Lets Talk Rebates
I have good news for new home builders in Kelowna and the Okanagan.
The FortisBC New Home Program for 2024 is expected to launch soon, and all indications are that it will closely resemble the 2023 program detailed below. There is one specific section of rebates that I believe is underutilized and has the potential for the greatest benefit to builders.
Up to $7000 rebates for a combination of a formal Integrated Design Process, along with professional HVAC and building envelope design.
As a uniquely capable energy advisor firm, we have all the certifications required to be able to offer access to all these services within a one-stop shop to deliver coordinated services that maximize the benefit. Our team is headed up by an EA with 20 years of experience building houses, and our services are designed to reduce headaches in new builds. We will work with you as the builder to optimize your building plans, seek out and fix any conflicts in design (saving headaches and callbacks), and provide detailed modeling for building envelope details and 3D designs of your HVAC systems. This can save you even more money because the HVAC contractor can just quote off the designs that are already generated, and your framer and plumber can see and plan in 3D to avoid mistakes and changes.
Our goal is to serve builders and homeowners alike and help achieve the greatest results in the lowest cost package. Our services shouldn’t just be affordable to you, they help increase your profitability and reduce callbacks and headaches on-site, leading to greater relationships with clients and more business growth in the future.
500 bucks? How?
Our packages are extensive, but the service below and all the deliverables can be issued on a standard home for about 500-1000 dollars in cost to a new home builder. They are entirely designed within the rebate structure to eliminate the cost to the builder and end clients while providing undeniable value and benefits. The deliverables include:
Advanced Energy Advisor Package
Typical EA scope including modeling, step code compliance reports and ERS labeling
Mid-construction blower door with smoke show and thermography with trades
We come in with snacks and coffee, and you bring the trades to site. With all the equipment set up for the air tightness tests we use multiple fog machines and infrared cameras, and spend time with the trades showing different details and how they influence achieving step targets.
Trade team education and demonstrations
Occupancy air tightness test and reports
HVAC holistic design
Remove the burden of design and load calcs from your HVAC contractor and get a full 3D design option that they can then quote from, increasing efficiency and clarity while minimizing the possibility of callbacks and errors.
Onsite fact-finding on a current build with your HVAC contractor
Room by room F-280-12 report
Duct system design with 3D trunk and branch layout
HRV/ERV system design with 3D trunk and branch layout
Envelope design
3D detail design of air barrier strategies and transitions
Heat flow calculation envelope assembly report
Thermal bridge energy flow models and visualization
Mock-up design and onsite build with trade team and supplier input
Integrated Design Process
The IDP facilitation is within the holistic design package, saving you money and increasing efficiency. Offload some of the logistic obligations to a third party and get another set of eyes on all details.
Premeeting organization and benchmarking
Design charette facilitation with all stake holders
Post-meeting coordination and services.
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2023 Program:
The FortisBC New Home Program for 2023 is designed to encourage builders in British Columbia to construct high-performance, energy-efficient homes, aligning with the province's BC Energy Step Code. This initiative is not only aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also at providing financial incentives to builders and homeowners alike. Understanding the rebates and the role of an energy advisor can help maximize these benefits, ensuring that new home builds are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
FortisBC 2023 Rebate Details
For 2023, FortisBC offers rebates ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 for new home constructions that achieve Step Code 2 or higher, using gas space and water heating or electricity for both space and water heating in FortisBC's electricity service areas (www.fortisbc.com). Builders must ensure their projects comply with these criteria to be eligible for the rebates:
New construction on a permanent foundation.
Located in FortisBC’s gas or electricity service areas.
A maximum of three storeys high.
Types of homes include detached houses (may include a secondary suite), attached houses (e.g., semi-detached, townhouses), or laneway homes (www.fortisbc.com).
Projects must be pre-registered by December 31, 2023, and completed by December 31, 2025. Applications for rebates should be submitted within six months of project completion (www.fortisbc.com).
Benefits to Builders
By participating in the FortisBC New Home Program, builders can not only avail themselves of significant financial incentives but also contribute to the province's environmental goals. The rebates serve to offset the initial costs associated with higher energy standards, making it more feasible to build homes that are both energy-efficient and high in quality. This can be a selling point for potential buyers, who benefit from lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
Role of an Energy Advisor
An energy advisor plays a crucial role in this process, offering expertise in energy efficiency and the BC Energy Step Code. They can help builders navigate the requirements to ensure their projects qualify for the maximum rebates available. Moreover, energy advisors provide valuable insights into how to enhance the energy performance of new homes, from the planning stages through to completion (CleanBC Better Homes).
Builders can also take advantage of the expertise and support offered by energy coaches, who are available to assist with understanding and applying for rebates and finding the right energy solutions for new constructions (CleanBC Better Homes).
Maximizing Benefits
To maximize the benefits of the FortisBC rebates and contribute to building sustainable, energy-efficient homes in BC, builders should consider:
Engaging with an energy advisor early in the design phase.
Carefully planning projects to meet or exceed the BC Energy Step Code requirements.
Utilizing all available rebates for energy-efficient appliances and systems.
Focusing on long-term value for homeowners through reduced energy costs and increased comfort.
By incorporating these strategies, builders can enhance the appeal of their new homes, promote environmental sustainability, and ensure financial efficiency throughout the construction process. For more details on the FortisBC New Home Program and available rebates, builders and homeowners can explore further information provided by FortisBC and Better Homes BC (www.fortisbc.com) (CleanBC Better Homes).