Here are the four steps to follow before you begin your renovations:

1. Determine the type of extension that meets your needs
A cantilevered extension can add a few feet to a room on the ground floor without changing the foundation. A lateral extension, often built behind the house, involves extending the foundation and allows rooms to be added on one or more floors. A vertical extension does not change the physical footprint of the house, but requires structural work to add a floor or drop the floor of a basement crawl space.

2. Consult with a professional and evaluate the costs
In addition to determining the effect of the extension on the structure and architectural style of the home, professionals can evaluate the cost of the work and ensure it meets standards and construction codes.

3. Check compliance with municipal regulations
The maximum area of a house within the property is often regulated by municipal laws. Front extensions may be prohibited, and some exterior cladding materials may not be allowed. If you live in a heritage home or one with protected architectural features, your renovations may be subject to strict controls. A detailed plan of the addition is required to obtain a work permit from the municipality, which may insist that the blueprints be made by an architect, an engineer or an architectural or engineering technologist.

4. Make sure you understand the issues related to self-construction
You may find it both appealing and economical to build the extension yourself, but like any entrepreneur, you will be required to comply with the standards and construction codes in effect. Also, if you hire workers to do certain tasks, rather than dealing with a general contractor, you will have to register yourself as a worksite employer (self-builder). You will be obliged to comply with all the standards related to work safety, worker pay, and specialized work that requires competency cards. All these details make it very important to thoroughly understand the applicable provincial laws and bylaws.

There are now lighting fixtures on the market that are more efficient than those using incandescent bulbs and a single switch. The new fixtures save energy, reduce resource use and decrease the amount of waste going into landfills. Rooms often need functional lighting to provide more specific light in particular areas and general ambient lighting to diffuse light to the entire room. You can make choices to meet these different needs in the most eco-responsible way possible.

Our recommendations :

• ENERGY STAR® rated light fixtures consume 66% less energy on average and minimize heat release, which cuts down on air-conditioning needs in summer.

• Compact fluorescent bulbs last about 10 times longer than ordinary incandescents and consume 4 or 5 times less energy. Some compact fluorescents can be installed with a dimmer, for greater control over ambient lighting. Because these bulbs contain a small amount of mercury, they cannot be simply thrown away but must be taken to dedicated recovery sites. In the event of breakage, use a piece of cardboard to collect the pieces, place them in a sealed container and dispose of at a recovery centre.

• LEDs (light emitting diodes) are becoming more and more affordable, they’re well suited to residential lighting needs (better colour rendering), and they have the potential to consume less energy than compact fluorescent bulbs. LEDs have a very long lifespan as well – 5 to 10 times longer than compact fluorescents, which means 50 to 100 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They can also be adapted to different configurations – bulbs, strips and panels – to provide ambient or functional lighting. LEDs are not very heat resistant, however, which reduces their efficiency. Unlike compact fluorescents, LEDs contain no mercury or noxious gases.

• Dimmer switches adjust the intensity of the light, which increases eye comfort and decreases energy consumption: depending on the decrease in intensity, a zero-resistance dimmer can save from 5% to 50% in energy costs.

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The most effective way to reduce the energy consumption in a home is not to heat when you don’t need it. Replacing your mechanical thermostats with electronic thermostats allows you to manage your heat demands by programming in a lower temperature for times when you don’t need the heat.

Our recommendations :

• Electronic thermostats provide steadier heat: a change of 2°C is needed to activate an ordinary thermostat, but just 0.5°C is enough for an electronic model. This rapid reaction to temperature changes results in energy savings of up to 9% (Office of Energy Efficiency).

• Programming options allow you to adjust the temperature to the needs of the family and avoid raising and lowering the temperature too often. For example, lowering the temperature by 3°C at night or during an 8-hour absence can generate energy savings of 10% (Office of Energy Efficiency).

• Thermostats equipped with occupant presence detectors don’t require programming. The heat is activated and deactivated based on the presence of occupants in the rooms, leading to significant energy savings.

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The biggest environmental impact of a home over the years is related to the consumption of non-renewable energy which generates greenhouse gases and emits pollutants into the air and water, reducing biodiversity and harming ecosystems. Special attention must be paid to the performance of heating units and their use.

Our recommendations :

• If building the addition provides the opportunity to change the heating system, bear in mind that there are many different sources of energy on the market these days, including geothermal, electricity, wood, natural gas, propane and oil. Before making your choice, consult with professionals to assess the availability of each source in your area, their impact on the environment and their long-term cost.

• ENERGY STAR® rated devices guarantee a high standard of energy efficiency:

  • Residential forced air, oil or gas generators should have an energy rating of at least 90%.

  • Gas or oil boilers should have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 85% or more.

  • Compared with conventional models, certified heat pumps must be 6% more efficient for heating and 8% more efficient for air-conditioning.

  • Geothermal equipment has to provide high energy-efficiency ratios (EER) and coefficients of performance (COP).

  • Besides generating more uniform heat, convectors can consume up to 10% less energy than electric baseboards, and they do not need to be installed directly under a window.

Replacing doors and windows with new, airtight models that are well insulated can save energy and reduce greenhouse gas production. Old exterior doors and inefficient windows can represent up to 30% of a home’s heat losses during heating season (Office of Energy Efficiency). On the other hand, windows with a southern exposure can add to overheating in summer by letting in too much heat from the sun.

The efficiency of doors and windows is described using the heat transfer rate (U-value) and the energy rating (ER). The lower the U-value, the slower the heat transfer from the hot side to the cold side, and the more efficient the door. The higher the energy rating (ER), the more leakproof the door. It’s important to choose windows suited to the local climate: U-values and ERs are different in different climate zones. You can find out more in the store or at the Office of energy efficiency website

Our recommendations :

• Choose ENERGY STAR® rated doors: they meet the highest energy efficiency standards, are more airtight and more durable than traditional models. Their energy performance is up to 40% higher than traditional doors thanks to the following features:

  • Double or triple glazing with an insulation layer between the panes. This area is filled with an inert gas (argon or krypton) that is heavier and less conductive than air, and therefore more insulating.

  • Glass covered with an invisible metallic coating, also called low-emissivity or low-E glass.

  • Low-conductivity insulating spacers that reduce energy loss and keep the edges of the window warmer.

  • Insulated door and frame.

• Choose ENERGY STAR® rated windows: they meet the highest energy efficiency standards, are more airtight and more durable than traditional models. Their energy performance is up to 40% higher than traditional windows thanks to the following features:

  • Double or triple glazing with an insulation layer between the panes. This area is filled with an inert gas (argon or krypton) that is heavier and less conductive than air, and therefore more insulating.

  • Glass covered with an invisible metallic coating, also called low-emissivity or low-E glass.

  • Low-conductivity insulating spacers that reduce energy loss and keep the edges of the window warmer.

  • Insulated sash and frame.

• Unpleasant overheating in summer is often the result of south-facing windows, but can also be caused by eastern and western exposures, which catch the early morning and late afternoon sun. These windows should be properly shaded by trees, curtains or shade-screens (over the windows) to reduce the need for air-conditioning.

• When doing an extension or major renovations, putting more windows on the south side rather than the north side allows you to take advantage of passive solar heating. In winter, the noonday sun is far lower than in summer, and it heats rooms by shining into south-facing windows. To let in the most passive solar energy, these windows should not be low-E (low emissivity glass). Since there is no direct light from the north, windows on that side cannot benefit from solar energy, and are therefore one of the thermal weaknesses (insulation gaps) in the house in winter. Windows on this side of the house should be low-E to keep the heat inside. Plan the location of doors and windows carefully to reduce air-conditioning costs in summer and take advantage of the sun as a source of heat in winter.

Some floor coverings are more wear and moisture resistant than others, which can be important if they are exposed to heavy traffic. Installing a durable product will help you steer clear of premature replacement, reducing resource use and waste production. Flooring should meet the low emissions standards for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic substances, in order to reduce the impact on your health.

Our recommendations :

• Wooden floors from certified forests are one of the most environmentally friendly renovation products since they promote sustainable forestry and preserve ecosystems.

• Natural stone floors, such as marble, granite, and slate, are healthy choices that respect the environment, especially if they are mined and shaped in the region where they are installed, reducing the impacts of transportation and greenhouse gases.

• Ceramic tiles made with recycled materials are another good option: sturdy, water and stain resistant, and easy to maintain. Try to choose a tile with a non-slip surface. Ceramic tiles are made with baked clay, but some tiles also contain recycled materials such as glass, which reduces the impact on resources and decreases waste production.

• Floor coverings made of engineered wood and parquetry, like those made of solid wood, can be made with wood from certified forests, an important distinction for ecosystem preservation. These products also contain binders or adhesives, which is why it’s important to look for products with low volatile organic compound emissions. Wondering about the difference between stratified flooring and engineered wood? The thin decorative coating on stratified flooring is usually made of melamine and sometimes a thin layer of wood. These floors cannot be sanded or revarnished, which reduces their lifespan. The decorative layer of engineered wood, on the other hand, is made of solid wood. It can be sanded and re-varnished several times, which makes it far more durable than stratified flooring, and that means fewer wasted resources.

• Bamboo is a rapidly renewable plant (it matures in less than 10 years), but in some countries intensive cultivation may lead to deforestation. It’s important to ensure that the product you choose comes from an FSC certified source. Bamboo boards are manufactured using binders, so make sure you select a low-VOC product.

• Linoleum flooring is a good choice from an ecological point of view, because it is recyclable, biodegradable and produced using renewable resources (jute, linseed oil and wood or cork dust). Linoleum is modular, available in a wide variety of colours, and easy to install. Besides being strong and waterproof, linoleum also has bactericidal and hypoallergenic properties.

Unless you follow certain recommendations, the air quality inside your home may be worse than the air outside. Now that homes are becoming increasingly airtight, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other noxious substances can build up in the air and pose a health risk for the occupants. Some paints and finishing products contain a range of different volatile chemicals that you should avoid for the sake of your health.

Our recommendations :

• Use paints and primers labelled “VOC-free” or “low emissions” to protect your health. Although alkyd paints (oil-based) last longer and create a shinier finish, they contain a solvent thinner and are not usually as good a choice as latex (water-based) paint in terms of health. Read labels carefully or select products with an EcoLogo™ or Green Seal™ label.

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Municipal construction codes and urban planning bylaws provide guidelines for renovation projects, from safety rules to esthetic choices. Make sure your cladding choice complies with these rules, otherwise the municipality may require your new cladding to be torn down, generating needless waste.

Our recommendations :

• Many municipalities regulate the use of exterior cladding materials for homes. For example, a certain percentage of brickwork may be required on the façade or on the entire building surface.

• If you live in a heritage home, specific rules may apply to your entire renovation project or to certain aspects, such as the cornices.

Exterior cladding protects homes from weather and wind. The best choices from an environmental point of view reduce resource waste by encouraging sustainable forestry, for example. Certain choices will also improve the energy efficiency of your home and allow you to achieve energy savings.

Our recommendations :

• Wooden cladding has a lifespan of 30 years or more. It is very impact resistant, recyclable and it has a higher insulation value than most other choices. With exposure to the sun, however, the wood will discolour and turn grey over time. Choose wood from certified forests to support sustainable forestry and help reduce resource waste.

• Pressed wood fibre cladding resembles the texture of wood, comes in a variety of colours and can be stained or painted. It often contains a high percentage of recycled content, which helps reduce resource waste. But these shingles are vulnerable to cracking and humidity. Their projected lifespan is around 25 years. Choose wood from certified forests to support sustainable forestry and help reduce resource waste.

• Masonry – or bricks and blocks – is wear resistant and offers a very long lifespan compared to other products (over 100 years). These products may include recycled content (which is preferable), and they are recyclable or reusable. Their production is energy intensive and generates a lot of GHGs, but these impacts can be amortized over a long period when high-quality products are chosen. Since building masonry walls is complicated and the mortar can crumble if applied incorrectly, it is important to use the services of a specialist. Masonry is generally the most expensive option. In terms of energy efficiency, the low insulation value of masonry products is partly compensated for by their mass, which gives the structure greater thermal inertia and leads to fewer temperature variations inside the home. 

Solar energy is the most abundant source of renewable energy on earth. Producing and using renewable energy significantly reduces the environmental footprint of a home by reducing GHG emissions. Even though the acquisition and installation costs of these systems may be high for homeowners, the return over the long term must be taken into consideration.

Our recommendations :

• The photovoltaic modules produce direct current (DC) electricity that must be converted to alternating current (AC) for residential use. It can be stored in batteries to maximize use. Installing panels and electrical components requires specific expertise, and homeowners should be well informed and clearly define their needs before undertaking such a project. Installing photovoltaic modules is rarely cost-effective for a Canadian home and is generally insufficient to supply all of the needs of an average household. It can be used as a supplemental system to reduce dependence on public utilities (energy independence).

• Thermal solar panels capture the heat of the sun and transfer it to a heat transport coolant to heat water in a water heater or in a pool. This is a more common solution in Canada. Thermal solar panels can reduce the energy needed to heat water by up to 60% (Natural Resources Canada), reducing GHG emissions.

Since medium and steep sloped roofs do not contribute substantially to thermal islands in summer, reducing environmental impact is mainly a matter of reducing resource waste by choosing quality wind, ice and weather resistant products that will last for many years.

Our recommendations :

• Shingles made of recycled plastics or recycled tires and hemp are now available on the market. They offer a good quality/price ratio and are generally guaranteed for 50 years. This type of cladding re-uses end-of-life plastics and tires, reducing resource waste.

• Wooden roofing shingles have a lifespan of 30 years or longer. They’re more impact resistant, recyclable and they have greater insulating value than most other cladding choices. It’s best to choose a quality product like Grade A cedar (superior quality, without knots or imperfections). This kind of wood is sufficiently moisture resistant to be installed on a roof. With exposure to the sun, the wood will discolour and turn grey over time. Choose wood from certified forests to support sustainable forestry and help reduce resource waste.

• Metals such as steel and aluminum are recyclable and can contain up to 95% recycled materials. These features and their long lifespan (50 years or more) help reduce resource waste. Steel and some other metals are vulnerable to corrosion, though, especially when exposed to salty air. Choose ENERGY STAR® aluminum shingles over conventional products: by reflecting the heat of the sun in summer, they can reduce energy consumption for air-conditioning and cut down on GHG emissions.

Flat and low-pitched roofs contribute to the creation of thermal islands in summer because their black or dark surfaces accumulate the energy of the sun. These localized hothouse effects increase the surrounding air temperature by several degrees. Simply installing light coloured or white roofing materials can reduce the effects on your health and save energy on air-conditioning, reducing GHG emissions.

Our recommendations :

• Elastomeric membranes are asphalt membranes combined with elastomer (flexible polymer). Their lifespan is approximately 21 years in Canada: good quality products that are well installed can last longer. Choose white membranes: they reduce thermal islands and the heat transferred to the building in summer, which allows you to save energy on air-conditioning.

• Well-installed green roofs are a very eco-responsible solution because they reduce harm to your health by reducing the effect of thermal islands. They also encourage biodiversity, reduce water runoff pollution and improve roof insulation, cutting energy consumption for heat and air-conditioning. But the structure of existing homes usually has to be significantly reinforced to support the additional weight, which could lead to high costs. These roofs require regular maintenance and sometimes irrigation.

Insulation saves energy and reduces GHG emissions. If you’re choosing among products with similar insulation values (R or RSI), you can reduce resource waste by opting for products that contain recycled materials. A high percentage of recycled content encourages waste recovery and helps close the loop of materials use.

Our recommendations :

• Cellulose insulation products may contain up to 80% recycled materials, and fibreglass is often made of 70% recycled glass. Mineral wool can be made of 99.5% mineral by-products that are abundant in the environment (diabase, basalt and lime), but it contains little recycled material.

• Recycled content is now incorporated in some kinds of insulation that also provide airtightness. For example, spray polyurethane foam may contain over 40% recycled plastic.

Insulation saves energy and reduces GHG emissions. To be effective and reduce health impacts, heat loss should be minimized and water infiltration around the foundation eliminated.

Our recommendations :

• Before pouring a foundation slab, install a polyethylene membrane and rigid insulation, such as polystyrene panels. This will reduce the humidity and insulate the floor. You should also ensure that the gravel you use is certified to be pyrite-free, as otherwise it could oxidize and deform your foundation.

• Spray polyurethane foam is very energy efficient if you are certain there is no water infiltration and no traces of humidity on the foundation walls. One of the most effective and economical techniques is to install polystyrene panels sealed with adhesive tape and covered with a vapour barrier on the warm side of the insulation. 

Insulation saves energy and reduces GHG emissions, but to be effective, it is especially important to reduce air leaks and heat loss by installing the right insulation in the right place. Choose the insulation with the highest R or RSI value that is suitable for the area you’re insulating.

Our recommendations :

• Technical feasibility is the first thing to consider in your choice of insulation: the type of construction, the thickness of the walls, the presence of thermal bridges and the accessibility of the location may make it impossible to use some kinds of insulation, while others provide the perfect solution to reduce air leaks or heat loss.

• To insulate closed or hard-to-access spots, like attics, a good choice is loose-fill cellulose, a product that can be laid or blown in, but not compacted.

• To insulate exterior walls, there are different techniques and many products available. Batt or roll insulation includes mineral wool and fibreglass, which are designed to be inserted between wall studs and ceiling joists. There are also several types of rigid and semi-rigid panels, made of polystyrene or polyurethane, designed for special purposes: basement walls, exterior walls above foundations, exterior walls that are partly underground, etc.

• To insulate potentially damp places like basements and foundations, it is best to install mould resistant products like polystyrene or polyurethane. But these products are often highly flammable and it is prohibited to leave them uncovered in the unfinished part of the basement, for example. Under cement slabs, polystyrene panels are the best choice, because they are so resistant to compression.

Many people today are hypersensitive to the environment, and that means that a problem like poor indoor air quality can easily cause health problems for them. Precautions should be taken to limit the impact on their health, besides reducing the impact on resources.

Our recommendations :

• Many kinds of insulation contain volatile components that may be diffused throughout the home. These products may be irritating for people sensitive to their living environments and cause respiratory problems. The best option is to always choose the least toxic products possible, in order to maintain good indoor air quality and safeguard your health. If inhaling cellulose or mineral wool dust will cause a problem during handling, choose urethane foam, but make sure it is CFC- and HCFC-free, to reduce GHGs. You should also bear in mind that non-biodegradable flame retardants are often added to insulation to make them more fire resistant. Polystyrene panels, for example, must be covered for safety reasons: they release toxic compounds when exposed to flame.