Straw-bale home construction is a building method that uses bales of straw (commonly: wheat, rice, rye, and oats straw) as structural elements, building insulation, or both. The first straw-bale structures we know of were built about a hundred years ago by European settlers in the…
Post and Beam construction is a method of building homes with heavy timbers rather than dimensional lumber Where low energy running costs are matched by precise engineering quality and a new home doesn’t need to come at the expense of…
Everything you need to know to create a warm, comfortable, attractive log home. Over the last 30 years, architects and designers have taken log cabin design to places our founding fathers could scarcely imagine. Yesterday’s one-room cabins have become full-fledged…
Insuring Your Home While Being Built – Construction Insurance Even though insuring a home while it is under construction or being built is not directed by any laws, it is a must, especially if you finance all or a part…
At the beginning, we have to state that only a small percentage of contractors are bad apples. Those who are will cost you large in time and money. Fortunately, scammers and con artists are pretty easy to spot as long…
How much will my dream home cost – What you need to know about a cost of homebuilding: If you are considering having a custom home built, the following information will help you get an idea of the home building…
Ontario • Septic Due Diligence Buyer Guide • Risk + Compliance Last Updated: January 2026 Buying a House With a Septic System in Ontario (2026): Red Flags, Records, and Real Negotiation Power If a home has a septic system, you’re…
By Leigha Dickens When we talk about energy efficient building, everyone wants to know about the R-value. “R-value” (that’s the inverse of the BTUs of heat transferred per hour per across a square foot of surface area per difference in temperature,…
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) represents another choice for builders seeking alternatives for R-30 (or higher) walls for single and multifamily construction. Although a substantially different system than the more typical ICF construction methods, SIPs can achieve equally impressive results cost-effectively…
Title: Energy-Efficient Homes: Your Guide to Saving the Planet (and Your Wallet) Without Living in a Cardboard Box “Design energy efficiency into your home at the start, and the benefits will pay off for years to come.” Ah, the wisdom…
1. How do residential wind turbines work? A wind turbine, which is installed on top of a tall tower, collects kinetic energy from the wind and converts it to electricity that is compatible with a home’s electrical system. In a…
1. What can you build with Insulated Concrete Forms? Cast in place concrete walls for bearing and non-bearing walls that have superior insulation built-in. You can use ICFs for foundations, exterior above grade walls, sound walls, residential, commercial, and industrial walls.…
Ontario • 2026 Update CO Alarm Rules Changed Jan 1, 2026 Keyword: wood burning stove Best Wood Burning Stoves in Ontario (2026 Guide): Regulations & Top Brands Wood heat in Ontario has quietly changed lanes. It’s no longer the “backup…
Update your kitchen with kitchen design ideas for everything from kitchen cabinets to kitchen islands. You don’t have to be stuck making meals in a kitchen that’s as dead as a doorknob. With little imagination and some effort, you can…
HST Calculator for New Homes in Ontario HST Calculator for New Homes Enter Home Price ($): Calculate HST 🏠 Overview of HST and the New Housing Rebate Purchasing a new home in Ontario involves several moving parts—and one of the…
Treat yourself to this wonderful 1324 sq.ft. easy maintenance raised bungalow across the street from the beach; New House For Sale in Ontario 100 minutes from Toronto International Airport in the heart of cottage country; 2 minutes walk to one…
Energy efficient home for sale in Tiny Township – with radiant floor heat: Our most popular model “Springwood”. This open concept 1,592 sq.ft., three bedrooms and two bathroom home is now being built on a beautiful 1/3rd acres lot, just a…
“Discover a Home That Offers Lower Energy Bills, A Healthier Living Environment and Complete Peace of Mind – Guaranteed!” A home that stands up to fire, noise, sun, wind, rain, snow, bugs, mould and inevitable Acts of God like, earthquakes…
With the rise in energy costs, more and more homeowners and businesses are looking for ways to reduce their energy use. Solar hot watersystems are the most cost effective form of renewable energy currently available. Solar hot water systems can save hundreds of dollars…
With the increase in electricity and gas prices, the need for renewable sources of energy is growing. Heating water accounts for nearly one-third of a typical home’s energy bill. Using the sun’s energy to heat water is not a new…
by Steve Cook A good contractor will do quality work and complete a job according to schedule at a reasonable price. They will show up on time and finish the job rather than leaving it ninety percent done. Keep in…
What should I do to prepare for the actual renovation process? Your contractor will have many tasks for you to complete within a specified period. Here are a few thoughts from my experience: 32 Tips for a Successful Remodel in…
What makes a perfect kitchen countertop? The kitchen countertop has to be able to take a lot of abuse including the heat of pots, cutting and knives and abrasive cleansers. The ideal countertop should be able to stand up to…
Advanced emerging building materials, such as structural insulated panels (SIPs), are engineered to provide more durable, energy-efficient homes and commercial buildings. Using SIPs to create a high-performance building envelope is the first step to producing “green” building that is strong,…
Invisible, Clean, Quiet, Efficient and Dependable – Living With Radiant Floor Heating is One of Life’s Simple Pleasures In Ontario, forced air heat is still the most popular because of its low installation costs. However, it is the most expensive…
