looks clean and uncluttered in kitchens, bathrooms, and home offices. 

Alternatively, sheer curtains add gentle textures and patterns to your interior decor without restricting sunlight. In daylight, pulling sheer drapes across the window allows the indirect sunlight to shine through and highlight the design. Adjust the blinds or shade behind the drapes to add privacy or control the light. 

East-facing windows

An east-facing window will catch the early sun, which can appear bright and glaring in the morning, and diffused and delicate later in the day. Dark colors will seem gloomy, but light colors and sheer materials bring out the softness of the sunlight.

Morning sunlight is welcome in a kitchen or living room, but it can be an annoyance in a bedroom. The best way to deal with morning light is to customize your window treatments to get exactly the amount of light you want.

West-facing windows

On summer afternoons, west-facing windows can cause heat to build up. To keep the room comfortable, make sure to keep them covered. Like with south-facing windows, you don't want to lose all the natural light you get from west-facing windows, but you also need to deal with glare and heat. Blinds are a great choice because you can change their angle as the sun moves, diffusing light without blocking it out.

Energy efficiency

Most energy-efficient window treatments use layers of fabric to improve insulation and control light in the room, keeping it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Whether you like shades, drapes, blinds, or shutters, there are many energy-efficient window treatment choices.

To prevent UV rays from damaging your furniture and decor, consider solar shades or try UV-resistant window film if you prefer a clear view but don’t want to risk damage to your decor.

Motorization

Motorized window treatments will help you avoid continually moving the position of your blinds. With various sensors and timers available, they can be programmed to change on their own based on the sun’s position to give you the perfect lighting without lifting a finger.

Regardless of your home's direction, Budget Blinds can help you find window treatments that make sense for your home. 

Request a free in-home or virtual consultation from your local Budget Blinds design experts to get started.

Cowichan Valley
Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside
Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay
250.338.8564

In this sizzling real estate market, it can be a challenge to find and purchase a new home. At The Ridge in Courtenay, the development has preferred builders, who have a proven track record of building new quality homes in this neighbourhood. They have reserved home lots in their newest phase. 

These preferred builders at The Ridge are bringing on extra teams of carpenters and sub-trades in order to have new homes ready for occupancy in the coming months. New homes at The Ridge are being built in a variety of styles that include ranchers, and two-storey designs, some with a walk-out basement. Some of these new homes will have a secondary suite and some lots have the option to build a coach house.

Candor Developments has a home under construction on Eagleview Crescent in Courtenay, BC, with 926 sq. ft. on the main floor and 890 sq. ft. on the second floor. This family home will feature three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a great room with a gas fireplace, an open concept kitchen with an accompanying dining area and a covered outside deck.

This home is not being listed for sale at this time. Anyone interested in purchasing this home may contact the realtor for updates on when the home will be completed.
Realtor: Richelle Newson Cell: 778-977-2029 | Email: hello@realestatebyrichelle.com

Find out more. Contact one of the Preferred Builders at The Ridge:

Lawmar Contracting | lawmar.ca
Lawrie McIntyre  Phone: 250.338.7637  Email: lawrie@lawmar.ca

Brando Construction | brandoconstruction.com
Realtor: Bill Anglin  Cell: 250.703.6119  Email:info@courtneyanglin.com

Coastal Custom Homes | coastalcustomhomes.ca
Dean Vershuur  Cell: 250.465.2205  Email: dean@coastalcustomhomes.ca

Candor Developments Inc. | candordevelopments.ca
Realtor: Richelle Newson Cell: 778-977-2029 | Email: hello@realestatebyrichelle.com

Grand Legacy Homes
Wayne Schick  Cell: 250.702.2251  Email: wayne@grandlegacy.ca

 Smits Construction Ltd. Nathan Smits
250.792.1560 Email: Nathansmits@hotmail.com

Please check our site plan to see about the availability of homes with our preferred builders.
June 2021: Availability and conditions subject to change without notice.

As the days get longer and warmer, summer is really starting to heat up on Vancouver Island. As we all stay closer to home this year, you may find your indoor spaces getting a little too warm and bright.

Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island is ready to help! With Covid-19 safety protocols in place, they are open to help you find cool comfort in the form of new window coverings.

If your home office window is causing a glare on your computer screen, or the nursery is too bright at nap time, Budget Blinds has the solution for your unique needs that will match your decor and your budget.

Consider solar or cellular shades to keep your home cool through the warmest months of the year!

With three 3 locally-owned storefronts and virtual assistance, Budget Blinds is close wherever you are on Vancouver Island. Their interior designers can come to you or work with you remotely to select window coverings for any room in your home. Budget Blinds' professional installation ensures the entire process is quick and easy.

Enjoy cooler indoor temperatures, protect your furniture and artwork from UV rays and add a stylish touch to your home this summer with the help of Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island.

Call Budget Blinds today at any one of their three Vancouver Island locations:

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

The team at Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island would like to wish their clients and the communities they serve a safe and healthy holiday season.

In a year like no other, Budget Blinds has continued to provide Vancouver Island residents with the great service they are known for, with a number of safety modifications in place, for both their staff and customers.

Budget Blinds is well known for their in-person complimentary consultations with their in-house designers. These are still available in-person, or if you prefer, arrange a virtual consultation.

And as always, Budget Blinds’ selection covers all price points and styles. From partnerships with famous brands like Hunter Douglas to their own in-house brands, you’ll find a style that meets your budget and your window coverings needs. From curtain to shutters, and from automation to unique window shapes, they’ve got you covered!

Contact Budget Blinds today:

Call Budget Blinds today at any one of their three Vancouver Island locations:

Cowichan Valley

Call: 250.924.0249

Nanaimo-Oceanside

Call 250.751.8564

North Island - Courtenay

250.338.8564

As temperatures drop, have you considered how your window treatments affect the energy efficiency of your home? The right window coverings can save you money on your heating bills this winter, and Budget Blinds of the North Island has all of the options your home needs.

Research shows that as much as 50 per cent of a home's heating energy can be lost through its windows. So rather than cranking up your heat (and your bills), let Budget Blinds help with a versatile selection of blinds, shades, shutters, and window film that are both practical and energy efficient, while also stylish.

Many experts agree that an average house with 15 windows, properly equipped with energy efficient window coverings, can achieve an annual energy savings of approximately $150.

With Budget Blinds of the North Island now offering a $350 rebate for every $1,000 spent on custom window coverings, now is the time to ensure your home both looks great and is cozy over the chilly winter months.

Contact them today to set up an in-home consultation with a design expert: Contact Budget Blinds of the North Island or visit their showroom at 8 - 2663 Kilpatrick Avenue in Courtenay. From that showroom consultants serve the Comox Valley, Campbell River and the North Island.
Call 250.338.8564 or request a free in-home consultation online.

While most of us know about smart speakers and thermostats for updating our home technology, we often forget that window coverings can also be automated to enhance the comfort and security of your home.

Budget Blinds on Vancouver Island is a leader in automation for window coverings as well as other home technology.

The Smart Home Collection by Budget Blinds includes brands like Somfy®, SONOS, and other top tech brands to offer homeowners a suite of state-of-the-art, intuitive solutions for today’s modern home. You can control your window coverings, lighting, climate, home security and entertainment systems, with the push of a button from your smart device, handheld remote control, or keypad. 

And of course Budget Blinds can work with your existing window coverings to retrofit them with new technology. Motorized retrofit solutions offer significant savings compared to an all-new motorized system, and allow you to program window coverings on timers to open and close at specific times during the day to help save on energy costs. You can even select from several control options- from wireless wall switches to hand-held remotes!

Motorized window treatments allow you to control and schedule the positioning of your window coverings for enhanced, on-demand privacy, and since they are cordless, they provide a safer environment for children and pets. Motorized window treatments also include unique sensors that allow you to increase energy efficiency by automatically adjusting your window coverings with rising temperatures. 

Find the technology you want at your locally-owned Vancouver Island Budget Blinds store. Budget Blinds of the North Island is located in Courtenay and serves Campbell River, The Comox Valley and surrounding communities.

Contact them today at 250.338.8564, visit their showroom at 8 - 2663 Kilpatrick Avenue, Courtenay, or request a free in-home consultation online.

There are currently two new luxury homes for sale at The Gales in Ladysmith. Realtor Keith Mazurenko has two newly built oceanview homes for sale in this community of luxury homes in Ladysmith on central Vancouver Island. 

Unit #19 is listed at $629,900. This luxury 1,820 sq ft single storey home offers ocean views. Enter into the grand foyer of this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, and you'll immediately appreciate the high-end finishings. Highlights in this new Ladysmith home include hardwood and tile flooring, heated bathroom floors, amazing cabinetry and granite/quartz counters, a gorgeous ensuite and beautiful fireplace feature wall. 

Recently completed, Unit #21 is now listed for sale at $649,900. This new home offers 1,818 sq ft of living space including 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Designed with an open layout, Unit 21 at The Gales offers a great room with a natural gas fireplace, a king-sized master suite with a five-piece ensuite and much more. The chef's kitchen offers plenty of space for storage, food prep and entertaining.

Located at 626 Farrell Drive in Ladysmith, these homes are built to "Built Green Platinum" standard ensuring air quality, livability, low energy costs and high quality construction. All homes at The Gales are built by award-winning GNB Builders. The master-planned residential community of The Gales is just minutes from forested trails, beaches, and a number of golf courses. This real estate development is located 10 minutes from the Nanaimo airport and an hour from the city of Victoria.

Prices subject to change

Coastal Custom Homes, a custom home builder in Courtenay, B.C. has a rancher-style home under construction which has solar panels installed on the roof. This is one of the first new homes in the Comox Valley to feature solar panels and it is for sale!  

Solar panels produce 5 to 10 times less carbon emissions per unit of energy relative to natural gas. These solar panels will provide a free renewable source of energy for years to come. Energy bills will be significantly reduced from the moment you move into this beautiful new home. 

This 1,551 sq. ft. home has been designed in a transitional style and features an open concept floor plan. The kitchen features custom shaker cabinets, a large island with eating bar and has granite countertops throughout. White oak engineered flooring provides a timeless and beautiful look in the living room, dining room and kitchen.

The master bedroom area of this home features a large walk-in closet and ensuite which includes a stand alone soaker bathtub, a separate tiled shower, double sinks, quartz countertops and heated tile floors. 

A see-through gas fireplace is one of the highlights of this home, as it can be enjoyed from both the master bedroom and the living room. 

A very large separate storage area has been built into this home, with access from the garage. It offers 1,551 sq. ft. of unfinished space beneath the house with a six-foot ceiling. This type of storage area is perfect for storing seasonal items or recreational items, and is also suitable as a wine cellar.

This new home for sale will be completed in December 2019. Coastal Custom Homes is one of the premier custom home builders in the Comox Valley and is quickly becoming known for their “high-end” finishes and for their classic, West Coast design. 

This home is located at 3409 Marygrove Drive in Courtenay, B.C.

Price: $670,000.

Contact: Coastal Custom Homes, Dean Verschuur
https://www.coastalcustomhomes.ca/contact-us/
Cell: 250-465-2205
Dean@coastalcustomhomes.ca

Home buyers looking to relocate to BC are considering smaller communities on Vancouver Island and real estate sales in locations such as Ladysmith are seeing the benefits. Active retirees especially are making up a large portion of new residents in smaller Vancouver Island communities, and builders are developing homes designed to take advantage of what the Island lifestyle has to offer.

Many people are relocating from the expensive Vancouver and Victoria real estate markets to Ladysmith for a break from both big city life and big city real estate prices. People are also moving from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Buyers tend to be active and want to live in Ladysmith to enjoy the warmer weather and lifestyle.

With year-round outdoor activities and adventures to be enjoyed in one of Canada's most temperate climates, Ladysmith offers a host of things to do. From a walk on one of the many local beaches to leisurely strolls through pristine forest right at your back door, nature is easy to find. Meanwhile, the town of Ladysmith offers convenience without the fast pace of a large urban centre. The relaxed and friendly lifestyle in Ladysmith will leave you as refreshed as you are after a walk in one of the many local parks.

Nestled between the sea and the mountains is The Gales in Ladysmith - a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here you can relax surrounded by nature, in a home and community where the great outdoors is in harmony with the great indoors. This place is The Gales, a luxury new-home development in Ladysmith with ocean and mountain views.

Contact Realtor Keith Mazurenko to learn about available new homes in this ocean-view community.

Up to 50% of a home's heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows. So rather than cranking up your heat or air conditioning to avoid uncomfortable temperatures this summer, let Budget Blinds help with an array of versatile blinds, shades, shutters, and window film that are practical and energy efficient, and also on-trend.

This June Budget Blinds of the North Island is offering $150 off Cellular and Solar shades, and 20% off Window Film to help beat the heat.

These energy efficient window coverings will keep you feeling cool and your home looking great this summer, and can also keep the heat in during the cold winter months.

As well, window film deflects up to 99% of damaging UV rays, protecting your furniture, floors and artwork against harmful UV damage, while helping to keep temperatures cool.

Contact Budget Blinds of the North Island at the Courtenay showroom (8 - 2663 Kilpatrick Avenue) or online to book a complimentary in-home consultation.

Enjoy expert advice and choose from the latest styles and custom options such as motorization to make the most of your window treatments.

Only one 1,820 sq ft patio home remains available for sale at The Gales. Unit 19, built as a side by side duplex is currently listed at $609,900.

From the moment you enter the grand foyer you'll appreciate the high-end finishings. Hardwood and tile, heated bathroom floors, amazing cabinetry and granite/quartz counters, gorgeous ensuite and beautiful fireplace feature wall make for stylish living. Tech wiring, a heat pump, HRV unit (for fantastic air quality and efficiency) and other Built Green Platinum features create a comfortable home.

For more information on available homes and future plans at The Gales, contact Realtor Keith Mazurenko of Royal LePage Nanaimo Realty at 250.245.0545.

Thomas Dishlevoy is an Architect with offices in the Comox Valley. He is a LEED® accredited Architect and Living Building Challenge® ambassador. He has recently achieved certification as a Passive House Designer.

Tom has a passion for sustainable, energy efficient buildings and fully embraces the introduction of the BC Energy Step Code into the BC Building Code. The Step Code provides a pathway for all local municipalities to incrementally increase the energy performance of all their new buildings at their own pace. By the year 2030 all new buildings will be approved at Step Code Level 5, and capable of achieving a Net Zero energy use. Integral to the Step Code program at all levels is the introduction of mandatory energy modelling during the design stages and air tightness testing during construction. A Net Zero building uses such a small amount of energy for its heating and equipment that a very small amount of renewable energy produced by solar panels would see the building actually produce more energy than it uses.

The Passive House program already delivers buildings today that are equivalent to Step Code Level 5 in terms of energy efficiency. The Passive House program started in 1996 originating in Germany. It has been adopted all over the world as a leading “green building” program, including the City of Vancouver, which requires Passive House standards for all re-zoning projects since 2017, and will very soon require the standard for all new buildings. The city of Brussels, Belgium, since 2015, mandates all new buildings and major renovations to adopt the Passive House standard, revolutionizing their building environment in terms of energy use.

Thomas completed the “Passive House Designer” program in the fall of 2017, a 10 day intensive course covering the five basic tenets of Passive House that include: high levels of continuous insulation; air-tightness; the elimination of thermal bridges; high performance windows and doors; and continuous ventilation with efficient heat recovery. A Passive House Designer is trained in the use of the Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) energy modelling software that allows the designer to analyze the building’s energy performance throughout the design process.

Thomas Dishlevoy, an accredited Passive House designer is located in Comox, on Vancouver Island, would love to talk to you about any aspect of a passive house design.

Contact him today at 250.339.9528 or info@tda.ca.

As the season’s change your window covering needs can change as well. Will you want to allow more light in during the shorter, darker winter days? Would you like to cozy up your space with draperies, while adding an extra layer of insulation to your windows?

The right window coverings can not only look great but can save you money on your energy bill, by letting in more light or helping keep your home warmer or cooler depending on the season.

If you’re ready for a change, contact the experts at Budget Blinds of the North Island.

They offer complimentary in-home consultations to help determine the right products for your home’s specific needs.

Budget Blinds’ Style Consultants are available in Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River and the surrounding areas. Request a free in-home consultation today.

Or for more information, visit the showroom at 8 - 2663 Kilpatrick Avenue in Courtenay or call 250.338.8564.

Budget Blinds of Central and Northern Vancouver Island is offering Buy-One-Get-One Free on their Enlightened-Style Roller/Solar and Cellular Shades for this month only. Both styles of window covering are among the most popular that Budget Blinds offers, thanks to their energy efficiency and variety of fabrics.

Solar and Cellular Shades are among the most versatile window coverings available. Both are excellent and blocking sunlight to cool homes in the summer, and insulating windows to keep heat in in the winter.

Solar Shades gently filter and diffuse light to create just the right ambience, block UV rays, and reduce room temperatures. They come in a wide range of styles and openness levels.

Cellular Shades come in three popular cell sizes, offering varying degrees of insulation from the heat, cold and sound, enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. Light control options including sheer, light filtering, room darkening, and blackout fabrics provide you with various levels of privacy.

Cellular shades are also an excellent option for those unusually shaped windows. Or add motorization to open and close those hard to reach blinds.

Contact Budget Blinds of Central and Northern Vancouver Island today at 250.338.8564 to learn more about solar or cellular window shades. Budget Blinds’ Style Consultants are available in Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River and the surrounding areas and can design, measure, order and install your cellular shades for you so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the view! Request a free in-home consultation today.

Living at The Gales in Ladysmith means ocean views and luxury finishes, but even more importantly, an amazing lifestyle at your door step.

With year-round outdoor activities and adventures to be enjoyed in one of Canada's most temperate climates, you are never at a loss for things to do living on Vancouver Island. Enjoy a walk on one of the many local beaches or take in a stroll through the pristine forest right at your back door. With amazing outdoors surrounding your home, the lure of natural wonder is ever beckoning. Vancouver Island living means you can enjoy year-round golf, alpine adventures on Mount Washington, world famous fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities, boating and beach combing.

If you are in the mood for a slightly more urban experience, the relaxed and friendly pace of life in Ladysmith will leave you as refreshed as you are after a walk in one of the many local parks. And if you're looking for a big city adventure, both Nanaimo and Victoria are a short drive away.

Find your favourite adventure from a homes base at The Gales. The latest showhome at The Gales is a 3,000 sq ft 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom Built Green ocean view patio home, and another new home is currently under construction, featuring an oversized garage for all those big-boy toys . New ocean view homes at The Gales are priced from $519,000 - $639,900.

For more information about living at The Gales contact:

Keith Mazurenko
Toll-Free: 1.866.315.0545
Mobile: 250.245.0545
Email: kmazurenko@shaw.ca
Web: http://www.thegales.ca

The Gales in Ladysmith and their builder, GNB Builders Inc, recently won a Vancouver Island Building Excellence Award in the Single Family Production Home category. The annual event showcases the best in residential construction, design and renovation on Vancouver Island and are recognized as Vancouver Island’s premier residential housing awards program.

The Single Family Production Home award considers the following specifications when selecting a winner:
1. Exterior: architectural character, curb appeal and integration of the home into its setting  
2. Interior: creative and innovative use of space, architectural and finishing detail
3. Functionality of floor plan
4. Environmental/energy efficiency inclusions

Homes at The Gales in Ladysmith are known for highlighting the best of the Vancouver Island living. The dramatic styling, luxury finishes and wide open spaces reflect the spectacular ocean and mountain views that surround this 68-home community, while the development's Built Green® platinum designation shows a commitment to environmentally sensitive construction techniques.

Construction has recently started on Unit 8, which will be three storeys tall, with a drive-in basement for storing all of those "big boys toys" - classic cars, quads and more. For more information about this new home, their current show home, or the development, contact: 

Keith Mazurenko
Toll-Free: 1.866.315.0545
Mobile: 250.245.0545
Email: kmazurenko@shaw.ca
Web: http://www.thegales.ca

Elemental Energy Advisors (EEA) in the Comox Valley works with local cities, municipalities, builders, developers, and owner-builders to help implement energy-conservation strategies and systems in new residential properties. Owner Cristi Sacht and her team offer a wide variety of energy-efficiency consulting services complemented by extensive training and experience.

EnerGuide Labelling Service

EEA offers the EnerGuide Labelling Service, an affordable and recognized rating system administered by the Office of Energy Efficiency at Natural Resources Canada. Planning for energy efficiency during the design phase of a home is key to investigating options and making educated decisions. If you proceed with Energuide labelling, EAA offers an on-site visit once the home is built, including a building-envelope test to check for air leakage and ventilation.

Building for Energy Efficiency

Other options for energy-efficient construction programs through EEA include:

• Built Green BC;
• ENERGY STAR for New Homes;
• BC Hydro's Power Smart New Home Program; and
• Fortis BC's New Home Program.

The process of initiating these programs is simple, and the EEA team can begin the evaluation with nothing more than a copy of your building plans.

Additional Services

EEA is expanding their knowledge and services with the addition of a Building Envelope Evaluation and Efficiency Consultation package for existing homeowners. This services costs $150 and includes:

• a building-envelope evaluation with their blower door unit
• identifying areas of leakage and offering potential solutions; and
• presenting options to help save money on your utility bills.
• Have your options calculated in annual dollar savings and annual energy savings. 

Whether you're building a new home or renovating an older residential property, the EAA team can help you conserve energy and save money. Send your building plans or questions to info@elementalenergyadvisors.ca or call250.830.8000. Follow them on Facebook or Twitter as well.

New Eligibility Requirements for BC's Power Smart New Home Program, So Don't Miss Out on Available Incentives

Did you know that there are new eligibility requirements for BC's Power Smart New Home Program? Effective October 1, 2013, you must provide EnerGuide labelling within six months of your occupancy permit to be eligible for Power Smart incentives. Builders must achieve an Energy Guide rating of 80 and above to qualify for incentives of up to $200 per home for row houses, townhouses, and duplexes, and up to $2,000 per home for new single-family dwellings.

There is also an ENERGY STAR Package incentive in the amount of $150 per dwelling for installing the following four products:

• refrigerator;
• clothes washer;
• six CFL or LED bulbs (considered to be one product); and
• bathroom ventilation fan.

All four of these products need to be installed to qualify for the rebate. Dishwashers are no longer included in the offer.

The certified energy advisors at Elemental Energy Advisors can guide owner-builders and Vancouver Island new-home builders through building a more energy-efficient home. Their goal is to help reduce your utility expenses while conserving energy that benefits our environment. Set your real estate development apart by making it Power Smart! Contact Christi Sacht from Elemental Energy Advisors at 250.830.8000.

Elemental Energy Advisors (EEA) in the Comox Valley continues to work with local cities, municipalities, builders, developers, and owner-builders to help implement energy-conservation strategies and systems in new residential properties. Owner Cristi Sacht and her team offer a wide variety of energy-efficiency consulting services complemented by extensive training and experience.

EnerGuide Labelling Service

EEA offers the EnerGuide Labelling Service, an affordable and recognized rating system administered by the Office of Energy Efficiency at Natural Resources Canada. Planning for energy efficiency during the design phase of a home is key to investigating options and making educated decisions.

"An EnerGuide rating provides a standard measure of your home's energy performance, showing you and future buyers exactly how energy-efficient your home is," states Sacht. "The rating is calculated based on standard operation assumptions that allow you to compare the energy performance of one house to another. A rating of 0 represents a home with major air leakage, no insulation, and extremely high energy consumption, while a rating of 100 represents an air-tight, well-insulated, sufficiently ventilated house that needs no annual energy purchases."

If you proceed with Energuide labelling, EAA offers an on-site visit once the home is built, including a building-envelope test to check for air leakage and ventilation.

"Doing so ensures a healthy living environment," says Sacht. "Once the file is complete, we start the incentive application for you by filling in the majority of the data, and then you complete it."

Building for Energy Efficiency

Other options for energy-efficient construction programs through EEA include:

• Built Green BC;
• ENERGY STAR for New Homes;
• BC Hydro's Power Smart New Home Program; and
• Fortis BC's New Home Program.

The process of initiating these programs is simple, and the EEA team can begin the evaluation with nothing more than a copy of your building plans.

"We'll prepare a computer model, offer a no-obligation projected EnerGuide rating, and help you determine whether building with an EnerGuide 80 standard in mind is financially feasible after factoring in applicable builder incentives," says Sacht. "We make it simple and painless!"

2013 Energy Incentives

Incentives available for the rest of 2013 through BC Hydro and Fortis BC are still set at $2000 per single-family dwelling that achieves an EnerGuide 80 minimum rating. There are additional incentives for:

• appliance packages - $150;
• natural-gas-fired boiler - $1000;
• EnerChoice Approved natural-gas fireplace- $300;
• ENERGY STAR high-efficient natural-gas water heaters - $200 to $1000; and
• row houses, townhomes, and duplexes - $200 for achieving an EnerGuide 80 rating.

For builders completing several projects per year, the savings can really add up.

Additional Services

EEA is expanding their knowledge and services with the addition of a Building Envelope Evaluation and Efficiency Consultation package for existing homeowners. This services costs $150 and includes:

• a building-envelope evaluation with their blower door unit
• identifying areas of leakage and offering potential solutions; and
• presenting options to help save money on your utility bills.
• Have your options calculated in annual dollar savings and annual energy savings. 

"We'll calculate annual dollar and energy savings for you," states Sacht. "Knowledge is power, and that applies to your home as well."

So, build your home the smart way with EEA's team of Certified Energy Advisors. Whether you're building a new home or renovating an older residential property, the EAA team can help you conserve energy and save money. Send your building plans or questions to info@elementalenergyadvisors.ca or call 250.830.8000. Follow them on Facebook or Twitter as well.