 Home buyers may assume their new home is energy-efficient, but may not know for sure unless they ask. Ask these questions to be sure:
- Any builder can claim to build energy-efficient homes. How do I know your homes are truly energy efficient?
- Since all builders must meet the requirements of the building code, what makes your homes different from other builders' homes?
- How do your building techniques reflect the latest developments in housing technology?
- What steps do you take to improve the energy efficiency of the homes you build?
- Can you predict what my energy costs will be?
- What makes your homes more environmentally friendly than others?
- Are you licensed by the government to build energy-efficient homes?
- Do you affix a government-backed energy label to the home?
- Do independent, licensed professionals inspect the quality of your homes?
- Do you build homes that receive an EnerGuide rating of 80 or higher or its equivalent?
The answers to these questions are contained in a brochure produced by Natural Resources Canada, the federal government department that administers the rating system for energy-efficient homes in Canada through its EnerGuide Rating System. To order a copy of the brochure or for more information call 1-800-387-2000 (toll-free) or visit www.newhomes.nrcan.gc.ca. |
